A review of the current state of natural biomaterials in wound healing applications

Skin, the largest biological organ, consists of three main parts: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. Wounds are abnormal wounds in various forms, such as lacerations, burns, chronic wounds, diabetic wounds, acute wounds, and fractures. The wound healing process is dynamic, complex, and lengthy in four stages involving cells, macrophages, and growth factors. Wound dressing refers to a substance that covers the surface of a wound to prevent infection and secondary damage. Biomaterials applied in wound management have advanced significantly. Natural biomaterials are increasingly used due to their advantages including biomimicry of ECM, convenient accessibility, and involvement in native wound healing. However, there are still limitations such as low mechanical properties and expensive extraction methods. Therefore, their combination with synthetic biomaterials and/or adding bioactive agents has become an option for researchers in this field. In the present study, the stages of natural wound healing and the effect of biomaterials on its direction, type, and level will be investigated. Then, different types of polysaccharides and proteins were selected as desirable natural biomaterials, polymers as synthetic biomaterials with variable and suitable properties, and bioactive agents as effective additives. In the following, the structure of selected biomaterials, their extraction and production methods, their participation in wound healing, and quality control techniques of biomaterials-based wound dressings will be discussed.

A review of advanced hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering

With the increase in weight and age of the population, the consumption of tobacco, inappropriate foods, and the reduction of sports activities in recent years, bone and joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) have become more common in the world. From the past until now, various treatment strategies (e.g., microfracture treatment, Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI), and Mosaicplasty) have been investigated and studied for the prevention and treatment of this disease. However, these methods face problems such as being invasive, not fully repairing the tissue, and damaging the surrounding tissues. Tissue engineering, including cartilage tissue engineering, is one of the minimally invasive, innovative, and effective methods for the treatment and regeneration of damaged cartilage, which has attracted the attention of scientists in the fields of medicine and biomaterials engineering in the past several years. Hydrogels of different types with diverse properties have become desirable candidates for engineering and treating cartilage tissue. They can cover most of the shortcomings of other treatment methods and cause the least secondary damage to the patient. Besides using hydrogels as an ideal strategy, new drug delivery and treatment methods, such as targeted drug delivery and treatment through mechanical signaling, have been studied as interesting strategies. In this study, we review and discuss various types of hydrogels, biomaterials used for hydrogel manufacturing, cartilage-targeting drug delivery, and mechanosignaling as modern strategies for cartilage treatment.

Progress in bioprinting technology for tissue regeneration

In recent years, due to the increase in diseases that require organ/tissue transplantation and the limited donor, on the other hand, patients have lost hope of recovery and organ transplantation. Regenerative medicine is one of the new sciences that promises a bright future for these patients by providing solutions to repair, improve function, and replace tissue. One of the technologies used in regenerative medicine is three-dimensional (3D) bioprinters. Bioprinting is a new strategy that is the basis for starting a global revolution in the field of medical sciences and has attracted much attention. 3D bioprinters use a combination of advanced biology and cell science, computer science, and materials science to create complex bio-hybrid structures for various applications. The capacity to use this technology can be demonstrated in regenerative medicine to make various connective tissues, such as skin, cartilage, and bone. One of the essential parts of a 3D bioprinter is the bio-ink. Bio-ink is a combination of biologically active molecules, cells, and biomaterials that make the printed product. In this review, we examine the main bioprinting strategies, such as inkjet printing, laser, and extrusion-based bioprinting, as well as some of their applications.

PUF60-related developmental disorder: A case series and phenotypic analysis of 10 additional patients with monoallelic PUF60 variants

PUF60-related developmental disorder (also referred to as Verheij syndrome), resulting from haploinsufficiency of PUF60, is associated with multiple congenital anomalies affecting a wide range of body systems. These anomalies include ophthalmic coloboma, and congenital anomalies of the heart, kidney, and musculoskeletal system. Behavioral and intellectual difficulties are also observed. While less common than other features associated with PUF60-related developmental disorder, for instance hearing impairment and short stature, identification of specific anomalies such as ophthalmic coloboma can aid with diagnostic identification given the limited spectrum of genes linked with this feature. We describe 10 patients with PUF60 gene variants, bringing the total number reported in the literature, to varying levels of details, to 56 patients. Patients were recruited both via locally based exome sequencing from international sites and from the DDD study in the United Kingdom. Eight of the variants reported were novel PUF60 variants. The addition of a further patient with a reported c449-457del variant to the existing literature highlights this as a recurrent variant. One variant was inherited from an affected parent. This is the first example in the literature of an inherited variant resulting in PUF60-related developmental disorder. Two patients (20%) were reported to have a renal anomaly consistent with 22% of cases in previously reported literature. Two patients received specialist endocrine treatment. More commonly observed were clinical features such as: cardiac anomalies (40%), ocular abnormalities (70%), intellectual disability (60%), and skeletal abnormalities (80%). Facial features did not demonstrate a recognizable gestalt. Of note, but remaining of unclear causality, we describe a single pediatric patient with pineoblastoma. We recommend that stature and pubertal progress should be monitored in PUF60-related developmental disorder with a low threshold for endocrine investigations as hormone therapy may be indicated. Our study reports an inherited case with PUF60-related developmental disorder which has important genetic counseling implications for families.

Culturally adapted psychosocial interventions (CaPSI) for early psychosis in a low-resource setting: study protocol for a large multi-center RCT

BACKGROUND

Psychosis treatment guidelines recommend cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and family intervention (FI), for all patients with first episode psychosis (FEP), though guidance borrows heavily from literature in adults from high income countries. To our knowledge, there are few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the comparative effect of these commonly endorsed psychosocial interventions in individuals with early psychosis from high-income countries and no such trials from low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The present study aims to confirm the clinical-efficacy and cost-effectiveness of delivering culturally adapted CBT (CaCBT) and culturally adapted FI (CulFI) to individuals with FEP in Pakistan.

