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Abstract DNA nanostructures exhibit versatile geometries and possess sophisticated capabilities not found in other nanomaterials. They serve as customizable nanoplatforms for orchestrating the spatial arrangement of molecular components, such as biomolecules, antibodies, or synthetic nanomaterials. This is achieved by incorporating oligonucleotides into the design of the nanostructure. In the realm of drug delivery to cancer cells, there is a growing interest in active targeting assays to enhance efficacy and selectivity. The active targeting approach involves a “key‐lock” mechanism where the carrier, through its ligand, recognizes specific receptors on tumor cells, facilitating the release of drugs. Various DNA nanostructures, including DNA origami, Tetrahedral, nanoflower, cruciform, nanostar, nanocentipede, and nanococklebur, can traverse the lipid layer of the cell membrane, allowing cargo delivery to the nucleus. Aptamers, easily formed in vitro, are recognized for their targeted delivery capabilities due to their high selectivity for specific targets and low immunogenicity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the formation and modification of aptamer‐modified DNA nanostructures within drug delivery systems.

Background : Obtaining consent from potential donor families is a challenging step in the donation process and is influenced by various factors. Methods : In this cross-sectional study, we utilized a questionnaire containing 14 questions about facilitators and barriers in the family interview process. The questionnaire was distributed in March 2023 to intensive care unit (ICU) nurses who had experience with donor family interviews. We collected the opinions of these respondents on hospital performance and drew comparisons between the studied hospitals. Results : A total of 60 participating ICU nurses provided mean scores for hospital performance in family interviews of 2.60±0.84 for type I hospitals (those providing neurosurgery and trauma care) and 2.035±0.890 for type II hospitals (those without neurosurgery and trauma services; P=0.04). The mean scores for public and private hospitals were 1.86±0.86 and 2.59±0.85, respectively (P=0.008). Based on the findings, the most important facilitators were the availability of organ donation staff and access to a professional team for family discussions. Conversely, poor physician communication skills and limited communication capabilities among medical staff were identified as significant barriers. Implementation of a professional team for family interviews was found to be more critical for type II hospitals. Poor physician communication skills were a significant concern in public hospitals, while families’ lack of awareness of patient prognosis emerged as a key barrier in private hospitals. Conclusions: This study highlights numerous facilitators and barriers that vary across hospitals. Addressing these issues individually and developing tailored plans to enhance hospital performance in interviewing donor families is essential.

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Recent advances in osteoimmunology have led the focus on the immunomodulatory design of metal–organic framework (MOF)-based porous materials for encouraging bone repair by influencing the immune microenvironment using implanting biomaterials. Despite the growing interest in porous materials, few research studies have been done on how extracellular Sr2+ and Ca2+ loaded in MOFs leads the organism toward optimal osteogenesis. In this study, in vitro evaluations showed that both Sr2+ and Ca2+ nanoparticles have a dual effect, stimulating matrix secretion by osteoblasts while suppressing matrix resorption by osteoclasts. Sr2+ significantly increased RUNX2 transcriptional activity and phosphorylation in gene expression evaluation. On day seven, hBMSC cells on HKUST-1@CaNPs/SrNPs showed a significant increase in collagen gene expression compared to HKUST-1@CaNPs/SrNPs@PEG, indicating a high level of proliferation and differentiation. At the same time, the HKUST-1@SrNPs hBMSC cells expressed the RUNX2 gene at a much higher level than the other groups. ALP activity was measured on days 7 and 14 of culture to see how it compares to more extended incubation periods. As the culture time for HKUST-1@SrNPs and HKUST-1@CaNPs/SrNPs was extended from 7 to 14 days, the ALP activity was shown to rise. Findings indicated that HKUST-1@CaNPs/SrNPs improved hBMSC osteogenic differentiation potential. In conclusion, HKUST-1@CaNPs/SrNPs could show promising results for bone tissue engineering.

