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Background: Some patients with GDM (Gestational Diabetes Mellitus) still experience impaired glucose tolerance after childbirth and will be affected by diabetes mellitus type 2. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between hs-CRP serum levels with insulin resistance six weeks after childbirth in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus type 2. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 110 patients with GDM were evaluated in terms of the insulin resistance index (HOMA), hs-CRP serum, and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) six weeks after childbirth. Their anthropometric indices were measured in the early pregnancy. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis were used to analyze data in SPSS 16. Results: The mean of hs-CRP was 8.72 µg/ml among the patients in this study. It is higher than the normal range. Moreover, 24.5% of the patients were suffering from impaired glucose tolerance, and hs-CRP levels were higher than the normal range in 92.6% of these patients. Furthermore, 41.8% of patients showed insulin resistance, and hs-CRP levels were high among 73.9% of them. After age adjustment, the increase in hs-CRP serum level was significantly correlated with insulin resistance (HOMA) and the one-hour and two-hour OGTTs (p=0.007 and p

Abstract Background The effectiveness of alveolar ridge preservation on bone regeneration and tissue healing has been thoroughly documented in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the peri-implant soft and hard tissue changes after alveolar ridge preservation using either platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) over a 12-month period following the prosthetic loading of implants. Methods In this randomized clinical trial, 40 individuals were recruited for alveolar ridge preservation using (1) FDBA or (2) PRF in incisal/premolar areas. At two follow-up sessions (six- and 12-months post-implant insertion), radiographic imaging and clinical examinations assessed marginal bone loss and soft tissue factors, including gingival recession and bleeding on probing. The differences between study groups were analyzed using Generalized estimating Equations, the Binary logistic regression model, and Cochran’s Q test. Results There was a statistically significant difference regarding gingival recession at both follow-up evaluations; values in the PRF group were considerably lower compared to the FDBA group (p 0.05). Conclusions Except for gingival recession, applying PRF yielded comparable clinical results to FDBA after one year of implant loading and could be recommended as a potential biomaterial for alveolar ridge preservation following tooth extractions. Clinical trial registration The research protocol was registered in the Protocol Registration and Results System on 13/08/2021, available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ (NCT05005377).

Abstract Background Through investigating genetic variations, it has been demonstrated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-23 receptor (IL23R) gene have a critical role in the pathophysiology of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Here, we investigated whether the IL23R variant (rs1884444) is associated with AS in the Iranian population. Methods and material In this research, we analyzed rs1884444 in a group of 425 patients with AS and 400 matched controls. For DNA extraction, the phenol/chloroform technique was utilized. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from the whole blood of 39 patients and 43 healthy controls and total RNA was extracted. Genotyping was performed by amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS)–PCR method. Afterward, the expression level of IL23R was analyzed by the real-time quantitative (Q)-PCR method. Results We observed no significant association between the distribution of alleles and genotypes of rs1884444 and susceptibility to AS. In addition, the expression level of IL23R did not differ between PBMCs from AS patients compared to the control group (P = 0.167). Furthermore, the relative expression level of IL23R was positively correlated with the BASDAI (P

Introduction: The present study was conducted with aim to investigate the expression of the CYFIP1 gene in the umbilical cord blood (UCB) of newborns and its possible relationship with different categories of pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI), lipid profile, birth weight and infant status for gestational age.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2020 to 2021 on UCB of 118 male newborns from Mousavi and Bahman hospitals in Zanjan. According to pre-pregnancy BMI, women were divided into three groups: normal, overweight and obese. Each UCB sample was divided into two parts. A part was used to analyze the lipid profile including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). mRNA extraction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed to investigate the expression of CYFIP1 gene. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 21) and Pearson's correlation test. P