METHOD

A multi-centre, three-arm RCT of CaCBT, CulFI, and treatment as usual (TAU) for individuals with FEP (n = 390), recruited from major centres across Pakistan. Reducing overall symptoms of FEP will be the primary outcome. Additional aims will include improving patient and carer outcomes and estimating the economic impact of delivering culturally appropriate psychosocial interventions in low-resource settings. This trial will assess the clinical-efficacy and cost-effectiveness of CaCBT and CulFI compared with TAU in improving patient (positive and negative symptoms of psychosis, general psychopathology, depressive symptoms, quality of life, cognition, general functioning, and insight) and carer related outcomes (carer experience, wellbeing, illness attitudes and symptoms of depression and anxiety).

CONCLUSIONS

A successful trial may inform the rapid scale up of these interventions not only in Pakistan but other low-resource settings, to improve clinical outcomes, social and occupational functioning, and quality of life in South Asian and other minority groups with FEP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05814913.

In ovo injection of silver nanoparticles modulates some productive traits and hepatic gene expression of broilers exposed to lipopolysaccharide challenge

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the embryonic injection of silver nanoparticles (SilNPs) on some productive traits and hepatic gene expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers after a 42 d rearing period. 560 fertile eggs were randomly allocated to four groups and received either of the following treatments at d 7 of incubation, control (no injection), placebo (1 mL saline), SilNP20 (20 mg/kg silver nanoparticles), or SilNP40 (40 mg/kg silver nanoparticles). After the incubation, 320 hatchlings experienced a 42 d standard rearing period. Live body weight (LBW), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were weekly recorded. At the end of the experiment, two birds from each replicate (n = 8 per treatment) were exposed to LPS intraperitoneal injection at 48, 24, and 12 h before slaughter time. They were also used for blood, intestinal, and microbial evaluations. The hepatic mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) were assessed at d 1 and 42 of the experiment. Adminstration of SiLNPs improved LBW, FI, and FCR and also enhanced liver and spleen weights (P < 0.05). SilNP20 birds had significantly lower bursa of Fabricius weight (P < 0.05). SilNP20 had lower total cholesterol levels than others. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between SliNP40 and SilNP20 in the ratio of villus height to crypt width. Compared to control groups, chicks of SilNP20, but not SilNP40, showed a significant increase in the relative expression of TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, and IFG-I genes at d 1. On d 42, however, both SilNP20 and SilNP40 had significantly higher TNF-α and TGF-β levels than both controls. Silver nanoparticles did not significantly affect the microflora of the ileum and cecum in the current study. In summary, SilNPs administration to chick embryos showed a long-term positive effect on their productive performance.

On the application of sound radiation force for focusing of powder stream in directed energy deposition

One of the challenges in directed energy deposition via powder feeding (DED-PF) is the powder stream divergence that results in low catchment efficiency (i.e., the fraction of particles added to the melt pool). This article introduces a new ultrasound-based powder focusing method referred to as ultrasound particle lensing (UPL), tailored for powder used in DED-PF. The method uses an ultrasound phased array to produce a small volume of high-intensity ultrasound with the required period averaged sound intensity profile. UPL was used to acoustically focus streams of Ti64 and SS 316L particles with an average size of 89μm and a particle speed of 0.6 m/s, exiting from a DED-PF nozzle analog. The e^-1 powder stream widths downstream of the resulting force fields for both materials were reduced by 30%. The experimental results closely match Lagrangian and Eulerian simulations of the process. This novel setup offers the possibility of fast control of the powder stream divergence angle and effective diameter in the process zone during the DED-PF process. This will in turn improve the feature resolution and catchment efficiency of the process.

Hypofractionated Radiation Versus Conventional Fractionated Radiation: A Network Analysis

Introduction: Conventional fractionation (CF) and hypofractionation (HF) are two radiotherapy methods against cancer, which are applied in medicine. Understanding the efficacy and molecular mechanism of the two methods implies more investigations. In the present study, proteomic findings about the mentioned methods relative to the controls were analyzed via network analysis. Methods: The significant differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of prostate cancer (PCa) cell line DU145 in response to CF and HF radiation therapy versus controls were extracted from the literature. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed via the STRING database via Cytoscape software. The networks were analyzed by "NetworkAnalyzer" to determine hub DEPs. Results: 126 and 63 significant DEPs were identified for treated DU145 with CF and HF radiation respectively. The PPI networks were constructed by the queried DEPs plus 100 first neighbors. ALB, CD44, THBS1, EPCAM, F2, KRT19, and MCAM were highlighted as common hubs. VTM, OCLN, HSPB1, FLNA, AHSG, and SERPINC1 appeared as the discriminator hub between the studied cells. Conclusion: 70% of the hubs were common between CF and HF conditions, and they induced radio-resistance activity in the survived cells. Six central proteins which discriminate the function of the two groups of the irradiated cells were introduced. On the basis of these findings, it seems that DU145-CF cells, relative to the DU145-UF cells, are more radio-resistant.

Investigation into Chronic Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation Effect on Gene Expression Profile of Human HUVECs Cells

Introduction: Understanding the molecular mechanism of chronic low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) effects on the human body is the subject of many research studies. Several aspects of cell function such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and tumorigenesis are affected by LDIR. Detection of the main biological process that is targeted by LIDR via network analysis is the main aim of this study. Methods: GSE66720 consisting of gene expression profiles of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) (a suitable cell line to be investigated), including irradiated and control cells, was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined and analyzed via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis to find the central individuals. The main cell function which was related to the central nodes was introduced. Results: Among 64 queried DEGs, 48 genes were recognized by the STRING database. C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), Melanoma growth-stimulatory activity/growth-regulated protein α (CXCL1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and nerve growth factor (NGF) were introduced as hub nodes. Conclusion: Findings indicate that inflammation is the main initial target of LDIR at the cellular level which is associated with alteration in the other essential functions of the irradiated cells.