Highlights Self-healing graphene- and MXene-based composites can be deployed in wearable sensors, supercapacitors, anticorrosive coatings, electromagnetic interference shielding, electronic-skin, and soft robotics. Self-healing graphene- and MXene-based composites have shown improved electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, healing efficacy, and energy conversion efficacy. Self-healing structures can open up considerable new horizons in the future of healthcare, sensors, electronics, robotics, supercapacitors/batteries, coatings, and biomedicine.

Introduction: Female-headed households’s lives face challenges due to the absence or weakness of male supervision. Factors such as human biological and social changes have broadened the upward trend of this particular type of female guardianship, and from another perspective, cognition based on the Emic method means cognition from within and awareness of the biological experience and quality of life of these social groups, which will be an effective step in their planning and management. The purpose of this study is to analyze the narrative and identify their dimensions of women heads of households about the concept of poverty in Tehran's 19th district. Method: The method of this research is qualitative. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 women heads of households in the area. The sample size was determined based on the theoretical saturation criterion as 15. Thematic analysis of narration based on Brown and Clark method in Nvivo 10 software was used to analyze the interview data. Finding: Analysis eventually led to the emergence of the following four main categories: biotic erosion, social reconstruction of motherhood, rejection, and reproduction of poverty. These findings show that despite the difficult situation and the poor quality of life of this group of women, financial assistance and support from official institutions, even at low levels along with public assistance, play an important role in their lives. Discussion: The important point is that in many cases, these formal and informal protections have only helped to maintain their status quo and have rarely empowered them. That is, it only ensures the survival of their current status with the mentioned characteristics, therefore, directing support is very effective, especially in the field of their employment.

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women globally. The North Africa and Middle East (NAME) region is coping hard with the burden of BC. We aimed to present the latest epidemiology of BC and its risk factors in this region.MethodsWe retrieved the data on BC burden and risk factors from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 to describe BC status in the 21 countries of the NAME region from 1990 to 2019. We explored BC incidence, prevalence, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and attributable burden to seven risk factors of female BC, namely, alcohol use, diet high in red meat, low physical activity, smoking, secondhand smoke, high body mass index, and high fasting plasma glucose. Decomposition analysis on BC incidence trend was done to find out the contributing factors to this cancer’s growth.ResultsIn 2019, there were 835,576 (95% uncertainty interval: 741,968 to 944,851) female and 10,938 (9,030 to 13,256) male prevalent cases of BC in the NAME region. This number leads to 35,405 (30,676 to 40,571) deaths among female patients and 809 (654 to 1,002) deaths in male patients this year. BC was responsible for 1,222,835 (1,053,073 to 1,411,009) DALYs among female patients in 2019, with a greater proportion (94.9%) of burden in years of life lost (YLLs). The major contributor to female BC incidence increase in the past three decades was found to be increase in age-specific incidence rates of BC (227.5%), compared to population growth (73.8%) and aging (81.8%). The behavioral risk factors were responsible for majority of attributable female BC burden (DALYs: 106,026 [66,614 to 144,247]). High fasting plasma glucose was found to be the risk factor with the largest effect (DALYs: 84,912 [17,377 to 192,838]) on female BC burden.ConclusionThe increasing incidence and burden of BC in the NAME region is remarkable, especially when considering limited resources in the developing countries of this region. Proper policies like expanding screening programs and careful resource management are needed to effectively manage BC burden.

