Targeting vimentin: a multifaceted approach to combatting cancer metastasis and drug resistance.

This comprehensive review explores vimentin as a pivotal therapeutic target in cancer treatment, with a primary focus on mitigating metastasis and overcoming drug resistance. Vimentin, a key player in cancer progression, is intricately involved in processes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and resistance mechanisms to standard cancer therapies. The review delves into diverse vimentin inhibition strategies. Precision tools, including antibodies and nanobodies, selectively neutralize vimentin's pro-tumorigenic effects. DNA and RNA aptamers disrupt vimentin-associated signaling pathways through their adaptable binding properties. Innovative approaches, such as vimentin-targeted vaccines and microRNAs (miRNAs), harness the immune system and post-transcriptional regulation to combat vimentin-expressing cancer cells. By dissecting vimentin inhibition strategies across these categories, this review provides a comprehensive overview of anti-vimentin therapeutics in cancer treatment. It underscores the growing recognition of vimentin as a pivotal therapeutic target in cancer and presents a diverse array of inhibitors, including antibodies, nanobodies, DNA and RNA aptamers, vaccines, and miRNAs. These multifaceted approaches hold substantial promise for tackling metastasis and overcoming drug resistance, collectively presenting new avenues for enhanced cancer therapy.

Intersecting pathways: The role of hybrid E/M cells and circulating tumor cells in cancer metastasis and drug resistance.

Cancer metastasis and therapy resistance are intricately linked with the dynamics of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs). EMT hybrid cells, characterized by a blend of epithelial and mesenchymal traits, have emerged as pivotal in metastasis and demonstrate remarkable plasticity, enabling transitions across cellular states crucial for intravasation, survival in circulation, and extravasation at distal sites. Concurrently, CTCs, which are detached from primary tumors and travel through the bloodstream, are crucial as potential biomarkers for cancer prognosis and therapeutic response. There is a significant interplay between EMT hybrid cells and CTCs, revealing a complex, bidirectional relationship that significantly influences metastatic progression and has a critical role in cancer drug resistance. This resistance is further influenced by the tumor microenvironment, with factors such as tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and hypoxic conditions driving EMT and contributing to therapeutic resistance. It is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of EMT, characteristics of EMT hybrid cells and CTCs, and their roles in both metastasis and drug resistance. This comprehensive understanding sheds light on the complexities of cancer metastasis and opens avenues for novel diagnostic approaches and targeted therapies and has significant advancements in combating cancer metastasis and overcoming drug resistance.

MOFs and MOF-Based Composites as Next-Generation Materials for Wound Healing and Dressings.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing innovative materials and therapeutic strategies to enhance wound healing outcomes, especially for chronic wounds and antimicrobial resistance. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a promising class of materials for next-generation wound healing and dressings. Their high surface area, pore structures, stimuli-responsiveness, antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, and potential for combination therapies make them suitable for complex wound care challenges. MOF-based composites promote cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and matrix synthesis, acting as carriers for bioactive molecules and promoting tissue regeneration. They also have stimuli-responsivity, enabling photothermal therapies for skin cancer and infections. Herein, a critical analysis of the current state of research on MOFs and MOF-based composites for wound healing and dressings is provided, offering valuable insights into the potential applications, challenges, and future directions in this field. This literature review has targeted the multifunctionality nature of MOFs in wound-disease therapy and healing from different aspects and discussed the most recent advancements made in the field. In this context, the potential reader will find how the MOFs contributed to this field to yield more effective, functional, and innovative dressings and how they lead to the next generation of biomaterials for skin therapy and regeneration.

Atherogenic index of plasma: A valuable novel index to distinguish patients with unstable atherogenic plaques.

