A multiphysics-based artificial neural networks model for atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a medical condition involving the hardening and/or thickening of arteries' walls. Mathematical multi-physics models have been developed to predict the development of atherosclerosis under different conditions. However, these models are typically computationally expensive. In this study, we used machine learning techniques, particularly artificial neural networks (ANN), to enhance the computational efficiency of these models. A database of multi-physics Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations was created and used for training and validating an ANN model. The model is capable of quick and accurate prediction of atherosclerosis development. A remarkable computational gain is obtained using the ANN model compared to the original FEM simulations.

Multigene phylogeny, morphology, and pathogenicity trials reveal novel Cytospora species involved in perennial canker disease of apple trees in Iran.

In recent years, canker and die-back diseases have become a growing threat for the productivity and longevity of apple orchards in Iran. In this study, 131 Cytospora isolates were recovered from symptomatic tissues of apple trees in apple orchards of Iran. Multigene phylogenetic inference based on combined sequence data of ITS, act, rpb2, and tef1-α loci, supplemented with morphological characteristics and pathogenicity assay revealed four novel Cytospora species which were described as C. avicennae, C. azerbaijanica, C. ershadii, and C. iranica, and four known species, namely C. chrysosperma, C. parasitica, C. paratranslucens, and C. sorbicola. Also, C. sorbicola is newly reported on apple trees worldwide. Koch's postulates were fulfilled to confirm that all eight species in this study were pathogenic on apple trees in Iran, among which C. sorbicola was the most intensive species. The results of this study further highlight rich diversity among Cytospora species occurring on apple trees, revealing several novel Cytospora species on this host. The host range, geographical distribution, and economic significance of novel species on apple industry remains to be studied.

Investigation of the Effect of PEG Detoxification on Diphtheria Vaccine.

Immunization has been considered a successful global health program that saves many persons' lives each year. The vaccines reduce the risk of getting the disease by building immunity in the body. Therefore, the constant availability of essential vaccines is an important factor in community health. One of the most important vaccines is the diphtheria vaccine, which is usually used as Multivalent diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) combination vaccines. The production of this vaccine takes about 45 days, from the initial bacterial culture to the end of toxin production. However, the production of this vaccine can be optimized in case the production stages are carried out under normal conditions. In this study, a significant amount of impurities was removed after washing with phosphate buffer saline, and the toxin was then purified by Sephadex G-50. In this method, the toxin was concentrated to be stored in a smaller space (this removes the concerns for the provision of a suitable space). Another problem with the diphtheria vaccine is that it is reversible after detoxification of the toxin using formaldehyde. For this reason, it is suggested to use MPEG for detoxification, which will produce more stable covalent bonds between PEG and the first type of amine groups in the toxin chain. Tests were performed to evaluate factors, such as in vivo cytotoxicity, lack of edemas formation, the neutralizing activity of serum from guinea pigs immunized with the diphtheria toxoid inactivated with MPEG, and the immunogenic activity of the purified and modified toxin. Comparison of this PEG detoxification toxoid with the standard toxoid produced in Razi Vaccine and Serum Institution, Karaj, Iran, showed that washing with PBS and purification with Sephadex G-50 was an efficient method. The stability and reversibility of the toxoid approved by MPEG were acceptable. Therefore, the results of animal tests showed that the obtained product was stable and caused no wound or necrosis in the tested animals.

Releasing and structural/mechanical properties of nano-particle/Punica granatum (Pomegranate) in poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid/fibrin as nano-composite scaffold.

The effect of poly(lactic­co­glycolic acid) (PLGA) on structure, degradation, drug release and mechanical properties of fibrin/pomegranate(F/POM)-based drug­eluting scaffolds have been studied comprehensively. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Nanoparticle-fibrin is prepared from thrombin and fibrinogen dissolved in NaOH and HCl. Then pomegranate powder is added to it. Nanoparticles/pom are provided by freeze drying and freeze milling. The 3-D scaffold of poly(lactide-co­glycolic acid) (PLGA) was prepared via salt­leaching solvent/casting leaching method and impregnated with nanofibrin-pom. Structural and chemical component of the scaffolds were evaluated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and furrier transmission infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Moreover, the scaffolds were characterized from the degradation rate and drug releasing rate points of view of human Adipose Derive Stem Cells (hADSCs). Cytotoxicity effects of the scaffold were evaluated on hADSCs via MTT assay. RESULTS: The results showed that the size of nanoparticles was about 100 nm. The scaffold had a slow degradation rate and it caused a sustained release pattern of pom. MTT assay indicated that nanoparticles had no cytotoxicity and fibrin-pom nanoparticles increased compressive strength of PLGA/scaffolds dramatically and also caused a proper compressive modulus. CONCLUSIONS: By adding F/POM nanoparticle to PLGA and fabricating a three­dimensional nanocomposite scaffold (PLGA/F/POM nanoparticle), special physical and mechanical properties also suitable for drug release and cell behavior were achieved, which makes it suitable for cartilage tissue engineering applications (Tab. 1, Fig. 7, Ref. 53) Keywords: hybrid composites, drug delivery, carrier, nanoparticles, scaffold.