Potential benefits of early-life supplementation of liquid feed with fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds or oregano (Origanum vulgare) leaves on growth, health, and blood metabolites in Holstein dairy calves

This study was performed to determine the early-life (first month of age) supplementation of liquid feed with fennel seed powder (FSP) or oregano leaf powder (OLP) on growth performance, health, and blood biochemical attributes in preweaning dairy calves. Holstein female calves (n = 57; 1 d of age; 34.1 ± 0.97 kg of BW; mean ± SE) were assigned randomly to receive liquid feed (colostrum and milk) with no added herbal plants (CON) or supplemented with FSP (3 g/d) or OLP (30 g/d) during the first month of age. The calves received pooled colostrum (4.5 kg/d on the first 2 d of life; total solids = 25.0% ± 1.24; mean ± SD) and then pooled waste milk (6 kg/d from d 3 to 44, 5 kg/d from d 45 to 46, 4 kg/d from d 47 to 48, and 3 kg/d from d 49 to 50 of the trial; total solids = 12.54% ± 0.50) to ensure they receive same mixed liquid feed daily. The calves had unlimited access to the starter feed and fresh water and remained in the study until weaning on d 51 of age. The average mean temperature-humidity index was 70.1 units (ranging between 61.9 to 78.2) during the experiment, indicating a borderline degree of environmental heat-load. The amount of starter feed offered and refused was recorded daily. The calves were weighed immediately after birth and every 10 d thereafter, before the morning feeding. Jugular blood samples were taken immediately before and 24 h after colostrum feeding, at first month of age, and at weaning to quantify serum concentrations of glucose, urea N, cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, albumin, globulin, aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, total antioxidant status, and malondialdehyde. Health checks including rectal temperature, general appearance (on a 1-5 score system), fecal score (on a 1-5 score system), and bovine respiratory disease (BRD; scored using the University of Wisconsin Calf Health Chart) were performed daily, by a veterinarian who was unaware of the calf treatment allocations, for all calves over the study period. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare growth performance and blood metabolites among treatment groups, and a logistic regression model using a binomial distribution (PROC GLIMMIX, SAS v. 9.4, SAS Institute Inc.) was used to assess the chance of elevated rectal temperature (≥39.4°C), general appearance (≥2), diarrhea (≥3), and BRD. A Poisson regression model (PROC GENMOD) was also used to test group differences in the experience of days with elevated rectal temperature and general appearance, and frequency and duration of diarrhea or BRD. Total nutrient intake (DM, CP, and ME, but not ether extract) originating from milk and starter feed was greater in OLP- (but not FSP-) supplemented calves compared with CON group, being partially associated with difference in milk refusal. Calves receiving FSP and OLP had greater average daily gain, BW gain, skeletal gain (withers height or heart girth, respectively), and feed efficiency compared with CON animals with no difference between FSP and OLP. Rectal temperature was lower in FSP- (but not OLP-) supplemented calves compared with CON animals. The CON animals had a greater chance of experiencing higher rectal temperature (≥39.4°C; odds ratio = 1.55 and confidence interval = 1.12-2.15 and odds ratio = 1.33 and confidence interval = 0.92-1.90, respectively, compared with FSP and OLP) and general appearance (≥2; odds ratio = 1.99 and confidence interval = 1.45-2.74 and odds ratio = 1.45 and confidence interval = 1.03-2.05), and diarrhea (odds ratio = 1.47 and confidence interval = 1.11-1.97 and odds ratio = 1.49 and confidence interval = 1.07-2.08) compared with those receiving FSP or OLP; with the chance of BRD being lower in FSP- (but not OLP-) supplemented versus CON animals (odds ratio = 1.59 and confidence interval = 1.13-2.23). As compared with OLP and CON groups, FSP treatment resulted in shorter days with elevated rectal temperature and general appearance. Supplementing FSP or OLP decreased the duration of diarrhea and BRD but not their frequency compared with CON. Duration of diarrhea was not different between FSP- or OLP-supplemented calves but calves supplemented with FSP had shorter days with BRD compared with OLP-supplemented calves. Of the blood constituents measured on d 30, concentration of aspartate transferase was higher in FSP- (but not CON) versus OLP-supplemented calves, indicating a transient liver tissue damage or dysfunction which was subsequently ameliorated. At weaning, blood concentration of triglycerides was higher in FSP and OLP groups compared with CON group. Supplementation of the liquid feed with FSP or OLP, especially FSP, had beneficial effects on calf growth performance and health. Further experiments are warranted for optimizing the dosage and duration of feeding FSP or OLP as feed additives for dairy calves.

Assessment of Immunological Effects of Low-Level Er: YAG Laser Radiation

Introduction: Low-level laser radiation has a significant effect on cell proliferation. Various investigations into the effect of Er: YAG laser on the treated cell lines have been published. Determining core targeted proteins is an attractive subject. This research aimed at identifying the critical targeted protein by a low-level Er: YAG laser in primary osteoblast-like cells. Methods: Data were extracted from the literature about proteomic assessment of 3.3 J/cm² of low-level Er: YAG laser radiation on osteoblast-like cells of rat calvaria. The significant differentially expressed proteins plus 100 first neighbors were analyzed via network analysis and gene ontology enrichment. Results: Nine differentially expressed proteins among the 12 queried proteins were included in the main connected component. Analysis revealed that Cxcl1 was a key targeted protein in response to laser radiation. The presence of Cxcl1 in the significant cellular pathways indicated that cell growth and proliferation were affected. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the immune system is affected by the laser to activate cellular defense against stress.

