The injectable hydrated calcium phosphate bone-like paste (hCPP) have been developed with suitable nanoscale characteristics and unindered injection through 23G standard needles. In vitro assays showed the cytocompatibility of hCPP with mesenchymal embryonic C3H10T1/2 cell cultures. The hCPPs were identified to be composed of aggregated nano-sized particles with sphere-like shapes with low crystallinity. The ability of serum proteins (FBS) to adsorb on hCPP particles was also studied. The hCPP demonstrated high protein adsorption capacity, thereby indicating its potential in various biomedical applications. The results of the in vivo assay upon subcutaneous injection in Wistar rats indicated the nontoxicity and biocompatibility of experimental hCPP, as well as the gradual resorption of hCPP, comparable to the period of bone regeneration. The data obtained are of great interest for the development of commercial highly effective osteoplastic materials for bone tissue regeneration and augmentation.

Regeneration of biological tissues in medicine is challenging, and 3D bioprinting offers an innovative way to create functional multicellular tissues. One common way in bioprinting is bioink which is one type of the cell-loaded hydrogel. For clinical application, however, the bioprinting still suffers from satisfactory performance, e.g. in vascularization, effective antibacterial, immunomodulation and regulation of collagen deposition. Many studies have incorporated different bioactive materials into the 3D printed scaffolds to optimize the bioprinting. Here, we review a variety of additives added to the 3D bioprinting hydrogel. The underlying mechanisms and methodology for biological regeneration are important and will provide useful basis for future research.

Background: Chronic Back Pain due to Facet Joint Syndrome is a common and debilitating con-dition. Advances in regenerative medicine have shown that Autologous Unmodified Adipose Tissue-Derived Regenerative Cells (ADRC) provide several beneficial effects [1,2]. These regen-erative cells can differentiate into various tissues [3] and exhibit a strong anti-inflammatory po-tential. ADRCs can be obtained from a small amount of fatty tissue derived from the patient´s abdominal fat. Methods: We report long-term results of 37 patients (age 31-78 years, mean 62.5) suffering from “Facet Joint Syndrome” The pathology was confirmed by clinical, radiological examinations and fluoroscopically guided test injections. Then liposuction was performed. 50-100 cc of fat were harvested. To recover stem cells from adipose tissue, we use the CE-certified Transpose RT™ system from InGeneron GmbH. The cells were then injected under fluoroscopic control in the periarticular fat. Follow-up examinations were performed at one week 1 and 5 years. Results: Every patient reported improved VAS pain at any follow-up (1 week, 1, and 5 years) with ADRCs compared to the baseline. Conclusion: Our observational data indicate that facet joint syndrome patients treated with unmodified adipose tissue-derived regenerative cells experience improved quality of life in the long term.

The genus Musa spp. contains commercially important fleshy fruit producing plants including plantains and bananas with a strong potential of providing food security and source of revenue to farmers. Occasionally, plantlets are often not available to fulfill the supply demand of farmers particularly in Caribbean region. Concerns with the quality of vegetative tissues along with the possibility of the transmission of phytopathogens makes availability of plantlets limited to farm-ers. Micropropagation of plantains offers an alternative to producing large number of in-vitro plantlets. However, conventional methods of micropropagation techniques require high produc-tion costs and are labor-intensive. Recently, Temporary Immersion Bioreactor (TIB) has emerged as an alternative to conventional micropropagation methods. Our work utilized SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), molecular and biochemical tools (qRT-PCR and ICP-OES) to characterize and compare the morphological, elemental composition, and photosynthetic gene expression of plantains cultured on TIB. Additionally, morphological features of growth and propagation rates were analyzed for comparing outputs obtained from temporary immersion bioreactor with conventional micropropagation (CM) techniques. Results showed higher growth and multiplication rates for plantlets cultivated in TIB. Gene expression analysis of selected photosynthetic genes demonstrated high transcript abundance of phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) in plantain tissues obtained by TIB. Elemental composition analysis showed higher content of iron in plantains grown in TIB suggesting a potential correlation with PEPC expression. These results demonstrate the potential of TIB to be an efficient method to produce healthy in-vitro plantains.

Molecular diagnostics in healthcare relies increasingly on genomic and transcriptomic method-ologies and requires appropriate tissue specimens from which nucleic acids (NA) of sufficiently high quality can be obtained. Besides suration of ischemia and fixation type, NA quality depends on a variety of other pre-analytical parameters, like storage conditions and duration. It has been discussed that improper dehydration of tissue during processing influences quality of NAs and shelf-life of fixed tissue. Here we report on establishing a method to determine the amount of residual water in fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue (fixed by neutral buffered formalin, or a non-crosslinking fixative) and its correlation to the performance of NAs in qRT-PCR analyses. The amount of residual water depended primarily on the fixative type and the dehydration pro-tocol and, to a lesser extent on storage conditions and time. Moreover, we found that these pa-rameters were associated with the qRT-PCR performance of extracted NAs. Besides cross-linking of NAs and modification of nucleobases by formalin, hydrolysis of NAs by residual water was found to contribute to reduced qRT-PCR performance. The negative effects of residual water on NA stability are not only important for the design and interpretation of research, but must also be taken into account in clinical diagnostics where reanalysis of archived tissue from a primary tumour may be required, e.g., after disease recurrence. We conclude that improving shelf-life of fixed tissue requires meticulous dehydration and dry storage to minimize the degradative in-fluence of residual water on NAs.

The repurposing of licenced drugs for use against COVID-19 is one of the most rapid ways to develop new and alternative therapeutic options to manage the ongoing pandemic. Given the approximately 8,000 licenced compounds available from Compounds Australia that can be screened, this paper demonstrates the utility of commercially-available ex vivo/3D airway and alveolar tissue models. These models are a closer representation of in vivo studies compared to in vitro models, but retain the benefits of rapid in vitro screening for drug efficacy. We demonstrate that several existing drugs appear to show anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity against both Delta and Omicron Variants of Concern in the airway model. In particular, fluvoxamine, as well as aprepitant, everolimus, and sirolimus have virus reduction efficacy comparable to the current standard of care (remdesivir, molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir). Whilst these results are encouraging, further testing and efficacy studies are required before clinical use can be considered.

Orbital fractures are a common finding in facial trauma and serious complications may arise when orbital reconstruction is not done properly. The virtual planning can be used to manufacture patient-specific titanium orbital implants (PSI) through the process of selective laser melting. This method is currently considered the most accurate technique for orbital reconstruction. Even with the most accurate tehniques of bone reconstruction, there are still situations where enophthalmos is present after reconstruction which may be produced by intraorbital soft tissue atrophy. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the orbital soft tissue after postraumatic reconstruction of the orbital walls fractures. 10 patients diagnosed with unilateral orbital fractures were included in this study. A CT scan of the head region with thin slices (0.6mm) and soft and bone tissue windows was done. After data processing, the STL files were exported and the intraorbital fat tissue volume and the muscular tissue volume were masured. The volumes of affected orbit tissues were compared with the volumes of the healthy orbit tissues for each patient. Our findings conclude that a higher or a lower grade of fat and muscular tissue loss is present in all cases of reconstructed orbital fractures.