Abstract Several studies have been directed to find scalable, swift, accurate, and cost‐effective strategies for detecting, monitoring, and treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Indeed, the lack of a fast and practical method for detecting the infected regions makes decision‐making challenging to combat the critical pandemic‐struck situations. The probable ‘wrong’, or rather inadequate, decisions not only have a boomerang effect on the economy but also can lead to an increase in the number of infected individuals, degree of hospitalization, and death counts. Although the current clinical methods are effective, they are costly, time‐consuming, and, more particularly, inadequate because of the virus's mutation patterns. In addition, contamination of biomedical wastes with the COVID‐19 virus is a matter of grave concern. Therefore, there is a perpetual need for novel methodologies to delineate the contaminated regions and determine whether those viruses contaminate the wastewater. Although several review papers have been recently published to discuss those concerns, there is a lack of a comprehensive survey of the detection and treatment of the COVID‐19 virus in aqueous media. Herein, we review techniques available as spreading signifiers for detecting the COVID‐19 virus in water resources and wastewater. We classify and integrate techniques into wastewater, sewage, and sludge detection and monitoring. Treatment of COVID‐19‐contaminated wastewater is discussed by classifying and ranking the methodologies nurtured from nanotechnology, including nanoparticle‐based biosensors used in the detection and nanotechnology‐based filtration systems for the removal of COVID‐19 from wastewater. We also highlight the compilation of the detection methodologies in contaminated aqueous media and provide insight into the challenges associated with treating COVID‐19‐contaminated wastewater. The article concludes that international and robust guidelines for virus/bacteria treatment in wastewater are urgently needed to protect the environment and public health, where nanotechnology plays a key role.

Summary: Background: The objective of this study is to investigate the trends of exposure and burden attributable to the four main metabolic risk factors, including high systolic blood pressure (SBP), high fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high body-mass index (BMI), and high low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL) in North Africa and the Middle East from 1990 to 2019. Methods: The data were retrieved from Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Summary exposure value (SEV) was used for risk factor exposure. Burden attributable to each risk factor was incorporated in the population attributable fraction to estimate the total attributable deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Findings: While age-standardized death rate (ASDR) attributable to high-LDL and high-SBP decreased by 26.5% (18.6–35.2) and 23.4% (15.9–31.5) over 1990–2019, respectively, high-BMI with 5.1% (−9.0–25.9) and high-FPG with 21.4% (7.0–37.4) change, grew in ASDR. Moreover, age-standardized DALY rate attributed to high-LDL and high-SBP declined by 30.2% (20.9–39.0) and 25.2% (16.8–33.9), respectively. The attributable age-standardized DALY rate of high-BMI with 8.3% (−6.5–28.8) and high-FPG with 27.0% (14.3–40.8) increase, had a growing trend. Age-standardized SEVs of high-FPG, high-BMI, high-SBP, and high-LDL increased by 92.4% (82.8–103.3), 76.0% (58.9–99.3), 10.4% (3.8–18.0), and 5.5% (4.3–7.1), respectively. Interpretation: The burden attributed to high-SBP and high-LDL decreased during the 1990–2019 period in the region, while the attributable burden of high-FPG and high-BMI increased. Alarmingly, exposure to all four risk factors increased in the past three decades. There has been significant heterogeneity among the countries in the region regarding the trends of exposure and attributable burden. Urgent action is required at the individual, community, and national levels in terms of introducing effective strategies for prevention and treatment that account for local and socioeconomic factors. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

IntroductionMetabolic risk factors (MRFs) predispose populations to a variety of chronic diseases with a huge burden globally. With the increasing burden of these risk factors in Iran, in this study, we aimed to report the estimated burden attributed to MRFs at national and subnational scales in Iran, from 1990 to 2019.MethodsBased on the comparative risk assessment method of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019, data of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to four top MRFs in Iran including high systolic blood pressure (SBP), high fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high body mass index (BMI), and high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) for the 1990–2019 period, were extracted. The socio-demographic index (SDI) was used to report the data based on the corresponding socio-economic stratifications. The results were reported in national and subnational 31 provinces of Iran to discover disparities regarding the attributable burden to MRFs. Furthermore, we reported the causes of diseases to which the attributable burden to MRFs was related.ResultsOverall, the age-standardized high LDL, high SBP, high BMI, and high FPG-attributed death rate changed by −45.1, −35.6, +2.8, and +19.9% from 1990 to 2019, respectively. High SBP was the leading risk factor regarding attributed age-standardized death rates reaching 157.8 (95% uncertainty interval: 135.3–179.1) and DALY rates reaching 2973.4 (2652.2–3280.2) per 100,000 person-years, in 2019. All rates increased with aging, and men had higher rates except for the +70 years age group. At the subnational level, provinces in the middle SDI quintile had the highest death and DALY rates regarding all four MRFs. Total deaths, DALYs, YLLs and YLDs number by the causes of diseases linked to MRFs increased over the study period. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and kidney diseases were the main causes of burden of disease attributable to MRFs.ConclusionHerein, we found divergent patterns regarding the burden of MRFs as well as disparities in different regions, sex, and age groups for each risk factor and related causes. This could provide policymakers with a clearer vision toward more appropriate decision-making and resource allocation to prevent the burden of MRFs in Iran.

