مسعود سلیمانی

With the emergence of SARS CoV-2, we have witnessed numerous deaths and injuries. Due to the possibility of emergence of new strains, there is a need to improve treatment approaches. There are reports on the application of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (p-MSCs) as a therapeutic approach. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of these cells in patients with COVID-19.

Nine patients with severe and critical COVID-19 and severe inflammatory condition admitted to the ICU were candidates for cell therapy. For each subject, three 1 x 106 injections of p-MSC (cell/kg) were administered intravenously. The clinical manifestations of the patients and the occurrence of potential early complications as well as the levels of blood and inflammatory and anti-inflammatory parameters before and after cell therapy were investigated.

All treated patients tolerated the p-MSC injection and no acute side-effect was reported for the treatment. The PaO2/FiO2 level increased significantly in the patients after cell therapy. The analysis of the blood, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory parameters of the patients before and after cell therapy showed a significant decrease in the level of RBC and CRP, D-dimer, IL-6 and TNF-α and an increase in platelets and IL-10. The changes in WBC, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, Hb and PT and biochemical parameters in the serum, fibrinogen coagulation, PH, PCO2, Po2, HCO3 and O2 sat (%) were not statistically significant.

Based on the results, three intravenous injections of p-MSCs in severe and acute patients improved their inflammatory condition and clinical symptoms and had a significant effect on their inflammatory and blood parameters including RBC and platelet.

Radiation therapy is one of the most important methods in treatment of cancer. Targeted metal nanoparticles (NPs) play an effective role in reducing ionizing radiation side effects through increasing the effect of ionizing radiation on cancer cells and controlling the harmful effect of radiation on healthy cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of targeted folic acid gold NPs (GNPs) using linker bovine serum albumin in the absorption and sensitivity of gold NPs in HeLa cervical cancer cells compared to non-targeted gold NPs.

In this study, GNPs were conjugated with folic acid by bovine serum albumin as the linker. The binding of bovine serum albumin and folic acid to GNPs was investigated by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Toxicity was measured by the MTT method and based on the results, the GNPs’ non-toxic concentration was determined. The effect of targeted synthesized GNPs on their absorption and sensitivity were evaluated on HeLa cells.

The non-toxic concentration of GNPs was 12 μg/ml. Incubation of the cells with this concentration was performed for 2, 4, and 24 hours and it was observed that in 4 hours, the absorption rate of targeted GNPs was about 4 times higher than that of non-targeted GNPs. The radiosensitization ratios of targeted and non-targeted GNPs in the studied cancer cells relative to the control group (without NPs) exposed to 6 MV photon radiation were 1.32±0.02 and 1.19±0.02, respectively.

The use of bovine serum albumin linker to target GNPs has a significant effect on increasing the absorption of GNPs and the effect of ionizing radiation on HeLa cells under 6 MV photon beams.

A common treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes, in which pancreatic beta cells are destroyed by the immune system attack, is insulin injection. Because this treatment is not able to maintain complete glucose homeostasis compared to the function of endogenous insulin secreted by the pancreas; in the field of pancreatic tissue engineering, various treatment strategies have been proposed, which this article introduces and reviews.

The present article is a review study that was performed using the search of keywords including Tissue Engineering, Pancreas, Type 1 Diabetes, and Three-dimensional Bioprinting, Insulin Producing Cells, Artificial Organ, and Endocrine Pancreas Bioprinting in the available databases of PubMed / MEDLINE and Web of Sciences to search for relevant articles and books at least 20 years ago until December 2003 and reviewed 53 articles and two related books.

A total of 53 articles and two books obtained from the search, which were in line with the objectives of the present study, were selected and the analysis of their results was presented in fluent and practical language. Based on the results, the use of β-like cells derived from stem and accessory cells, scaffolds, cell encapsulation and transplantation methods in different areas away from the immune system, can be considered as promising methods in treatment of type 1 diabetes.

Newapproaches related to the field of pancreatic tissue engineering include various solutions such as the use of embryonic and adult stem cells, the use of natural and synthetic scaffolds to guide and organize the targeted tissues, the use of 3D bioprinters, insulin secreting organoids and pancreas on a chip which are the most effective and promising methods to overcome these challenges.

