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Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) own the capacity to secrete trophic factors as exosomes which play significant roles in regulating the functions of other cells and preventing inflammation. Due to the inflammatory process in chronic non-bacterial prostatitis (CNP) and the ambiguity in the treatment of this disease, the present study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic use of adipose-derived MSC exosomes in an animal model of CNP. MSCs were first isolated from rat subcutaneous adipose tissue, and exosomes were extracted from them. Specific features of exosomes were characterized by a scanning electron microscope, western blot technique, and Dynamic Light Scattering methods. To establish CNP in rats, intraprostatic injection of Freund's complete adjuvant was done. After confirmation of prostatitis, intraprostatic injections of exosomes were performed for treatment. Histological evaluation revealed that treatment with exosomes resulted in a relative improvement of lesions caused by CNP. The expression of p-NF-κB and p-IκBα proteins along with inflammatory markers was significantly increased in the CNP group, which treatment with exosomes significantly reduced their expression as well as IL-1β and TNF-α proteins. The antioxidant effects of exosomes were also determined by significantly regulating glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde levels in these animals. Our results cautiously suggest the therapeutic effects of MSC-derived exosomes against CNP-induced prostatitis through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which should be further considered in the future.

Antibacterial treatment strategies using functional nanomaterials, such as photodynamic therapy, are urgently required to combat persistent Staphylococcus aureus small colony variant (SCV) bacteria. Using a stepwise approach involving thermolysis to form β-NaYF4:Yb/Tm upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and surface ligand exchange with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), followed by zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) coating and conversion to zinc oxide (ZnO), β-NaYF4:Yb/Tm@ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized. The direct synthesis of β-NaYF4:Yb/Tm@ZIF-8 UCNPs proved problematic due to the hydrophobic nature of the as-synthesized material, which was shown by zeta potential measurements using dynamic light scattering (DLS). To facilitate deposition of a ZnO coating, the zeta potentials of (i) as-synthesized UCNPs, (ii) calcined UCNPs, (iii) polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and (iv) CTAB-coated UCNPs were measured, which revealed the CTAB-coated UCNPs to be the most hydrophilic and the better-dispersed form in water. β-NaYF4:Yb/Tm@ZIF-8 composites formed using the CTAB-coated UCNPs were then converted into β-NaYF4:Yb/Tm@ZnO nanoparticles by calcination under carefully controlled conditions. Photoluminescence analysis confirmed the upconversion process for the UCNP core, which allows the β-NaYF4:Yb/Tm@ZnO nanoparticles to photogenerate reactive oxygen species (ROS) when activated by near-infrared (NIR) radiation. The NIR-activated UCNPs@ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated potent efficacy against both Staphylococcus aureus (WCH-SK2) and its associated SCV form (0.67 and 0.76 log colony forming unit (CFU) reduction, respectively), which was attributed to ROS generated from the NIR activated β-NaYF4:Yb/Tm@ZnO nanoparticles.

Due to the high mortality rate of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the lack of specific treatment for the disease, it is essential to find new therapies. The present case report aimed to assess the efficiency of convalescent plasma in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We reported a severe case of COVID-19 with multi-organ failure, who had reduced oxygen saturation after several courses of antiviral therapy. Moreover, computed tomography (CT) scan results showed patchy lesions in the base of lungs. Therapeutic measures, including endotracheal intubation and plasmapheresis with convalescent plasma, were performed for the patient; subsequently, good responses to the treatments were observed. Our findings demonstrate that convalescent plasma improves pulmonary lesions and the patient's clinical status.

