A novel demulsifier comprising graphene oxide (GO) functionalized with citric acid and Tween 80 was synthesized for breaking water-in-crude-oil emulsions. The modified Graphene oxide (M-GO) was characterized using Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis to confirm its structural properties and composition. A central composite design combined with response surface methodology was employed to optimize demulsification conditions, including concentration, temperature, pH, salinity, and salt type (NaCl and MgCl2). Under optimized conditions (68 degrees C, 235.4 ppm, pH 3.3, 16814.3 ppm NaCl), the demulsifier achieved 99% water separation efficiency within 5 min, demonstrating rapid and effective performance. Wettability and interfacial tension measurements confirmed enhanced interfacial activity, facilitating disruption of stabilizing films and droplet coalescence. The results demonstrate that this dual-functionalized GO demulsifier-combining biodegradable citric acid and non-toxic Tween 80-represents an efficient and sustainable option for petroleum emulsion treatment under moderate operational conditions.
This study aimed to design and validate a Coping educational package for Romantic Breakup based on God-Oriented Spiritual Multidimensional Psychotherapy. First, the Aetiology of Romantic Breakup was carried out in two stages—qualitative interviews with individuals experiencing Romantic Breakup and Islamic sources—using Bengtsson’s (2016) qualitative content analysis method; then the validation of the resulting findings was performed. After determining the Aetiology framework, the educational package was designed in 14 sessions of 60 minutes each, based on the Aetiology results and the God-Oriented Spiritual Multidimensional Psychotherapy approach. The validation of the educational package was examined using the opinions of 10 experts in two parts: Content Validity of the educational package and Feasibility assessment. The statistical population for the validation phase consisted of psychology specialists in Qom, selected through Purposeful sampling. The findings showed that for the Content Validity of the educational package, the mean Content Validity Ratio (CVR) of all sessions was 0.90 in the objectives section and 0.89 in the techniques section, and the mean Content Validity Index (CVI) was 0.93 in the techniques section, indicating that the educational package has appropriate content validity. Moreover, the Feasibility assessment findings showed that the educational package, with a total Feasibility mean of 3.83, has sufficient Intervention Acceptability & Suitability, Adaptation & Demand, Integration, Adaptability, Resources & Implementation, and Generalizability. The results of this study have provided a suitable basis for examining the effectiveness of the educational package and its use in reducing Clinical Symptoms resulting from Romantic Breakup.
Land use per capita remains one of the most widely used quantitative indicators in urban planning for evaluating the provision of urban services. Despite its normative significance, its validity as a proxy for accessibility has received limited empirical examination. This study investigates the extent to which land use per capita provision corresponds to accessibility outcomes across seven neighborhoods in District 20 of Tehran. Using a spatial evaluation model, spatial equity is evaluated through observed service distributions and survey-based accessibility data. Accessibility is operationalized as a measurable variable derived from standardized survey responses. Statistical analyses and spatial diagnostics, including Global Moran’s I, are employed to explain the relationship between six categories of service-related land uses and reported accessibility levels. The findings reveal that higher land use per capita provision does not consistently translate into improved accessibility. The relationship is weak and spatially unstable, while service distribution exhibits a fragmented and non-clustered pattern across neighborhoods. These results suggest that land use per capita standards provide only a partial representation of accessibility outcomes. Spatial configuration and distributional structure emerge as key dimensions influencing the effectiveness of service provision. The study highlights the need for more robust, evidence-based evaluation models that integrate spatial and behavioral dimensions of accessibility.
Most cells have the ability to secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are nanoscale membrane-bound vesicles. EVs carry a diverse array of biomolecule, that play key roles in immunological modulation, intercellular communication, and the regulation of pathological and physiological processes. For EV-based diagnosis of ocular diseases, eye-derived biofluids serve as important sources. EVs found in these biofluids have emerged as promising biomarkers for the early detection of ocular diseases, as their molecular cargo can reflect the biology of their parent cells. Furthermore, due to their high biocompatibility and low immunogenicity, EVs have been explored as therapeutic agents and targeted drug delivery nanocarriers in various ocular diseases. In this review, we summarize the advancements in EV-based research focused on the detection and treatment of ocular diseases. We provide an overview of the origin of EV applications in ophthalmology, review techniques for isolating EVs from ocular biofluids, highlight EV bioengineering strategies for drug delivery, and present recent developments in EV-based diagnostics and therapeutics. Finally, we discuss ongoing clinical trials and conclude with an overview of the current challenges and future considerations for the clinical translation of EV-based approaches in ocular disease.
Abstract Retinoblastoma (RB) is a primary cancer of the eye that predominantly affects children, although rare adult cases have been reported. This malignancy arises from immature retinal cells and is a major cause of vision loss in the pediatric population. In advanced stages, RB can spread to the brain and other organs. The primary driver of this disease is mutations in the RB1 tumor suppressor gene; however, the full development and advancement of RB necessitate further genetic and epigenetic changes beyond RB1 inactivation. Epigenetic alterations in RB involve various mechanisms, with non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) playing a crucial role in tumor progression. Dysregulation of various ncRNA classes, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), has been extensively documented, highlighting their contribution to the complexity and progression of the disease. The present study aims to collect a series of previously published studies exploring the contribution of ncRNAs in RB and their potential application as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as considering them as valuable targets in the treatment of RB. It will also address the challenges encountered during this pathway.