Sulfur mustard or mustard gas is a blistering agent that has been used as a war weapon. Chemical veterans are people who have multiple injuries in different organs, especially in the skin. Studies have shown that the side effects of mustard gas are the result of alkylation with DNA, RNA, protein, and lipids, which leads to metabolic and genetic changes. The respiratory system and the skin are the main targets of mustard gas alkylation. microRNAs are small non-coding and single-stranded RNAs that play a role in the spatial and spatial regulation of protein synthesis and the stability of messenger RNA. The disruption of the expression of any miRNA gene will be equal to the disruption of the expression of several protein-coding genes, each of which can play an essential role in cell biology, so to investigate the changes in the expression of microRNA, miR-20a, in the skin of chemically injured people. In this study, 30 skin biopsy samples were collected, including 10 samples from patients with moderate SM, 10 samples from patients with severe SM, and 10 control samples. RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were performed. The expression of the miR-20a gene was investigated using the Real-time PCR method. 5s rRNA gene was used as the internal control. GraphPad Prism 6.07 software was used for the statistical analysis of data. Roc curve was used to check the biomarker value of the miR-20a gene. In this study, according to the results of the Roc curve, the miR-20a gene in the skin has a biomarker value, but it needs more study.

Occasionally the disease severity of CML, nay progressat an accelerated rate and the blast phase could be associated with a worse prognosis and a higher mortality rate. Exosomes are nanosized lipid vesicles with the ability to regulate various intra and extracellular mechanisms through transferring their content including proteins, RNAs, miRNAs and DNAs to the tumor microenvironment.

In this study, we aimed to review exosomes structure and biogenesis as well as different exosome sources like CML cells, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), and immune cells. Moreover, the effects of secreted exosomes on CML disease such as their impact on bone marrow niche, drug resistance, leukemic cells growth and CML disease progression is briefly described here.

Since exosomes play extensive roles in the regulation of niche altered by cancer, they can be very valuable in the clinic and in investigating the causes of resistance to treatment. Therefore, one of the therapeutic strategies that can be useful in the recovery process of this group of relapsed patients are exosomes.

In order to prevent disease advancement to accelerated and blast phases, further investigations and clinical trials are required to identify the exact function of exosomes. Therefore, exploring the content of these exosomes and optimizing their application for disease treatment, is needed to prevent disease progression and drug resistance.

The occurrence of single and double-strand breaks of DNA damage is the major obstacle for proliferation under various environmental factors and, if not repaired, can result in many consequences, including mutation, cell death, and others. So, the present study was conducted to evaluate the damage of DNA and the expression status of DNA repair system genes before and after stem cell proliferation.

The MACS method isolated the umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (UCB-HSCs). In order to investigate cell death, the study of Annexin V/PI was done by flow cytometry. Comet assay made observation and identification of DNA breaks, and the expression of genes normally involved in the repair of DNA breaks was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

The average number of stem cells increased by 1.9-fold after three days of proliferation. The apoptotic percentage of cells was negligible (less than 0.2%), and the purity of the CD34+ cells was reduced by about one-third in three days (67%). By examining the expression of DNA repair genes, including KU70, KU80, RAD51, and XRCC1, their increased fold change was not significant. In a microscopic examination of stem cells in the comet assay, there was no significant difference between DNA damage before (1.33% ± 0.31) and after (2.08% ± 0.92) replication.

In our investigation, neither DNA damage nor changes in the DNA break repair were observed. However, further studies are required to clarify the DNA break repair by recruiting more UCB-HSCs samples.

Mustard sulfur (SM) is a blister and has destructive effects on the lungs, eyes, and skin. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNA molecules that regulate many important cellular pathways. The clear association of microRNA expression changes in a wide range of diseases and their interception in various organs of the body, including the skin, has made them a suitable biomarker. This study aims at evaluating the changes in miR-21 gene expression in chemical warfare victims infected with SM. In this study, skin biopsy specimens including 10 veterans exposed to SM with moderate complications, 10 veterans exposed to SM with severe complications, and 10 control samples were collected, and then total RNA was extracted. cDNA synthesis was performed. MiR-21 gene expression was assessed using real-time PCR. 5 s rRNA gene was used as the internal control. Graph Pad Prism software version 6.07 was used for the statistical analysis of data. Roc curve was used to evaluate the biomarker value of the miR-21 gene. Increased expression of the miR-21 gene was observed in samples of SM veterans compared with normal samples. There was a statistically significant difference in the expression of the miR-21 gene in the skin samples of veterans exposed to SM with moderate complications and veterans exposed to SM with severe complications compared with the samples of control skin (P-value 0.0001). The expression of the miR-21 gene in the skin samples of veterans exposed to SM with severe complications and veterans exposed to SM with moderate complications in old age was not significantly related to the control sample (P-value = 0.8049, P-value = 0.3802). This study showed that the relative expression of miR-21 could be a potential biomarker in distinguishing SM veterans from healthy individuals but needs further researches..