Background: Cancer is a multi-faceted diseases caused cell proliferation in an out of control manner due to accumulation of defects and mutation in their DNA and with an impendence to invade or spread to parts of the body. During last decades new compounds with natural roots have emerged as a new paradigm for effective anti-cancer treatment. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of ergolide a sesquiterpene lactone with multi-functional history to induce apoptosis. Methods: Ergolide from Inula-Oculus-Christi a sesquiterpene lactone from Asteraceae plant was extracted by Traditional Medicine Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. The cytotoxic effects of Ergolide on the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (MOLT4) and PBMC (normal cell line) were investigated at different doses for 48 hours. In this study, MTT assay and acridine orange staining were used. Also, annexin V-PI assays was utilized for further evaluation. In addition the gene expression level of BAX and BCL2 were analyzed by q-RealTime-PCR (quantitive RT-PCR). Results: The results of MTT assay demonstrated the induction of apoptosis and reduction in proliferation of MOLT4 cells treated by ergolide. (P < 0.001). Interestingly Ergolide could be less toxic in normal cells (PBMCs). AO staining and Flow cytometry analysis confirmed a significantly high percentage of autophagic and apoptotic cells compared with control groups respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, ergolide demonstrated cytotoxic effects on MOLT-4, but further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness as a complementary agent in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Background: Due to increased cancer chemotherapy resistance, the use of natural compounds in cancer treatment has been considered in recent years. Inula-Oculus-Christi, is one of the high importance plants in the field of traditional medicine. It has been shown that extract of this plant has cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells. Objective: Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of Gaillardin and apoptosis induced by this extract on acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Methods: Gaillardin from Inula-Oculus-Christi plant was extracted by Traditional Medicine Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. The cytotoxic effect of Gaillardin on the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Nalm-6) and PBMC (as a normal cell line) was investigated at different doses for 24 and 48 hours. In this study, Trypan blue, MTT assay and DAPI staining were used. In addition, Annexin V/PI staining was utilized for confirming apoptosis. Results: The results of Trypan blue and MTT assay demonstrated the induction of apoptosis and reduction in proliferation of Nalm-6 cells treated by Gaillardin, showing a time and dose-dependent manner (P < 0.001). However, low sensitivity to the different concentrations of Gaillardin was observed in PBMCs. DAPI staining and Flow cytometry analysis confirmed a significantly high percentage of apoptotic cells compared with control groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, Gaillardin demonstrated cytotoxic effects on Nalm-6 cells, but

Antibacterial treatment strategies using functional nanomaterials, such as photodynamic therapy, are urgently required to combat persistent

Gaillardin (GLN) is a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the chloroform extract of Inula oculus-christi L. This natural compound has shown cytotoxicity in various cancerous cell line. However, its...

Counterfeits in the supply chain of high-value advanced materials such as graphene and their derivatives have become a concerning problem with a potential negative impact on this growing and emerging industry. Recent studies have revealed alarming facts that a large percentage of manufactured graphene materials on market are not graphene, raising considerable concerns for the end users. The common and recommended methods for the characterization of graphene materials, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman spectroscopy based on spot analysis and probing properties of individual graphene particles, are limited to provide the determination of the properties of "bulk" graphene powders at a large scale and the identification of non-graphene components or purposely included additives. These limitations are creating counterfeit opportunities by adding low-cost black carbonaceous materials into manufactured graphene powders. To address this problem, it is critical to have reliable characterization methods, which can probe the specific properties of graphene powders at bulk scale, confirm their typical graphene signature, and detect the presence of unwanted additional compounds, where the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method is one of the most promising methods to perform this challenging task. This paper presents the evaluation of the TGA method and its ability to detect low-cost carbon additives such as graphite, carbon black, biochar, and activated carbon as potential counterfeiting materials to graphene materials and their derivatives such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced GO. The superior performance of the TGA method is demonstrated here, showing its excellent capability to successfully detect these additives when mixed with graphene materials, which is not possible by two other comparative methods (Raman spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD)), which are used as the common characterization methods for graphene materials.

One of the most common and deadly brain tumors is Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Due to recent advances in angiogenesis and its related key factors, this process as a hallmark in glioblastoma has attracted more consideration from the research community. Temozolomide (TMZ) as the first-line treatment used to treat GBM but, resistance to TMZ limits its effectiveness and the need for better treatments is still felt. Therefore, we aimed to examine the Synergistic effects of Gefitinib (GFI) in combination with Temozolomide on VEGF and MMPs in glioma cell line (U87MG). Our results displayed that GFI could induce cytotoxic effects in U87MG with IC50 values of 11 μM. U87MG cells produced large amounts of VEGF without any stimuli, and the results showed that GFI in combination with TMZ caused a significant decrease in VEGF production in these cells. In this study, we demonstrated that after treating with TMZ and GFI, there was more decrease in the levels of MMP 2 and 9 secretions in cells than treatment with GFI and TMZ doses alone. This study indicates synergistic effects of GFI plus TMZ against glioma are mediated by the potentiated anti-angiogenesis. Therefore, it can be considered as a promising plan for future studies.