Background: Plaque instability is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Numerous efforts have been made to figure out and manage unstable plaques prior to major cardiovascular events incidence. The current study aims to assess the values of the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) to detect unstable plaques. Materials and Methods: The current case-control study was conducted on 435 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention due to chronic stable angina (stable plaques, n = 145) or acute coronary syndrome (unstable plaques, n = 290). The demographic, comorbidities, chronic medications, biochemical and hematological characteristics of the patients were entered into the study checklist. The baseline AIP was measured according to the formula of triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein logarithm. Binary logistic regression was applied to investigate the standalone association of AIP with plaque instability. Receiver operating curve (ROC) was depicted to determine a cut-off, specificity, and sensitivity of AIP in unstable plaques diagnosis. Results: AIP was an independent predictor for atherogenic plaque unstability in both crude (odds ratio [OR]: 3.677, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.521-8.890; P = 0.004) and full-adjusted models (OR: 15, 95% CI: 2.77-81.157; P = 0.002). According to ROC curve, at cut-point level of 0.62, AIP had sensitivity and specificity of 89.70% and 34% to detect unstable plaques, respectively (area under the curve: 0.648, 95% CI: 0.601-0.692, P < 0.001). Conclusion: According to this study, at the threshold of 0.62, AIP as an independent biomarker associated with plaque instability can be considered a screening tool for patients at increased risk for adverse events due to unstable atherosclerotic plaques.

Pulmonary endarteritis and endocarditis complicated with septic embolism: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary endarteritis is a rare clinical phenomenon with congenital heart that can potentially lead to major complications. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 47-year-old man with pulmonary endarteritis. This patient presented with hypertension, chest pain and a previous history of pulmonary valve disease during childhood. Also, eight-months prior, he was hospitalized with dyspnea (Functional Class III), cough, phlegm, and night sweats without fever. Echocardiographic diagnosis in the first transtransthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was intense pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS) an, thus, the pulmonary valve vegetation and PVS, established by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). He was referred for surgery after 1 weeks of intravenous antibiotic therapy for removal of the vegetation. CONCLUSIONS: Finally he was asymptomatic at 3-months of follow-up and was clinically in good condition. Therefore, the detection of infective endocarditis of the lung valve must not lengthy be prolonged.

Acute changes in cardiac function by direct acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C-infected patients with thalassemia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with thalassemia may also have cardiac abnormalities due to congenital problems, anemia, and increased burden of iron in their myocardium. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy on the cardiac function of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with thalassemia. METHOD: HCV-infected thalassemia patients were enrolled to this prospective evaluation. Daily tablets of 90 mg Ledipasvir (or 60 mg Daclatasvir) plus 400 mg Sofosbuvir (±ribavirin) were prescribed for the patients according to the Iran Hepatitis Network's guidelines. An echocardiography fellow collected the echocardiography findings before and after the treatment of all the patients. The patients were followed up for any cardiac events within 12 weeks after finishing the treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with the mean age of 24.2 ± 6.4 years were evaluated. All patients showed a sustained virological response at the 12th week after finishing the treatment. The patients' left ventricular end systolic diameter (3.0 vs 3.24; P = 0.003) and volume (33.8 vs 43.6; P = 0.001), global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle (-22.0 vs -20.6, P = 0.046), and average (-21.4 vs -20.3; P = 0.048), and the right ventricle size (3.12 vs 3.31; P = 0.012) were significantly increased after finishing the treatment. Changes in the abovementioned parameters were not correlated with the patients' myocardium iron load. There were no significant differences in other echocardiographic parameters ( P > 0.05) before and after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Sofosbuvir-based regimens for HCV treatment were safe for our HCV-infected patients with thalassemia. Our patients' ejection fraction remained unchanged. Hence, more specialized echocardiographic evaluations were recommended for those with a history of cardiac abnormalities, cardiac iron overload, and in case of any cardiac adverse event during DAA therapy in patients with thalassemia.

Mutation Screening of KCNQ1 and KCNE1 Genes in Iranian Patients With Jervell and Lange-Nielsen Syndrome.

Background: Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome (JLNS) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease with deafness and QT prolongation. Mutations in KCNQ1 and KCNE1 genes are a cause of JLNS. Our objective was to perform mutational analysis of the KCNQ1 and KCNE1 genes to determine the frequency of mutations in the Iranian population. Material and methods: Fourteen patients and their families were investigated. Mutational screening of the KCNQ1 and KCNE1 genes was performed by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by direct Sanger sequencing. Results: We identified two frameshift mutations in the KCNQ1 gene, including a novel mutation, c.1356 1356delG, and a known mutation, c.1534_1534delG. A common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), c.112G > A, was also found in KCNE1 in seven probands. Conclusion: A novel mutation in the KCNQ1 gene is described. There may be less frequency of mutations in the KCNQ1 and of KCNE1 genes in Iranian JLNS patients compared with other populations.