ABO-incompatible allo-HSCT leads to complications like pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), which involves 7-16% of ABO-incompatible recipients. In this condition, albeit the development of other hematopoietic lineages in the bone marrow engraftment is successful, erythroid precursors are missing; thus, patients may require blood transfusions because of severe anemia. An extensive variety of treatment strategies has been introduced for treating PRCA patients. This study reviewed the various PRCA treatments following allo-HSCT.

In this Review study, keywords including Pure Red-Cell Aplasia, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, and ABO Blood-Group System were searched in PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Sixty-four articles were reviewed, and related data were extracted.

There are three main approaches for treating PRCA: erythropoiesis with erythropoietin, reducing isoagglutinin levels, and immunomodulatory therapies/graft versus plasma cell effect.

Monoclonal antibody drugs targeting plasma cells have shown unprecedented results. Overall, PRCA management ways incorporate: individual patients’ evaluation in order to select the proper treatment management for each case, a thorough monitoring approach from the first day of hospitalization, and predicting the possibility of PRCA as indicated by blood group antibodies’ levels.

Graphene-based nanomaterials are being investigated for their biocompatibility and bioactivity, as well as their ability to improve osteogenic differentiation. In this research, the base material, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets, were decorated with hydroxyapatite and strontium (rGO / HAp-Sr) to induce osteogenic differentiation in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Different techniques were used to determine the properties of the nanocomposite such as diffraction analysis techniques (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (to evaluate the size and morphology of HAp-Sr on rGO plates), FT-IR (to analyze the nanocomposite functional group), Raman spectroscopy (to investigate possible disorders in nanocomposite structure and number of layers), induced dual plasma emission spectroscopy (to assess atomic concentration of Ca and Sr), zeta potential(electrical potential of the nanocomposite) and MTT (nanocomposite cytotoxicity assessment) were used. The ossification potential of the synthesized nanocomposite was investigated and confirmed using the calcium deposition test in dipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. According to the obtained results, osteogenic differentiation induction is possible using synthesized nanocomposites without the need for chemical inducers.

Patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) are high-risk during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Viral infections are a common complication in transplanted patients. Since BMT is a definitive line treatment for many hematological malignancies, the BMT unit should provide therapy services during the COVID-19 outbreak. According to studies over the past two years, following the COVID-19 prevention guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) has made it possible to carry out this high-risk treatment. This review article presents the experiences and challenges of BMT centers during the outbreak of COVID-19.

The present study is a review article based on searching in medical-scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, from 2020 to 2021. All articles were evaluated, and 30 articles were selected as the primary sources of study.

Regarding the stability and new strains emergence of coronavirus over the last two years, as well as the importance of BMT as the last-line treatment in some hematological malignancies, COVID-19 prevention is the first pivotal step for immunity of BMT donor and recipient. Training medical service personnel and patients will effectively prevent virus contagiousness and spread. Moreover, regular screening of medical staff can inhibit viral transmission to admitted patients. Stick to home quarantine in patients pre-and post-BMT restricts the risk of COVID-19 contamination.

Tropospheric aerosol particles play an important role in the Earth's radiative energy balance directly by scattering and absorbing solar radiation and indirectly by modulating the microphysical and radiative properties of clouds. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) based on satellite remote sensing data is a quantitative estimate of the amount of aerosol in the atmosphere and can be used as an indicator of aerosol particle concentration. In general, the review of previous studies indicates the high importance of aerosol products based on satellite remote sensing data in modeling the spatial-temporal patterns of dust storms and in particular the identification of dust sources. The advantages of using satellite AOD to identifying dust events are possible in arid areas with relatively little cloud cover. The presence of clouds in the sky also severely limits AOD terrestrial and satellite measurements. Thus, AOD datasets sometimes have a gap due to factors such as cloudiness. Since the possibility of monitoring and measuring aerosols in cloudy conditions is limited, the use of proxy datasets to fill the gap will be an advantage. In this regard, several studies based on the analysis of satellite data have emphasized the association between climatic parameters and dust events (specifically AOD) in different regions. Therefore, considering the relationship between climatic parameters and AOD, these parameters can be used as a proxy data set to estimate AOD values for areas without data or with cloud cover. Also, using the predicted values of climatic parameters, AOD values can be predicted. Accordingly, in order to achieve reliable AOD prediction results, it is necessary to use a generalizable approach that can model the complex relationships between large data sets and satisfactorily solve the mentioned problems. For this purpose, one of the efficient data mining algorithms called M5P was considered to analyze and extract the relationships between climatic parameters and AOD to obtain predictive models. The M5P algorithm is a combination of tree and regression models with capabilities such as high prediction accuracy and ease of interpreting results.