We set a feasible method to produce tailored collagen scaffolds and analyzed its potential for corneal engineering. Collagen-vitrigel membranes (CVM) were produced with a 1:1 ratio of Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM), 1% antibiotics and 8% fetal bovine serum, and 5mg/mL collagen type I. Three volumes of collagen were used: 1X (2.8 L/mm2 of collagen), 2X, and 3X. Vitrification was done at 40% relative humidity (RH), 40° C, and 30 rpm using a matryoshka system set with a shaking-oven and a desiccator with a saturated K2CO3 solution. The CVM was characterized for width, microstructure, transparency, and biocompatibility using NIH3T3 cells. Surgical manipulation was assessed in an ex vivo corneal model. Constructs of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) and 2X-CVM were transplanted into five 18-month-old White New Zealand rabbits. CVM exhibited homogeneous surface and laminar organization. Membrane width increased with gel volume from 3.65µm to 7.2µm. 1X and 2X-CVM exhibited a 99% transmittance. NIH3T3 cells concentration increased 3-fold within 48 h with no significant difference among the 3 CVM (p = 0.323). The 2X-CVM was surgically manipulable. Transplantation of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) seeded over 2X-CVM restored corneal endothelium. The matrioshka system is a feasible method that yields CVM suitable for corneal engineering.

There is need to address the challenges of organ shortage, through development of tissues and organs with alternatives to those of the allograft-kind. This illustrates the quest behind novel biofabrication strategies such as 3D bio-printing, which is necessary to create artificial multi-cellular tissues/organs. Several findings have been reported in this review. First, the role of ECM components in tissue regenerative medicine is presented. Different ECM components such as collagen, gelatin, elastin, fibronectin, laminins and glycosaminoglycans are concisely examined for their tissue regenerative medicine applications. Next, current state of research on extrusion-based 3D bio-printing techniques and their limitations are reviewed. For example, we show that cell viability is still a challenge with extrusion, while the use of natural polymers such as collagen in improving composites’ mechanical properties is limited. Lastly, we examine unresolved research questions necessary to advance the present state of research in the field.

Abstract : This paper presents the investigation of biomechanical behaviour of sheep heart fibre using uniaxial tests in various samples. Non-linear Finite Element models (FEA) that are utilised in understanding mechanisms of different diseases may not be developed without the accurate material properties. This paper presents uniaxial mechanical testing data of the sheep heart fibre. The mechanical uniaxial data of the heart fibre was then used in fitting four constitutive models including the Fung model, Polynomial (Anisotropic), Holzapfel (2005) model, Holzapfel (2000) model and the Four-fibre Family model. Even though the constitutive models for soft tissues including heart myocardium have been presented over several decades, there is still a need for accurate material parameters from reliable hyperelastic constitutive models. Therefore, the aim of this research paper is to select five hyperelastic constitutive models and fit experimental data in the uniaxial experimental data of the sheep heart fibre. A fitting algorithm was made used to optimally fitting and determination of the material parameters based on selected hyperelastic constitutive model. In this study, the evaluation index (EI) was used to measure the performance and capability of each selected anisotropic hyperelatic model. It was observed that the best predictive capability of the mechanical behaviour of sheep heart fibre the Polynomial (anisotropic) model has the EI of 100 and this means that it is the best performance when compared to all the other models.

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome that is identified by ongoing muscle atrophy, along with functional impairment, anorexia, weakness, fatigue, anemia, reduced tolerance to antitumor treatments. Thus, reducing the patients’ quality of life. Cachexia alone causes about 22-25% of cancer deaths. This review covers the symptoms, mediators, available treatment, and prospects of 3D bioprinting for cancer cachexia. Studies about cachexia have shown several factors that drive this disease – protein breakdown, inflammatory cytokines activation, and mitochondrial alteration. Even with proper nutrition, physical exercises, anti-inflammatory agents, chemotherapy, and grafting attempts, standard treatment has been unsuccessful for cachexia. But the use of 3D bioprinting shows much promise compared to conventional methods by attempting to fabricate 3D constructs mimicking the native muscle tissues. In this review, some 3D bioprinting techniques with their advantages and drawbacks, along with their achievements and challenges in in-vivo applications have been discussed. Constructs with neural integration or muscle-tendon units aim to repair muscle atrophy. But it is still difficult to properly bio-print these complex muscles. Although progress can be made by developing new bio-inks or 3D printers to fabricate high-resolution constructs. Using secondary data, this review study shows prospects of why 3D bioprinting can be a good alternate approach to fight cachexia.

Innovative tissue engineering biomimetic hydrogels based on hydrophilic polymers have been investigated for their physical and mechanical properties. 5% to 25% by volume loading PHEMA-nanosilica glassy hybrid samples were equilibrated at 37°C in aqueous physiological isotonic and hypotonic saline solutions (0.15 and 0.05 M NaCl) simulating two limiting possible compositions of physiological extracellular fluids. The glassy and hydrated hybrid materials were characterized both for dynamo-mechanical properties and equilibrium absorptions in the two physiological-like aqueous solutions. Mechanical and the morphological modifications occurring in the samples have been described. The 5% volume nanosilica loading hybrid nanocomposite composition showed mechanical characteristics in the dry and hydrated states that were comparable to those of cortical bone and articular cartilage, respectively, and then chosen for further sorption kinetics characterization. Sorption and swelling kinetics were monitored up to equilibrium. Changes in water activities and osmotic pressures in the water-hybrid systems equilibrated at the two limiting solute molarities of the physiological solutions have been related to the observed anomalous sorption modes using the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter approach. The bulk modulus of the dry and glassy PHEMA-5% nanosilica hybrid at 37°C has been observed to be comparable with the values of the osmotic pressures generated from the sorption of isotonic and hypotonic solutions. The anomalous sorption modes and swelling rates are coherent with the difference between osmotic swelling pressures and hybrid glassy nano-composite bulk modulus: the lower the differences the higher the swelling rate and equilibrium solution uptakes. Bone tissue engineering benefits of use of tuneable biomimetic scaffold biomaterials that can be “designed” to act as biocompatible and biomechanically active hybrid interfaces are discussed.