Patient-reported psychosocial distress in adolescents and young adults with germ cell tumours.

PURPOSE: Germ cell tumours are the most common cancer of male adolescents and young adults (AYA, age 18-39). Men in this age group have been healthy much of their lives, and a diagnosis of cancer can cause significant psychosocial distress. We therefore sought to examine the psychosocial needs of patients with germ cell tumour and determine whether needs vary based on age (AYA vs non-AYA). We hypothesized that AYA experience more anxiety and distress in emotional, practical and physical domains. METHODS: We evaluated the responses of all patients referred to British Columbia (BC) Cancer who completed a pre-consultation health assessment form. This is a validated screening questionnaire for distress, subclinical/clinical symptoms of depression and anxiety and includes the Canadian Problem Checklist domains of emotional, informational, practical, spiritual, social/family and physical concerns. RESULTS: Data were collected for 349 patients (2011-2015). Patient population was predominantly AYA (n = 227) with median age 33 (range 18-83). The top 3 AYA concerns were financial, work/school, frustration and anger. AYA patients more commonly scored positive for symptoms of subclinical/clinical anxiety than non-AYA (39.4% vs. 27.9%, p = 0.028). Those AYA patients with subclinical/clinical anxiety symptoms experienced more fears and worries, concerns regarding work/school, lack of understanding of their disease, finances and frustration and anger. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that AYA with testicular cancer have unique needs and experience more self-reported anxiety symptoms with emotional, informational and practical concerns. This is valuable information to stakeholders for allocation of resources to address cancer survivorship amongst these patients.

Phenol adsorption on high microporous activated carbons prepared from oily sludge: equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic studies.

The purpose of this study was the preparation, characterization and application of high-performance activated carbons (ACs) derived from oily sludge through chemical activation by KOH. The produced ACs were characterized using iodine number, N2 adsorption-desorption, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The activated carbon prepared under optimum conditions showed a predominantly microporous structure with a BET surface area of 2263 m2 g-1, a total pore volume of 1.37 cm3 g-1 and a micro pore volume of 1.004 cm3 g-1. The kinetics and equilibrium adsorption data of phenol fitted well to the pseudo second order model (R2 = 0.99) and Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.99), respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity based on the Langmuir model (434 mg g-1) with a relatively fast adsorption rate (equilibrium time of 30 min) was achieved under an optimum pH value of 6.0. Thermodynamic parameters were negative and showed that adsorption of phenol onto the activated carbon was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic. Desorption of phenol from the adsorbent using 0.1 M NaOH was about 87.8% in the first adsorption/desorption cycle and did not decrease significantly after three cycles. Overall, the synthesized activated carbon from oily sludge could be a promising adsorbent for the removal of phenol from polluted water.

Effect of crude oil-induced water repellency on transport of Escherichia coli and bromide through repacked and physically-weathered soil columns.

Knowledge of the transport and fate of pathogenic Escherichia coli, especially in the areas contaminated with crude oil, is required to assess contamination of shallow groundwater resources. The present study aims to investigate the effect of crude oil-mediated water repellency on the movement of nalidixic acid-resistant Escherichia coli strain (E. coli NAR) and bromide (Br) as an inert tracer in two soil types. The soils were contaminated at three levels of 0, 0.5 and 1% w/w of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) using crude oil. Steady-state saturated flow in the soil columns was controlled using a tension infiltrometer. Leaching experiments were conducted through the columns of repacked (un-weathered) and physically-weathered clay loam (CL) and sandy loam (SL) soils. The columns leachate was sampled at specific times for 4 pore volumes. The shape of breakthrough curves for the E. coli NAR and Br depended on soil texture and structure and the TPHs level. Preferential flow in the crude oil-mediated water-repellent soils facilitated the transport of contaminants especially E. coli NAR. Filtration coefficient and relative adsorption index of bacteria were greatest in the repacked CL soils and were lowest in the weathered SL soils. Discontinuity of soil pores and lower flow velocity resulted in greater filtration of E. coli NAR in the repacked CL soil than other treatments. Physical weathering induced the formation of aggregates which reduced soil particle surfaces available for retention of water-repellent oil and contaminants. Movement of both bacteria and Br tracer in the weathered SL soil with 1% TPHs was higher than other treatments. This finding was attributed to low specific surface area, continuity of the pores and water repellency-mediated preferential pathways in the weathered SL soil columns. Our findings implied that shallow groundwater resources could be very sensitive to microbial contamination particularly in the oil-mediated water-repellent soils.

