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Abstract Extracellular vehicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound particles that are released by both cancer and stromal cells. These vesicles have emerged as key mediators of intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment. In particular, EVs have been shown to play a critical role in facilitating the interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding stroma. Through the transfer of various bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, EVs are able to modulate the behavior of recipient cells and promote tumorigenesis. Additionally, EVs can also contribute to the development of drug resistance and immune evasion, further highlighting their importance in cancer progression. This review will summarize the current knowledge regarding EV-mediated interactions between cancer and stromal cells, and discuss their implications for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

In this study, a wound-healing membrane was fabricated based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) containing curcumin (Cur) and bromelain (Br). Citric acid (CA) was used as a cross-linking agent. This membrane showed an ideal degree of swelling, which was significantly dependent on the concentration and duration of cross-linked CA. The chemical characterization showed the CA cross-linker mechanism was more associated with chemical reactions with CMC carboxyl groups, and PEG hydroxyl groups played an important role in forming a hybrid polymer network. It greatly enhanced mechanical and adhesive properties, so the stress strength was improved from 29.4 to 38.52 Mpa. The hydrophilicity of the membrane surface according to the water contact angle assay showed the membrane surface is suitable for adhesion, growth, migration, and proliferation of skin cells. The drug delivery assay demonstrated that the Br and Cur were released during 48 h, but the Br followed the burst release in comparison with Cur. Antibacterial properties showed that CMC/PEG-Cur/Br have ideal antibacterial properties for preventing the growth of bacteria. In summary, the engineered CMC/PEG containing Cur/Br films with desired cell viability properties and antibacterial activity can potentially improve and accelerate skin regeneration for chronic wound healing. Highlights * Hydrogel film was prepared based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and citric acid as cross-linking agent. * CMC/PEG film were induced controlling curcumin (Cur) and bromelain (Br) release for wound healing process. * CMC/PEG film revealed a wide range of physiochemical, mechanical, adhesion, and biological properties behavior. * Incorporation of Cur and Br promoted in vitro biocompatibility, L-929 cells attachments, and cell migration. KEYWORDS antibacterial properties, bromelain, carboxymethyl cellulose, curcumin, drug delivery, polyethylene glycol, wound dressing, 1 | INTRODUCTION As the largest human tissue, the skin serves a crucial role as a barrier against infection. (1) Due to an incomplete physical barrier and exposed subcutaneous tissue, [...]

Abstract Vitrinite reflectance (VR) is a critical measure of source rock maturity in geochemistry. Although VR is a widely accepted measure of maturity, its accurate measurement often proves challenging and costly. Rock–Eval pyrolysis offers the advantages of being cost-effective, fast, and providing accurate data. Previous studies have employed empirical equations and traditional machine learning methods using T-max data for VR prediction, but these approaches often yielded subpar results. Therefore, the quest to develop a precise method for predicting vitrinite reflectance based on Rock–Eval data becomes particularly valuable. This study presents a novel approach to predicting VR using advanced machine learning models, namely ExtraTree and XGBoost, along with new ways to prepare the data, such as winsorization for outlier treatment and principal component analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction. The depth and three Rock–Eval parameters (T-max, S1/TOC, and HI) were used as input variables. Three model sets were examined: Set 1, which involved both Winsorization and PCA; Set 2, which only included Winsorization; and Set 3, which did not include either. The results indicate that the ExtraTree model in Set 1 demonstrated the highest level of predictive accuracy, whereas Set 3 exhibited the lowest level of accuracy, confirming the methodology's effectiveness. The ExtraTree model obtained an overall R2 score of 0.997, surpassing traditional methods by a significant margin. This approach improves the accuracy and dependability of virtual reality predictions, showing significant advancements compared to conventional empirical equations and traditional machine learning methods.