Biological micro-dissection has a wide range of applications in the field of molecular pathology. The current laser-assisted dissection technology is expensive, and laser radiation can lead to sample contamination. As an economical and pollution-free micro-dissection method, piezoelectric ultrasonic micro-dissection has a wide application prospect. However, the performance of the current piezoelectric ultrasonic micro-dissection technology is unsatisfactory. In this paper, a novel piezoelectric ultrasonic micro-dissection device based on a flexure mechanism is proposed in order to solve the problems of low dissecting precision and excessive wear of the dissecting needle caused by the harmful lateral vibration of the current piezoelectric ultrasonic micro-dissection device. By analyzing the flexibility of flexure hinge, the type of flexure beam and the optimal design parameters are determined. Through comparing the harmonic response simulation analysis of the micro-dissection device based on a flexure mechanism and the traditional micro-dissection device without the flexure mechanism, the newly designed micro-dissection device achieves the best vibration effect when the driving frequency is 28kHz, compared with the traditional micro-dissection device, the lateral vibration suppression effect is improved by 68%. Then, based on the 3D printing technology, a prototype of a novel micro-dissection device was produced, and its performance was tested. It was found that the flexure mechanism did indeed suppress the lateral vibration of the needle tip. Finally, the experiments of 5μm thick paraffin-embedded rat liver sections were carried out, and the effects of different dissecting parameters on the dissecting effect were analyzed, and the optimal dissecting parameters were obtained. By comparing the dissecting effects of the tissue sample and the wear condition of the needle tip between the novel micro-dissection device and the traditional micro-dissection device under their optimal dissecting parameters, it is proved that the suppression of harmful lateral vibration not only significantly improves the dissecting effect, but also improves the service life and durability of the dissecting needle, which is beneficial to reduce the equipment costs.

Most commercial Cannabis sativa L. (cannabis) genotypes are short-day plants and cultivators typically use a 12.0 h uninterrupted dark period to induce flowering; however, scientific information is lacking to prove this is the optimal dark period for all genotypes, and cultivar specific photoperiods may increase productivity. Tissue culture can be used for research requiring multiple treatments, proper replication, and in a controlled environment on a smaller scale compared to greenhouse and indoor facilities. To determine whether cannabis explants can flower under varied photoperiods in vitro, explants were grown under one of six photoperiod treatments: 12.0, 13.2, 13.8, 14.4, 15.0, and 16.0 h for four weeks. The percentage of flowering explants was highest under 12.0 and 13.2 h treatments. There were no treatment effects on the fresh weight, final height, or growth index of the explants. The results suggest an uninterrupted dark period of at least 10.8 h (i.e. 13.2 h photoperiod) is needed to induce the flowering of this genotype. In vitro flowering could provide a unique and high throughput approach to study floral/seed development and secondary metabolism in cannabis under highly controlled conditions. Further research should determine if this response is the same on a whole plant level.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic skin disease, which occurs due to inflammation of the hair follicles and sebum producing (sebaceous) glands of the skin called pilosebaceous unit and the anaerobic propionic acne bacterium, P.acne. Human sebum is dominantly made up of 57.5% of triglycerides and fatty acids, 26%wax esters, 12% Squalene and 4.5% Cholesterol. The increased level Androgen hormone, sebum lipid composition, P.acne over growth which induces monocytes and pro inflammatory cytokines attracts neutrophils, basophils, and T cells to the pilosebaceous unit and drive epithelial hyper proliferation i.e., Acne vulgaris. The actual biomolecular changes due to acne vulgaris disease are present in the blood, in the sebum, and in the noninvasive sample of human scalp hair follicles. The main objectives of the present study are to analyze human scalp hair follicles samples using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy to compare and discriminate the spectral signatures of acne vulgaris and healthy scalp hair tissue samples through acne biomarkers Protein, Amide I, Amide II and Squalene (LDL), using the method of internal ratio parameters. This work represents a first step in the development of an analytical tool for future drug development.

Nanomedicine has allowed for emerging advances in imaging, diagnostics and therapeutics. Regenerative Medicine has taken advantage of a number of nanomaterials for reparation of diseased or damaged tissues in the nervous system involved in memory, cognition and movement. Electrical, thermal, mechanical and biocompatibility aspects of carbon-based nanomaterials (nanotubes, graphene, fullerenes and their derivatives) make them suitable candidates to drive nerve tissue repair and stimulation. This review article focuses on recent advances on the use of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based technologies on nerve tissue engineering; outlining how neurons interact with the nanomaterials interface for promoting neuronal differentiation, growth and network reconstruction for their possible use in therapies of neurodegenerative pathologies and spinal cord injuries.

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are reprogrammed cells that have hallmarks similar to embryonic stem cells including the capacity of self-renewal and differentiation into cardiac myocytes. The improvements in reprogramming and differentiating methods achieved in the past 10 years widened the use of hiPSCs, especially in cardiac research. hiPSC-derived cardiac myocytes (CMs) recapitulate phenotypic differences caused by genetic variations, making them human attractive disease models and useful tools for drug discovery and toxicology testing. In addition, hiPSCs can be used as source cells for cardiac regeneration in animal models. Here, we review the advances in the genetic and epigenetic control of cardiomyogenesis that underlies the significant improvement of the induced reprogramming of somatic cells to CMs. We also cover the phenotypic characteristics of the hiPSCs derived CMs, their ability to rescue injured CMs through paracrine effects, the novel approaches in tissue engineering for hiPSC-derived cardiac tissue generation, and finally, their potential use in biomedical applications.

Symptoms attributed to the gastrointestinal manifestations of multi-system disorders play an important role in the long-term management of these conditions. Gastrointestinal complications of a variety of connective tissue disorders have been studied and there is an increased interest in the incidence and prevalence of these symptoms. Descriptions of the occurrence of gastrointestinal complications in Marfan syndrome have appeared infrequently in the medical literature. In this review article we focus on both structural and functional gastrointestinal pathology that may occur in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Previous study demonstrated the reconstituted type I collagen matrix extracted from rabbit tendons enabled to regenerate the TMJ disc in the rabbit. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mechanisms of regeneration in TMJ disc. In 36 New Zealand rabbits that underwent a partial discectomy, discs were replaced with reconstituted collagen templates for 3 months. A histological analysis showed that moderate to severe degeneration appeared in partially discectomized joints without implantation. In contrast, discs that received the reconstituted collagen template regenerated, and returned to normal to protect the joint. Cells in the regenerative tissue expressed ECM, and fibers became regular and compact due to tissue remodeling over time. Reparative cells differentiated into chondroblasts, and showed highly dense pericellular fibers. The morphology and collagen composition of the disc and condyle in the 3-month experimental group were similar to those of normal tissues. In conclusion, the reconstituted collagen template facilitated the regeneration of surgically discectomized discs. Type I and type II collagens play a crucial role in the regeneration of articular discs.

Metabolomic analysis of biological fluids and tissues has become an increasingly routine tool in the biological toolbox. However, challenges remain to be overcome, including developing strategies to maximise coverage of the metabolome without requiring large sample volumes. Here we describe a multimodal strategy that combines data using both LC-MS and GC-MS from a unique vial with a sample of plasma (20µl) or a sample of brain tissue (3mg). Using a split phase extraction the non-aqueous phase was analyzed by reversed phase (RP) LC-MS, whilst the aqueous phase was analyzed using hydrophilic liquid interaction chromatography (HILIC)LC-MS, with both phases also analysed using GC-MS after derivatization of the extract. Analytical performance was assessed in 7 rat cerebellum samples and a pilot study of 40 plasma samples (20 vs. 20: AD vs. healthy controls). The method, which uses four hours of instrument time, measured 20,707 metabolite features in brain samples and 17,266 in plasma samples, from those 44.1% features displayed CV’s below 15% and 75.2% below 30%. The method has potential to resolve subtle biological differences and to correlate metabolite composition directly to clinical outcomes including MMSE, age and ADCS-ADL. This method can acquire in the order of 20K metabolic features when low volumes are available.