Assessment of Different Radioiodine Doses for Post-ablation Therapy of Thyroid Remnants: A Systematic Review

The determination of radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) dosage in post-operation thyroid residual tissues resection has been largely subject of discussion, yet no concise conclusion is released through systematic review studies. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of comparative experiments to evaluate and compare the efficacy of different prescribed dosages of radioiodine in post-op thyroid residual tissues resection among low, intermediate, and high-risk patients to approve the common method. Using automated searches, studies were collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Scopus, and UpToDate, all until April 2021. Alongside the aforementioned sources, comparative experiments were added in for further investigation. Overall, 4000 patients with papillary thyroid cancer, differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), metastasized and non-metastasized thyroid cancer took part in twenty-one trials are assessed. We discovered no significant difference in successful thyroid residual tissues excision between low-activity and high-activity radioiodine treatment in people with low and intermediate risk. In these individuals, there was no significant difference between the high therapeutic dose of 3700 MBq and the lesser dose of 1850 MBq for RRA. However, high-dose treatment usually yielded superior results. Low activity RRA causes fewer adverse effects in metastasis-free patients than high-activity 3.7 GBq. There was no significant therapeutic difference regarding treatment efficacy in patients with low and moderate risks. However, in patients with high-risk status, applying a high-dose regimen of RRA produced a significantly better response.

Association between ABO blood group and COVID-19 infection: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

The relationship between ABO blood group and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 - coronavirus disease 19 [COVID-19]) infection has been investigated, and several studies have reported discordant findings. This systematic review and meta-analysis study were conducted to investigate the relationship between ABO blood group and COVID-19 infection. The international databases Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)/Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus were systematically searched from 1 January 2020 through 14 June 2021. Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis including 23,285 COVID-19 case subjects and 590,593 control subjects. The odds of having each blood group among COVID-19 patients compared with control subjects were calculated. The random effects model was used to obtain the overall pooled odds ratio (OR). Publication bias and subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the source of heterogeneity. According to the random effects model, the results indicated that the pooled estimates of OR (95% confidence interval) for blood groups A, O, B, and AB were 1.26 (1.13-1.40), 0.77 (0.71-0.82), 1.05 (0.99-1.12), and 1.11 (0.99-1.25), respectively. Therefore, individuals infected with COVID-19 have higher odds of having blood group A and lower odds of having blood group O. In conclusion, this study indicated that individuals with blood group A are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection, whereas those with blood group O are less susceptible to COVID-19 infection. However, further studies are warranted to support these findings.

Exploring the Reversible Effects of UV Laser Radiation on the Gene Expression Profiles of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Via Network Analysis

Introduction: The reversibility of biological processes is an important challenge in the study of environmental pollutants and also natural and artificial radiation. There are many pieces of evidence about the reversible and irreversible effects of UV radiation on the human body. Assessment of the reversibility of UV laser effects on Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the aim of this study. Methods: Gene expression alteration in S. cerevisiae samples radiated by a 30s UV laser for 15, 30, and 60 minutes post-radiation times were investigated via network analysis to explore time-dependent reversible alteration in the gene expression profiles of the samples. Results: 19 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified as targeted genes for the samples which were harvested 60 minutes after radiation; network analysis revealed no significant alteration in biological processes. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the gross effects of the UV laser on S. cerevisiae samples disappear after 60 minutes of radiation.

Tracking the Transplanted Neurosphere in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Degeneration Model

Introduction

Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) layer deterioration is a leading cause of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), i.e., the most significant reason for irreversible blindness. The present study aimed to track the Neurosphere-Derived (NS) from Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cells (BMSCs) grafted into the sub-retinal space (destruction of the RPE layer by sodium iodate).

Methods

RPE degeneration model was performed using the injection of 5% sodium iodate performed in the retro-orbital sinus of Wistar rats. BMSCs were extracted from the examined rat femur and induced into NS, using EGF, bFGF, and B27. BrdU-NS labeled cells were transplanted into the sub-retinal space. For detecting BMSCs and NS markers, immunocytochemistry was performed. Moreover, immunohistochemical was conducted for tracking the transplanted cells in the RPE and sensory retina.

Results

The immunocytochemistry of BMSCs cells displayed the expression of mesenchymal stem cells markers (CD90; 99%±1), CD166 (98%±2), CD44 (99%±1). Additionally, the expression of neural lineage markers in NS, such as SOX2, OCT4, Nanog, Nestin, and Neurofilaments (68, 160, 200) revealed the differentiation from BMSCs. Tracking BrdU-NS labeled suggested these aggregations in most layers of the retina.

Conclusion

Our study data indicated that BMSCs derived neurosphere had the potential to migrate in injured retinal and integrate into the neurosensory retina. These data can be useful in finding safe cells for replacement therapy in AMD.

Side effects of omeprazole: a system biology study

AIM

To assess the effects of omeprazole on the human cardiovascular system is the main aim of this study.

BACKGROUND

Omeprazole as a proton pump inhibitor is widely consumed to inhibit gastric acid secretion.

METHODS

Gene expression profiles of "human coronary artery endothelial cells" in the absence and presence of omeprazole were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) interacted as an interactome, and the hub nodes are determined. The DEGs were enriched via gene ontology (GO) analysis. The critical hubs were identified based on the GO findings.

RESULTS

Among 103 queried DEGs, 61 individuals were included in the main connected component. CTNNB1, HNRNPA1, SRSF4, TRA2A, SFPQ, and RBM5 genes were identified as critical hub genes. Six clusters of biological terms were introduced as deregulated elements in the presence of omeprazole.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, long-term consumption of omeprazole may be accompanied with undesirable effects, however more evidence is required.