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to specifically investigate Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD), as one of the noteworthy disorders within the spectrum of anxiety disorders, among children and adolescents, after overcoming the crises caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Efforts were also made to identify socio-demographic factors that could be associated with changes in SAD level and also to assess the effect of different constituting dimensions of SAD on the severity of this disorder. Methods In this cross-sectional study, face-to-face interviews were conducted with the parents of 317 (7-13-year-old) Iranian students, who were selected through a multi-stage random sampling method in the city of Shiraz. During the interviews, socio-demographic data were collected, and subsequently, SAD symptoms and dimensions were assessed using the Separation Anxiety Assessment Scale (Parent Version) (SAAS-P) questionnaire. Later, employing the Partition Around Medoids (PAM) statistical method, the participants were categorized into two groups with low and high levels of SAD. Also, to understand the interaction between the different dimensions of SAD, the network analysis method was employed. Finally, univariate analysis and logistic regression were utilized, with a significance level of 0.05, to determine potential associating factors with the level of SAD. Results The sample included 128 girls and 189 boys with a mean age of 9.63 ± 2.63 and 9.63 ± 1.95 years respectively. Based on the PAM method, 51.1% of the participants presented a high level of SAD. According to network analysis, it was demonstrated that the “fear of abandonment” dimension plays a central role in high levels of SAD. Based on logistic regression, female gender, age ≥ 10 years, parents’ unacademic educational background, mother’s employment, and child’s history of physical/mental problems were significantly associated with the high level of SAD. Conclusions A considerable number of the participants in this study presented a high level of SAD with the “fear of abandonment” being a key influential dimension of elevated levels of this disorder. Maternal employment, female gender, child’s history of health issues, and low parental education were identified as important contributors to the high SAD level. Considering these factors allows for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. However, the need for further studies remains crucial.

Abstract Surface-active ionic liquids (SAILs) have gained much attention due to their green, stable, and efficient properties. The high costs associated with SAILs have raised concerns in their applications; however, blending with conventional surfactants like sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) can bring about desired outcomes. Gemini surface-active ionic liquids (GSAILs) have been recognized as more efficient surfactants. Accordingly, this study investigates the influence of a mixture of an imidazolium-based GSAIL, [C4im-C6-imC4][Br2], and SDBS on different aspects of crude oil−water interfacial properties. The findings show remarkable synergy in interfacial tension (IFT) reduction up to 98.8% together with incredibly low IFT value of 0.05 mN m−1. This was with an optimal GSAIL mole fraction of 0.2 in the mixture. Further, the surfactant mixture gives synergies of 52.6% in emulsification and 51.8% in wettability of a quartz surface. These amazing results can be explained by the dominant interactions between the oppositely charged components. In theoretical study, the adsorption of individual surfactants and their mixtures was analyzed based on the Frumkin isotherm and the Rosen model, respectively, further supporting the findings.

Background: Smoking prevalence among U.S. adults experiencing homelessness is ≥70 %. Interventions are needed to address persisting tobacco disparities. Methods: Adults who smoked combustible cigarettes (CC) daily (N=60) were recruited from an urban day shelter and randomly assigned to an e-cigarette switching intervention with or without financial incentives for carbon monoxide (CO)-verified CC abstinence (EC vs. EC+FI). All participants received an e-cigarette device and nicotine pods during the first 4 weeks post-switch; and those in the EC+FI group also received escalating weekly incentives for CC abstinence during the same period. Key follow-ups were conducted at 4- and 8-weeks post-switch. Results: Participants were predominantly male (75 %), 50 % were racially/ethnically minoritized, with an average age of 48.8 years. Descriptive analyses indicated that CC smoking abstinence rates among EC and EC+FI were 3.3 % vs. 13.3 % at 4 weeks (8.3 % overall) and 10.0 % vs. 13.3 % at 8 weeks (11.7 % overall) in the intent-to-treat analyses (missing considered smoking). Among those who completed follow-ups (51.7 % and 45.0 % at 4- and 8-weeks), CC abstinence rates in EC and EC+FI were 6.3 % vs. 26.7 % at 4 weeks (16.1 % overall) and 21.4 % vs. 30.8 % at 8 weeks (25.9 % overall). EC+FI participants reported fewer days of smoking, more days of e-cigarette use, and greater reductions in CO at 4-week follow-up. Most participants reported a high likelihood of switching to e-cigarettes (67.7 %). Conclusion: E-cigarette switching with financial incentives for CC cessation is a promising approach to tobacco harm reduction among adults accessing shelter services. Refinements are needed to improve engagement.

