Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran and Pyrano[2, 3-d]pyrimidinone Derivatives Using Fe₃O₄@Ph-PMO-NaHSO₄ as a New Magnetically Separable Nanocatalyst

Immobilized NaHSO₄ on core/shell phenylene bridged periodic mesoporous organosilica magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@Ph-PMO-NaHSO₄) as a new acidic magnetically separable nanocatalyst was successfully prepared in three steps: (i) preparation of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles by a precipitation method, (ii) synthesis of an organic-inorganic periodic mesoporous organosilica structure with phenyl groups on the surface of Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and (iii) finally adsorption of NaHSO₄ on periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) network. The prepared organic-inorganic magnetic reagent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N₂ adsorption-desorption and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. Finally, it was used as a reusable and new catalyst to promote the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran and pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidinone derivatives as important biologically active compounds. Eco-friendly protocol, high yields, short reaction times and easy and quick isolation of the products are the main advantages of this procedure.

Solid phase extraction of Cu2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ ions by a new magnetic nano-composite: excellent reactivity combined with facile extraction and determination

In the present study, silica magnetite mesoporous nanoparticles functionalized with a new chelating agent were synthesized and introduced as a magnetic solid phase for preconcentration of trace amounts of Cu2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ ions from aqueous solutions. Briefly, MCM-41 mesoporous-coated magnetite nano-particles (MMNPs) with particle size lower than 15 nm were synthesized via chemical co-precipitation methods. Then, N-(4-methoxysalicylidene)-4,5-dinitro-1,2-phenylenediamine (HL) as a new chelating agent was synthesized and used for surface modification of mesoporous magnetic solid phase by dispersive liquid-liquid functionalization (DLLF) as a new rapid method to form HL functionalized mesoporous magnetite nanoparticles (MMNPs─HL). The structure and morphology of prepared sorbent were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, VSM, and TEM. Finally, the prepared nanoparticles were utilized for preconcentration of Cu2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ ions prior to determination by atomic absorption spectrophotometery. The calibration graph was obtained under the optimized conditions with linear dynamic range of 1.0-300 μg L(-1) and correlation coefficient (r2) of 0.998. The detection limits of this method for cobalt, nickel, and copper ions were 0.03, 0.03, and 0.04 ng/mL, respectively. Finally, the method was successfully applied to the extraction and determination of the analyte ions in natural waters and reference plant samples.

The synthesis of aminonaphtols and β-amino carbonyls in the presence of a magnetic recyclable Fe3O4@MCM-48–NaHSO4 nano catalyst

Sulfonic acid functionalized mesoporous magnetite nanoparticles as an efficient, heterogeneous and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of aminonaphtols and β-amino carbonyls. Advantages: good yields, rapid reaction, solvent-free conditions and room temperature.

Organic/Inorganic Fe₃O₄@MCM-41@Zr-Piperazine: An Impressive Magnetite Nanocatalyst for N-Tert-Butoxycarbonylation of Amines

Fe₃O₄@MCM-41@Zirconium magnetic nanoparticles modified with piperazine (Fe₃O₄@MCM-41@Zr-piperazine), as a newly reported catalyst, shows excellent catalytic activity in N-Tert-butoxycarbonylation of amines under the mild and solvent-free conditions. Accordingly, different derivatives of N-Tert-butylcarbamates owning diverse aliphatic, aromatic and heteroaromatic amines were prepared efficiently. Good performance of this method for the majority of used complex or acid-sensitive substrates and facile separation of this nanocatalyst due to its superparamagnetic nature from the reaction mixture via an external magnetic field for several times are the most important striking features of this protocol.

Development of a newly designed biosensor using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the presence of acetaminophen for detection of Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli is one of the main indicators in the quality control of water, pharmaceuticals, and other samples. Compared with the time-consuming and high prices of the classical methods, with their high risks in the case of insensitive, contamination and offline detections, biosensors have long been a fast and accurate approach for identifying different bacteria. The present study reports the development of a newly electrochemical biosensor using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified by multi-walled carbon nanotubes/AuNPs/E. coli polyclonal antibody/Bovine Serum Albumin in 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline ( pH 7) in the presence of acetaminophen, for the detection of E. coli in pharmaceuticals and some real samples. Acetaminophen was added as an indicator for the detection of E. coli by changes in conductivity and current. To identify E. coli, square-wave voltammetry (SWV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques were used. According to the obtained results of square-wave voltammetry, a limit of 3.02 CFU/ml E. coli detection in 3 min with desirable sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility was found with the designed biosensor. This biosensor could be a powerful tool for the detection of indicator bacteria in the food industry, drug safety, quality control, clinical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.