Capacitively Coupled Electrical Impedance Tomography for Brain Imaging.

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is considered as a potential candidate for brain stroke imaging due to its compactness and potential use in bedside and emergency settings. The electrode-skin contact impedance and low conductivity of skull pose some practical challenges to the EIT head imaging. This paper studies the application of capacitively coupled electrical impedance tomography (CCEIT) in brain imaging for the first time. CCEIT is a new contactless EIT technique which uses voltage excitation without direct contact with the skin, as oppose to directly injecting the current to the skin in EIT. Because the safety issue of a new technique should be strictly treated, simulation work based on a simplified head model was carried out to investigate the safety aspects of CCEIT. By comparing with the standard EIT excited by a typical safe current level used in brain imaging, the safe excitation reference of CCEIT is obtained. This is done by comparing the maximum level of internal electrical field (internal current density) of EIT and that of CCEIT. Simulation results provide useful knowledge of excitation signal level of CCEIT and also show a critical comparison with traditional EIT. Practical experiments were carried out with a 12-electrode CCEIT phantom, saline, and carrot samples. Experimental results show the feasibility and potential of CCEIT for stroke imaging. In this paper, the anomaly diameter resolution is 10 mm (1/18 of the phantom diameter), which indicates that small-volume stroke could be detected. This is achieved by a low excitation voltage of 1 V, showing the possibility of even better performance when higher but yet safe level of excitation voltages is used.

Induction of miR-31 causes increased sensitivity to 5-FU and decreased migration and cell invasion in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Drug resistance is the main obstacle in the treatment of gastric cancer, the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the world. Due to their small size, easy entrance to cells and multiple targets, microRNAs (miRs) are considered novel and attractive targets. In the current study, parental MKN-45, MKN-45-control vector, and MKN-45-miR-31 populations were compared in terms of cell cycle transitions, migration, cell invasion, and proliferation. In addition, downstream targets of miR-31, including E2F6, and SMUG1 were examined using Real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. MKN-45-miR-31 showed an increased sensitivity to 5-FU, decreased migration and cell invasion compared to the control groups (p = 0.0001, p = 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively). There was a significant increase in the percentage of cells in G1/pre-G1 phase in MKN-45-miR-31 relative to the control groups (p = 0.001). Induction of miR-31 expression in MKN-45 caused a significant reduction of E2F6 and SMUG1 genes. Our findings indicated that induction of miR-31 expression could increase drug sensitivity, and diminish tumor cell migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Therefore, miR-31 can be considered as a potential target molecule in the targeted therapy of gastric cancer (Fig. 2, Ref. 43). Keywords: gastric cancer, miR-31, drug resistance, E2F6, SMUG1.

Quantification of Melittin in Iranian Honey Bee (Apis mellifera meda) Venom by Liquid Chromatography-electrospray Ionization-ion Trap Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI-IT-MS/MS).

The current research aimed to quantify melittin (MEL) in Iranian honey bee (Apis mellifera meda) venom. To this end, a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-IT-MS/MS) approach was employed. Melittin is the main toxic peptide of honey bee venom with various biological and pharmacological activities. It was extracted with pure water from the bee venom samples. The analyses were performed on XBridge BEH300 C4 column using a gradient method with the mobile phase consisting of ultrapure water and acetonitrile (containing 0.1% formic acid). Signals of the melittin were recorded with the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode, which is a quantitative approach capable of quantifying analyte peptides with high sensitivity and. The mass spectrum of MEL was obtained in the positive ion mode and the quantification analysis was performed using precursor to product ion transition of m/z 570.2/669.9. This method demonstrated good linearity (R2˃0.997) in the range of 1-100 µg mL-1, with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.0 µg mL-1. The content of MEL in Iranian honey bee venom accounts for 43–55% of total dry weight. This method can be used to evaluate the quality and authenticity of bee venom samples for different therapeutic applications of MEL.