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using three different concentrations of phycocyanin and two different laser powers on Streptococcus mutans. Materials and methods: In this study, Streptococcus mutans was investigated using three different concentrations of phycocyanin (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL), in the presence and absence of 635 nm diode laser at two power levels (400 and 500 mW). The treatments were as follows: the control group received no treatment. The next 3 groups received only the phycocyanin at 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL. The remaining groups received both phycocyanin and laser treatment. Finally, bacteria were counted using the colony forming units (CFUs)/mL method. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 26 software and ANOVA statistical test. Results: All groups except for the phycocyanin group at a concentration of 10 mg/mL showed a statistically significant difference compared to the control group (p-Value < 0.05). Additionally, the least effect was observed in the control and the phycocyanin at a concentration of 10 mg/mL groups, while the greatest effect was found in the group receiving phycocyanin at 2.5 mg/mL concentration and laser with a power of 500 mW (2.5 + DL500). Conclusion: aPDT can be used as a complementary and non-invasive method to reduce bacterial load. The effectiveness of aPDT decreased with increasing phycocyanin concentration. Moreover, higher laser irradiation power resulted in reduced Streptococcus mutans bacterial load. Thus, the most pronounced effects were observed in the group receiving phycocyanin at 2.5 mg/mL concentration and 635 nm diode laser with a power of 500 mW (2.5 + DL500).

This Phase I/IIa open-label, single-arm clinical trial addressing advanced, refractory, metastatic breast cancer was conducted at six medical centers in the United States. We repeated inoculations with irradiated SV-BR-1-GM, a breast cancer cell line with antigen-presenting activity engineered to release granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), with pre-dose low-dose cyclophosphamide and post-dose local interferon alpha. Twenty-six patients were enrolled; 23 (88.5%) were inoculated, receiving a total of 79 inoculations. There were six Grade 4 and one Grade 5 adverse events noted (judged unrelated to SV-BR-1-GM). Disease control (stable disease [SD]) occurred in 8 of 16 evaluable patients; 4 showed objective regression of metastases, including 1 patient with near-complete regressions in 20 of 20 pulmonary lesions. All patients with regressions had human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matches with SV-BR-1-GM; non-responders were equally divided between matching and nonmatching (p = .01, Chi-squared), and having ≥2 HLA matches with SV-BR-1-GM (n = 6) correlated with clinical benefit. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) testing to candida antigen and SV-BR-1-GM generated positive responses (≥5 mm) in 11 (42.3%) and 13 (50%) patients, respectively. Quantifying peripheral circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs) showed that a drop in CAMLs was significantly correlated with an improvement in progression-free survival (PFS; 4.1 months vs. 1.8 months, p = .0058). Eight of 10 patients significantly upregulated programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) on CTCs/CAMLs with treatment (p = .0012). These observations support the safety of the Bria-IMT regimen, demonstrate clinical regressions, imply a role for HLA matching, and identify a possible value for monitoring CAMLs in peripheral blood.