In this study, in order to derive AOD predictive models based on climatic parameters, M5P data mining algorithm based on tree structure and multivariate linear regression analysis were used. Accordingly, a spatial database of remote sensing time series data related to 4 climatic parameters (as independent variables) including surface air temperature (SAT), precipitation (P), surface relative humidity (SRH) and wind speed (WS), and AOD (as dependent variable) was generated. WEKA software was used to implement the M5P model. After analyzing the relationships between independent and dependent variables through the tree model structure and linear multivariate regression, AOD predictive rules were extracted. Statistical indicators were used to validate the linear predictive models.

After pre-processing the time series data of climatic parameters and AOD as training data set, the input independent and dependent variables of the M5P were defined. Implementation steps of the M5P algorithm, including homogenization of independent input data sets by forming decision-making trees based on a series of "if-then" rules, multivariate linear regression analysis in homogeneous classes, and finally validation of the model results was performed in WEKA software. Thus, a total of four linear models (LM) or predictive rules for estimating AOD based on the values of climatic parameters were extracted. Finally, by placing the values of climatic parameters in the obtained linear models, the AOD value can be estimated based on the thresholds defined by the M5P algorithm. The obtained linear models are able to predict AOD values in different conditions (based on climatic parameters). Validation of the results of the M5P algorithm based on correlation analysis between input variables and evaluation of prediction errors through MAE and RMSE statistics shows the acceptable performance and accuracy of linear models in relation to AOD prediction. Given the dynamics of aerosol particles (especially dust) and their ability to transportability by the wind even at very far distances from their source of emission, it is likely that the amount of measured AOD for a pixel by a satellite sensor, does not exactly belong to the same area on earth. Therefore, in relation to the prediction error of the models, it should be noted that this may be due to the ability of the aerosol particles to be carried by the wind. Due to the strong correlation between AOD and climatic parameters, possible discrepancies may be due to the mentioned reason. Because a dust storm arising from a source may have no relation with the values of the climatic parameters at the destination.

In general, in this study, the capability of M5P data mining algorithm in order to AOD prediction was evaluated. Using the M5P algorithm based on inductive learning and using remote sensing time series data, through the formation of decision trees based on the set of "if-then" rules, four linear predictive models based on climatic parameters were extracted. Predictive models were extracted and validated using a data set for Ahvaz city. AOD, as an indicator of the state of the atmospheric aerosol, has great importance for dust storms studies.Access to AOD data is restricted in some parts of the world and in some seasons due to some limitations such as cloud cover. On the other hand, it is important to be aware of future spatial-temporal patterns of dust storms in order to adopt crisis management measures. Using the obtained predictor linear models in this study, it is possible to make an acceptable estimation of AOD in some areas, there are restrictions on access to AOD. Also, by entering the predicted values of climatic parameters, it is possible to estimate the future spatial-temporal patterns of AOD.Dust storms generally occur as a function of a wide range of environmental conditions, including atmospheric properties, as well as surface parameters such as vegetation, soil moisture, and soil texture. With this background, only considering the atmospheric conditions and their impacts on the spatial-temporal patterns of AOD may sometimes not produce the desired results. Therefore, it is recommended in future studies in this field, in addition to climatic parameters, which are mostly indicators of the atmospheric condition; ground surface parameters should also be used in modeling. By doing so expected to increase the accuracy of linear models for predicting AOD.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be one of the best treatment options for some patients with hematological malignancies. The process of stem cell homing in the bone marrow and the production and proliferation of denovo cell populations is called engraftment and could be considered as one of the key factors in the success of stem cell transplantation. The aim of this study was to investigate the main success factors in stem cell transplantation.

In this retrospective research, patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (between 2009 and 2019) with lymphoma and multiple myeloma were included and the factors affecting engraftment time and the hospital length of stay were studied using patients' records.