Abstract The aim of this work was to provide a novel approach to designing and synthesizing a nanocomposite with significant biocompatibility, biodegradability, and stability in biological microenvironments. Hence, the porous ultra-low-density materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), have been considered and the MIL-125(Ti) has been chosen due to its distinctive characteristics such as great biocompatibility and good biodegradability immobilized on the surface of the reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Based on the results, the presence of transition metal complexes next to the drug not only can reinforce the stability of the drug on the structure by preparing π–π interaction between ligands and the drug but also can enhance the efficiency of the drug by preventing the spontaneous release. The effect of utilizing transition metal complex beside drug (Doxorubicin (DOX)) on the drug loading, drug release, and antibacterial activity of prepared nanocomposites on the P. aeruginosa and S. aureus as a model bacterium has been investigated and the results revealed that this theory leads to increasing about 200% in antibacterial activity. In addition, uptake, the release of the drug, and relative cell viabilities (in vitro and in vivo) of prepared nanomaterials and biomaterials have been discussed. Based on collected data, the median size of prepared nanocomposites was 156.2 nm, and their biological stability in PBS and DMEM + 10% FBS was screened and revealed that after 2.880 min, the nanocomposite’s size reached 242.3 and 516 nm respectively. The MTT results demonstrated that immobilizing PdL beside DOX leads to an increase of more than 15% in the cell viability. It is noticeable that the AST:ALT result of prepared nanocomposite was under 1.5.

COVID-19, which was first spread in China in 2019 and consequently spread worldwide, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2. Today, various carbon-based nanomaterials such as graphene, graphene oxide, carbon dots, and carbon nanotubes have been explored for the specific detection and targeted inhibition/inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 due to their great surface chemical structures, easy to-functionalization, biocompatibility, and low toxicity. According to exclusive inherent properties, carbon-based nanomaterials are promising candidates for targeted antiviral drug delivery and the inhibitory effects against pathogenic viruses based on photothermal effects or reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. These high-stability nanomaterials exhibited unique physicochemical properties, providing efficient nanoplatforms for optical and electrochemical sensing and diagnostic applications with high sensitivity and selectivity. Up to now, these materials have been used for the fabrication of diagnostic kits, different types of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as anti-viral masks, vaccines, self-cleaning surfaces, and other subjects. This review article explores the most recent developments in carbon-based nanomaterials' diagnostic and therapeutic potential towards SARS-CoV-2 detection and inhibition, different mechanisms, challenges and benefits of the carbon-based nanomaterials.

BackgroundKidney dysfunction is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. Herein, we aimed to describe the attributable burden of kidney dysfunction at the national and sub-national levels in Iran.MethodsThe Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data were extracted on the deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost, and years lived with disability attributed to the risk factor of kidney dysfunction by age and sex at the national and provincial levels from 1990-2019. Also, risk exposure was reported by summary exposure value (SEV) with a range of 0 to 100. The estimated values were based on a comparative risk assessment framework.ResultsIn 2019, the age-standardized death rate and age-standardized DALYs rate attributable to kidney dysfunction were 58.2 (95% uncertainty interval of 48.8-68.1) and 1127.2 (981.1-1282.7) per 100,000 population in Iran, respectively. Also, the Sistan and Baluchistan province (1729.3 [1478.3-2006.4]) and the province of Tehran (681.9 [571.4-809.8]) had the greatest and lowest age-standardized DALYs rates, respectively. Nationally, SEVs increased from 22.8 to 26.2. The age-standardized burden attributable to kidney dysfunction had a positive association with age advancement. The attributable age-standardized deaths and DALYs rates in all socio-demographic index regions decreased from 1990-2019. Also, the highest and lowest attributable age-standardized DALYs rates of kidney dysfunction came from ischemic heart disease and peripheral artery disease in 2019, respectively.ConclusionAlthough the attributed age-standardized DALYs and death rates decreased from 1990-2019, risk exposure increased and remains a crucial risk factor in Iran. Therefore, policymakers should consider preparing a preventive program that takes into account different levels of prevention of kidney dysfunction.