Bone tissue regeneration: biology, strategies and interface studies

Nowadays, bone diseases and defects as a result of trauma, cancers, infections and degenerative and inflammatory conditions are increasing. Consequently, bone repair and replacement have been developed with improvement of orthopedic technologies and biomaterials of superior properties. This review paper is intended to sum up and discuss the most relevant studies performed in the field of bone biology and bone regeneration approaches. Therefore, the bone tissue regeneration was investigated by synthetic substitutes, scaffolds incorporating active molecules, nanomedicine, cell-based products, biomimetic fibrous and nonfibrous substitutes, biomaterial-based three-dimensional (3D) cell-printing substitutes, bioactive porous polymer/inorganic composites, magnetic field and nano-scaffolds with stem cells and bone-biomaterials interface studies.

Preparation and characterization of curcumin-loaded polymeric nanomicelles to interference with amyloidogenesis through glycation method

Amyloid fibrils, including β-amyloid (Aβ) fibrils, are protein aggregates that form under certain conditions, associated with neurodegeneration that interfere with neural synaptic transmission resulting in some neural disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study is to inhibit amyloidogenesis by using preparatory polymeric nanomicelles as therapeutic agents and also as nanocarriers for curcumin to target Aβ fibrils through the glycation method of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the presence of phosphate-buffered saline. Polymeric nanomicelles were prepared from phosphatidylethanolamine-distearoyl methoxypolyethylene glycol conjugates in the presence and absence of curcumin and then the morphological and structural characteristics of the nanomicelles were characterized in detail. Following the preparation of unloaded and curcumin-loaded nanomicelles with the desired size and properties, their effects on BSA glycation/fibrillation process were investigated. The samples were analyzed by thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence and advanced glycation end (AGE) products autofluorescence measurements. The results showed that ThT fluorescence related to the formation of β-sheets and AGE autofluorescence (associated with AGE production) decreased in the presence of curcumin-loaded nanomicelles more than other samples. In conclusion, the promising effect of curcumin-loaded nanomicelles on inhibition of amyloidogenesis through glycation process due to curcumin release and thus their ability to prevent the formation and accumulation of amyloid fibrils and so to suppress the Alzheimer's disease progression has been proven and can go for further investigations.

A micro-jet array for economic intensification of gas transfer in bioreactors

Bioreactors are of interest for gas-to-liquid conversion of stranded or waste industrial gases, such as CO, CH₄ , or syngas. Process economics requires reduction of bioreactor cost and size while maintaining intense production via rapid delivery of gases to the liquid phase (i.e., high k_L a). Here, we show a novel bioreactor design that outperforms all known technology in terms of gas transfer energy efficiency (k_L a per power density) while operating at high k_L a (i.e., near 0.8 s^-1 ). The reactor design uses a micro-jet array to break feedstock gas into a downward microbubble flow. Hydrodynamic and surfactant measurements show the reactor's advanced performance arises from its bubble breakage mechanism, which limits fluid shear to a thin plane located at an optimal location for bubble breakage. Power dissipation and k_L are shown to scale with micro-jet diameter rather than reactor diameter, and the micro-jet array achieves improved performance compared to classical impinging-jets, ejector, or U-loop reactors. The hydrodynamic mechanism by which the micro-jets break bubbles apart is shown to be shearing the bubbles into filaments then fragmentation by surface tension rather than "cutting in half" of bubbles. Guided by these hydrodynamic insights, strategies for industrial design are given. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2710, 2019.

153Sm-EDTMP and 177Lu-EDTMP are equally safe and effective in pain palliation from skeletal metastases

INTRODUCTION

Bone pain from multifocal blastic or mixed lytic-blastic metastatic lesions can be effectively addressed with radiopharmaceuticals with high affinity for such foci. ¹⁵³Sm-ethylene diamine tetramethylene phosphonic acid (¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP) and ¹⁷⁷Lu-ethylene diamine tetramethylene phosphonic acid) (¹⁷⁷Lu-EDTMP) are two such radiopharmaceuticals. The aim of this study was to make a comparison of efficacy between ¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP and ¹⁷⁷Lu-EDTMP in terms of palliation of commonly encountered symptoms in cancer patients, functional status, and pain intensity as measured by Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, and numeric rating scale (NRS) respectively. This study was a double blind randomized clinical trial conducted in a setting of three university hospitals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a randomized double-blind clinical trial 50 patients will with documented painful bone metastases of blastic or mixed lytic-blastic nature were randomly allocated into two groups; group receiving ¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP and group receiving ¹⁷⁷Lu-EDTMP. Radiopharmaceuticals were given at a dose of 37.0 MBq / kg body weight in both groups. Scores on ESAS, ECOG performance status and NRS were recorded before the intervention and following the intervention at 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks. Hematologic toxicity was evaluated by monitoring hematologic parameters at the baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 8 weeks after the intervention.

RESULTS

Fifty patients, 31 (62 %) females and 19 (38 %) males with the mean age of 66.08 ± 4.53 years were recruited. The baseline means and standard deviations for pain intensity as measured by the NRS were 8.4 ± 1.47 and 8.36 ± 1.43 in ¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP- and ¹⁷⁷Lu-EDTMP-treated subjects respectively. Patients of both groups showed significant alleviation of pain observed from the 2^nd week (first follow up session) and continuing to the 12^th week after treatment . No difference in response to the two radiopharmaceuticals were seen regarding their efficacy in pain alleviation (P < 1.0). Baseline "symptom distress scores" drawn from the ESAS-r in ¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP- and ¹⁷⁷Lu-EDTMP-treated groups were 5.5 ± 2.1 and 5.4 ± 2.1, respectively. The scores significantly improved in both groups with the most marked rate of improvement achieved within the first two weeks after treatment. The scores continued to improve until the 12^th week of follow-up (P < 1.0, non-significant [ns]). Functional status as measured by ECOG performance status scores improved in both groups over the follow up period. Baseline scores on ECOG performance status in ¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP- and ¹⁷⁷Lu-EDTMP-treated groups were 2.5 ± 1.3 and 2.5 ± 1.3 (mean ± standard deviation). At 3 months post-treatment scores improved to 1.6 ± 0.6 and 1.6 ± 0.6 respectively (P < 1.0, n.s.).