Here, we present a staged approach for an innovative repurposing of a portable infant humidicrib into a live cell growth, observation, and imaging system. Furthmore, humidicrib can support different variations of “umbilical” bioreactors, and can be used to conduct electrophysiology experiments and in situ immunohistochemistry. Modifications incorporate a closed loop carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration control system with umbilical CO₂ and heating support for tailored bioreactors. The repurposing cost is inexpensive and allows for the continued observation and imaging of cells. This prototype unit has been used to continuously observe and image live primary neurons for up to 21 days. This demonstrates the repurposed units’ suitability for use in tissue culture based research, particularly where modifications to microscopes are required or where sensitive manipulation outside of a standard incubator is needed.

The observation that certain therapeutic strategies for targeting inflammation benefit patients with distinct immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) is exemplified by the success of TNF blockade in conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and skin psoriasis, albeit only for subsets of individuals with each condition. This suggests intersecting "nodes" in inflammatory networks at a molecular and cellular level may drive and/or maintain IMIDs, being “shared” between traditionally distinct diagnoses without mapping neatly to a single clinical phenotype. In line with this proposition, integrative tumour tissue analyses in oncology have highlighted novel cell states acting across diverse cancers, with important implications for precision medicine. Drawing upon advances in the oncology field, this narrative review will first summarise learnings from the Human Cell Atlas in health as a platform for interrogating IMID tissues. It will then review cross-disease studies to date that inform this endeavour, before considering future directions in the field.

Nanocellulose is cellulose in the form of nanostructures, i.e. features not exceeding 100 nm at least in one dimension. These nanostructures include nanofibrils, e.g. in bacterial cellulose; nanofibers, e.g. in electrospun matrices; nanowhiskers and nanocrystals. These structures can be further assembled into bigger 2D and 3D nano-, micro- and macro-structures, such as nanoplatelets, membranes, films, microparticles and porous macroscopic matrices. There are four main sources of nanocellulose: bacteria (Gluonacetobacter), plants (trees, shrubs, herbs), algae (Cladophora) and animals (Tunicata). Nanocellulose has emerged for a wide range of industrial, technology and biomedical applications, e.g. for adsorption, ultrafiltration, packaging, conservation of historical artifacts, thermal insulation and fire retardation, energy extraction and storage, acoustics, sensorics, controlled drug delivery, and particularly for tissue engineering. Nanocellulose is promising for use in scaffolds for engineering of blood vessels, neural tissue, bone, cartilage, liver, adipose tissue, urethra and dura mater, for repairing connective tissue and congenital heart defects, and for constructing contact lenses and protective barriers. This review is focused on applications of nanocellulose in skin tissue engineering and wound healing as a scaffold for cell growth, for delivering cells into wounds, and as a material for advanced wound dressings coupled with drug delivery, transparency and sensorics. Potential cytotoxicity and immunogenicity of nanocellulose are also discussed.

Obesity-associated metabolic abnormalities comprise of a cluster of conditions including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases that has affected more than 650 million people all over the globe. Obesity results from accumulation of white adipose tissues mainly due to the chronic imbalance of energy intake and energy expenditure. Variety of approaches to treat or prevent obesity, including lifestyle interventions, surgical weight loss procedures and pharmacological approaches to reduce energy intake and increase energy expenditure have failed to substantially decrease the prevalence of obesity. Brown adipose tissue (BAT), the primary source of thermogenesis in infants and small mammals may represent a promising therapeutic target to treat obesity by promoting energy expenditure through non-shivering thermogenesis mediated by mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Since the confirmation of functional BAT in adult humans by several groups, approximately a decade ago and its association with a favorable metabolic phenotype, intense interest on the significance of BAT in adult human physiology and metabolic health has emerged within the scientific community to explore its therapeutic potential for the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases. Substantially decreased BAT activity in individuals with obesity indicates a role for BAT in setting of human obesity. On the other hand, BAT mass and its prevalence has been reported to correlate with lower body mass index (BMI), decreased age and glucose levels, leading to lower incidence of cardio metabolic diseases. Increased cold exposure in adult humans with undetectable BAT was associated with decreased body fat mass and increased insulin sensitivity. Deeper understanding of the role of BAT in human metabolic health and its inter-relationship with body fat distribution and deciphering proper strategies to increase energy expenditure by either increasing functional BAT mass, or inducing white adipose browning holds the promise for possible therapeutic avenues for the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

Ellagitannins (ETs) are the group of tannins found in fruits, nuts and seeds; they undergo hydrolysis in the human digestive tract to form ellagic acid (EA). EA further converted into various forms of Urolithin derivatives (A, B, C, D, M-5, M-6 and M-7) by gut micro biota. Perhaps, the pharmacological properties of said Urolithins were extensively studied, while, little is known about the therapeutic role of synthetic Urolithin-C on oxidative stress induced eryptosis and tissue damage. Therefore, in the current study we investigated the ameliorative role of chemically syn-thesized Urolithin-C on sodium nitrite and Diclofenac (DFC) induced eryptosis and vital organ damage respectively. Urolithin-C was synthesized using chemical method and characterized by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS). The synthesized Urolithin-C scavenged free radicals (DPPH, H2O2) and reduced ferric iron to ferrous iron, revealed its antioxidant activity. The observed antioxidant potential of Uro-lithin-C was investigated in sodium nitrite induced stress in RBC and Diclofenac induced tissue damage in rats. Interestingly, Urolithin-C normalized the sodium nitrate-induced oxidative stress in red blood cells by regulating stress markers, such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), total thiol (TT), and protein carbonyl content (PCC), and endogenous antioxidant enzymes superoxide dis-mutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in a dose dependent manner. Similar effect was also observed in the tissue homogenates of liver, kidney, heart and pancreas taken from the Diclofenac injected Sprague Dawley rats. The tissue sections (liver, kidney, heart and pancreas) obtained from the Diclofenac (DFC) received rats showed massive destruction of hepatocytes, nephrons, cardiocytes and pancreas. However, Urolithin-C received rats tissue sections showed normal histology compared to the positive (Silymarin) control treated groups. In addition, Urolithin-C regulated the key tissue specific biochemical markers in DFC injected Sprague Dawley rats serum strengthened its tissue protective role. In conclusion, chemically synthesized Urolithin-C regulated NaNO2 and diclofenac induced oxidative stress in RBC and vital organs through its antioxidant property.