Abstract Background Due to loss of peripheral nerve structure and/or function resulting from trauma, accidents, and other causes, peripheral nerve injuries continue to be a major clinical problem. These injuries can cause partial or total loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic capabilities as well as neuropathic pain. PNI affects between 13 and 23 out of every 100,000 people annually in developed countries. Regeneration of damaged nerves and restoration of function after peripheral nerve injury remain significant therapeutic challenges. Although autologous nerve graft transplantation is a viable therapy option in several clinical conditions, donor site morbidity and a lack of donor tissue often hinder full functional recovery. Biomimetic conduits used in tissue engineering to encourage and direct peripheral nerve regeneration by providing a suitable microenvironment for nerve ingrowth are only one example of the cutting-edge methods made possible by this field. Many innate extracellular matrix (ECM) structures of different tissues can be successfully mimicked by nanofibrous scaffolds. Nanofibrous scaffolds can closely mimic the surface structure and morphology of native ECMs of many tissues. Methods In this study, we have produced bilayer nanofibrous nerve conduit based on poly-lactic acid/polyurethane/multiwall carbon nanotube (PLA/PU/MWCNT), for application as composite scaffolds for static nerve tissue engineering. The contact angle was indicated to show the hydrophilicity properties of electrospun nanofibers. The SEM images were analyzed to determine the fiber’s diameters, scaffold morphology, and endometrial stem cell adhesion. Moreover, MTT assay and DAPI staining were used to show the viability and proliferation of endometrial stem cells. Results The constructed bilayer PLA/PU/MWCNT scaffolds demonstrated the capacity to support cell attachment, and the vitality of samples was assessed using SEM, MTT assay, and DAPI staining technique. Conclusions According to an in vitro study, electrospun bilayer PLA/PU/MWCNT scaffolds can encourage the adhesion and proliferation of human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) and create the ideal environment for increasing cell survival.

Abstract Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with severe COVID-19 is common (> 50%). A specific inflammatory process has been suggested in the pathogenesis of AKI, which could be improved by dexamethasone (DXM). In a small monocenter study (n = 100 patients), we reported a potential protective effect of DXM on the risk of AKI. This study aimed to investigate the preventive impact of DXM on AKI in a multicenter study of patients with severe COVID-19. Methods We conducted a multicenter study in three French ICUs from March 2020 to August 2021. All patients admitted to ICU for severe COVID-19 were included. Individuals with preexistent AKI or DXM administration before admission to ICU were excluded. While never used during the first wave, DXM was used subsequently at ICU entry, providing two treatment groups. Multivariate Cause-specific Cox models taking into account changes in ICU practices over time, were utilized to determine the association between DXM and occurrence of AKI. Results Seven hundred and ninety-eight patients were included. Mean age was 62.6 ± 12.1 years, 402/798 (50%) patients had hypertension, and 46/798 (6%) had previous chronic kidney disease. Median SOFA was 4 [3–6] and 420/798 (53%) required invasive mechanical ventilation. ICU mortality was 208/798 (26%). AKI was present in 598/798 (75%) patients: 266/598 (38%), 163/598 (27%), and 210/598 (35%) had, respectively, AKI KDIGO 1, 2, 3, and 61/598 (10%) patients required renal replacement therapy. Patients receiving DXM had a significantly decreased hazard of AKI occurrence compared to patients without DXM (HR 0.67; 95CI 0.55–0.81). These results were consistent in analyses that (1) excluded patients with DXM administration to AKI onset delay of less than 12 h, (2) incorporating the different ‘waves’ of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions DXM was associated with a decrease in the risk of AKI in severe COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU. This supports the hypothesis that the inflammatory injury of AKI may be preventable.