ObjectiveTo provide estimates on the regional and national burden of tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer and its attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2019 in the North Africa and Middle East (NAME) region.Methods and materialsThe Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data were used. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), death, incidence, and prevalence rates were categorized by sex and age groups in the NAME region, in 21 countries, from 1990 to 2019. Decomposition analysis was performed to calculate the proportion of responsible factors in the emergence of new cases. Data are presented as point estimates with their 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs).ResultsIn the NAME region, TBL cancer caused 15,396 and 57,114 deaths in women and men, respectively, in 2019. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) increased by 0.7% (95% UI -20.6 to 24.1) and reached 16.8 per 100,000 (14.9 to 19.0) in 2019. All the age-standardized indices had a decreasing trend in men and an increasing trend in women from 1990 to 2019. Turkey (34.9 per 100,000 [27.6 to 43.5]) and Sudan (8.0 per 100,000 [5.2 to 12.5]) had the highest and lowest age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPRs) in 2019, respectively. The highest and lowest absolute slopes of change in ASPR, from 1990 to 2019, were seen in Bahrain (-50.0% (-63.6 to -31.7)) and the United Arab Emirates (-1.2% (-34.1 to 53.8)), respectively. The number of deaths attributable to risk factors was 58,816 (51,709 to 67,323) in 2019 and increased by 136.5%. Decomposition analysis showed that population growth and age structure change positively contributed to new incident cases. More than 80% of DALYs could be decreased by controlling risk factors, particularly tobacco use.ConclusionThe incidence, prevalence, and DALY rates of TBL cancer increased, and the death rate remained unchanged from 1990 to 2019. All the indices and contribution of risk factors decreased in men but increased in women. Tobacco is still the leading risk factor. Early diagnosis and tobacco cessation policies should be improved.

In this work, for the first time, different forms of nanocomposites based on rGO and MWCNT were prepared in conjoining with the bioactive glass (BioGlass). In the carbonic layers, a highly toxic nanoparticle, CoNi2S4, was intercalated, and the role of this nanoparticle in the alkaline phosphatase activity, relative cell viability on different cell lines, and also the effect on the cell walls and cell morphologies were investigated. From another perspective, the ability of the chemotherapy drug loading to the prepared nanocomposites was investigated, and the use of leaf extracts was thought of as a green method to lower the cytotoxicity and regulate the genotoxicity of the generated nanocomposite. The results showed that the nanocomposites without the chemotherapy drug had higher relative cell viability than the drug-loaded nanocomposites. The relative cell viability also reached a new range when the leaf extract was applied to the surface. Thus, utilizing a leaf extract to raise the relative cell viability would be considered a novel and unique technique. From another perspective, the ALP activity of the nanocomposites, along with the toxic nanoparticles, showed promising results with the appropriate cell-seeded factors. In this regard, the morphology of the cells and the nanocomposites after seeding and treatment with each other on the hBMSCs and HEK-293 cell lines were investigated. The findings demonstrated that the shape of the nanocomposites has significantly changed in morphology as a result of the cell wall degradations and aggregations; the treated HEK-293 cell line's morphology, however, shows no significant changes after 4 h.