In patients with Hodgkin's diagnosis, myeloid engraftment took longer than that in patients with multiple myeloma (P= 0.06). One-unit increase in platelet transfusion led to late myeloid engraftment (P= 0.09). Patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma also had a later platelet engraftment than patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma (P= 0.008) and increase in unit of platelets transfused caused later platelet engraftment (P= 0.05). Significant risk factors in multivariate analysis were entered into multiple models, among which only the number of packed cells transfusion was associated with duration of hospitalization (P<0.0001).

Myeloid and platelet engraftment are associated with numbers of transfusions and transfusion support should be provided for patients at the correct rate to avoid hospital length of stay.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most common sources of cell-based therapies in heart regeneration. There are several approaches to differentiate MSCs into cardiac-like cells, such as genetic modification. In addition, using of 3D culture, such as hydrogels, increases the efficiency of differentiation.

In the present study, lentiviruses containing microRNA 1 (miR- 1) and myocardium (Myocd) were co-transducted to mouse adipose-derived MSCs. Three days after, transduced MSCs were transferred to a hydrogel containing chitosan and collagen. After 21 days, the differentiation of encapsulated cells was evaluated. In this regard, the expression of cardiac markers such as NK2 homeobox 5 (Nkx2-5), GATA binding protein 4 (Gata4) and troponin T type 2 (Tnnt2) at the level of gene and protein were investigated.

The results of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry showed that co-induction of miR-1 and Myocd in MSCs followed by transfer to composite hydrogel increased the expression of cardiac markers.

The use of 3D culture such as chitosan/collagen hydrogel improves the differentiation of MSCs and subsequently obtains more mature cells for use in cell-based regenerative medicine

In this paper, restoration of the customers in distribution network considering the annual financial losses of the process trips has been studied. The most purpose for restoration of customers is to the restore the maximum possible load. For evaluation of the financial losses of the process trips, a new concept in the field of power quality named process immunity time have been used. Impact of two equipmentchr('39')s – disconnector and automated sectionalizing switches on the geographic area, financial losses and reliability indices will be reviewed. In this paper, restoration priority will be with the customers outside of the fault section. IEEE 34 node test feeder is simulated as the base network and the results will be analyzed and evaluated. Then two DGchr('39')s are connected in two arbitrary locations. Eventually, DG will be transferred to near the industrial load in order to examine the results. In this paper, restoration priority is with customers outside of the fault section.

The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is one of the most important intracellular signaling pathways by regulating the cell cycle process. The direct relationship of this pathway with important mechanisms such as cell quiescence, longevity, and proliferation has been established. The overactive PI3K pathway with decreased and increased apoptosis and cell proliferation respectively is involved in pathogenesis of many cancers, including blood malignancies such as leukemia.

Laboratory findings have shown that different factors, such as miRNAs, play a role in regulating PI3K signaling pathway. These molecules can alter the fate of a cell by interfering in suppression/overexpression of mRNA, transcription factors or stimulating the transcription of some genes. In this article, we reviewed the role of miRNAs in regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and its effect on leukemic progression and treatment failure.

At present, miRNAs are known to be one of the causes of treatment failure and relapse in cancers.

Although hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a potential solution in the treatment of many blood malignancies and immune disorders, graft versus host disease (GVHD) has posed many challenges. Chronic (c)GVHD is one of the leading causes of death in acute GVHD survivors. Up to 70% of transplanted patients will experience cGVHD. Various studies have demonstrated the essential role of B cells in the development of cGVHD. These cells use various mechanisms in triggering cGVHD, including production of alloantibodies, activation of complement system, promoting antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, and cross-presentation of antigens and immune complexes to CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells. B cells can also interfere the peripheral tolerance of T cells. High level of alloreactive and autoreactive B cells as well as low level of regulatory B cells are observed in cGVHD patients, and are associated with the cGVHD severity. Therefore, B cell subsets should be considered in the transplantation procedure. B cell manipulation and targeting in allogeneic transplantation could be a promising approach to prevent and control cGVHD. In this article, we reviewed the roles of B cells in the pathophysiology of cGVHD.