1) Background: Overweight children usually have lower levels of physical activity (PA) than their normal-weight peers. Low PA predisposes to increase fat mass in the body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based PA intervention on anthropometric indicators and body composition of overweight and obese children during a two-year observation period, from the age of 10 to 12. (2) Materials and methods: The research included 148 children with overweight or obesity who were born in 2007. There were two groups of children of standard and elevated PA at school (SPA and EPA, 4 and 10 hours of physical education lessons a week, respectively). An anthropometric and body composition measurements were done. Body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and total body water (TBW) were determined. Totally, 5 measurements were done at intervals of 5–6 months. (3) Results: In EPA, the percentage of obese children decreased from 46% to 35.25%, and in SPA increased from 42.75% to 46%. In EPA, FM decreased from 28.65% to 26.41%, and in SPA increased from 30.31% to 31.75%. The highest increase in FFM was in EPA boys, while SPA boys recorded the highest decrease. In SPA, SMM increased by 0.43% from 38.85% to 39.28%, and in EPA by 2.51% from 40.27% to 42.78%. TBW In EPA slightly increased from 53.26% to 53.59%, and in SPA decreased from 50.70% to 49.93%. (4) Conclusions: The elevated PA at school has a positive effect on the BMI and body composition of children who are overweight or obese. Increasing the mandatory number of physical education lessons in school curricula is an efficient strategy for reducing obesity in school-aged children.

Cymbidium faberi Rolfe is one of the traditional Chinese orchids with important ornamental value, and the cultivation of Cymbidium faberi Rolfe mutant strains with different appearances is essential to increase its economic value, but at present, the acquisition of Cymbidium faberi Rolfe mutant strains basically relies on natural mutation.The objectives of this research were to mutagenize Cymbidium faberi Rolfe protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) and shoots in vitro using sodium azide (NaN3), and to screen and evaluate mutants in mutagenized Cymbidium faberi Rolfe seedlings using morphological characteristics.Cymbidium faberi Rolfe PLBs and shoots were used as mutagenic materials, and co-cultivated in induced shoots growth medium with the addition of 0.0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 mg/L and 0.0 (control), 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, and 10.0 mg/L NaN3 to induce the mutations, and the mortality rates of the PLBs and shoots were increased with the increase of the NaN3 concentration.At 14 d of co-cultivation, PLBs and shoots were most efficiently mutagenized with 1.5 mg/L and 4.0 mg/L NaN3, respectively.After the explants were cultured for 3 months, changes in leaf and flower morphology were observed in some mutants: shorter and thicker leaves, shorter node length, reduced height, and mid-translucent leaves compared with controls; and some Cymbidium faberi Rolfe bloomed prematurely, with single flowers with large, thick petal sepals and small inflorescences, and colours include light green throughout, and a few with purple stamens.This suggests that NaN3 can effectively mutagenise Cymbidium faberi Rolfe PLBs and shoots to satisfy people's demand for Cymbidium faberi Rolfe's ornamental properties while increasing its economic value.

Fabrication of scaffolds via 3D printing is a promising approach for tissue engineering. In this study, we combined 3D printing with cryogenic crosslinking to create biocompatible gela-tin/oxidized alginate (Gel/OxAlg) scaffolds with large pore sizes, beneficial for bone tissue re-generation. To enhance the osteogenic effects and mechanical properties of these scaffolds, we evaluated the impact of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on the rheological characteristics of the 2.86% (1:1) Gel/OxAlg ink. We investigated the morphological and mechanical properties of scaffolds with low, 5% and high 10% HAp content, as well as the resulting bio and osteogenic effects. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a reduction in pore sizes from 160-180 µm (HAp-free) to 120-140 µm for both HAp-containing scaffolds. Increased stability and higher Young’s moduli were measured for 5% and 10% HAp (18 and 21 kPa, respectively) compared to 11 kPa for HAp-free constructs. Biological assessments with mesenchymal stem cells indicated excellent cytocompati-bility and osteogenic differentiation in all scaffolds, with high degree of mineralization in HAp-containing constructs. Scaffolds with 5% HAp exhibit improved mechanical characteristics and shape fidelity, demonstrate positive osteogenic impact, and enhance bone tissue formation. Increasing the HAp content to 10% did not show any advantages in osteogenesis, offering a minor increase in mechanical strength at the cost of significantly compromised shape fidelity.

Preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent an advanced method to overcome the challenges related to their survival rate, differentiation, and activity maintenance. L-carnitine has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects on injured cardiac cells. However, limited research has been conducted to explore their combined effect on cardiac tissue injury. Therefore, the present study aimed to conduct a comparative and comprehensive study investigating the role of L-carnitine-pre-treatment on the immunomodulation of inflammation, apoptosis, and differentiation of MSCs and their impact on cardiac toxicity induced by Doxorubicin (DOX). Rats were divided into group I (control), group II (DOX), group III (DOX+MSCs), group IV (DOX+L-carnitine), group V (DOX+L-carnitine pre-treated MSCs). CK-MB, troponin I, MDA, and catalase levels were improved in the treated groups (III, IV, and V). The degeneration and necrosis of the cardiomyocytes were reduced in the treated groups. They regained their normal architecture in the L-carnitine pre-treated MSCs group. These findings were augmented by analyzing the immunomodulators; NF-ҡβ, TNFα, and IL-1β, the proliferative indicators Ki-67, and hsp90, the cardiac differentiation marker TH and the apoptotic regulators; caspase 3 and Bcl2. These results demonstrate the optimal regenerative and therapeutic effects of L-carnitine pre-treated MSCs representing an efficient tool for future stem cell therapy.

The external and internal structures of male and female adults of Culicoides grisescens Edwards, were examined with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and tissue section techniques. Specimens were collected from Qilian Mountain National Park in Qinghai Province, China. The ultrastructure and morphology of compound eyes, antenna, maxillary palpus, spermathecae, genitalia and other structural characteristics of both male and female adults of C. grisescens are described. Internal structures of the species are described, including histological sections of the digestive, nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. This paper provides visual and descriptive details for the systematic taxonomic study of Ceratopogonidae.

Thorough and precise gene structure annotations are essential for maximizing the benefits of genomic data and unveiling valuable genetic insights. The cucumber genome was first released in 2009 and updated in 2019. To increase the accuracy of predicted gene models, 64 published RNA-seq data and 9 new strand-specific RNA-seq data from multiple tissues were used for manual comparison with the gene models. The updated annotation file (version 2.0) contains increased 24,145 predicted genes from previous version (24317 genes) with a higher BUSCO value of 96.9%. 6231 and 1490 transcripts were adjusted and newly added, respectively, accounting for 31.99% of the overall gene tally. These newly added and adjust genes were renamed (CsaV3.1_XGXXXXX), while genes remaining unaltered preserve their original des ignations. A random selection of 21 modified/added genes were validated using RT-PCR analyses. Additionally, tissue-specific patterns of gene expression were examined using newly obtained transcriptome data with the revised gene prediction model. This improved annotation of cucumber genome will provide essential and accurate resources for studies in cucumber.