CONCLUSIONS

¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP and ¹⁷⁷Lu-EDTMP are safe and effective radiopharmaceuticals in palliation of cancer pain from multiple skeletal metastases of blastic and mixed lyticblastic nature.

EINLEITUNG

Knochenschmerzen von multifokalen blastischen oder gemischten lytisch-blastischen metastatischen Läsionen können mit Radiopharmazeutika mit hoher Affinität für solche Foki wirksam adressiert werden. ¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP (Ethylendiamin-tetra[methylenphosphonsäure]) und ¹⁵³Lu-EDTMP sind zwei dieser Radiopharmazeutika. Das Ziel der Studie war es, einen Vergleich der Wirksamkeit zwischen ¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP und ¹⁷⁷Lu-EDTMP im Hinblick auf die Linderung häufig auftretender Symptome bei Krebspatienten, den funktionellen Status und die Schmerzintensität, gemessen mit dem Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), der Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, durchzuführen (ECOG) Leistungsstatus bzw. numerische Bewertungsskala (NRS). Diese Studie war eine doppelblinde, randomisierte klinische Studie, die in drei Universitätskliniken durchgeführt wurde.

MATERIAL UND METHODEN

In einer randomisierten doppelblinden klinischen Studie wurden 50 Patienten mit dokumentierten schmerzhaften Knochenmetastasen blastischer oder gemischter lytisch-blastischer Art auf zwei Gruppen randomisert: eine Gruppe erhielt ¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP und eine Gruppe ¹⁷⁷Lu-EDTMP. Radiopharmazeutika wurden in einer Dosis von 37,0 MBq / kg Körpergewicht in beiden Gruppen verabreicht. Die Ergebnisse zu ESAS, ECOG-Leistungsstatus und NRS wurden vor der Intervention und nach der Intervention nach 2, 4, 6 und 12 Wochen aufgezeichnet. Die hämatologische Toxizität wurde durch Überwachung von hämatologischen Parametern zu Beginn und nach 1, 3, 6 und 8 Wochen nach dem Eingriff bewertet.

ERGEBNISSE

Fünfzig Patienten, 31 (62 %) Frauen und 19 (38 %) Männer mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 66,08 ± 4,53 Jahren wurden rekrutiert. Die Grundlinienmittelwerte und Standardabweichungen für die Schmerzintensität, gemessen durch die NRS, betrugen 8,4 ± 1,47 und 8,36 ± 1,43 in ¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP-bzw. ¹⁷⁷Lu-EDTMP-behandelten Patienten. Die Patienten beider Gruppen zeigten eine signifikante Schmerzlinderung, die von der 2. Woche (erste Nachuntersuchung) bis zur 12. Woche nach der Behandlung beobachtet wurde. Hinsichtlich ihrer Wirksamkeit bei der Schmerzlinderung wurde kein Unterschied in Bezug auf die zwei Radiopharmazeutika festgestellt (P < 1,0). Baseline "Symptom Distress Scores" aus dem ESAS-r in ¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP- und ¹⁷⁷Lu-EDTMP-behandelten Gruppen waren 5,5 ± 2,1 bzw. 5,4 ± 2,1. Die Werte verbesserten sich in beiden Gruppen signifikant, wobei innerhalb der ersten zwei Wochen nach der Behandlung die deutlichste Besserung erzielt wurde. Die Werte verbesserten sich bis zur 12. Woche der Nachuntersuchung (P < 1,0, nicht signifikant [n.s.]). Der funktionelle Status, gemessen anhand der ECOG-Leistungsstatuswerte, verbesserte sich in beiden Gruppen im Follow-up-Zeitraum. Die Baseline-Werte für den ECOG-Leistungsstatus in ¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP- und ¹⁷⁷Lu-EDTMP-behandelten Gruppen betrugen 2,5 ± 1,3 und 2,5 ± 1,3 (Mittelwert ± Standardabweichung). Nach 3 Monaten verbesserten sich die Ergebnisse auf 1,6 ± 0,6 bzw. 1,6 ± 0,6 (P < 1,0, n.s.). SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: : ¹⁵³Sm-EDTMP und ¹⁷⁷Lu-EDTMP sind sichere und wirksame Radiopharmaka zur Linderung von Tumorschmerzen bei multiplen skelettalen Metastasen blastischer und gemischter lytisch-blastischer Natur.

Quantitation in Dextrocardia on myocardial perfusion imaging: how to perform quantitative analysis using Cedars-Sinai software

Dextrocardia, although a rare cardiac abnormality, carries the same risk for cardiac events as other people. SPECT Myocardial perfusion imaging is a potentially helpful diagnostic tool in patients with dextrocardia. Because of swapping of lateral and septal walls on SPECT slices, although visual analysis is possible, quantitation is substantially limited. Here, we introduce a simple practical method to make quantitative analysis feasible and accurate.

Factors That Impact Evaluation of Left Ventricular Systolic Parameters in Myocardial Perfusion Gated SPECT with 16 Frame and 8 Frame Acquisition Models

Objective:

Evaluating the effects of heart cavity volume, presence and absence of perfusion defect, gender and type of study (stress and rest) on the difference of systolic parameters of myocardial perfusion scan in 16 and 8 framing gated SPECT imaging.

Methods:

Cardiac gated SPECT in both 16 and 8 framing simultaneously and both stress and rest phases at one-day protocol was performed for 50 patients. Data have been reconstructed by filter back projection (FBP) method and left ventricular (LV) systolic parameters were calculated by using QGS software. The effect of some factors such as LV cavity volume, presence and absence of perfusion defect, gender and type of study on data difference between 8 and 16 frames were evaluated.