Change in adipose tissue phenotype caused by exercise training is new theory that as result of muscle FNDC5 gene expression. The aim of the present study is to investigate the acute effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT( on PGC-1α and FNDC5 genes expression of diabetic rats. In this study, 18 diabetic wistar rats(12 week- age, 220-240 gr- weight) were assigned to three groups: high intensity interval training Immediately (HIIE0)(n=6), high intensity interval training 2hours later (HIIE2)(n=6) and control(C)(n=5). Both HIIT groups activated on the treadmill with 90-95% vo2max in the 12 interval-one minute period and 1 minute rest intervals. Real time PCR method was used for the relative expression of mRNA FNDC5 and PGC-1α. One-way ANOVA and Tukey Post hoc test has used to data analysis, the level of significance has been consider at 0/05. Data Analysis showed significant differences Research groups in expression of mRNA FNDC5 and PGC-1α (p≤0/01.) Tukey test showed, FNDC5 and PGC-1α gene expression In the 2 groups high intensity interval training(HIIT0-HIIT2) compared to the control group significantly increased (p≤0/01).

Degradation of human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) during some disorders such as aging is associated with severe impairment of ocular optical receptor function. Cellular and tissue transplantation of RPE layer is one of the treatment options that has been considered in recent years. The use of platelet gel has shown beneficial effects on the growth of various cultured cells.This study was conducted to investigate the effects of three different concentrations of platelet gel on the viability and the expression of PAX6 and RPE65 genes of cultivated RPE cells.

hRPE cells extracted from the human eye were cultured in plates containing platelet gel (PL) of different concentrations (10%, 20%, and 30%). Cells viability was tested by MTT test and the expression RPE65 and PAX6 genes were analyzed by using real time PCR. The number of expression changes of each gene in different treatments compared to the control and according to the internal GAPDH gene was calculated according to the 2-∆∆Ct method and the results were compared with each other in a bar chart.

After 7 days, cultivated hRPE cells in culture media containing 30% PL showed a high rate of viability in comparison with those cultured in 10% PL (p < 0.05). RPE65 gene expressions in cell cultures treated with 20% and 30% PL were higher than controls (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the expression of PAX6 gene between the cell cultures treated with 20% and 30% platelet gels.

our results showed that using platelet gels in hRPE cell cultures can improve cell viability and identity, which can be promising for optimizing future clinical cell therapy strategies.

Land subsidence, as one of the natural and geological hazards, can be caused by human activities such as long-term discharge of groundwater and traditional irrigation farming. In the last two decades, climate change and successive droughts, unsustainable management of water resources and overexploitation of groundwater as well as population growth have caused land subsidence in Shahriar plain in the west of Tehran province. The present study aims to monitor and estimate land subsidence using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) approach. Moreover, it tries to investigate the relationship between groundwater level and subsidence rate. Therefore, the time series of the ENVISAT-ASAR satellite images from 2003 to 2010 were used. The Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) algorithm was applied to analyze the time series of land surface displacement and to generate the mean displacement velocity map. The findings from time series analysis of InSAR data indicate a continuous subsidence occurrence in the agricultural lands of the region. The mean velocity of deformation along the satellite line of sight (LOS) in the time period of study, shows the displacement at an average rate of -10 cm / year and a maximum rate of -27 cm / year in the Shahriar plain in the west of Tehran province. Over this time period, groundwater level decreases about 0.5 to 1.5 m in the aquifer storage at 12 observational wells located in the study area. The overall correlation between changes in groundwater level and subsidence rate was estimated circa 89.45 percent, which indicates a strong relationship between subsidence and groundwater exploitation in the region.

Land subsidence, as a natural phenomenon, is defined as the gradual subsidence or abrupt sinking of the ground surface due to the subsurface material’s compression. One of the common causes of the land subsidence formation is the overexploitation of underground aquifers. The occurrence of land subsidence due to groundwater extraction from aquifers has been studied in several researches and documented in various regions of the world. This phenomenon is known as a global problem and leads to many environmental consequences such as damaging human structures like buildings, streets, bridges and power lines, creating holes on the earth surface, intensifying floods and flooding and reduction of aquifer capacity for water storage and ultimately it poses social and economic risks for human societies. In regions with bounded groundwater aquifers, groundwater discharge causes the reduction of pore pressure and subsequently sedimentary layers are compacted and condensed. This process leads to the downward movement of the ground surface and so-called land subsidence. Surface deformation is often measured using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technique. Generally, InSAR technique measures the phase difference of radar waves caused by the deformation created on the earth surface in time interval between two satellite pass.

In this study, radar interferometry techniques were used to monitor, estimate and analyze time series of land displacement in the west of Tehran province. Based on the historical archive and free accessibility, ENVISAT images were identified as the best dataset to estimate the land subsidence. Therefore, the level 2 time series data product (IMS) of ENVISAT-ASAR sensor related to frame number of 2889 from descending track of 149 were acquired. The time series selection of SAR data was determined according to the availability of well depth data. In the first step, the radar interferometry method was applied by analysing all possible differential interferograms with respect to temporal and spatial baselines to detect deformation signals (in particular, land subsidence). In the next step, by selecting a set of optimal generated interferograms regarding spatial and temporal baseline and using the SBAS algorithm, the land surface displacement time series were evaluated and the mean displacement velocity map for the region was produced.