Fe₃O4@MCM@ZrCI₂: A Practical Magnetic Mesoporous Zirconium-Based Nanocomposite as a Reusable Catalyst for the Synthesis of Spirooxindoles

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the catalytic role of the newly reported MCM-41 -based nanocomposite in which the low acidity of this mesoporous moiety was favourably improved via the stabilization of zirconium nanoparticles and was magnetized to make a facile work-up procedure as an applicable and efficient method. The prepared Fe₃O₄@MCM-41 @ZrCI₂ nanocomposite was successfully characterized using different analyses and then it was favourably exploited for the synthesis of spirooxindoles as the most prominent spiro compounds. As predicted, Fe₃O₄@MCM- 41 @ZrCI₂ showed considerable efficiency in the promotion of the studied reaction.

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction of copper ions as neocuproine complex in environmental aqueous samples

In the present study, a simple and efficient extraction method based on dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction prior to UV-Vis spectrophotometry was developed for the preconcentration and determination of copper ions in environmental samples. Briefly, cupric ions (Cu II) were reduced to cuprous (Cu I) with addition of hydroxyl amine hydrochloride and formed hydrophobic chelates with neocuproine. Then, a proper mixture of acetonitrile (as dispersive solvent) and choloroform (as extraction solvent) was rapidly injected into the solution and a cloudy solution was formed. After centrifuging, choloroform was sedimented at the bottom of a conical tube and diluted with 100 µL of methanol for further UV-Vis spectrophotometry measurement. An orthogonal array design (OAD) was employed to study the effects of different parameters on the extraction efficiency. Under the optimum experimental conditions, a preconcentration factor up to 63.6 was achieved for extraction from 5.0 mL of sample solution. The limit of detection (LOD) based on S/N = 3 was 0.33 µg L-1 and the calibration curve was linear in the range of 1-200 µg L-1 with reasonable linearity (r2 > 0.997). Finally, the accuracy of the proposed method was successfully evaluated by determination of trace amounts of copper ions in different water samples and satisfactory results were obtained.

Advanced technologies in drowning prevention

Background:

Throughout history, technologies have been created to increase the health of society. In general, technologies have been developed to improve processes and reduce costs. One of the most important issues is the development of new health technologies. Today, the use of nanotechnology, biotechnology, intelligent electronic systems, artificial intelligence, etc. to increase the health of society is very noticeable.

Methods:

In the present study, using the data obtained from the Iran National Registry of Drowning (INRD), new methods and technologies in drowning prevention have been studied.

Results:

The proposed technologies for drowning are important in three ways: i-To improve processes (increase accuracy and ease of prevention), ii-To reduce the costs (reduction of mortality), and iii- To generate income from new methods (creating a market and producing new equipment). For example, a robotic detector from Coral Detection Systems that scans the pool for drowning activity is a high-tech system for the reduction of mortality.

Conclusions:

Finally, it can be said that the development of new equipment and methods in preventing drowning and launching startups in this area is very important to increase not only the level of community health but also the income of the swimming industry.

Keywords:

Advanced Technologies, Drowning, Prevention, Iran

Hydroxyapatite Incorporated with Fe3O4@MCM-41 Core-Shell: A Promising Nanocomposite for Teriparatide Delivery in Bone Tissue Regeneration

This article presents a comprehensive study of the development of a novel nanocomposite comprising core-shell Fe3O4@MCM-41 with superparamagnetic properties and hydroxyapatite (HAp). The nanocomposite serves as a pH-responsive nanocarrier, offering an efficient injectable dosage for teriparatide (PTH (1-34)) delivery. The aim is to address the limitations associated with drug-induced side effects, precautionary measures, and frequent injections. The nanocomposites, as prepared, were characterized using techniques including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, zeta potential, dynamic light scattering, VSM, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The nanocomposites' average crystallite diameter was determined to be 27 ± 5 nm. The hydrodynamic size of the PTH (1-34)-loaded nanocarrier ranged from 357 to 495 nm, with a surface charge of -33 mV. The entrapment and loading efficiencies were determined to be 73% and 31%, respectively. All of these findings collectively affirm successful fabrication. Additionally, in vivo medication delivery was investigated using the HPLC method, mirroring the in vitro tests. Utilizing the dialysis approach, we demonstrated sustained-release behavior. PTH (1-34) diffusion increased as the pH decreased from 7.4 to 5.6. After 24 h, drug release was higher at acidic pH (88%) compared to normal pH (43%). The biocompatibility of the PTH (1-34)-loaded nanocarrier was assessed using the MTT assay employing the NIH3T3 and HEK-293 cell lines. The results demonstrated that the nanocarrier not only exhibited nontoxicity but also promoted cell proliferation and differentiation. In the in vivo test, the drug concentration reached 505 μg within 30 min of exposure to the magnetic field. Based on these findings, the Fe3O4@MCM-41/HAp/PTH (1-34) nanocomposite, in combination with a magnetic field, offers an efficient and biocompatible approach to enhance the therapeutic effect of osteogenesis and overcome drug limitations.