Background and Objectives: The main cause of mortality in burn patients is infection from burns. Drug-resistant bacteria are the main causes of wound infection, so alternative antibiotic therapies hold significant importance. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a collagen hydrogel that contains a nanoemulsion of Lavandula essential oil on the healing process of infected burn wounds. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 20 rats were randomly divided after applying burns with a 10 mm diameter hot plate and infecting the wounds with multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa into four groups, including a positive control, a negative control, the first experiment (collagen hydrogel), and the second experiment (collagen hydrogel containing Lavandula essential oil nanoemulsion). On the 4th, 11th, and 18th days, tissue samples were taken for pathology studies. The important parameters in burn wound healing with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining methods were investigated and scored according to Abramov’s method. Results: Based on the pathology findings, experimental groups 1 and 2 compared to the negative and positive control groups were effective in rat infection wound healing. The hydrogel scaffold in the experimental groups increased fibroblasts and angiogenesis compared to the control groups. Epithelization was noticed only in the hydrogel group containing nanoemulsion. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the use of collagen hydrogel with Lavandula essential oil nanoemulsion has potential as a wound dressing. This is because it has the potential to effectively promote healing and act as an antibacterial agent to prevent infections.

Abstract Collagen nanofibers can be employed in hydrogels to create injectable nanocomposite hydrogels, mimicking the fibrous architecture of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). As long continuous electrospun collagen nanofibers are not applicable, fragmentation is inevitable to obtain injectable hydrogels with a fine viscosity. Here, four methods: hand grinding (HG), homogenizer (HM), mixer milling (MM), and ultrasonication (UH) are used to disintegrate and shorten collagen nanofiber mats before incorporation into an injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogel as a matrix. The Length‐to‐diameter (L/d) ratio and morphology of fragmented collagen are compared by SEM. The injection force, mechanical properties, and cell viability of the selected collagen‐incorporated hydrogels are also evaluated. UH emerges as the most effective method, yielding the highest L/d ratio of 46 and a notable compressive modulus of 8.7 ± 0.92 kPa. Assessment of the in vitro cell viability of the encapsulated chondrocytes in the collagen‐incorporated hydrogels demonstrates good biocompatibility, and hydrogels containing UH short nanofiber, in particular, show an increase in cell proliferation. This work indicates how collagen mats can be effectively broken down and combined with injectable hydrogels to enhance both their mechanical behavior and biocompatibility.

Leishmaniasis is one of the most common parasitic diseases in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and poses a threat to public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of leishmaniasis cases worldwide is estimated at 12 million, and the number of people at risk is 350 million. However, leishmaniasis therapies have their limitations, and today nanoparticle delivery systems such as liposomes are used. Liposomes are bilayered structures made of phospholipids and cholesterol, which contain hydrophilic and hydrophobic components in their structure and enable the uptake of hydrophobic, hydrophilic, or amphiphilic compounds. Since the leishmaniasis parasite is predominantly found in macrophages, drug delivery systems improve the therapeutic index of anti-leishmaniasis drugs and reduce the effective dose and toxic off-target effects of non-specific biodistribution. Targeted liposomal drug delivery systems are achieved by utilizing their different structural features such as particle size and surface charge and attaching other ligands to the surface of liposomes for targeted drug delivery. Today, sugar-coated liposomes, cationic liposomes, arsenoliposomes and peptide-targeted liposomes are used to deliver traditional anti-leishmaniasis drugs to Leishmania, and due to the importance of nanoliposomes and their many benefits, research continues in this field.

The cell culture technique is one of the tools used in cellular and molecular biology such as cancer cell culture, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery. In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture has gained attention in cancer research. Scaffolds are porous structures that are used in 3D cell culture to mimic the 3D architecture of tissues and provide more accurate information about tumor cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), and tumor characteristics. These scaffolds are based on synthetic polymers or ECM components and can promote the signaling pathways, survival, and proliferation of cancer cells. Natural and synthetic polymers, hydrogels and microspheres can be used to make 3D scaffolds. 3D cancer cell culture technology can improve cancer treatment. This review article discusses recent advances in the field of scaffold-based 3D models in cancer tissues.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has posed a sudden and unprecedented change to the educational system. This study investigated the impact of this sudden change on EFL learners' perceptions of assessment in a technology-enhanced learning environment. Assessment dimensions such as affective factors, validity, reliability, practicality, security and pedagogy were explored through an online questionnaire administered among 345 Iranian EFL learners and a focus-group interview with 17 learners. In addition, through a quasi-experimental design, the study compared the learners' academic achievements of online and in-person classrooms during the COVID-19 outbreak. The findings revealed that the flexibility of online assessment, immediate feedback and encouraging self-regulated learning are among the advantages and technical problems, technology dependence and technology literacy are among the challenges of technology-enhanced assessment. The findings indicated that while technology-enhanced assessment has a positive impact on learners' performances, learners have various attitudes towards e-assessment that need to be addressed in future studies.