Early diagnosis is essential for the effective illness treatment, but traditional diagnostic approaches inevitably have major downsides. Recent advancements in nanoparticle-based biosensors have created new opportunities for accelerating diagnosis. High surface area, exceptional sensitivity, high specificity, and optical characteristics of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles have made it possible to detect a variety of health conditions and diseases immediately, including cancer, viral infection, biomarkers, and in-vivo imaging. Metal nanoparticles may be produced in a variety of ways, enabling the creation of innovative tools for chemical and biological sensing targets. The utilization of various metal nano-formulations, metal oxide nanoplatforms, and their composites in the early identification of illnesses is reported and summarized in this review. Additionally, the challenging corners in the use of metal oxide-based nano-scale diagnostic technologies in clinical applications are highlighted. The current work is believed to serve as a roadmap for in-depth research on inorganic nanomedicine, both in-vitro and in-vivo diagnosis of diseases and illnesses, especially pandemic infections like COVID-19.

BackgroundThyroid cancer is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among cancers of the endocrine system. We aimed to describe the trends of thyroid cancer burden in North Africa and Middle East for 1990–2019.MethodsData on burden of thyroid cancer in North Africa and Middle East from 1990 to 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019. Decomposition analysis was used to estimate the effects of population growth, aging, and change in incident numbers on overall change of thyroid cancer incidence. Also, we used the comparative risk assessment framework of GBD to determine the burden of thyroid cancer attributable to a high body mass index (BMI).ResultsIn 2019, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of thyroid cancer were 3.5 (2.9–4) and 0.5 (0.5–0.7) per 100,000, respectively. The highest age-standardized incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate were in Lebanon, Afghanistan, and United Arab Emirates, respectively. The ASIR of thyroid cancer in region was about 2.5 times higher among women, which had a positive association with increasing age. In 2019, the age-standardized deaths attributable to a high BMI was 16.7% of all deaths due to thyroid cancer. In 1990–2019, the overall change in thyroid cancer incident cases was a 396% increase which was mostly driven by the increase in disease-specific incidence rate (256.8%).ConclusionsWomen, the elderly above about 60 years old, and countries with a higher sociodemographic index showed higher incidence rates of thyroid cancer. Regarding our findings, it is recommended to establish preventive plans by modification in life style like weight reduction programs.

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is the second most prevalent cancer among men worldwide. This study presents estimates of PCa prevalence, incidence, death, years-of-life-lost (YLLs), years-lived-with-disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted-life-years (DALYs), and the burden attributable to smoking during 1990-2019 in North Africa and Middle East using data of Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Study 2019.MethodsThis study is a part of GBD 2019. Using vital registration and cancer registry data, the estimates on PCa burden were modeled. Risk factor analysis was performed through the six-step conceptual framework of Comparative Risk Assessment.ResultsThe age-standardized rates (95% UI) of PCa incidence, prevalence, and death in 2019 were 23.7 (18.5-27.9), 161.1 (126.6-187.6), and 11.7 (9.4-13.9) per 100,000 population. While PCa incidence and prevalence increased by 77% and 144% during 1990-2019, respectively, the death rate stagnated. Of the 397% increase in PCa new cases, 234% was due to a rise in the age-specific incidence rate, 79% due to population growth, and 84% due to population aging. The YLLs, YLDs, and DALYs of PCa increased by 2% (-11.8-23.1), 108% (75.5-155.1), and 6% (-8.9-28.1). The death rate and DALYs rate attributable to smoking have decreased 12% and 10%, respectively. The DALYs rate attributable to smoking was 37.4 (15.9-67.8) in Lebanon and 5.9 (2.5-10.6) in Saudi Arabia, which were the highest and lowest in the region, respectively.ConclusionsThe PCa incidence and prevalence rates increased during 1990-2019; however, the death rate stagnated. The increase in the incidence was mostly due to the rise in the age-specific incidence rate, rather than population growth or aging. The burden of PCa attributable to smoking has decreased in the past 30 years.