Comparative Protective Effects of Viola Spathulata, Urtica Dioica, and Lamium Album on Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress in Rat Stroke Model

Background: Pathological conditions, including ischemic stroke, are associated with severe Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress that induces apoptosis and cell death. Herbal medicines are natural treatments with few side effects in such situations. Objectives: In the present study, we examined the probable neuroprotective effects of Viola spathulata, Lamium album, and Urtica dioica on splicing of ER stress mRNA gene marker (X-box Binding Protein-1 [XBP-1]) and Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) activation in the brain of the rat stroke model. Materials & Methods: Sixty male Wistar albino rats (weight: 220-250 g) were selected for this study and divided into two major groups. The first major group comprised the healthy animals that are subdivided into groups number 1 to 5. The second major group comprised the Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) group subdivided into groups number 6-10. The reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction was performed after pretreatment with different herbal extracts (5, 10 mg/kg), Viola spathulata, and 100 mg/ kg Urtica dioica and Lamium album). The results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance in IBM SPSS v. 22. Results: MCAO-induced ischemia caused a marked increase in XBP-1 splicing in all rats of the MCAO group in comparison to the control groups (P<0.05), and pretreatment with 3 herbal extracts dramatically decreased target gene splicing in the MCAO studied groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: All three herbal extracts of U. dioica, L. album, and V. spathulata had the promising potential to use as a neuroprotective agent by reducing ER stress.

Nano magnetic solid phase extraction for preconcentration of lead ions in environmental samples by a newly synthesized reagent

In this study, magnetite nanoparticles with particle size lower than 47 nm were synthesized and were applied for preconcentration of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. To preconcentrate the Pb2+ ions, the surface of the synthesized nano particles was modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as an anionic surfactant. A new chelating agent (2-((E)-2-amino-4,5-dinitrophenylimino)methyl)phenol) was synthesized and used to form a very stable complex with Pb2+ ions. The lead ions formed complexes and were quantitatively extracted with SDS-coated magnetite nanoparticles. After magnetic separation of adsorbent, the adsorbent was eluted with 0.5% (v/v) HC1 in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) prior to analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Orthogonal array design (OAD) was used to study and optimize the different experimental parameters. Under the optimum conditions, enhancement factor up to 63.5 was achieved for extraction from only 10 mL of sample solution and the relative standard deviation (RSD %) of the method was lower than 2.8%. The obtained calibration curve was linear in the range of 1-300 pg L-' with reasonable linearity (r2 > 0.998). The limit of detection (LOD) based on S/N = 3 was 0.04 microg L(-1) for 10 mL sample volumes. Finally, applicability of the proposed method was successfully confirmed by preconcentration and determination of trace amounts of lead ions in environmental samples and satisfactory results were obtained.

The challenges of preventing drowning in Iran

Background:

Drowning is the second leading cause of death due to unintentional injury in northern Iran. Unlike other public injuries in Iran such as road traffic injury, only one drowning prevention program has been formally evaluated in this area of the country. The aim of this study is to describe the effect of the challenging program of drowning prevention on the reduction of drowning mortality cases in the north of Iran.

Methods:

We combined the data of the Iran National Registry of Drowning (INRD) and interviewed stockholders about the drowning prevention program to identify the challenges of drowning prevention in Iran. This type of research was thought to be the most appropriate for looking at events that could involve emotions. To access the opinion and perspective of the resident population in the rural settings of the study area regarding the drowning event, interviews were performed with the local elites including elected representatives, school teachers, religious leaders, and the victim’s families.

Results:

Based on drowning data, the registry was carried out by Guilan Road Trauma Research Center as a national center responsible for registering the drowning data through interviewing with lifeguards and health workers by the national focal point of drowning. Several factors have been identified as increasing the likelihood of drowning in northern Iran. The main factors included rip currents in the Caspian Sea, recirculation, buffer, standing waves, and Eddy line in rivers.

Conclusions:

This survey demonstrated that a prevention program for drowning can be sustainable when high-quality local drowning data are employed to target and model community-based injury prevention, and evaluate the outcomes. Local governments should install barriers for controlling access to water around rivers and canals and develop training programs on swimming, water safety, and safe rescue skills for the less than 18-year-old population by the Red Crescent Society.

Keywords:

Drowning, Prevention, INDR, Iran

Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: Harnessing the Power of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Precise Targeted Therapy in the Tumor Microenvironment

In recent years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as promising anti-- cancer mediators with the potential to treat several cancers. MSCs have been modified to produce anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-angiogenic molecules that could be effective against a variety of malignancies. Additionally, customizing MSCs with cytokines that stimulate pro-tumorigenic immunity or using them as vehicles for traditional chemical molecules with anti-cancer characteristics. Even though the specific function of MSCs in tumors is still challenged, promising outcomes from preclinical investigations of MSC-based gene therapy for a variety of cancers inspire the beginning of clinical trials. In addition, the tumor microenvironment (TME) could have a substantial influence on normal tissue stem cells, which can affect the treatment outcomes. To overcome the complications of TME in cancer development, MSCs could provide some signs of hope for converting TME into unequivocal therapeutic tools. Hence, this review focuses on engineered MSCs (En-MSCs) as a promising approach to overcoming the complications of TME.