Aims/hypothesisAggregation of the beta cell secretory product human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) results in islet amyloid deposition, a pathological feature of type 2 diabetes. Amyloid formation is associated with increased levels of islet IL-1β as well as beta cell dysfunction and death, but the mechanisms that promote amyloid deposition in situ remain unclear. We hypothesised that physiologically relevant concentrations of IL-1β stimulate beta cell islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) release and promote amyloid formation.MethodsWe used a humanised mouse model of endogenous beta cell hIAPP expression to examine whether low (pg/ml) concentrations of IL-1β promote islet amyloid formation in vitro. Amyloid-forming islets were cultured for 48 h in the presence or absence of IL-1β with or without an IL-1β neutralising antibody. Islet morphology was assessed by immunohistochemistry and islet mRNA expression, hormone content and release were also quantified. Cell-free thioflavin T assays were used to monitor hIAPP aggregation kinetics in the presence and absence of IL-1β.ResultsTreatment with a low concentration of IL-1β (4 pg/ml) for 48 h increased islet amyloid prevalence (93.52 ± 3.89% vs 43.83 ± 9.67% amyloid-containing islets) and amyloid severity (4.45 ± 0.82% vs 2.16 ± 0.50% amyloid area/islet area) in hIAPP-expressing mouse islets in vitro. This effect of IL-1β was reduced when hIAPP-expressing islets were co-treated with an IL-1β neutralising antibody. Cell-free hIAPP aggregation assays showed no effect of IL-1β on hIAPP aggregation in vitro. Low concentration IL-1β did not increase markers of the unfolded protein response (Atf4, Ddit3) or alter proIAPP processing enzyme gene expression (Pcsk1, Pcsk2, Cpe) in hIAPP-expressing islets. However, release of IAPP and insulin were increased over 48 h in IL-1β-treated vs control islets (IAPP 0.409 ± 0.082 vs 0.165 ± 0.051 pmol/5 islets; insulin 87.5 ± 8.81 vs 48.3 ± 17.3 pmol/5 islets), and this effect was blocked by co-treatment with IL-1β neutralising antibody.Conclusions/interpretationUnder amyloidogenic conditions, physiologically relevant levels of IL-1β promote islet amyloid formation by increasing beta cell release of IAPP. Neutralisation of this effect of IL-1β may decrease the deleterious effects of islet amyloid formation on beta cell function and survival.

Teacher-mediated classroom assessment might have significant impacts on learners' academic achievements and teachers' development. The current study investigated teachers' assessment literacy and its impact on their current assessment practices and learners' writing outcomes. The study sought to gain an understanding of the extent to which teachers' assessment literacy affects their practices and their learners' outcomes. To conduct the study and gather the required data, the researchers employed teachers' assessment literacy inventory, semi-structured interview, non-participatory observation, and Writing Competence Rating Scale (WCRS). Ten male EFL instructors and 75 male sophomores from Iranian EFL contexts were selected from four language schools in Iran. The results of the study indicated that teachers' assessment literacy has a statistically significant impact on learners' writing achievements and teachers' assessment awareness leads teaching environments into effective and motivated assessment design. These findings suggest language educators considering teachers' assessment awareness in their teacher education programs.