Urinary tract diseases are common in cats, and often require surgical reconstruction. Here, to explore the possibility of urinary tract reconstruction in cats using in-vivo tissue architecture (iBTA), biosheets fabricated using iBTA technology were implanted into the feline bladder and the regeneration process was histologically evaluated. The biosheets were prepared by embedding molds into the dorsal subcutaneous pouches of six cats for 2 months. A section of the bladder wall was removed, and the biosheets were sutured to the excision site. After 1 and 3 months of implantation, the biosheets were harvested and evaluated histologically. Implantable biosheets were formed with a success rate of 67%. There were no major complications following implantation, including tissue rejection, severe inflammation, or infection. Urinary incontinence was also not observed. Histological evaluation revealed the bladder lumen was almost entirely covered by urothelium after 1 month, with myofibroblast infiltration into the biosheets. After 3 months, the urothelium became multilayered, and mature myocytes and nerve fibers were observed at the implantation site. In conclusion, this study showed that tissue reconstruction using iBTA can be applied to cats, and that biosheets have the potential to be useful in both the structural and functional regeneration of the feline urinary tract.

This review provides insight into the role that obesity, but especially mediators of the adipose tissue, have in both renal disease and transplantation. In particular, we focus on the functions of leptin and adiponectin, inflammatory mediators with widely known clinical implications, as well as on the role of arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoid metabolites. These latter compounds, epoxyeicosatrienoic (EETs) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic (HETEs) acids, which modulate the liberation of cytokines in the adipose tissue, are generated in the epoxygenase pathway of arachidonic biotransformation via CYP450 enzymes. There is accumulating evidence suggesting that EETs and HETEs may have a critical role in the onset and outcome of chronic kidney disease and renal transplantation. Finally, we also discuss the reported effect that the presence of genetic variants in leptin, adiponectin, EETs and HETEs-related genes may cause in renal patients and recipients. The levels of cytokines of the adipose tissue and related compounds play a remarkable role in both renal disease and transplant. Accordingly, novel therapeutic strategies are being developed based on the modulation of their concentrations in patients with various diseases.

Adipose stem cells (ASCs) have multilineage differentiation capacity and hold great potential for regenerative medicine. Compared to bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs), ASCs are easier to isolate from abundant sources with significantly higher yields. It is generally accepted that bmMSCs show age-related changes in their proliferation and differentiation potentials, whereas this aspect is still controversial in the case of ASCs. In this review, we evaluated the existing data on the effect of donor age on the osteogenic potential of human ASCs. Overall, a poor agreement has been achieved because of inconsistent findings in the previous studies. Finally, we attempted to delineate the possible reasons behind the lack of agreements reported in the literature. ASCs represent a heterogeneous cell population and the osteogenic potential of ASCs can be influenced by donor-related factors such as age, but also gender, lifestyle, and the underlying health and metabolic state of donors. Furthermore, future studies should consider experimental factors in in-vitro conditions, including passaging, cryopreservation, culture conditions, variations in differentiation protocols, and readout methods.

Bacteriotherapy is emerging as a strategic and effective approach to treat infections by providing putatively harmless bacteria (i.e., probiotics) as antagonists to pathogens. A proper delivery of probiotics or their metabolites (i.e., post-biotics) can avail itself of biomaterial encapsulation by innovative manufacturing technologies. This review paper aims at providing the most recent biomaterial-assisted strategies proposed to treat infections or disbiosis using bacteriotherapy. We revised the encapsulation processes across multiscale biomaterial approaches, which could be ideal to target different tissues and suit diverse therapeutic opportunities. Hydrogels, and in particular polysaccharides, are the focus of this review, as they have been reported to better sustain vitality of the live cells incorporated. Specifically, the approaches for fabricating hydrogel-based devices with increasing dimensionality (D), namely, 0D (i.e., particles), 1D (i.e., fibers), 2D (i.e., fiber meshes), and 3D (i.e., scaffolds) endowed with probiotics, were detailed by describing their advantages and challenges, along with a future overlook in the field. Electrospinning, electrospray and 3D bioprinting were investigated as new biofabrication methods for probiotic encapsulation within multidimensional matrices. Finally, examples of biomaterial-based systems for cell and post-biotic release were reported.

Extensive damage to peripheral nerves is a health problem with few therapeutic alternatives. In this context, the development of tissue engineering seeks to obtain materials that can help recreate environments conducive to cellular development and functional repair of peripheral nerves. Different hydrogels have been studied and presented as alternatives for future treatments to emulate the morphological characteristics of nerves. Along with this, other research proposes the need to incorporate electrical stimuli into treatments as agents that promote cell growth and differentiation; however, no precedent correlates the simultaneous effects of the types of hydrogel and electrical stimuli. In this research, the neural differentiation of PC12 cells we are evaluated, relating the effect of collagen, alginate, GelMA, and PEGDA hydrogels with electrical stimulation modulated in four different ways. Our results show significant correlations for different culture conditions, allowing us to develop new experimental schemes for new materials in peripheral nerve engineering.

Hydrogels prepared from natural polymer have attracted extensive attentions in biomedical fields such as drug delivery, wound healing, and regenerative medicine due to their good biocompatibility, degradability and flexibility. This review outlines the commonly used natural polymer in hydrogel preparation, including cellulose, chitosan, collagen/gelatin, alginate, hyaluronic acid and starch. The polymeric structure and process/synthesis of natural polymers are illustrated, and natural polymer-based hydrogels including the hydrogel formation and properties are elaborated. Subsequently, the biomedical application of hydrogels based on natural polymer in drug delivery, tissue regeneration, wound healing and other biomedical field is summarized. Finally, the future perspectives of natural polymers and hydrogels based on them are discussed. For natural polymer, novel technologies such as enzymatic and biological methods are developed to improve the structural properties and the development of new natural based polymers or natural polymer derivatives with high performance is still very important and challenging. For natural polymer-based hydrogels, novel hydrogel materials, like double-network hydrogel, multifunctional composite hydrogels and hydrogel microrobots are designed to meet the advanced requirements in biomedical application, and new strategies such as dual-crosslinking, microfluidic chip, micropatterning and 3D/4D bioprinting, have been explored to fabricate advanced hydrogel materials with designed properties for biomedical application. Overall, natural polymeric hydrogels have attracted increasing interests in biomedical application, and the development of novel natural polymer-based materials and new strategies/methods for hydrogel fabrication is badly desirable and still challenging.

Adipose tissue has acquired considerable importance due to its role in maintaining body homeostasis. Beyond storing energy, adipose tissue is essential in numerous processes of energy metabolism, food intake, endocrine and immunological functions as well as neromodulatory functions by secreting hormones that participate in the regulation of homeostasis and being responsive to soluble proteins secreted by other tissues. An imbalance of these functions will generate structural and functional changes in the adipose tissue, favouring the secretion of deleterious adipocytokines that benefit a pro-inflammatory state, allowing the development of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Obesity is a disease that has increased rapidly in recent decades and is caused by environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors, which probably work in combination. Environmental factors that contribute to the increase in obesity include decreased physical activity, associated with increased screen time, increased accessibility and consumption of foods rich in fats and sugars. Weight loss should be recommended for all obese patients and overweight patients with comorbidities. For many patients who need to lose weight for medical reasons, the initial goal is to lose 5-10% of their body weight in the first 6 months. A common theme worldwide has been the development of professional guidelines for the control and treatment of obesity and in Chile, the Chilean Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery led the process of adopting the adult obesity clinical practice guideline, which establishes changes in the approach to managing obesity as a chronic disease, with an emphasis on multifactorial lifestyle interventions that include dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioural modifications. Pharmacotherapy, medical devices, and bariatric surgery are other options for patients who need additional interventions, so the objective of this review is to know the pathophysiological mechanisms of obesity from its origin to the current treatments available for treatment.