This review highlights using nanotechnology in increasing the bioavailability of AP (Apigenin) to enhance its therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer treatment. Breast cancer is one of the most leading causes of cancer death in women both in developed and developing countries. According to several epidemiological and clinical trial studies that indicate progestin-stimulated breast cancer in post-menopausal women; it is necessary to determine compounds to suppress or attenuate the tumor-promoting effects of progestins in breast cells. For this purpose, using the natural anti-progestins, including AP compared with the chemical ones could be significantly effective due to the lack of toxicities and contradiction effects. However, AP is categorized as a Class II drug of Biopharmaceutical Classification System with low solubility in water which limited its therapeutic effects. Therefore, nanotechnology due to the presentation of remarkable properties has overcome this limitation through enhanced the solubility and bioavailability of AP. In this regard, various nanocarriers such as nanocrystals, micelles, liposomes, PLGA, etc., have highlighted the significantly increased bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of AP. Therefore, we will focus on the anticancer effects of AP in breast cancers, including involved mechanisms, the chemistry of AP and its bioavailability, finally different nanostructure systems to enhance the bioavailability of AP.

Background and Objectives: Ischemia-Reperfusion injury, followed by the production of oxygen free radicals and oxidative stress are the main limitations of ovarian tissue transplantation. We aimed to investigate the effects of quercetin as an antioxidant on the quality of autotransplanted mouse ovaries. Methods In total, 36 female NMRI mice were divided into 3 groups of control, autografted, and autografted + quercetin (50 mg/kg/day). Treatment was performed one day before till 7 days after transplantation and 28 days after transplantation; ovaries were removed for stereological assessments. Serum samples were collected on days 7 and 28 post-transplantation to measure the level of malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, estradiol, and progesterone. The obtained data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test at the significance level of P

The functionalization of nanomaterials with suitable capping ligands or bioactive agents is an interesting strategy in designing nanosystems with suitable applicability and biocompatibility; the physicochemical and biological properties of these nanomaterials can be highly improved for biomedical applications. In this context, numerous explorations have been conducted in the functionalization of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanomaterials using suitable functional groups or agents to design nanosystems with unique physicochemical properties such as excellent biosensing capabilities, biocompatibility, targeting features, and multifunctionality for biomedical purposes. Future studies should be undertaken for designing novel functionalization tactics to improve the properties of Au- and Ag-based nanosystems and reduce their toxicity. The possible release of cytotoxic radicals or ions, the internalization of nanomaterials, the alteration of cellular signaling pathways, the translocation of these nanomaterials across the cell membranes into mitochondria, DNA damages, and the damage of cell membranes are the main causes of their toxicity, which ought to be comprehensively explored. In this study, recent advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic applications of functionalized Au and Ag nanomaterials are deliberated, focusing on important challenges and future directions.

Background & objectives: One of the most important diabetes complications is chronic renal failure. This disorder is one of the most important progressive renal problems that is closely associated with high mortality rate in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of conjugated blackcurrant extract and zinc oxide nanoparticles on histopathologic damages of kidney tissue in diabetic rats. Methods: A total of thirty adult Wistar rats were used and they were randomly divided into the following six groups (n=5): control group; diabetic group (170 mg/kg alloxan); diabetic group treated with insulin (170 mg/kg alloxan & 10 U/kg insulin); diabetic group treated with ZnO nanoparticle (170 mg/kg alloxan & 8 mg/kg ZnO nanoparticle); diabetic group treated with extract (170 mg/kg alloxan & 150 mg/kg blackcurrant extract) and diabetic group treated with extract conjugated with ZnO nanoparticles (170 mg/kg alloxan & 8 mg/kg blackcurrant extract conjugated with ZnO nanoparticle). Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate. Conjugated blackcurrant extract and ZnO nanoparticles were produced using green synthesis method. The tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain. Image J software was used for evaluation of histopathological changes. Results: The comparison between groups treated with blackcurrant extract, ZnO nanoparticles and blackcurrant extract conjugated with ZnO nanoparticle showed that these compounds somewhat protect kidney tissue from diabetes damage . The highest protective effect was observed in diabetic group treated with ZnO nanoparticles conjugated with blackcurrant extract. Conclusion: Our study, for the first time, showed that the conjugation of blackcurrant extract to ZnO nanoparticles can be effective in preventing renal- tissue damage in diabetic patient.