Repairing central nervous system (CNS) is difficult due to the inability of neurons to recover after damage. A clinically acceptable treatment to promote CNS functional recovery and regeneration is currently unavailable. According to recent studies, injectable hydrogels as biodegradable scaffolds for CNS tissue engineering and regeneration have exceptionally desirable attributes. Hydrogel has a biomimetic structure similar to extracellular matrix, hence has been considered a 3D scaffold for CNS regeneration. An interesting new type of hydrogel, injectable hydrogels, can be injected into target areas with little invasiveness and imitate several aspects of CNS. Injectable hydrogels are being researched as therapeutic agents because they may imitate numerous properties of CNS tissues and hence reduce subsequent injury and regenerate neural tissue. Because of their less adverse effects and cost, easier use and implantation with less pain, and faster regeneration capacity, injectable hydrogels, are more desirable than non-injectable hydrogels. This article discusses the pathophysiology of CNS and the use of several kinds of injectable hydrogels for brain and spinal cord tissue engineering, paying particular emphasis to recent experimental studies.

IntroductionCurrently there is an urgent need to translate interventions that may be beneficial to marginal donor kidneys prior to transplant, to improve their quality from bench to bedside. This project investigated the effects of CC-4066, a potent dual inhibitor of cyclophilin proteins A and D, treatment during static cold storage (SCS) in a porcine model of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) using Normothermic Reperfusion (NR).Materials and methodsPorcine kidneys and autologous blood were retrieved in pairs from a local abattoir (n = 7). One kidney from each pair was randomly allocated to treatment and one allocated to control and flushed with preservation solution containing CC-4066 or vehicle. After 7 h of SCS kidneys underwent 3 h Normothermic Reperfusion (NR) with autologous whole blood while perfusion characteristics and samples were collected.ResultsPerfusion and metabolic parameters showed similar trends and no statistical differences were observed between the groups. IL-6 showed a significant increase over time but no significant difference between groups (p-value 0.009 and 0.14 respectively, two-way ANOVA). Oxygen consumption and lactate levels were similar between groups but there was increased vacuolation on histology in the control group.ConclusionsThe addition of CC-4066 during SCS of kidneys is safe and feasible and has no adverse or detrimental effects on perfusion during assessment on NR. There was no difference in cytokine levels although there was a trend towards less vacuolation on histology in the treatment group.

IntroductionIn case of COVID-19 related scarcity of critical care resources, an early French triage algorithm categorized critically ill patients by probability of survival based on medical history and severity, with four priority levels for initiation or continuation of critical care: P1 -high priority, P2 -intermediate priority, P3 -not needed, P4 -not appropriate. This retrospective multi-center study aimed to assess its classification performance and its ability to help saving lives under capacity saturation.MethodsICU patients admitted for severe COVID-19 without triage in spring 2020 were retrospectively included from three hospitals. Demographic data, medical history and severity items were collected. Priority levels were retrospectively allocated at ICU admission and on ICU day 7-10. Mortality rate, cumulative incidence of death and of alive ICU discharge, length of ICU stay and of mechanical ventilation were compared between priority levels. Calculated mortality and survival were compared between full simulated triage and no triage.Results225 patients were included, aged 63.1±11.9 years. Median SAPS2 was 40 (IQR 29-49). At the end of follow-up, 61 (27%) had died, 26 were still in ICU, and 138 had been discharged. Following retrospective initial priority allocation, mortality rate was 53% among P4 patients (95CI 34-72%) versus 23% among all P1 to P3 patients (95CI 17-30%, chi-squared p = 5.2e-4). The cumulative incidence of death consistently increased in the order P3, P1, P2 and P4 both at admission (Gray's test p = 3.1e-5) and at reassessment (p = 8e-5), and conversely for that of alive ICU discharge. Reassessment strengthened consistency. Simulation under saturation showed that this two-step triage protocol could have saved 28 to 40 more lives than no triage.ConclusionAlthough it cannot eliminate potentially avoidable deaths, this triage protocol proved able to adequately prioritize critical care for patients with highest probability of survival, hence to save more lives if applied.

