Enhancing the anti-tumor activity and reprogramming M2 macrophages by delivering siRNAs against SIRPα and STAT6 via M1 exosomes and combining with anti-PD-L1.

Background: The invasive property of breast cancer and the complex composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME) antibodies like anti-PD-L1, can inhibit tumor growth by promoting macrophage phagocytosis. In this research, we used anti-PD-L1 antibody and siRNAs targeting SIRPα (siSIRPα) and STAT6 (siSTAT6). The siRNAs were transported to macrophages using M1-derived exosomes.

The relationship between breast cancer and thyroid autoimmune disorders in southeast Iran: A case-control study.

To better understand the role of thyroid hormones in regulating the growth of breast epithelial cells and the estrogen-like effects of these hormones, the present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between breast cancer and thyroid autoimmune disorders in southeast Iran women. In this case-control study, in the case group, all newly diagnosed breast cancer pa-tients referred to the oncology clinics in Zahedan city in years 2021‒2022 were studied. The num-ber of participants in each group was represented by 40 breast cancer patients.

The effect of synbiotics in the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy and the parental burden of caregivers: a single-arm pretest-posttest trial.

Background: In patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), the composition of the gut microbiome changes compared to drug-sensitive patients and healthy individuals. Synbiotics, a mixture of probiotics and prebiotics, aim to improve the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome. This study aimed to assess the effect of synbiotics on the treatment of DRE and the burden on caregivers.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles therapy for primary ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-clinical studies.

Background: Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) manifests with hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, follicle loss, and infertility. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are emerging as a promising treatment for POI. This systematic review aims to assess the effects of MSC-EVs on follicle number, hormonal profile, and fertility in POI animal models.

Enhanced anti-tumor efficacy of S3I-201 in breast cancer mouse model through Wharton jelly- exosome.

Objective: Exosomes, membrane-enveloped vesicles found in various cell types, including Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells, play a crucial role in intercellular communication and regulation. Their use as a cell-free nanotechnology and drug delivery system has attracted attention. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a major global health problem and is characterized by a high mortality rate.

Reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages using exosomes from M1 macrophages.

Macrophages, abundant in tumors, are classified as M1 or M2 types with M2 dominating the tumor microenvironment. Shifting macrophages from M2 to M1 using exosomes is a promising intervention. The properties of exosomes depend on their source cells.

Towards Design Optimization of Compliant Mechanisms: A Hybrid Pseudo-Rigid-Body Model-Finite Element Method Approach and an Accurate Empirical Compliance Equation for Circular Flexure Hinges.

Innovative designs such as morphing wings and terrain adaptive landing systems are examples of biomimicry and innovations inspired by nature, which are actively being investigated by aerospace designers. Morphing wing designs based on Variable Geometry Truss Manipulators (VGTMs) and articulated helicopter robotic landing gear (RLG) have drawn a great deal of attention from industry. Compliant mechanisms have become increasingly popular due to their advantages over conventional rigid-body systems, and the research team led by the second author at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has set their long-term goal to be exploiting these systems in the above aerospace applications.

Retraction: High-performance sono/nano-catalytic system: CTSN/FeO-Cu nanocomposite, a promising heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of -arylimidazoles.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1039/C9RA08062G.].

A Simple High Yield Technique for Isolation of Wharton's Jelly-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell.

Background: The isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) from various tissues is possible, with the umbilical cord emerging as a competitive alternative to bone marrow. In order to fulfill the demands of cell therapy, it is essential to generate stem cells on a clinical scale while minimizing time, cost, and contamination. Here is a simple and effective protocol for isolating MSC from Wharton's Jelly (WJ-MSC) using the explant method with various supplements.

Therapeutic and immunomodulatory potentials of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and immune checkpoints related molecules.

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are used in many studies due to their therapeutic potential, including their differentiative ability and immunomodulatory properties. These cells perform their therapeutic functions by using various mechanisms, such as the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, direct cell-to-cell contact, extracellular vesicles (EVs) production, and mitochondrial transfer. However, mechanisms related to immune checkpoints (ICPs) and their effect on the immunomodulatory ability of MSCs are less discussed.

Synergistic effects of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles and dexamethasone on macrophage polarization under inflammatory conditions.