Results:

The differences in ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic volume (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV) in both stress and rest were statistically significant. Difference in both framing was more in stress for EF and ESV, and was more in rest for EDV. Study type had a significant effect on differences in systolic parameters while gender had a significant effect on differences in EF and ESV in rest between both framings.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, results of this study revealed that difference of both 16 and 8 frames data in systolic phase were statistically significant and it seems that because of better efficiency of 16 frames, it cannot be replaced by 8 frames. Further well-designed studies are required to verify these findings.

Effects of plasma transfusions on antithrombin levels after paediatric liver transplantation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Thrombotic complications affect 3-10% of patients after liver transplantation (LT), leading to potentially life-threatening complications. In the days following LT, antithrombin (AT) is decreased longer than pro-coagulant factors, thus favouring a pro-thrombotic profile. Plasma transfusions are given empirically in some centres to correct AT levels following LT. We assessed the effect of plasma transfusion on AT levels after paediatric LT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective single-centre observational study in 20 consecutive paediatric LT recipients over a 24-month period. Plasma was administered twice daily (10 ml/kg/dose) according to an existing protocol. AT levels were measured once daily, immediately prior to and one hour after the morning plasma transfusion. Sample size was calculated based on a non-inferiority hypothesis.

RESULTS

The median age and weight were 11.6 years (IQR 2.8; 14.7) and 40 kg (IQR 12.75; 44.8), respectively. We collected 85-paired blood samples. The median AT level prior to plasma transfusion was 58%. The median difference in AT levels before and after plasma transfusion was 4.2% (P = 0.001). Changes in AT levels after plasma transfusion were not correlated with baseline AT levels (R = 0.19) or patient weight (R = 0.18).

CONCLUSION

Plasma transfusions only marginally increase AT levels in children after LT. Therefore, prophylactic plasma transfusions probably do not seem to confer an advantage in the routine management of paediatric LT patients. Randomized controlled trials are needed to identify the optimal anticoagulation strategy in this specific population.

POPULATION RADIATION EXPOSURE FROM DIAGNOSTIC NUCLEAR MEDICINE PROCEDURES IN TEHRAN 2011-14; TRENDS IN THE LAST 3 DECADES

This study represents an update of Tehran population exposure from the diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures and the annual collective effective dose during 2011-14. The diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures data were collected from 58 out of 60 nuclear medicine centers in Tehran and were composed of the type and frequency of diagnostic examinations, radiopharmaceuticals used, administered activities, and age distribution of the patients. The annual number of examinations per 1000 population increased from 13.73 in 2011 to 22.59 in 2014 with an increase of 64.53% during 4 years. Most frequent examinations were cardiac (71.05%), bone (9.80%) and thyroid (7.26%) averaged over the 5 years. The collective effective dose increased from 807.74 person-Sv in 2011 to 1413.81 person-Sv in 2014. The effective dose per capita increased from 44.06 μSv in 2011 to 120.91 μSv in 2014, could be because of 70% increase of examinations, but ~3.42% increase in the population of Tehran.

Diagnosis and severity criteria for sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease in pediatric patients: a new classification from the European society for blood and marrow transplantation

The advances in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) over the last decade have led to a transplant-related mortality below 15%. Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD) is a life-threatening complication of HCT that belongs to a group of diseases increasingly identified as transplant-related, systemic endothelial diseases. In most cases, SOS/VOD resolves within weeks; however, severe SOS/VOD results in multi-organ dysfunction/failure with a mortality rate >80%. A timely diagnosis of SOS/VOD is of critical importance, given the availability of therapeutic options with favorable tolerability. Current diagnostic criteria are used for adults and children. However, over the last decade it has become clear that SOS/VOD is significantly different between the age groups in terms of incidence, genetic predisposition, clinical presentation, prevention, treatment and outcome. Improved understanding of SOS/VOD and the availability of effective treatment questions the use of the Baltimore and Seattle criteria for diagnosing SOS/VOD in children. The aim of this position paper is to propose new diagnostic and severity criteria for SOS/VOD in children on behalf of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

Fertility preservation issues in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: practical approaches from the consensus of the Pediatric Diseases Working Party of the EBMT and the International BFM Study Group

Fertility preservation is an urgent challenge in the transplant setting. A panel of transplanters and fertility specialists within the Pediatric Diseases Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and the International BFM Study Group provides specific guidelines. Patients and families should be informed of possible gender- and age-specific cryopreservation strategies that should be tailored according to the underlying disease, clinical condition and previous exposure to chemotherapy. Semen collection should be routinely offered to all postpubertal boys at the diagnosis of any disease requiring therapy that could potentially impair fertility. Testicular tissue collection might be offered to postpubertal boys; nevertheless, its use has been unsuccessful to date. Oocyte collection after hormonal hyperstimulation should be offered to postpubertal girls facing gonadotoxic therapies that could be delayed for the 2 weeks required for the procedure. Ovarian tissue collection could be offered to pre-/post-pubertal girls. Pregnancies have been reported after postpubertal ovarian tissue reimplantation; however, to date, no pregnancy has been reported after the reimplantation of prepubertal ovarian tissue or in vitro maturation of pre-/post-pubertal ovarian tissue. Possible future advances in reproductive medicine could change this scenario. Health authorities should prioritize fertility preservation projects in pediatric transplantation to improve patient care and quality of life.

Extrudate Swell of High Density Polyethylenes in Slit (Flat) Dies

Extrudate swell of industrial-grade high-molecular mass high-density polyethylenes (HDPEs) in flat/slit dies is studied using both experiments and simulations. The experimental set-up consists of an optical micrometer to measure the extrudate dimensions and a pair of radiation heaters to control the extrudate temperature outside the die attached to the capillary rheometer. The simulation of extrudate swell phenomenon is carried out by using a well-known integral K-BKZ model. The effects of several rheological characteristics, die characteristics, and processing conditions on swell measurements are studied systematically, and the corresponding two-dimensional, steady-state numerical predictions are presented in this paper. This study includes the effects of polymer molecular characteristics, apparent shear rate, die geometrical characteristics (length to die gap (L/H) and width to die gap (W/H)), and distance from the die exit. It is found that the integral K-BKZ model predicts well both the width and thickness extrudate swells. Extrudate swell measurements demonstrate that the thickness swell is predominant in comparison with width swell.