Long-term right ventricular changes in mustard-exposed patients: A historical cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Mustard gas (MG) is a chemical warfare agent widely used in the Iran-Iraq War. Its catastrophic effects on the lungs, eyes, and skin have been well studied. However, it also affects the cardiovascular system. We aimed to evaluate the long-term effect of MG on right ventricular (RV) function. METHODS: All patients presenting to the university clinics between May 2014 and September 2015 were consecutively evaluated to enter the study based on the inclusion criteria (documented proof of chemical injury, no past or present cardiovascular disease, not a current smoker, and no history of sleep apnea). A comparable control group of veterans without MG exposure was randomly selected. All patients underwent echocardiographic measurement of RV size and function by a blinded cardiologist. RESULTS: We included 23 patients in the MG-exposed group and 19 subjects in the control group, with a mean age of 48.6 years. Mean chemical injury severity score was 29.7% and mean time from the MG exposure was 29.2 years. The main complaint of MG-exposed patients pertained to respiratory symptoms (91%). Pulmonary artery pressure was higher (32.83 vs. 28.95 mmHg) and RV strain was lower (-17.05% vs. -20.72%) in the MG-exposed than in the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Our results present baseline RV values for MG-exposed patients and show mild but significant changes after 3 decades. Further cellular and molecular studies are needed to evaluate underlying mechanisms of MG cardiotoxicity.

Optimizing through computational modeling to reduce dogboning of functionally graded coronary stent material.

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death among the men and women. One of the most suitable treatments for this problem is balloon angioplasty with stenting. Functionally graded material (FGM) stents have shown suitable mechanical behavior in simulations. While their deformation was superior to uniform materials, the study was aimed at finding the most suitable configuration to reach the optimum performance. A combination of finite element method (FEM) and optimization algorithm have been used to fulfil this objective. To do that, three different conditions have been investigated in a Palmaz-Schatz geometry, where in the first and second ones the stent was a combination of steel and CoCr alloy (L605), and the third condition was a combination of CoCr alloy (L605) and CoCr alloy (F562). In the first and third conditions, dogboning was the objective function, but in the second condition a non-uniform deformation indicator was chosen as the objective function. In all three conditions the heterogeneous index was the control variable. The stent in the third condition showed a poor performance. While in the steel/CoCr alloy (L605) stents the heterogeneous index of 0.374 showed the lowest maximum dogboning, the heterogeneous index of 5 had more uniform deformation. Overall due to the lower dogboning of the steel/CoCr alloy (L605) stent with heterogeneous index of 0.374, this stent is recommended as the optimum stent in this geometrical configuration.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma in south-east Iran.

BACKGROUND: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene encodes an essential enzyme involving in folate metabolism. Due to the role of folate in DNA integrity, polymorphisms of MTHFR are interesting targets for cancer risk studies. Our goal was to evaluate the prevalence of MTHFR C677T and A1298T single nucleotide polymorphisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: The study was conducted on 57 OSCC patients diagnosed within 2004-2013 along with 62 non-OSCC subjects. DNA was extracted by standard kit protocol. Subsequently, tetra-ARMS (amplification refractory mutation system)-PCR was applied to identify the selected polymorphisms. RESULTS: Data showed that CT and TT genotypes of C677T polymorphisms significantly increased the risk of OSCC [odds ratio (OR) = 2.2, 95% CI: 1-5, P = 0.04]. Although allelic distribution was not significantly different between patients and controls, T allele of C677T polymorphism was closely associated with the risk of OSCC (OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 0.9-6.9; P = 0.07). Results indicated that C677T/A1298C: CC/AC and C677T/A1298C: CC/AA haplotypes were the most common combinations in OSCC patient and control groups, respectively. (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.6-3.8, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the possible impact of C677T polymorphism in increasing the risk of OSCC development.

MXene-based composites in smart wound healing and dressings.

