In this study, zinc (Zn)- and copper (Cu)-doped 13-93B3 borate mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) were successfully synthesized using nitrate precursors in the presence of Pluronic P123. We benefited from computational approaches for predicting and confirming the experimental findings. The changes in the dynamic surface tension (SFT) of simulated body fluid (SBF) were investigated using the Du Noüy ring method to shed light on the mineralization process of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on the glass surface. The obtained MBGs were in a glassy state before incubation in SBF. The formation of an apatite-like layer on the SBF-incubated borate glasses was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The incorporation of Zn and Cu into the basic composition of 13-93B3 glass led to changes in the glass transition temperature (Tg) (773 to 556 °C), particle size (373 to 64 nm), zeta potential (−12 to −26 mV), and specific surface area (SBET) (54 to 123 m2/g). Based on the K-means algorithm and chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) tree, we found that the SFT of SBF is an important factor for the prediction and confirmation of the HAp mineralization process on the glasses. Furthermore, we proposed a simple calculation, based on SFT variation, to quantify the bioactivity of MBGs. The doped and dopant-free borate MBGs could enhance the proliferation of mouse fibroblast L929 cells at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL. These glasses also induced very low hemolysis (<5%), confirming good compatibility with red blood cells. The results of the antibacterial test revealed that all the samples could significantly decrease the viability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In summary, we showed that Cu-/Zn-doped borate MBGs can be fabricated using a cost-effective method and also show promise for wound healing/skin tissue engineering applications, as especially supported by the cell test with fibroblasts, good compatibility with blood, and antibacterial properties.
Background: Resilience as an individual's ability to maintain or restore mental health and physical function in the face of stressful events and adversity can be enhanced by educational interventions. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of self-care education by peer groups on the resilience of patients with cancer. Methods: A randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted on 80 patients with cancer referring to the chemotherapy center of Ayatollah Yathribi Hospital in Kashan, Iran. The subjects were randomly assigned into control and intervention groups (40 per group). The intervention group was trained by peer group members in 4 sessions (one session per week) but the control group received routine care. The Connor-Davidson re- resilience scale (CD-RISC) was used to collect data at the beginning of the trial, and then one week and three months after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using independent t-test and Repeated measures ANOVA in SPSS software, version 16. Results: There was a significant difference between the mean score of the groups’ resilience one week after the intervention (p= 0.01), but no significant difference was seen between the groups’ resilience scores three months after the study (p= 0.11). However, based on the repeated measures ANOVA and the results of the model using the Huynh-Feldt correction, there was an increase in the resilience score of the intervention group over time (p= 0.008). Furthermore, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the interaction of time and group indicating a significant difference between the two groups in terms of resilience score over time (p= 0.004). Conclusion: It is suggested that this intervention be provided by health care team along with routine treatments to improve resilience and mental health of patients with cancer.
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