Leukemia cutis (LC) is a rare disorder that is distinguished by the infiltration of leukemic cells into the skin. This can be a manifestation of relapse of the previously treated leukemia. We report a case of a 70-year-old woman with acute monocytic leukemia (AMOL), whose disease relapsed and developed into LC after a successful induction therapy. Salvage chemotherapy has been applied successfully to prevent the development of LC in the patient's skin.

Cr–Ag coatings for antimicrobial surface applications were fabricated by magnetron sputtering. The coating microstructure and mechanical properties were characterised using XPS, XRD, FESEM, TEM and...

Multiple myeloma is described by the proliferation of malignant plasma cells, in which orbital involvement is rare. In this report, we collected all cases with orbital multiple myeloma from 2009 to 2018 and investigated the characteristics such as sex, age, common orbital symptoms, unilateral or bilateral and different therapeutic options. Also, we reported an uncommon case of multiple myeloma that has been developed into plasmacytoma. Our patient had been initially diagnosed with multiple myeloma, but after a few months, the disease had progressed to secondary extramedullary plasmacytoma in the retrobulbar. Therapeutic measures, such as surgery to prevent its development in the patient's eye, were successful.

Gaillardin (GLN) is a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the chloroform extract of

Because of important functions of skin, an effective therapy is demanded for serious full-thickness skin injuries. In this study, a thermosensitive poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (p(NIPAAm-AA) hydrogel was prepared and successfully used for different 3D printing methods, including 3D printing with a single needle nozzle and a single syringe (3D single nozzle extrusion printing), 3D printing with coaxial needles and double syringes (3D coaxial printing), and 3D printing with a single needle nozzle and double syringes (3D hybrid printing). It was found that a relatively high cell viability of keratinocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells was achieved when 3D hybrid printing of the hybrid bioink (p(NIPAAm-AA) and fibrin) with cells and the cell viability was independent of cell type, seeding density, printed position and cultivation time. These skin-related cells in the hybrid bioink were printed into a biocompatible porous supporting polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) scaffold with customized patterns and thicknesses and terminal differentiation of these cells were induced by air-liquid-interface (ALI) culture in vitro. Superficial cornification of the epidermis layer as well as sprouting and splitting of the subcutaneous endothelial cells were evidenced by histology and immunofluorescence imaging. The bioengineered skin constructs might be used as potential implants for effective wound healing.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Inula oculus christi belongs to the family of Asteraceae and it was traditionally wide used in treatment of kidney stones and urethra infection; besides, recently the potent sesquiterpene lactones isolated from inula species has gained increasing attention in cancer treatments. This study investigates the anti-cancer properties and underlying mechanism of ergolide isolated from Inula oculus christi against leukemic cell lines. Methods Viability, metabolic activity and proliferation evaluated using different index of MTT assay such as IC50 and GI50. Human erythrocytes were used to evaluate hemolytic activity. Flow-cytometry was used to detect and measure ROS level, and the induction of apoptosis and autophagy were evaluated using Annexin V/PI, Acridine Orange staining, respectively. Moreover, qRT-PCR was performed to examine the expression of a large cohort of crucial regulatory genes. Tunel assay was also carried out to assess morphologically ergolide effects. Results Ergolide did not exert ant cytotoxicity against non-tumorous cells and did not cause noticeable hemolysis. It also caused ROS production during early hours after treatment of cells which was then followed by cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and autophagy induction. Using N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), we found that ergolide could not increase ROS and induce autophagy and moreover repressed cell death, indicating that ergolide induce cell death through ROS-dependent manner by altering the expression of pro apoptotic related genes. Autophagy inhibition also potentiated ergolide-induced cell death. Furthermore, ergolide intensified vincristine cytotoxicity against acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell lines revealed robust synergistic properties of ergolide with VCR. Conclusion Here we showed that ergolide could be considered as a potent natural compound against leukemic cells by inducing cell cycle arrest followed by dose-dependent cell death. Based on results, Autophagy response in a result of ROS accumulation acted as a survival pathway and blocking this pathway could noticeably increase ergolide cytotoxicity on ALL cell lines.