Hydrogels (gels) are attractive tools for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their potential for drug delivery and ECM-like composition. In this study, we use rheology to characterize GelMA/alginate gels loaded with human platelet lysate (PL). We then characterize these gels from a physicochemical perspective and evaluate their ability to transport PL proteins, their pore size, and their rate of degradation. Finally, their biocompatibility is evaluated. We describe how alginate changes the mechanical behavior of the gels from elastic to viscoelastic after ionic (calcium-mediated) crosslinking. In addition, we positively report the release of PL proteins and relate it to the degradation profile of the gels and the biocompatibility of the gels. Thus, the developed gels represent attractive substrates for both cell studies and bioactive materials.

Drought is an important factor seriously affects agricultural production worldwide. Agricultural practices that can increase resistance to drought are gaining importance. In this study the role of nano-silicon dioxide (NaSiO2) in countering drought stress in invitro strawberry plantlets were investigated. In the experiment, the effects of PEG 6000 concentrations (0, 4, 8%) and NaSiO2 concentrations (0, 50, 100 mg L-1) on invitro strawberry plants were determined. Plantlets treated with PEG 6000 showed reduced vegetative growth parameters, but this decrease was reduced with NaSiO2 application. NaSiO2 at 50 mg L−1 induced the maximum shoot and root fresh weight (1.20 g, 1.24 g, respectively) and length (40.09 mm, 34.26 mm, respectively), leaves number (16.67 pieces/plant) and SPAD index 53.57 among 4% and 8% PEG applications. When the SOD and CAT activities were examined, the results showed that application of NaSiO2 enhancement drought stress tolerance by promoted certain antioxidant response by increasing SOD and catalase (CAT) activities under drought stress. According to the results NaSiO2, limited the devastating impact of drought stress and markedly enhanced all the examined parameters.

Development of bioresponsive extrudable hydrogels for 3D bioprinting is imperative to address the growing demand for scaffold design and efficient and reliable methods of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This study proposed genipin-crosslinked gelatin-hyaluronic acid hydrogel bioink with different amounts of gelatin tailored for 3D bioprinting, focusing on high cell density loading and less artificial extra-cellular matrix (ECM) effect, as well as exploring their potential applications in tissue engineering. The bioresponsiveness of these hydrogel scaffolds was successfully evaluated in different physiological conditions. 3D and four-axis printing of complex structures such as shapes of hollow tube, star, pyramid, and four-axis tubular scaffolds prove the hydrogel’s high extrusion ability and post-printing shape fidelity. Cytocompatibility and high cell density 3D bioprinting using this moderately stable hydrogel exhibit high potential for precise cell-delivery modes in tissue engineering as well as regenerative medicine.

This paper presents a combined optical imaging/artificial intelligence (OI/AI) technique for real-time analysis of tissue morphology at the tip of the biopsy needle, prior collecting a biopsy specimen. This is an important clinical problem as up to 40% of the collected biopsy cores provide low diagnostic value due to high adipose or necrotic content. Micron-scale resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) images can be collected with a minimally invasive needle probe and automatically analyzed by a computer neural network (CNN)-based AI software. The results can be conveyed to the clinician in real-time and used to select the biopsy location more adequately. This technology was evaluated on a rabbit model of cancer. OCT images were collected with a hand-held custom-made OCT probe. Annotated OCT images were used as ground truth for AI algorithm training. The overall performance of the AI model was very close to that of the humans performing the same classification tasks. Specifically, tissue segmentation was excellent (~99% accuracy) and provided segmentation that closely mimicked ground truth provided by the human annotations, while over 83% correlation accuracy was obtained for tumor and non-tumor classification.

3D bioprinting is the process of manipulating cell-laden bioinks to fabricate living structures. 3D bioprinting techniques have brought considerable innovation in biomedicine, especially in the field of tissue engineering, allowing the production of 3D organ and tissue models for in vivo transplantation purposes or for in-depth and precise in vitro analyses. Natural-derived hydrogels, especially those obtained from the decellularization of biological tissues, are promising bioinks for 3D printing purposes, as they present the best biocompatibility characteristics. Despite this, many natural hydrogels do not possess the necessary mechanical properties to allow a simple and immediate application in the 3D printing process. In this review, we focus on the bioactive and mechanical characteristics that natural hydrogels may possess to allow efficient production of organs and tissues for biomedical applications, emphasizing the reinforcement techniques to improve their biomechanical properties.

Ingrown toenails are a commonly occurring foot complaint. The condition occurs when the nail plate pierces the sulcus, giving rise to pain, inflammation and infection. As the skin attempts to heal itself, hypergranulation tissue may form. This is a case report of phenolic nail surgery treatment for a bilateral presentation with sharp resection of hypergranulation tissue performed in only one (the lateral) of the two affected sulci. Sharp resection of the residual medial hypergranulation tissue was performed two months after the index procedure when this had not settled. The case highlights the potential role of sharp resection in the overall improvement of treatment outcomes.

Objectives: The promising specific growth regulators are employed tissue culture of the bamboo species. The specific natural hardening mixture supports the acclimatization and adaptation of the protected cultivation. The bamboo species contribute to the carbon sequestration and stabilization of the environment. Findings: The growth regulator 2, 4-D encourages callus induction and growth regulators NAA + TDZ, BAP + Kinetin + Gelrite, BAP + Kinetin + Coconut water + myo-inositol, NAA and TDZ impose plant regeneration in the Bambusa species. The growth regulator of 2,4-D, 2,4-D + Kinetin, 2,4-D + BA, 2,4-D + BAP and 2,4-D + NAA + BAP produces callus induction in the Dendrocalamus species. The growth regulator of TDZ, BA and IBA + Coumarin + Putrescine, BAP + GA3, NAA + Kinetin, BA + IBA, BA + Kinetin + NAA, NAA + Kinetin, Kinetin + IAA has facilitated shoot regeneration in the Dendrocalamus species with the specific period. The growth regulator of BA and TDZ; BAP + TDZ, IBA + Coumarin + Putrescine, BAP + GA3, NAA + Kinetin, BA + IBA, BA + Kinetin + NAA, NAA + Kinetin, Kinetin + IAA develops root regeneration with unambiguous time in the Dendrocalamus species. The growth regulator of BAP and Kinetin + BAP imposes shoot regeneration and IBA and IBA + Coumarin + sucrose conducts root regeneration in the edible bamboo. The natural hardening materials of cocopeat, vermicompost, perlite, cow dung, FYM, compost, soil & garden soil and humus soil, perlite, and FYM recommend in the acclimatization and adaptation of the Bambusa species and Dendrocalamus species respectively. Novelty: The standard growth regulators and hardening mixtures impose tissue culture, acclimatization and adaptation in the bamboo species. The bamboo species involves in managing carbon sequestration, biogeochemical cycle and the environment.