The undesirable inflammation and the excessive M1 macrophage activity may lead to inflammatory diseases. Corticosteroids and stem cell therapy are used in clinical practice to promote anti-inflammatory responses. However, this protocol has limitations and is associated with numerous side effects.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicle Therapy for Asthma in Murine Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Asthma is a common disease, and among the most predominant causes of the years lived with disability. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have emerged as a promising avenue for asthma management. The objective of this study is to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-clinical studies investigating the therapeutic use of MSC-EVs in murine models of asthma.

Exosomes Derived from Heat-shocked Tumor Cells Promote In vitro Maturation of Bone Marrow-derived Dendritic Cells.

Dendritic cells (DCs), professional antigen-presenting cells that process and deliver antigens using MHC II/I molecules, can be enhanced in numerous ways.  Exosomes derived from heat-shocked tumor cells (HS-TEXs) contain high amounts of heat-shock proteins (HSPs). HSPs, as chaperons, can induce DC maturation.

The impact understanding of exosome therapy in COVID-19 and preparations for the future approaches in dealing with infectious diseases and inflammation.

Cytokine storms, which result from an abrupt, acute surge in the circulating levels of different pro-inflammatory cytokines, are one of the complications associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This study aimed to assess the effect of exosomes on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and compare it with a control group. The cytokines evaluated in this study were TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, and IFN-γ.

Decellularized Placental Sponge: A Platform for Coculture of Mesenchymal Stem Cells/Macrophages to Assess an M2 Phenotype and Osteogenic Differentiation and .

Effective communication between immune and bone-forming cells is crucial for the successful healing of bone defects. This study aimed to assess the potential of a decellularized placental sponge (DPS) as a coculture system for inducing M1/M2 polarization in macrophages and promoting osteogenic differentiation in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs), both and . We prepared the DPS and conducted a comprehensive characterization of its biomechanical properties, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility.

Distinctive Expression of MetastamiRs in Breast Cancer Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from Solid Tumor.

Background: MSCs are a part of the tumor microenvironment, which secrete cytokines and chemokines. They can affect metastasis and the growth of tumors. metastamiRs are newly recognized regulatory elements of the metastasis pathway which are involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

S1 Transforaminal Epidural Anesthesia in Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy: A Case-Series Study.

Background: Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) has become popular over the years due to its safety and low invasiveness. This surgery can be performed with different anesthesia techniques; however, the extent to which the surgeon and patient are satisfied with the analgesia is debatable.

Objectives: This study investigated the efficiency of the S1 transforaminal epidural block.

Engineering chimeric autoantibody receptor T cells for targeted B cell depletion in multiple sclerosis model: An study.

Background: Recent evidence suggests that B cells and autoantibodies have a substantial role in the pathogenesis of Multiple sclerosis. T cells could be engineered to express chimeric autoantibody receptors (CAARs), which have an epitope of autoantigens in their extracellular domain acting as bait for trapping autoreactive B cells. This study aims to assess the function of designed CAAR T cells against B cell clones reactive to the myelin basic protein (MBP) autoantigen.

In vitro naive CD4 T cell differentiation upon treatment with miR-29b-loaded exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells.

Background: Gene regulation by microRNA (miRNA) is central in T lymphocytes differentiation processes. Here, we investigate miRNA-29b (miR-29b) roles in the reprogramming of T cell differentiation, which can be a promising therapeutic avenue for various types of inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Methods And Results: Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived exosomes (AMSC-Exo) enriched with miR-29b were delivered into naive CD4 T (nCD4) cells.

Delivering Primary Health Care (PHC) Services for Controlling NCDs During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. NCDs also increase mortality from COVID-19 and primary health care (PHC) services are an important component in the prevention and control of long-term NCDs. The main goal of the present study was to review primary healthcare services for the NCDs patients via primary healthcare network during COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of the MCP-1-2518A>G polymorphism on COVID-19 severity in the Iranian population: A case-control study.

As a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the host's immune system is disrupted, and chemokines and cytokines are intensified to eliminate the virus, resulting in cytokine storm syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Patients with COVID-19 have been observed to have elevated levels of MCP-1, a chemokine associated with the severity of the disease. In some diseases, polymorphisms in the regulatory region of the MCP-1 gene correspond to serum levels and disease severity.