ZnO nanoparticles doped with I and Ag were prepared via a solvothermal method. Characterizations of the as-synthesised samples were carried out using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrometry, Photoluminescence, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The nanoparticles exhibit light absorption for wide spectra from ultra-violet (UV) to visible light. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated against Escherichia coli (MG1655) and Staphylococcus aureus (USA300) as models of Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms, respectively. The double-doped nanoparticles demonstrated their potent efficacy against both types of microorganisms and they may have great potential in combating infectious diseases. More importantly, the insights into the mechanisms underlying the antimicrobial effects were revealed: synergistic effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and Ag+ release. Specifically, the ROS generation was believed to be dominant in the I:Ag:ZnO sample under visible light, while both ROS generation and Ag+ release were found to play an important role in the bacteria-killing by Ag:I:ZnO in the visible light and dark conditions. The Ag+ release was found to be the dominant antimicrobial mechanism for the Ag:ZnO NP sample in our experiment.

MWCNTs (Multi-walled carbon nanotubes), as an important nanomaterial, enters the soil through various anthropogenic sources. Our understanding of MWCNTs effects on plant growth is still not complete and needs to be more studied. In this study, the possible effects of MWCNTs (500, 1000 and 2000 mg kg-1) and 100 μM exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP, as NO donor) on growth, physiological and photosynthetic performance of barley plants under 100 and 200 mM NaCl stress were investigated in greenhouse conditions. The most of physiological and photosynthesis characteristics of barley seedling negatively impressed when the plants were grown in different concentrations of NaCl. In the presence of SNP, 500 mg kg-1 dosage of MWCNTs significantly enhanced relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, photosynthesis parameters and growth indices. Also, MWCNTs-treated plants combined with 100 μM SNP showed higher antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and lower malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content under salinity stress. It is suggested that, MWCNTs in presence of SNP can greatly improve growth, as well as salt tolerance of barley plant by promoting water uptake, activities of antioxidant enzymes and photosynthesis performance.

To evaluate the impacts of various concentrations of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (0, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg L-1) and sodium nitroprusside (0 and 100 μM as nitric oxide (NO) donor) on seed germination and early seedling growth of barley, two separate factorial experiments were conducted based on a randomized complete block design under polyethylene glycol-simulated drought stress and NaCl salinity stress conditions. Based on the results, a concentration-dependent declining trend was observed in barley germination indices upon seed exposure to polyethylene glycol (PEG) and NaCl suspensions. Employing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) particularly 1000 and 500 mg L-1 and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) alleviated the adverse impacts of drought and salinity stresses. However, applied MWCNTs and SNP together were more efficient than suspension alone. The combined application of MWCNTs with SNP increased germination percentage, germination rate, root length, shoot length, vigor index and decreased mean germination time of barley. Similarly, the amount of moisture content and uniformity of seed germination were obviously increased by MWCNTs and SNP under drought and salinity. In contrast, MWCNTs at 2000 mg L-1 had an inhibitory impact on barley seed germination, while use of SNP moderated adverse effects of MWCNTs. Generally, it can be concluded that appropriate concentration of MWCNTs is beneficial in improving drought and NaCl salinity tolerance of barley by boosting seed water absorption and increasing the moisture content of seedlings.

Prediction of fetal sex in the ovine species could be useful in the management decisions, such as sex selection in breeding programs, culling decisions, and lowering the progeny test cost. In the present study detection of fetal SRY gene in maternal blood plasma using the polymerase chain reaction technique was used to predict fetal sex at different times of gestation in the ewe. The quantitative changes of fetal DNA during pregnancy were also investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Fetal DNA was isolated from blood plasma of 46 pregnant ewes during the second to fifth month of gestation. The 286-base pair DNA fragment was detected in all samples with male pregnancies, but no female pregnancies. The sensitivity and specificity of tests were 100% with no false negative or false positive results. It was also determined that fetal DNA levels are significantly increased during pregnancy, up to approximately 1.65-fold in the last 2 months of pregnancy. This is the first report of fetal sex determination and circulating fetal DNA quantification by a molecular method in the ovine species.