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Silica (SiO2) and platelet-rich plasma are two biomaterials that have profound impacts on ossification. The objective of this study was to fabricate and characterize a platelet-rich plasma/silica composite to be used in bone repair. Human platelet-rich plasma was mixed with nanosilica and induced to form gel by calcium chloride (CaCl2) supplementation. To cross-link the gel, glutaraldehyde was applied to the scaffolds. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to show any chemical change in the scaffold ingredients. The scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry methods were used to characterize the fabricated scaffolds. MG63 cell line viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The osteoblast functions were also evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity and alizarin red S staining. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs and energy-dispersive spectroscopy showed that silica nanoparticles were trapped within the fibrin fibers in both cross-linked and non-cross-linked scaffolds. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry revealed that the cross-linking procedure did not influence the amount of silica released into the medium. Silica-containing scaffolds provided a superior environment for cell proliferation and osteoblast activity. Platelet-rich plasma/silica scaffold can be considered as an autologous vehicle with appropriate features for bone tissue engineering.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive group therapy (MBCT) in reducing negative automatic thoughts and dysfunctional attitudes in cancer patients. Methods: The study was an applied and quasi-experimental research conducted by pre-and post-testing. The sample consisted of 30 cancer patients selected by purposive sampling and randomly placed in the control and the experimental group (15 individuals per group). The members of both groups filled out the automatic thoughts questionnaire (ATQ) and the dysfunctional attitudes scale (DAS-26) at the pre-and the post-test stage. The collected data were analyzed by the SPSS software and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) tests. Results:The results indicated that MBCT significantly reduced negative automatic thoughts (F = 126.15, P < 0.01) and dysfunctional attitudes (F = 179.53, P < 0.01) in the experimental group at the post-test stage in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, it is essential that therapeutic centers and support forums related to patients with refractory disorders use MBCT in their programs for reducing negative automatic thoughts and dysfunctional attitudes.

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