The impact of AlterG training on balance and structure of vestibulospinal tract in cerebral palsy children.

We aimed to investigate the effects of an antigravity treadmill (AlterG) on the balance and structure of the vestibulospinal tract. The AlterG can reduce the weightbearing of patients and hence can facilitate their locomotion. Three children with cerebral palsy (CP) received AlterG training three days per week for eight weeks with each session lasting 45 minutes. The balance of children was evaluated using the Berg balance test and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) method was employed to quantify changes of the structure of the vestibulospinal tract. Evaluations were performed before and after the 8-week training. DTI metrics including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (RD) and axial diffusivity (AD) were measured to evaluate the vestibulospinal tract structure. The results showed that the mean FA of the vestibulospinal tract increased and other metrics decreased for all subjects. Our findings indicated that the balance and structure of the vestibulospinal tract were improved up to 30% for all children following the 8-week AlterG training. This indicates that the balance improvement of the CP children following the AlterG training was accompanied with persistent neuroplasticity in their brain. The clinical implication is that the AlterG training has a potential to be used as an effective therapeutic tool for the treatment of balance impairment in CP children.

Zona pellucida birefringence and meiotic spindle visualization are not related to the time-lapse detected embryo morphokinetics in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Oocyte parameters as well as embryo developmental kinetics can be applied as non-invasive predictors for selection of viable embryos and clinical outcomes. Time-lapse morphokinetic events in conjunction with zona pellucida birefringence (ZPB) and meiotic spindle visualization (MSV) have been evaluated for predicting pregnancy outcome. STUDY DESIGN: We assessed a total of 547 embryos from 100 intra cytoplasmic sperm injection cycles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and tubal factor infertility. ZPB and MSV were evaluated in 100 oocytes using polarized microscope. Time-lapse archives were noted for time to pronuclear fading (tPNf), time to 2-8 cells (t2-t8), direct cleavage, reverse cleavage and also for the presence of multinucleation. RESULTS: The mean timings of embryo morphokinetics were not significantly different between high and low ZPB and visible and not-visible meiotic spindle oocytes in the PCOS group (P > 0.05). Furthermore implantation rate was 4.6 fold higher in embryos derived from oocytes with visible meiotic spindles compared to those without visible meiotic spindle in PCOS patients (P < 0.05). We observed that chemical and clinical pregnancy rates as well as live birth were higher in transferred embryos which formed from oocytes with visible meiotic spindle (27.6% vs.16.7%),(24.1% vs. 8.3%) and (24.1% vs. 8.3%) respectively. According to logistic regression analysis, only tPNf significantly influenced clinical pregnancy and live birth (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Time-lapse embryo parameters are not related to oocyte ZPB and MSV status. However, clinical pregnancy and live birth have been affected by the presence of meiotic spindle.

Delivery of Exogenous miR-124 to Glioblastoma Multiform Cells by Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells Decreases Cell Proliferation and Migration, and Confers Chemosensitivity.

MicroRNAs (miRs) are potential therapeutic targets in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), but the difficulties associated with their delivery to tumor target cells have hampered their widespread use. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can migrate to the sites of cancers, including GBM and exert anti-tumor effects. In this study, it is shown that Wharton's jelly-MSCs (WJ-MSCs) have the ability to deliver exogenous miRs to GBM cells and the functional impact of this delivery is characterized. It is found that the labeled miR-124, as an example for miR of interest, can be successfully delivered with WJ-MSCs to U87 GBM cells via dependent or exosome-independent processes. It is demonstrated that the delivered exogenous miR-124 significantly decreases the luciferase activity of the target gene CDK6. In addition, the delivered miR-124 enhances the chemosensitivity of GBM cells to temozolomide and decreases the migration of GBM cells. These results suggest that the use of exogenous miRNA delivery with the derived exosomes from WJ-MSCs may provide a novel approach for miRNA replacement therapy in GBM cancers.

Efficient Production of Hepatocyte-like Cells from Human-induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by Optimizing Growth Factors.