The results of using InSAR approach indicate some subsidence event in the eastern part of Shahriar and northwest and west of Eslamshahr with mean velocity of -10 cm per year. Also, the estimated maximum subsidence rate in this region is -27 cm per year. The results of time series analysis, using the SBAS algorithm, showed that the subsidence signals before 2005 occurred at a faster rate compared to the 2005 to 2010. Groundwater level data of study area for the period of 2003 to 2010 generally represents drop in groundwater levels. Due to the slope and elevation (topographic status), the wells located in the northern part of the study area are much deeper than those in the southern part. Besides, the trend of water level decline in this area has not always been descending and sometimes the water level has increased limitedly at certain times. The results indicate that the water level decline has been more severe in the north and west than in the south and east part of region. The results of correlation analysis between changes in groundwater level and land subsidence indicate a high correlation between land subsidence signals and groundwater extraction with an average estimate of 89.45%. The lowest correlation was observed in well No. 2 with a correlation of 52.11%. The highest correlation of 99.96% was observed in well No. 7. The poor correlation between water depth in observational wells and land surface subsidence signals is related to the geological properties of the area and the type of soil which ultimately causes a time delay between groundwater exploitation and subsidence signals. The results also indicate that an average subsidence of 5 to 12 cm have been occurred per 1 meter drop in groundwater level. The results of previous studies related to InSAR processing in Shahriar plain were examined to confirm the accuracy of the obtained results. The results of the time series analysis of land displacement signals to extract the spatial-temporal pattern of the region's subsidence, despite minor differences, are very similar to the results of other studies in the same region. Minor discrepancies in the estimated subsidence rate (sometimes up to 3 cm per year) can be attributed to the type of applied algorithm and radar images, as well as the considered time period.

Having recognized land subsidence phenomenon in the current study, time series images were estimated using InSAR technique in the west of Tehran province. Then, the relationship between subsidence rate and groundwater level changes in the area was investigated. The high correlation indicated that the main cause of the subsidence in this area was the overexploitation of groundwater. Also, the conformity of the spatial patterns of subsidence signals to agricultural lands in the study area indicates the relationship between subsidence event and land use. In this study, for the first time with a deeper look, the relationship between land subsidence and water underground level changes in observational wells was evaluated separately. Due to the observation of nonlinear patterns in relation to the correlation analysis between subsidence and groundwater levels in some areas of the study area, it is suggested that the geological structures of each well be separately examined and compared with the amount of subsidence in future research.

The climate change over the past few decades, and consequently decrease in the precipitation, along with the population growth in different regions in Iran have led to an increase in demand for water for domestic agricultural, industrial, etc. consumption. This has led to uncontrolled exploitation of groundwater resources, causing severe decrease in the groundwater level. Artificial recharge technique is one of the methods to compensate for the groundwater deficit, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Selection of suitable sites before artificial recharge can help improve the efficiency of the project and ensure its success. Having in mind the problems related to decrease in groundwater resources in Tehran due to the increasing population and the expansion of industry and agriculture. This study aims to identify and zoning of regions that are suitable for artificial recharge of groundwater in Tehran Province. The GIS can help determine such regions more precisely, faster, and with better results. For this purpose, the present study integrated GIS and Fuzzy AHP to weigh and combine factors that play a positive role in artificial recharge, such as the depth and changes in the groundwater level, precipitation, drainage density, elevation and land slope, distance from fault, distance from river, geological properties, and land use. After investigating the views of experts about the binary comparison of the criteria, and prioritizing them using AHP, it was found that the hydrological properties were the most effective criteria for the subject under study. Results indicated that 6.2% and 15.75% of the entire area of the region under study are very suitable and suitable for artificial recharge of groundwater, respectively. Very suitable regions are mostly located in the east of the province, with suitable geologic formations, short distance from river, and predominant rangeland and agricultural land use. They also, have a very low and decreasing groundwater level.