The aim of this research was to fabricate and evaluate polyglycerol sebacate/polycaprolactone/reduced graphene oxide (PGS-PCL-RGO) composite scaffolds for myocardial tissue engineering. Polyglycerol sebacate polymer was synthesized using glycerol and sebacic acid prepolymers, confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Six PGS-PCL-RGO composite scaffolds (S1-S6) with various weight ratios were prepared in chloroform (CF) and acetone (Ace) solvents at 8 CF:2Ace and 9 CF:1Ace volume ratios, using the electrospinning method at a rate of 1 ml/h and a voltage of 18 kV. The scaffolds' chemical composition and microstructure were characterized by FTIR, XRD, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further investigations included tensile testing, contact angle testing, four-point probe testing for electrical conductivity, degradation testing, and cytotoxicity testing (MTT). The results showed that adding 2%wt RGO to the composite scaffold decreased fiber diameter and degradation rate, while increasing electrical conductivity and ductility. The 33%PGS-65%PCL-2%RGO (S3) composite scaffold exhibited the lowest degradation rate (23.87 % over 60 days) and the highest electrical conductivity (51E-3 S/m). Mechanical evaluations revealed an elastic modulus of 2.46 MPa and elongation of 62.43 %, aligning closely with the heart muscle's elastomeric properties. The contact angle test indicated that the scaffold was hydrophilic, with a water contact angle of 61 ± 2°. Additionally, the cell toxicity test confirmed that scaffolds containing RGO were non-toxic and supported good cell viability. In conclusion, the 33%PGS-65%PCL-2%RGO composite scaffold exhibits mechanical and structural properties similar to heart tissue, making it an ideal candidate for myocardial tissue engineering.

Introduction Due to the low amount of prolamin, rice flour is the most suitable raw material for preparing food for patients with celiac disease. Particle size classification and thermal treatments are among the physical methods to improve the functional characteristics of gluten-free flours and as a result, improve the quality of the products obtained from them. Particle size can increase the quality of gluten-free products by affecting the physicochemical properties of flour during hydration. Dry heat treatment and moist heat treatment are common techniques for physical modification which, depending on the intensity of temperature and storage time, lead to the improvement of gluten-free products by modifying starch grains, aroma, and flavor, and reducing microbial load. Considering that the effect of rice flour particle size on the quality of gluten-free bread has not been studied so far, in the current research, by dividing rice flour into particles with sizes of 180, 150, and 125 microns and using moist and dry heat treatments, The possibility of improving the functional characteristics of rice flour and improving the quality characteristics of gluten-free bread were investigated. Materials and Methods The content of moisture, pH, ash, and protein of rice flour was measured using AACC standard method (2000) and the total amount of starch was measured by the alkaline extraction method and the amount of starch damage was measured by non-enzymatic rapid method. To classify the size of the particles, waxy rice flour was divided by a shaker sieve with different sizes of 180, 150, and 125 microns, then under the influence of dry heat treatment for 2 hours and moist heat treatment with 25% humidity for 5 hours at a 110°C To produce gluten-free bread, the formulation used by Haghighat‐Kharazi (2020) was used with a slight change. Ingredients for gluten-free bread formulation for 100 grams of rice flour included 125 ml of water, 4.5 grams of sugar, 2 grams of salt, 6 grams of vegetable oil, 3 grams of yeast, and 2 grams of xanthan gum. Bread characteristics, which include weight loss, specific volume, oven spring, crumb crust ratio, shape index, porosity, crust and crumb color, and bread texture analysis were studied to evaluate the quality of bread. Finally, the factorial test was used to investigate the effects of particle size and heat treatment of rice flour, and Duncan's multiple range test was used to compare the means at the 5% probability level. Results and Discussions The results showed that the effect of particle size on weight loss, specific volume, oven spring, crumb to crust ratio, crust, and crumb color parameters, and bread texture was not significant (p>0.05). Regarding the sample volume index, C80 and DHT120 significantly had the lowest volume index (p