Several pieces of research have been done on transition metal nanoparticles and their nanocomplexes as research on their physical and chemical properties and their relationship to biological features are of great importance. Among all their biological properties, the antibacterial and antimicrobial are especially important due to their high use for human needs. In this article, we will discuss the different synthesis and modification methods of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles and their physicochemical properties. We will also review some state-of-art studies and find the best relationship between the nanoparticles’ physicochemical properties and potential antimicrobial activity. The possible antimicrobial mechanism of these types of nanoparticles will be discussed in-depth as well.

Background: Elbow fracture, especially supracondylar fracture, is one of the most common fractures in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of elbow fractures in children aged 2 to 18 years. Methods: In this study, 340 patients with elbow fracture aged 2 to 18 years who referred to emergency departments of Kashani and Alzahra hospitals in Isfahan City, Iran, during the period from 2014 to 2017 were evaluated. Age, sex, type of fracture, season of injury, mechanism of injury, and vascular and neurological damages were studied. Findings: 340 patients with an average age of 7.88 ± 4.94 years participated in the study. Most of the patients aged under 4 years (31.8%), or 4 to 8 years (31.5%), while 75.6% of the patients were boys. The most common type of fracture was supracondylar (65%), the most common season of injury was spring (38.5%), and the most common injury mechanism was falling (87.6%). Among the injuries followed fractures, 10% were vascular and 16.5% were neuronal damages. Conclusion: Considering that the elbow fracture, especially supracondylar type, is more common in boys, and in the age group of 4 to 8 years, it usually occurs with falling, and accompanies by vascular and neurological damages. Its proper control and treatment can prevent subsequent damages.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely used as porous nanomaterials for different applications ranging from industrial to biomedicals. An unpredictable one-pot method is introduced to synthesize NH2-MIL-53 assisted by high-gravity in a greener media for the first time. Then, porphyrins were deployed to adorn the surface of MOF to increase the sensitivity of the prepared nanocomposite to the genetic materials and in-situ cellular protein structures. The hydrogen bond formation between genetic domains and the porphyrin’ nitrogen as well as the surface hydroxyl groups is equally probable and could be considered a milestone in chemical physics and physical chemistry for biomedical applications. In this context, the role of incorporating different forms of porphyrins, their relationship with the final surface morphology, and their drug/gene loading efficiency were investigated to provide a predictable pattern in regard to the previous works. The conceptual phenomenon was optimized to increase the interactions between the biomolecules and the substrate by reaching the limit of detection to 10 pM for the Anti-cas9 protein, 20 pM for the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), below 10 pM for the single guide RNA (sgRNA) and also around 10 nM for recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen. Also, the MTT assay showed acceptable relative cell viability of more than 85% in most cases, even by increasing the dose of the prepared nanostructures.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the COVID-19 pandemic that has been spreading around the world since December 2019. More than 10 million affected cases and more than half a million deaths have been reported so far, while no vaccine is yet available as a treatment. Considering the global healthcare urgency, several techniques, including whole genome sequencing and computed tomography imaging have been employed for diagnosing infected people. Considerable efforts are also directed at detecting and preventing different modes of community transmission. Among them is the rapid detection of virus presence on different surfaces with which people may come in contact. Detection based on non-contact optical techniques is very helpful in managing the spread of the virus, and to aid in the disinfection of surfaces. Nanomaterial-based methods are proven suitable for rapid detection. Given the immense need for science led innovative solutions, this manuscript critically reviews recent literature to specifically illustrate nano-engineered effective and rapid solutions. In addition, all the different techniques are critically analyzed, compared, and contrasted to identify the most promising methods. Moreover, promising research ideas for high accuracy of detection in trace concentrations, via color change and light-sensitive nanostructures, to assist fingerprint techniques (to identify the virus at the contact surface of the gas and solid phase) are also presented.