BACKGROUND: Generating hepatocytes with complete liver functions is still a challenge and developing more functional hepatocytes is needed. OBJECTIVE: To compare various differentiation factors and protocols and introducing a preferable protocol to differentiate human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs). METHODS: After 3 days of the endoderm differentiation of hiPSCs, the cells were incubated with 5 hepatocyte differentiation culture media, protocols (P), for 14 days-P1: hepatocyte growth factor and fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4) for the first week and oncostatin-M and dexamethasone for the second week; P2: similar to P1 but FGF4 was used in both the first and second weeks; P3: similar to P1 but FGF-4 was not used; P4: similar to P1 but FGF-4 and dexamethasone were not used; and P5: similar to P1 but FGF-4 and oncostatin-M were not used. After 17 days, characterization was done by qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence and ELISA. RESULTS: The mRNA expression levels of hepatocyte markers (albumin, cytokeratin-18, tyrosine aminotransferase, hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α, cytochrome-P450 7A1) increased significantly (p<0.05) in the differentiated cells by 5 different protocols. Furthermore, significant protein expression and secretion of albumin were detected in the differentiated cells by 5 different protocols. In P3, the differentiated cells had the highest exhibit of hepatocyte characteristics and in P4 they had the lowest. Moreover, in P1 and P2 similar results were observed. CONCLUSION: Since P3 gave us the best results among all protocols, we recommend it as an efficient protocol to differentiate the functional HLCs from hiPSCs, which can improve cell therapies.

Early versus late traumatic cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation.

PurposeTo determine the proper time for traumatic cataract surgery after open globe injuries.SettingFarabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.DesignRandomized clinical trial.Patients and methodsIn a randomized clinical trial, 30 eyes with traumatic cataract after open globe injury with IOL implantation underwent early (in the first week after the trauma) and 30 eyes underwent late cataract surgery (from the first to second month after the trauma). We excluded patients who were under 12-year-old. All patients were visited at 1 week, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months after surgery. In each visit, patients were examined regarding visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber inflammation, IOL position, and posterior synechiae. In addition, posterior segment evaluation and fundoscopy were performed. Intraoperative complication including posterior capsular rupture, anterior vitrectomy, and zonulysis as well as the site of IOL implantation were documented and post-operative complications including raised IOP, anterior chamber inflammation, visual axis opacity, posterior synechiae, subluxation of IOL, and IOL pigment deposition were listed.ResultsBest-corrected visual acuity 6 months after surgery was not different between the two groups. Also in early cataract surgery group, the rate of posterior capsular rupture was not significantly higher than the late surgery group (P=0.069). On the other hand, zonulysis was significantly higher in the late procedure group (P=0.039). Other complications including anterior vitrectomy, raised IOP, anterior chamber inflammation, visual axis opacity, posterior synechiae, subluxation of IOL, and IOL pigment deposition were not different in the two groups.ConclusionsEarly and late traumatic cataract surgery and IOL implantation after open globe injuries, have no significant difference regarding the post-surgical BCVA and prominent intraoperative and post-operative complications.

The effect of fibrinogen concentrate on perioperative bleeding in transurethral resection of the prostate: a double-blind placebo-controlled and randomized study.

Essentials Perioperative bleeding during prostate surgery is still a common morbidity. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications contribute to the risk of hemorrhage and prolonged hospital stay. Multiple pharmacological agents have been proposed, but none of them have been widely accepted. It is crucial to find a safe and effective modality to reduce hemorrhage. SUMMARY: Background Hemorrhage during transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) has always been a concern. Several studies have shown preoperative administration of fibrinogen concentrate to have promising results in reducing hemorrhage in cardiac surgery. Objectives To investigate the hemostatic effect of fibrinogen concentrate administration on reducing the amount of bleeding during TUR-P in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Methods Sixty men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, who were chosen to undergo TUR-P, entered this prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: treatment (n = 31) and placebo (n = 29). They received an infusion of 2 g of fibrinogen concentrate (treatment group) or normal saline (placebo group) before surgery. Data regarding the amount of bleeding, the operation and complications were recorded and analyzed. Results No difference was observed in bleeding between the fibrinogen and placebo groups during (521 mL versus 557 mL, respectively) and after (291 mL versus 341 mL, respectively) surgery. This lack of difference was also seen in operation time (43 min versus 42 min), irrigating fluid volume used during (17 L versus 19 L) and after (29 L versus 28 L) surgery, and resected adenoma volume (19 g versus 19 g). The mean blood pressure was also similar in both groups as a confounding factor for the amount of bleeding. Conclusion Preoperative administration of fibrinogen concentrate had no significant influence on intraoperative and postoperative bleeding in TUR-P surgery.