Abstract Novel wound dressings with therapeutic effects are being continually designed to improve the wound healing process. In this study, the structural, chemical, physical, and biological properties of an electrospun poly glycerol sebacate/poly lactide acid/platelet-rich plasma (PGS/PLA-PRP) nanofibers were evaluated to determine its impacts on in vitro wound healing. Results revealed desirable cell viability in the Fibroblast (L929) and macrophage (RAW-264.7) cell lines as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Cell migration was evident in the scratch assay (L929 cell line) so that it promoted scratch contraction to accelerate in vitro wound healing. Moreover, addition of PRP to the fiber structure led to enhanced collagen deposition (~ 2 times) in comparison with PGS/PLA scaffolds. While by addition PRP to PGS/PLA fibers not only decreased the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in RAW-264.7 cells but also led to significantly increased levels of cytokine (IL-10) and the growth factor (TGF-β), which are related to the anti-inflammatory phase (M2 phenotype). Finally, PGS/PLA-PRP was found to induce a significant level of angiogenesis by forming branching points, loops, and tubes. Based on the results obtained, the PGS/PLA-PRP dressing developed might be a promising evolution in skin tissue engineering ensuring improved wound healing and tissue regeneration.

Background: Contrast induced nephropathy is a potential cause of mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing angiography–angioplasty. Except for hydrating and probably low – isoosmolar contrast agents in high risk groups, other modalities have not provided benefit. We investigated preventive effects of captopril for contrast induced nephropathy during angiography–angioplasty. Methods: In a double blind placebo controlled clinical trial, 88 patients were randomized to two groups: 42 patients received captopril (12.5 mg) every 8 hours from 2 hours before the procedure until 48 hours thereafter, and 46 patients received placebo in the same manner. Serum creatinine was measured before and 48 hours after angioplasty. The data were analyzed by SPSS software, using unpaired student t-test for comparing mean creatinine rise in both groups and paired student t-test for the changes in serum creatinine in each group. Results: The mean creatinine rise in captopril group (0.214 mg/dl) and placebo group (0.226 mg/dl) were not significantly different. The incidence of acute renal failure (creatinine rise more than 0.5 mg/dl) in the captopril (11.9 %) and placebo group (10.8 %) were not significantly different. Conclusion: Captopril does not effectively prevent contrast nephropathy, but it is not harmful for renal function and can be administered safely during angiography – angioplasty in patients with normal renal function. However, the effect of captopril in patients with high- risk characteristics remains to be clarified. Of note, we found a trend for less creatinine rise in diabetics who received captopril during the procedure in comparison to diabetics who received placebo. Keywords: Angiography, Angioplasty, Contrast induced Nephropathy, Captopril, Angiotension Converting Enzyme Inhibitor, Creatinine

Abstract The study of acid fracture conductivity stands as a pivotal aspect of petroleum engineering, offering a well-established technique to amplify production rates in carbonate reservoirs. This research delves into the intricate dynamics influencing the conductivity of acid fractures, particularly under varying closure stresses and in diverse rock formations. The conductivity of acid fractures is intricately interconnected with the dissolution of rock, etching patterns on fracture surfaces, rock strength, and closure stress. To accurately predict fracture conductivity under different closure stresses, a robust model is necessary. This model involves assessing both the baseline fracture conductivity under zero closure stress and the rate of conductivity variation as closure stress fluctuates. Key among the influential factors affecting fracture conductivity is the type of rock within the reservoir. Understanding and predicting the behavior of different formations under disparate closure stresses poses a significant challenge, as does deciphering the diverse effects of treatment parameters such as acid injection rate and strength on fracture conductivity. In this study, the predictive power of XGBoost, a machine learning algorithm, was explored in assessing acid fracture conductivity in dolomite and limestone formations. The findings revealed XGBoost's ability to outperform previous studies in predicting fracture conductivity in both types of formations. Notably, it exhibited superior accuracy in forecasting fracture conductivity under varying treatment conditions, underscoring its robustness and versatility. The research underscores the pivotal role of closure stress, dissolution rate of rock (DREC), and rock strength in influencing fracture conductivity. By integrating these parameters into the design of acid fracturing operations, accurate predictions can be achieved, allowing for the optimization of treatment designs. This study illuminates the potential of XGBoost in optimizing acid fracturing treatments, ultimately bolstering well productivity in carbonate reservoirs. Furthermore, it advocates for the essential nature of separate modeling and analysis based on rock types to comprehend and optimize fracturing processes. The comparison between dolomite and limestone formations unveiled distinct conductivity behaviors, underlining the significance of tailored analyses based on rock type for precise operational optimization.