Background: Negative effects of statins on glucose metabolism have been reported. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of co-administration of vitamin E and atorvastatin on glycemic control in hyperlipidemic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted at Vali-e-Asr Teaching Hospital (Zanjan, Iran) from July 2017 to March 2018. A total of 30 T2DM female patients were allocated to two groups, namely atorvastatin with placebo (n=15) and atorvastatin with vitamin E (n=15). The patients received daily 20 mg atorvastatin and 400 IU vitamin E or placebo for 12 weeks. Anthropometric and biochemical measures were recorded pre- and post-intervention. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) expression was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Independent sample t test and paired t test were used to analyze between- and within-group variables, respectively. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to adjust the effect of baseline variables on the outcomes. P

Modern educational technologies might be perceived as practical and sufficient equipment for presenting educational tasks that simulate authentic language use. Through a defined procedure, learning activities can be delivered in the course of technology-based apparatus to change, manipulate, and control learners' educational environments. Today's teachers' challenge has transformed from the best teaching method to the best teaching apparatus. One of the foremost kinds of these potentials is Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). It has received special attention in the recent years derived from Open Educational Resource (OER) movement. To investigate the effectiveness of such programs, this mixed methods and explanatory sequential design study evaluated a MOOC-based educational program in Baqer al-Olum University, Iran. Thirty-eight tertiary learners have participated in the study. Among them 20 learners participated in the MOOC-based educational program and 18 learners participated in a conventional English language class. Pretest/posttest and interview were employed to reach comprehensive data. The findings indicated that MOOC-based educational programs provide remarkable opportunities for language learners. Along with such opportunities, these new technology-based educational apparatuses provide challenges for stakeholders, policy makers, teachers, and learners that might constraint learners' development in the course of their actions. Discussions and implementations are discussed.

The treatment of full-thickness skin wounds is a problem in the clinical setting, as they do not heal spontaneously. Extensive pain at the donor site and a lack of skin grafts limit autogenic and allogeneic skin graft availability. We evaluated fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix (FADM) in combination with human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) to heal full-thickness skin wounds. FADM was prepared from a 6-month-old trauma-aborted fetus. WJ-MSCs were derived from a human umbilical cord and seeded on the FADM. Rat models of full-thickness wounds were created and divided into three groups: control (no treatment), FADM, and FADM-WJMSCs groups. Wound treatment was evaluated microscopically and histologically on days 7, 14, and 21 post-surgery. The prepared FADM was porous and decellularized with a normal range of residual DNA. WJ-MSCs were seeded and proliferated on FADM effectively. The highest wound closure rate was observed in the FADM-WJMSC group on days 7 and 14 post-surgery. Furthermore, this group had fewer inflammatory cells than other groups. Finally, in this study, we observed that, without using the differential cell culture media of fibroblasts, the xenogeneic hWJSCs in combination with FADM could promote an increased rate of full-thickness skin wound closure with less inflammation.