MXenes, a class of two-dimensional materials, exhibit considerable potential in wound healing and dressing applications due to their distinctive attributes, including biocompatibility, expansive specific surface area, hydrophilicity, excellent electrical conductivity, unique mechanical properties, facile surface functionalization, and tunable band gaps. These materials serve as a foundation for the development of advanced wound healing materials, offering multifunctional nanoplatforms with theranostic capabilities. Key advantages of MXene-based materials in wound healing and dressings encompass potent antibacterial properties, hemostatic potential, pro-proliferative attributes, photothermal effects, and facilitation of cell growth. So far, different types of MXene-based materials have been introduced with improved features for wound healing and dressing applications. This review covers the recent advancements in MXene-based wound healing and dressings, with a focus on their contributions to tissue regeneration, infection control, anti-inflammation, photothermal effects, and targeted therapeutic delivery. We also discussed the constraints and prospects for the future application of these nanocomposites in the context of wound healing/dressings.

3D and 4D printing of MXene-based composites: from fundamentals to emerging applications.

The advent of three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) printing technologies has significantly improved the fabrication of advanced materials, with MXene-based composites emerging as a particularly promising class due to their exceptional electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties. This review explores the fundamentals of MXenes and their composites, examining their unique characteristics and the underlying principles of their synthesis and processing. We highlight the transformative potential of 3D and 4D printing techniques in tailoring MXene-based materials for a wide array of applications. In the field of tissue regeneration, MXene composites offer enhanced biocompatibility and mechanical strength, making them ideal for scaffolds and implants. For drug delivery, the high surface area and tunable surface chemistry of MXenes enable precise control over drug release profiles. In energy storage, MXene-based electrodes exhibit superior conductivity and capacity, paving the way for next-generation batteries and supercapacitors. Additionally, the sensitivity and selectivity of MXene composites make them excellent candidates for various (bio)sensing applications, from environmental monitoring to biomedical diagnostics. By integrating the dynamic capabilities of 4D printing, which introduces time-dependent shape transformations, MXene-based composites can further adapt to complex and evolving functional requirements. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research, identifies key challenges, and discusses future directions for the development and application of 3D and 4D printed MXene-based composites. Through this exploration, we aim to underscore the significant impact of these advanced materials and technologies on diverse scientific and industrial fields.

Assessment of Stiffness-Dependent Autophagosome Formation and Apoptosis in Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma Tumor Cells.

Remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) eventually causes the stiffening of tumors and changes to the microenvironment. The stiffening alters the biological processes in cancer cells due to altered signaling through cell surface receptors. Autophagy, a key catabolic process in normal and cancer cells, is thought to be involved in mechano-transduction and the level of autophagy is probably stiffness-dependent. Here, we provide a methodology to study the effect of matrix stiffness on autophagy in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma cells. To mimic stiffness, we seeded cells on GelMA hydrogel matrices with defined stiffness and evaluated autophagy-related endpoints. We also evaluated autophagy-dependent pathways, apoptosis, and cell viability. Specifically, we utilized immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy to track autophagosome formation through LC3 lipidation. This approach suggests that the use of GelMA hydrogels with defined stiffness represents a novel method to evaluate the role of autophagy in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and other cancer cells.

Catalytic and biomedical applications of nanocelluloses: A review of recent developments.

Nanocelluloses exhibit immense potential in catalytic and biomedical applications. Their unique properties, biocompatibility, and versatility make them valuable in various industries, contributing to advancements in environmental sustainability, catalysis, energy conversion, drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensing/imaging, and wound healing/dressings. Nanocellulose-based catalysts can efficiently remove pollutants from contaminated environments, contributing to sustainable and cleaner ecosystems. These materials can also be utilized as drug carriers, enabling targeted and controlled drug release. Their high surface area allows for efficient loading of therapeutic agents, while their biodegradability ensures safer and gradual release within the body. These targeted drug delivery systems enhance the efficacy of treatments and minimizes side effects. Moreover, nanocelluloses can serve as scaffolds in tissue engineering due to their structural integrity and biocompatibility. They provide a three-dimensional framework for cell growth and tissue regeneration, promoting the development of functional and biologically relevant tissues. Nanocellulose-based dressings have shown great promise in wound healing and dressings. Their ability to absorb exudates, maintain a moist environment, and promote cell proliferation and migration accelerates the wound healing process. Herein, the recent advancements pertaining to the catalytic and biomedical applications of nanocelluloses and their composites are deliberated, focusing on important challenges, advantages, limitations, and future prospects.