Antibiotics enter the environment, mainly aquatic environments, through the effluents of pharmaceutical industries, antibiotic factories, hospitals, human and animal sewage. Toxicity (carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and damage to the body's DNA), biodegradability, and drug resistance in antibiotics have caused these compounds to be called semi-persistent pollutants in the environment. The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of ultrasonic waves in reducing the antibiotic amoxiclav in aqueous solutions. The discharge and flow velocity parameters have been neglected due to their insignificance. The investigated variables included contact time, amoxiclav concentration, and pH. Antibiotics were based on concentrations of 2 and 6 mg/L of Amoxiclav, retention time (30, 45, 60) minutes, and pH values (3, 7, 9) in an ultrasonic device with a volume of 10 liters and internal dimensions (20*30*50), and the frequency was set to 95. Then the remaining concentration in the samples was measured by HPLC. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis with SPSS software. As the retention time increases, the initial concentration of the antibiotic decreases, but on the contrary, as the initial concentration increases, the removal of the antibiotic decreases. The highest concentration reduction of amoxiclav in concentration 2 (mg/L) is about 50% in the retention time of 60 minutes and pH = 3, but in concentration of 6 (mg/L), the highest concentration reduction is in the same retention time and pH of about 47%. The advantages of ultrasonication are easy application, acceleration of chemical and biological processes, no production of secondary pollutants, reduction of suspended and soluble substances in water, and an effective and cheap method to remove the antibiotic Amoxiclav.

In this research a SWAT model was assembled and used to evaluate the effects of climate change on runoff and drought in a semi-arid basin in Iran. The SWAT model showed good performance in the simulation of runoff. Eleven General Circulation Models (GCMs) under Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 and Representative concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP45 and RCP85) scenarios, and the period 2022-2041 was selected to investigate future projections. It was predicted that under all of the scenarios, runoff will decrease significantly. Annual rates showed that runoff will fall to 7.73 m3/s (11.6% decreased) and 6.78 m3/s (22.5% decreased) under RCP45 and RCP85 from 8.75 m3/s during next 20 years in this basin, respectively. In this research, the meteorological and hydrological droughts were estimated using SPI and SDI indices, respectively. By coupling of climate change scenarios and SWAT models it was found that the severity of droughts in the future will be far greater than has ever happened before. Key words: climate change, hydrological drought, SDI, semi-arid basin, SPI, SWAT. HIGHLIGHTS Evaluation of SDI and SPI for the 2022–2041 period.; Using compatible models to simulate future climate scenarios.; Description of Iran's macro-level drought management strategies.;

The advancement of tissue engineering for regenerating injured tissues and organs has progressed significantly in recent years. Various techniques have been used to modify the cells' microenvironments in the targeted tissue via their extracellular environment for achieving these aims. The 3D structured scaffolds alone or combined with bioactive molecules or genes and cells hold great promise for the development of functional engineered tissues. As an emerging and state-of-the-art technology in this field, integrating tissue engineering and gene therapy, known as gene-activated matrix (GAM), has gained immense attention as a promising approach for restoring damaged or dysfunctional tissues' function and structure. Nonetheless, fabricating GAMs with low cytotoxicity, high transfection efficiency, and long-term gene delivery efficiency is still challenging. Here we provide a complete overview of different tissue engineering approaches and their ongoing preclinical research trials. Moreover, the GAM strategy with a focus on gene-activated matrix development, faithful application, and future prospects as a tissue repair and regeneration replacement is assayed. The challenges and future research prospects in regenerative medicine are also presented. Eventually, we propose that GAMs offer a basic mechanistic infrastructure for “tissue engineering” to pave the way for clinical translation and achieve personalized regenerative medicine.