Mimicking the zonal organization of native articular cartilage, which is essential for proper tissue functions, has remained a challenge. In this study, a thermoresponsive copolymer of chitosan-g-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (CS-g-PNIPAAm) was synthesized as a carrier of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to provide a support for their proliferation and differentiation. Microengineered three-dimensional (3D) cell-laden CS-g-PNIPAAm hydrogels with different microstripe widths were fabricated to control cellular alignment and elongation in order to mimic the superficial zone of natural cartilage. Biochemical assays showed six- and sevenfold increment in secretion of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and total collagen from MSCs encapsulated within the synthesized hydrogel after 28 days incubation in chondrogenic medium. Chondrogenic differentiation was also verified qualitatively by histological and immunohistochemical assessments. It was found that 75 ± 6% of cells encapsulated within 50 μm wide microstripes were aligned with an aspect ratio of 2.07 ± 0.16 at day 5, which was more organized than those observed in unpatterned constructs (12 ± 7% alignment and a shape index of 1.20 ± 0.07). The microengineered constructs mimicked the cell shape and organization in the superficial zone of cartilage whiles the unpatterned one resembled the middle zone. Our results suggest that microfabrication of 3D cell-laden thermosensitive hydrogels is a promising platform for creating biomimetic structures leading to more successful multi-zonal cartilage tissue engineering. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 217-231. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ischaemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is an inevitable process in transplantation and results in inflammation and immune system activation. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) has anti-inflammatory properties. Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) can be used to deliver therapies and may help in assessing the effects of IRI and immunity. This study investigated the effects of AAT on IRI and inflammation in pig kidneys when administered during preservation, followed by normothermic reperfusion (NR) with autologous whole blood, as a surrogate for transplant. Two different models were used to deliver AAT or placebo to paired slaughterhouse pig kidneys: Model 1: 7-h static cold storage (SCS) + 3-h NR (n = 5 pairs), where either AAT (10 mg/ml) or placebo was delivered in the flush following retrieval; Model 2: 4-h SCS + 3-h NMP + 3-h NR (n = 5 pairs), where either AAT or placebo was delivered during NMP. Injury markers and cytokines levels were analysed in the perfusate, and heat shock protein 70 KDa (HSP-70) was analysed in biopsies. AAT delivered to kidneys showed no adverse effects on perfusion parameters. HSP-70 fold changes were significantly lower in the AAT group during NMP (P < 0.01, paired t-test) but not during NR. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) fold changes were significantly higher in the AAT group during NR model 1 (p < 0.05, two-way ANOVA). In contrast to the AAT group, significant upregulation of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) between t = 90 min and t = 180 min and interleukin-8 (IL-8) between baseline and t = 90 min was observed in the control group in NR model 2 (p < 0.05, Tukey’s multiple comparison test). However, overall inflammatory cytokines and injury markers showed similar levels between groups. Delivery of AAT to pig kidneys was safe without any detrimental effects. NMP and NR provided excellent methods for comparison of inflammation and immune activation in the delivery of a novel therapy.

Background and Objectives: The main cause of mortality in burn patients is infection from burns. Drug-resistant bacteria are the main causes of wound infection, so alternative antibiotic therapies hold significant importance. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a collagen hydrogel that contains a nanoemulsion of Lavandula essential oil on the healing process of infected burn wounds. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 20 rats were randomly divided after applying burns with a 10 mm diameter hot plate and infecting the wounds with multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa into four groups, including a positive control, a negative control, the first experiment (collagen hydrogel), and the second experiment (collagen hydrogel containing Lavandula essential oil nanoemulsion). On the 4th, 11th, and 18th days, tissue samples were taken for pathology studies. The important parameters in burn wound healing with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining methods were investigated and scored according to Abramov's method. Results: Based on the pathology findings, experimental groups 1 and 2 compared to the negative and positive control groups were effective in rat infection wound healing. The hydrogel scaffold in the experimental groups increased fibroblasts and angiogenesis compared to the control groups. Epithelization was noticed only in the hydrogel group containing nanoemulsion. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the use of collagen hydrogel with Lavandula essential oil nanoemulsion has potential as a wound dressing. This is because it has the potential to effectively promote healing and act as an antibacterial agent to prevent infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesThe clinical outcomes of the Beta (B.1.351) variant of concern (VOC) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus remain poorly understood. In early 2021, northeastern France experienced an outbreak of Beta that was not observed elsewhere. This outbreak slightly preceded and then overlapped with a second outbreak of the better understood VOC Alpha (B.1.1.7) in the region. This situation allowed us to contemporaneously compare Alpha and Beta in terms of the characteristics, management, and outcomes of critically ill patients.MethodsA multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted on all consecutive adult patients who had laboratory confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection, underwent variant screening, and were admitted to one of four intensive care units (ICU) for acute respiratory failure between January 9th and May 15th, 2021. Primary outcome was 60-day mortality. Differences between Alpha and Beta in terms of other outcomes, patient variables, management, and vaccination characteristics were also explored by univariate analysis. The factors that associated with 60-day death in Alpha- and Beta-infected patients were examined with logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn total, 333 patients (median age, 63 years; 68% male) were enrolled. Of these, 174 and 159 had Alpha and Beta, respectively. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of 60-day mortality (19 vs. 23%), 28-day mortality (17 vs. 20%), need for mechanical ventilation (60 vs. 61%), mechanical ventilation duration (14 vs. 15 days), other management variables, patient demographic variables, comorbidities, or clinical variables on ICU admission. The vast majority of patients were unvaccinated (94%). The remaining 18 patients had received a partial vaccine course and 2 were fully vaccinated. The vaccinated patients were equally likely to have Alpha and Beta.ConclusionsBeta did not differ from Alpha in terms of patient characteristics, management, or outcomes in critically ill patients.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04906850.