An update on radiation absorbed dose to patients from diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures in Tehran: A study on four academic centers

Purpose:

Use of radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures is one of the main sources of radiation exposure. We performed this study with respect to the rapid growth in nuclear medicine in Iran and lack of updated statistics.

Materials and Methods:

The data were obtained for all active Nuclear Medicine Centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences during 2009 and 2010.

Results:

The most frequently performed procedures were bone (30.16%), cardiac (28.96%), renal (17.97%), and thyroid (7.93%) scans. There was a significant decrease in the number of thyroid scintigraphies with ¹³¹I and ^99mTc-sulfur colloid liver/spleen scans and tremendous increase in the frequencies of cardiac and bone scintigraphies compared to one decade ago.

Conclusion:

Compared to previous studies, there were striking changes in trends of diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures in Tehran. This field is still evolving in the country, and this trend will further change with the introduction of positron emission tomography scanners in future.

Evaluation of Serum and Urinary Neopterin Levels as a Biomarker for Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica

Background:

Crystalline silica is a commonly used mineral in various industries and construction activities, and it is so important introducing potential biomarkers to identify early indicators of biological effects in its high-risk occupational exposures.

Aim:

The present study was aimed to assess the blood and urinary neopterin as an early biomarker of exposure in the workers of an insulator manufacturing plant who are exposed to crystalline silica.

Subjects and Methods:

This analytical descriptive study was done among two groups of exposed workers (n = 55) and unexposed office workers (n = 38) of an insulator manufacturing plant. Statistical software R was used to determine sample size and select the participants by random sampling among nonsmoker workers. Sampling of airborne silica in breathing zone of participants was done based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health method 7601. The urinary and blood samples were collected and prepared for analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography to determine the level of urinary and serum neopterin. All of the statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 22.

Results:

The airborne silica concentration was significantly different between two exposed and unexposed groups (P < 0.001, 0.27 [0.11] vs. 0.0028 [0.0006] mg/m³, respectively). The urinary neopterin in exposed group is significantly higher than the unexposed one (P < 0.001, 97.67 [30.24] vs. 55.52 [2.18] μmol/mol creatinine, respectively). Neopterin level of serum in exposed group is higher than the unexposed group, and there is a significant difference between them (P < 0.001, 6.90 [2.70] vs. 2.20 [1.20] nmol/l, respectively). The positive significant correlations were found between silica exposure concentration with urinary and serum neopterin (P < 0.001, r = 0.36 and 0.59, respectively).

Conclusions:

Considering the sensitively and easily measurement of neopterin in biological fluid and also the statistically significant positive relationships which were found between the airborne silica concentration and neopterin levels in the present study, the serum and urinary neopterin levels can be considered the potential biomarkers of silica exposure for doing further comprehensive studies in this area.

Influence of glutathione S-transferase gene polymorphisms on busulfan pharmacokinetics and outcome of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in thalassemia pediatric patients

Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is currently the only curative therapeutic option for the treatment of thalassemia. In spite of the high cure rate, HSCT can lead to life-threatening adverse events in some patients. Busulfan (Bu) is a key component of the conditioning regimen prior to HSCT. Inter-individual differences in Bu pharmacokinetics (PK) are hypothesized to influence Bu efficacy and toxicity. Since Bu is mainly metabolized by glutathione S-transferase (GST), we investigated the relationship of GSTA1 and GSTM1 genotypes with first-dose PK and HSCT outcomes in 44 children with thalassemia intermedia and thalassemia major. All children received a myeloablative conditioning regimen with IV Bu. Association analysis revealed a relationship between GSTA169C>T (or haplotype *A/*B) and first Bu dose PK that was dependent on sex and Pesaro risk classification (PRC). Among female patients and patients with PRC I-II, homozygous individuals for the GSTA1T-69 allele defining haplotype *B, had higher Bu exposure and lower clearance (P⩽0.01). Association with HSCT outcomes showed that patients with the GSTM1 null genotypes had higher occurrence of regimen-related toxicity (P=0.01). These results suggest that GST genotypes could be useful to tailor the first Bu dose accordingly to improve HSCT outcome.

Paste Extrusion and Mechanical Properties of PTFE

The paste extrusion process of two types of PTFE has been studied in capillary extrusion using dies having different reduction ratio (RR) and die entrance angles. The extrusion pressure shows a weak increase with shear rate over a wide range of flow rates and a more significant increase with reduction ratio. Moreover, the extrusion pressure exhibits a minimum for entrance angle at around 30°. A simple analytical model based on the radial flow hypothesis (previously developed) has been found to represent the extrusion pressure adequately as a function of flow rate (shear rate) and geometrical characteristics of the capillary dies. The extrudates collected at different processing conditions were dried and tested in uniaxial extension to assess their effect on mechanical properties. The tensile modulus, yield stress and ultimate tensile strength of the obtained extrudates were found to be increasing functions of reduction ratio, although the opposite effect was found for the ultimate elongational strain. These mechanical properties are also found to be insensitive to changes in the die entrance angle although the ultimate tensile strength has shown a maximum at the entrance angle of about 60°. The PTFE paste extrudates show a Poisson's ratio equal to zero in tensile experiments, thus exhibiting expansion (significant density reduction with stretching). Finally, a simple model was derived for the density change in tensile deformation by taking into the account the Poisson's ratio and the strain recovery (recovery of the elastic energy stored upon removal of the tensile stress).