Modifying the mechanical properties of silk nanofiber scaffold by knitted orientation for regenerative medicine applications.

Tissue reconstruction is among the increasing applications of polymer nanofibers. Fibrous scaffolds (mats) can be easily produced using the electrospinning method with structure and biomechanical properties similar to those of a cellular matrix. Electrospinning is widely used in the production of nanofibers and the GAP-method electrospinning is one of the means of producing fully aligned nanofibers. In this research, using the GAP-method, knitted fibrous scaffolds were made of silk fibroin, which is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. To extract fibroin from cocoons, the sodium chloride solution as well as dialysis and freeze-drying techniques were employed. The molecular weight of the extracted fibroin was measured with the SDS-Page electrophoresis technique. Moreover, the pure fibroin structure was examined using the ATR-FTIR method, and the viscosity of the solution used for electrospinning was measured with the Brookfield rotational viscometer. The scaffolds were prepared through electrospinning of the silk fibroin in pure formic acid solution. The following three structures were electrospun: 1) a random structure; 2) a knitted structure with an interstitial angle of 60 degrees; 3) a knitted structure with an interstitial angle of 90 degrees. Morphology of the resulting fibers was studied with a SEM (scanning electron microscope). Fibroin scaffolds are degradable in water. Therefore, they were fixated through immersion in methanol to be prepared for assays. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds were also studied using a tensile strength test device. The effect of methanol on the strength properties of the samples was also assessed. The hydrophilic potential of the samples was measured via a contact angle test. To increase the hydrophilicity of the scaffold surfaces, the cold oxygen plasma technique was employed. Finally, the biocompatibility and cell adhesion of the resulting scaffolds were examined through a HEK 293 cell culture, and the results were analyzed through the MTT, DAPI staining, and SEM imaging techniques. Results revealed that the oriented knitted structure contributed to the increase in Young's modulus and the maximum strength of scaffolds as compared to the random samples. Moreover, this structure can also be a suitable alternative to the typical chemical means of increasing strength.

Inhibition of breast tumor growth and abnormal angiogenesis in mice treated with endothelial cells and their progenitor mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow.

Incorporation of endothelial cells or their progenitor cells into newly sprouting blood vessels can contribute to tissue vascularization after ischemic injury. However, the interaction of the stem cells-derived endothelial cells with angiogenesis within tumors is not well understood. The aim of this study was to examine the efficiency of endothelial-like cells derived from MSCs in controlling breast tumor growth associated with abnormal angiogenesis. For this purpose, Balb/c mouse model of breast carcinoma was developed and subjected to intra tumor (I.T)/intra venous (I.V) therapy with undifferentiated MSCs or endothelial cells derived from them. The homing of the stem cells was approved by measuring different markers as well as tracing green fluorescence protein (GFP)-labeled MSCs in the tumors. Tumor growth was measured following cell therapy using a digital caliper. At the end of treatment period (30 days) the angiogenesis markers; VEGFR2 expression as well as micro-vessel density (MVD) using CD31 were estimated in tumor tissues. Stem cell transplantation to mice bearing breast tumors resulted in tumor growth suppression in all experimental groups. The endothelial markers; CD31 and VEGFR2 were down regulated following I.T delivery of the endothelial cells. Accordingly, angiogenesis was suppressed following I.T administration of endothelial cells which was associated with increased focal necrosis in the tumors. In conclusion, data show that endothelial cells directly injected into tumors is more efficient compared to undifferentiated MSCs in controlling tumor-associated angiogenesis and tumor growth.

Multiphase permittivity imaging using absolute value electrical capacitance tomography data and a level set algorithm.

Multiphase flow imaging is a very challenging and critical topic in industrial process tomography. In this article, simulation and experimental results of reconstructing the permittivity profile of multiphase material from data collected in electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) are presented. A multiphase narrowband level set algorithm is developed to reconstruct the interfaces between three- or four-phase permittivity values. The level set algorithm is capable of imaging multiphase permittivity by using one set of ECT measurement data, so-called absolute value ECT reconstruction, and this is tested with high-contrast and low-contrast multiphase data. Simulation and experimental results showed the superiority of this algorithm over classical pixel-based image reconstruction methods. The multiphase level set algorithm and absolute ECT reconstruction are presented for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, in this paper and critically evaluated. This article is part of the themed issue 'Supersensing through industrial process tomography'.