Purpose To compare the characteristics, management, and prognosis of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) for coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 during the first two waves of the outbreak and to evaluate the relationship between ICU strain (ICU demand due to COVID-19 admissions) and mortality. Methods In a multicentre retrospective study, 1166 COVID-19 patients admitted to five ICUs in France between 20 February and 31 December 2020 were included. Data were collected at each ICU from medical records. A Cox proportional-hazards model identified factors associated with 28-day mortality. Results 640 patients (55%) were admitted during the first wave (February to June 2020) and 526 (45%) during the second wave (July to December 2020). ICU strain was lower during the second wave (-0.81 [-1.04 –-0.31] vs. 1.18 [-0.34–1.29] SD when compared to mean COVID-19 admission in each center during study period, PConclusion The characteristics and the management of patients varied between the first and the second wave of the pandemic. Rather than the wave, ICU strain was independently associated with 28-day mortality, but not with hospital mortality.

Teachers play different roles in multidimensional process of language teaching and their beliefs about language teaching might influence their practices. Donaghue (2003) stated that beliefs guide teachers in their practice. However, Argyris and Schon (1978) claimed that there is almost a discrepancy between teachers' beliefs about language teaching and their practices in the classrooms. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between Iranian ELT instructors' beliefs about language teaching and their real practices in classrooms. To achieve this goal, the researchers accidentally selected 369 Iranian ELT instructors and 512 Iranian students. To collect the required data, the researchers employed Teacher's Beliefs Questionnaire (TBQ) to elicit instructors' beliefs about language teaching and Students' Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ) to elicit to what extent Iranian instructors applied their beliefs in their practices. Besides, to verify the results of questionnaires, the researchers interviewed nine instructors. The results revealed a positive significant relationship (p=0.05) between instructors' beliefs about language teaching and their real practices in classrooms. The findings proposed some applicable implications that can be applied by policy makers and curriculum designers to provide facilities to support reflective teaching and to improve teacher education programs.

Background and purpose: Methamphetamine (METH) is one of the most powerful drugs that leads to many cognitive and behavioral side effects such as anxiety. On the other hand, studies have shown that ovarian hormones such as estrogen and progesterone have neuroprotective effects on a wide range of cognitive and behavioral disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of estrogen and progesterone on anxiety-like behaviors, body temperature, brain edema, and neuronal death induced by neurotoxic regimen of methamphetamine. Materials and methods: This study was performed in 48 ovariectomized rats divided into six groups including: control, METH (6mg / kg), vehicle (sesame oil), METH + estrogen (1mg / kg), METH + progesterone (8mg / kg), and METH + estrogen + progesterone. Body temperature and anxiety-like behaviors were investigated, then, the animals were killed and brain tissues were harvested to evaluate brain edema and neuronal death in hippocampal CA1. Results: Body temperature, brain water content, motor activity, and anxiety-related behaviors significantly increased in animals that received METH (P