Advancing personalized medicine: Integrating statistical algorithms with omics and nano-omics for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy.

Medical laboratory services enable precise measurement of thousands of biomolecules and have become an inseparable part of high-quality healthcare services, exerting a profound influence on global health outcomes. The integration of omics technologies into laboratory medicine has transformed healthcare, enabling personalized treatments and interventions based on individuals' distinct genetic and metabolic profiles. Interpreting laboratory data relies on reliable reference values. Presently, population-derived references are used for individuals, risking misinterpretation due to population heterogeneity, and leading to medical errors. Thus, personalized references are crucial for precise interpretation of individual laboratory results, and the interpretation of omics data should be based on individualized reference values. We reviewed recent advancements in personalized laboratory medicine, focusing on personalized omics, and discussed strategies for implementing personalized statistical approaches in omics technologies to improve global health and concluded that personalized statistical algorithms for interpretation of omics data have great potential to enhance global health. Finally, we demonstrated that the convergence of nanotechnology and omics sciences is transforming personalized laboratory medicine by providing unparalleled diagnostic precision and innovative therapeutic strategies.

Contribution of Autophagy to Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Induction during Cancer Progression.

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a dedifferentiation process implicated in many physio-pathological conditions including tumor transformation. EMT is regulated by several extracellular mediators and under certain conditions it can be reversible. Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process in which intracellular components such as protein/DNA aggregates and abnormal organelles are degraded in specific lysosomes. In cancer, autophagy plays a controversial role, acting in different conditions as both a tumor suppressor and a tumor-promoting mechanism. Experimental evidence shows that deep interrelations exist between EMT and autophagy-related pathways. Although this interplay has already been analyzed in previous studies, understanding mechanisms and the translational implications of autophagy/EMT need further study. The role of autophagy in EMT is not limited to morphological changes, but activation of autophagy could be important to DNA repair/damage system, cell adhesion molecules, and cell proliferation and differentiation processes. Based on this, both autophagy and EMT and related pathways are now considered as targets for cancer therapy. In this review article, the contribution of autophagy to EMT and progression of cancer is discussed. This article also describes the multiple connections between EMT and autophagy and their implication in cancer treatment.

Innovative approaches for cancer treatment: graphene quantum dots for photodynamic and photothermal therapies.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) hold great promise for photodynamic and photothermal cancer therapies. Their unique properties, such as exceptional photoluminescence, photothermal conversion efficiency, and surface functionalization capabilities, make them attractive candidates for targeted cancer treatment. GQDs have a high photothermal conversion efficiency, meaning they can efficiently convert light energy into heat, leading to localized hyperthermia in tumors. By targeting the tumor site with laser irradiation, GQD-based nanosystems can induce selective cancer cell destruction while sparing healthy tissues. In photodynamic therapy, light-sensitive compounds known as photosensitizers are activated by light of specific wavelengths, generating reactive oxygen species that induce cancer cell death. GQD-based nanosystems can act as excellent photosensitizers due to their ability to absorb light across a broad spectrum; their nanoscale size allows for deeper tissue penetration, enhancing the therapeutic effect. The combination of photothermal and photodynamic therapies using GQDs holds immense potential in cancer treatment. By integrating GQDs into this combination therapy approach, researchers aim to achieve enhanced therapeutic efficacy through synergistic effects. However, biodistribution and biodegradation of GQDs within the body present a significant hurdle to overcome, as ensuring their effective delivery to the tumor site and stability during treatment is crucial for therapeutic efficacy. In addition, achieving precise targeting specificity of GQDs to cancer cells is a challenging task that requires further exploration. Moreover, improving the photothermal conversion efficiency of GQDs, controlling reactive oxygen species generation for photodynamic therapy, and evaluating their long-term biocompatibility are all areas that demand attention. Scalability and cost-effectiveness of GQD synthesis methods, as well as obtaining regulatory approval for clinical applications, are also hurdles that need to be addressed. Further exploration of GQDs in photothermal and photodynamic cancer therapies holds promise for advancements in targeted drug delivery, personalized medicine approaches, and the development of innovative combination therapies. The purpose of this review is to critically examine the current trends and advancements in the application of GQDs in photothermal and photodynamic cancer therapies, highlighting their potential benefits, advantages, and future perspectives as well as addressing the crucial challenges that need to be overcome for their practical application in targeted cancer therapy.