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a source of Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and has received a lot of attention due to its availability, renewal capacity, proliferation rate, and differentiation potential. The main limitation of using these cells is their low quantity in one unite of UCB. To overcome this, HSCs co-culturing with UCB derived mesenchymal cells (MSCs) is a practical approach. The purpose of this study was the expansion of HSCs together with UCB derived MSCs on a three-dimensional poly L- lactic acid coated with fibronectin.

In this experimental study, after isolation of CD133+ from UCB cells using MACS method, the purity of the isolated cells was carried out by flow cytometry. Then, the cells were seeded on PLLA scaffold coated with fibronectin in presence of mesenchymal cells (group I), the PLLA scaffold in presence of mesenchymal cells (group II), and PLLA scaffold (group III). The proliferation rate, colonization potential and bio-compatibility of the cells were studied using a hemocytometer, CFU assay, and MTT, respectively.

The cells co-cuthured with PLLA-Fn scaffold (group I) had a higher proliferation rate of CD133 stemness marker compared to other groups. Also, the colonization of the cells and scaffold׳s biocompatibility was significantly higher in this group compared to other groups. (P <0.05).

The study proved that the optimal 3D culture system in PLLA scaffold coated with fibronectin co-cultured with MSCs could reproduce minimum differentiation of CD133 + cells.

In the present study, an enzyme catalyzed in situ forming hydrogel based on chemically modified tragacanth was prepared and then evaluated for use in cartilage tissue engineering. For this purpose, firstly tyramine was conjugated on the galacturonic acid methyl ester units of gum tragacanth (GT) via ammonolysis of methyl ester groups in heterogeneous media. Then, the hydrogel was prepared by mixing of functionalized polymer, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and hydrogen peroxide using a double syringe equipped with a mixing chamber. Then, cell viability of the encapsulated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and in vitro chondrocyte differentiation of them, incubated in the presence of differentiation medium, were investigated. After mixing of the gel promoters, hydrogel formation was obtained due to enzyme catalyzed oxidative coupling reaction between phenolic groups of tyramine functional groups. The tunable gelation time of hydrogels was less than 2 minute. Viability of the encapsulated cells was more than 95% and 75% after 2 h and 21 days of incubation. The expression of chondrocytic genes and sulphated glycosaminoglycan indicated that the encapsulated hMSCs differentiated to chondrocyte cells during in vitro differentiation time.

Growing demand for suitable material for cell culture and biomedical applications has been challenged biomaterial community to looking for compatible materials for cell culture uses. in addition of biocompatibility and having appropriate physical-chemical characteristics, cell culture surfaces should not induce spontaneous differentiation of stem cells and should be suitable with different kind of cells. Among the bulk of existing biomaterials, acrylate and methacrylate combinations of polymers in terms of manufacturing process control, as well as mechanical, physical and chemical properties, are substances that can be used in many cell culture systems.In the present study, a combination of several acrylate monomers was evaluated to determine the attachment and growth of human fibroblast cells. The results confirm the fact that some of these polymer compounds, in terms of cell attachment and growth, are a very suitable substrate for cell culture and expansion, and are in a good agreement with respect to degree of hydrophilicity. Also, the substrates due to having multiple functional groups, in contrast to traditional substrates such as polystyrene, are suitable for covalent binding to other molecules, especially biomolecules, and will be suitable for studying their effects in contact with cells.

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems are important because simulating the physiological microenvironment and representing more similarity to in vivo</em> conditions for anticancer drug screening. Taking the advantages of 3D cell culture in cancer therapy field, we have developed the 3D in vitro</em> anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) model for determination the cytotoxic dose of "BI-847325" chemotherapy agent in ATC cell lines with different genetic background.
Materials &

C643 and SW1736 ATC cell lines were grown in alginate scaffold. Beads were incubated in medium for one week. Cells were treated with different doses (1–64 μM) of BI-847325 for 24h. The cytotoxic effect of BI-847325 on 3D cultured cell lines was studied by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. Survival rate of alginate-encapsulated cells was analyzed by CFSE (5,6-Carboxyfluorescein N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester) staining in effective doses for each of the cell lines.

Cytotoxic effect of BI-847325 anticancer drug was different for two ATC cell lines. Effective doses of BI-847325 for C643 and SW1736 cell lines were at 25μM and 43μM, respectively. CFSE staining analysis confirmed these data.

Altogether, the results of the present study showed that the cytotoxic effect of BI-847325 chemotherapy agent was different for two ATC cell lines. The importance of this subject in regard to the 3D cell culture methods can be useful for researchers in the complementary experiences design in order to achieve the most appropriate chemotherapy drug with the most effective dose.