Amine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles decorated by silver nanoparticles for delivery of doxorubicin in breast and cervical cancer cells.

Nanocarriers have demonstrated promising potential in the delivery of various anticancer drugs and in improving the efficiency of the treatment. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were green-synthesized using the extracts of different parts of the pomegranate plant, including the peel, flower petals, and calyx. To obtain the most efficient extract used for the green synthesis of AgNPs, all three types of synthesized nanoparticles were characterized. Then, (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs-APTES) decorated with AgNPs were fabricated via a one-pot green-synthesis method. AgNPs were directly coated on the surface of MSNs-APTES by adding pomegranate extract enriched with a source of reducing agent leading to converting the silver ion to AgNPs. The MSN-APTES-AgNPs (MSNs-AgNPs) have been thoroughly characterized using nanoparticle characterization techniques. In addition, DNA cleavage and hemolysis activities of the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed, confirming the biocompatibility of synthesized nanoparticles. The Doxorubicin (DOX, as a breast/cervical anti-cancer drug) loading (42.8%) and release profiles were investigated via UV-visible spectroscopy. The fibroblast, breast cancer, and cervical cancer cells' viability against DOX-loaded nanoparticles were also studied. The results of this high drug loading, uniform shape, and small functionalized nanoparticles demonstrated its great potential for breast and cervical cancer management.

Application of 3D, 4D, 5D, and 6D bioprinting in cancer research: what does the future look like?

The application of three- and four-dimensional (3D/4D) printing in cancer research represents a significant advancement in understanding and addressing the complexities of cancer biology. 3D/4D materials provide more physiologically relevant environments compared to traditional two-dimensional models, allowing for a more accurate representation of the tumor microenvironment that enables researchers to study tumor progression, drug responses, and interactions with surrounding tissues under conditions similar to in vivo conditions. The dynamic nature of 4D materials introduces the element of time, allowing for the observation of temporal changes in cancer behavior and response to therapeutic interventions. The use of 3D/4D printing in cancer research holds great promise for advancing our understanding of the disease and improving the translation of preclinical findings to clinical applications. Accordingly, this review aims to briefly discuss 3D and 4D printing and their advantages and limitations in the field of cancer. Moreover, new techniques such as 5D/6D printing and artificial intelligence (AI) are also introduced as methods that could be used to overcome the limitations of 3D/4D printing and opened promising ways for the fast and precise diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Carboxymethyl cellulose/sodium alginate hydrogel with anti-inflammatory capabilities for accelerated wound healing; In vitro and in vivo study.

Recently, managing the chronic skin wounds has become increasingly challenging for healthcare professionals due to the intricate orchestration of cellular and molecular processes involved that lead to the uncontrollable inflammatory reactions which hinder the healing process. Therefore, different types of wound dressings with immunomodulatory properties have been developed in recent years to effectively regulate the immune responses, enhance angiogenesis, promote re-epithelialization, and accelerate the wound healing process. This study aims to develop a new type of immunomodulatory wound dressing utilizing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/sodium alginate (Alg)-simvastatin (SIM) to simultaneously enhance the inflammatory responses and the wound healing ratio. The CMC/Alg-SIM hydrogels exhibited appropriate swelling ratio, water vapor transmission rate, and desirable degradation rate, depending on the SIM content. The fabricated dressing showed sustained release of SIM (during 5 days) that improved the proliferation of skin cells. According to the in vitro findings, the CMC/Alg-SIM hydrogel exhibited controlled pro-inflammatory responses (decreased 2.5- and 1.6-times IL-6 and TNF-α, respectively) and improved secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines (increased 1.5- and 1.3-times IL-10 and TGF-ß, respectively) in comparison with CMC/Alg. Furthermore, the CMC/Alg-SIM hydrogel facilitated rapid wound healing in the rat model with a full-thickness skin defect. After 14 days post-surgery, the wound healing ratio in the CMC/Alg hydrogel group (∼93%) was significantly greater than the control group (∼58%). Therefore, the engineered CMC/Alg-SIM hydrogel with desired immunomodulatory properties possesses the potential to enhance and accelerate skin regeneration for the management of chronic wound healing.