Brain tissue segmentation is an important component of clinical diagnosis of brain diseases by means of multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MR). Brain tissue segmentation is developed by many unsupervised methods in literature. The most commonly used unsupervised methods are: K-Means, Expectation Maximization and Fuzzy Clustering. Fuzzy clustering methods offer considerable benefits compared with the aforementioned methods as they are capable of handling brain images which are complex, largely uncertain and imprecise in nature. However, this approach suffers from the intrinsic noise and intensity inhomogeneity (IIH) in the data resulted from the acquisition process. To resolve these issues, we propose a fuzzy consensus clustering algorithm that defines a membership function resulted from a voting schema to cluster the pixels. In particular, we first pre-process the MRI data and employ several segmentation techniques based on traditional fuzzy sets and intuitionistic sets. Then, we adopted a voting schema to fuse the results of the applied clustering methods. Finally, to evaluate the proposed method, we used the well-known performance measures (boundary measure, overlap measure and volume measure) on two publicly available datasets (OASIS and IBSR18). The experimental results show the superior performance of the proposed method in comparison with the recent state of the arts.

There are various biomaterials in nature, but none fulfills all the requirements. Cellulose, eco-friendly material-based biopolymers, have been advanced biomedicine to satisfy most market demand and circumvent many ecological concerns. This review aims to present an overview of the state of the art in cellulose's knowledge and technical biomedical applications. It included an extensive bibliography of recent research findings for fundamental and applied investigations. The chemical structure of cellulose allows modifications and simple conjugation with several materials, including nanoparticles, without tedious efforts. Cellulose-based materials were used for biomedicine applications such as antibacterial agents, antifouling, wound healing, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and bone regeneration. They advanced the applications to be cheap, biocompatible, biodegradable, easy for shaping and processing into different forms, with suitable chemical, mechanical and physical properties.

Hearing dysfunctions can be classified by type, degree, configuration, time of onset, aetiology, and finally, consequences on speech development. They can be divided into conductive, mixed, central types and sensorineural. Conductive hearing loss (CHL) results from interference with the mechanical transmission of sound through the external and middle ear; it can be congenital, as a consequence of anatomic abnormalities, but it can commonly be acquired following middle ear inflammatory pathologies. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) results from failure to transduce vibrations to neural impulses in the cochlean and is a consequence of an irreversible damage to the differentiated cells which make up the organ of hearing and the acoustic paths at various levels. Mixed hearing loss involves a combination of these two types in the same ear. Studies in neuroscience field have shown that the prevention of cell degeneration is only possible if all the factors taken at the different stages of stem cells’ multiplication and differentiation are administered together. We have demonstrated this in a recent study on the ability of SCDSFs to prevent neurodegeneration in hippocampal cells of the CA1 zone in mice. This study confirms previous findings demonstrating that early developmental zebrafish embryo extracts could act as a modulator of senescence in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) isolated from many adult tissues. These findings have open a promising way for the approaches promoting the rejuvenation and regeneration of different tissues, by-passing stem cell transplantation. In the present clinical trial we have used SCDSFs to study the possible reversion of neurosensory hearing loss, until now considered an irreversible condition.

In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether an automated molecular diagnostic method based on PCR-reverse blot hybridization assay can discriminate between human Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-positive and -negative FFPE tissues and to compare the relative mRNA expression levels of various host immune markers between MTB-infected and uninfected human tissues using quantitative reverse transcription (qRT) PCR. A total of 52 human FFPE tissue samples from various regions of the body, including the lungs, lymph nodes, tendons, colon, and appendix, were collected and used for the molecular identification of Mycobacterium species and analysis of cytokine mRNA expression. As a result, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IP-10, CXCL9, CXCL11, and GM-CSF mRNA expression levels in MTB-infected tissues were significantly higher than those in uninfected samples. Additionally, the differences in the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ, CXCL9, and GM-CSF between MTB-infected and uninfected tissues were statistically significant were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Correlation curve analysis indicated that the mRNA expression of IFN-γ was inversely proportional to that of IP-10 and that the mRNA expression levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, CXCL9, CXCL11, GM-CSF, and TNFR were proportional and well-correlated. Furthermore, to establish marker profiles for detecting MTB infection, the statistically significant expression levels of three markers were combined. We confirmed that the combined profile of IFN-γ, CXCL9, and GM-CSF expression levels was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Although the mRNA expression patterns of host immune markers may vary according to MTB infection status, these patterns may be highly correlated and can be simultaneously used as an additional indicator for diagnosing TB.

Hydrogels obtained from the combination of different polymers are an interesting strategy for the development of controlled release system platforms and tissue engineering scaffolds. In this study, the applicability of sodium alginate-g-(QCL-co-HEMA) hydrogels for these biomedical applications was evaluated. Hydrogels were synthesized by free-radical polymerization using different concentration of the components. The hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and swelling degree; betamethasone release as well as the in vitro cytocompatibility with chondrocytes and fibroblast cells were also evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the porous surface morphology of the hydrogels in all cases. The swelling percent was determined at different pH and was observed to be pH-sensitive. The controlled release behavior of betamethasone from the matrices was investigated in PBS media (pH = 7.4) and the drug was released in a controlled manner up to 8 h. Human chondrocytes and fibroblasts were cultured on the hydrogels. The MTS assay shown that almost all hydrogels are cytocompatibles and an increase the proliferation in both cell types after one week of incubation was observed by Live/Dead® assay. These results demonstrate that these hydrogels are attractive materials for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications due to their characteristics, their release kinetics and biocompatibility.

Hybrid scaffolds based on bioactive glass (BAG) particles (<38µm), covalently linked to the gelatin (G*), using 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS), have been studied for bone bioengineering. In this study, two glass compositions (13-93 and 13-93B20 [where 20% of the SiO2 was replaced with B2O3]) were introduced in the gelatin matrix. The Cfactor (Gelatin/GPTMS molar ratio) was kept constant at 500. The hybrids obtained were found to be stable at 37°C, in solution; condition at which pure gelatin is liquid. All hybrids were characterized by in vitro dissolution in TRIS solution (for up to 4 weeks) and Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) (for up to 2 weeks). Samples processed with 13-93B20 exhibit a faster initial dissolution and significantly faster precipitation of a hydroxyapatite (HA) layer. The faster ion release and HA precipitation recorded from the G*/13-93B20 samples, is attributable to the higher reactivity of borosilicate compared to the silicate glass. MC3T3-E1 cells behavior, in direct contact with the hybrids, was investigated, showing that the cells were able to proliferate and spread on the developed biomaterials. Tailoring the glass composition allows to better control the material’s dissolution, biodegradability, and bioactivity. Bioactive (especially with 13-93B20 BAG), and biocompatible, the hybrids are promising for bone application.

Scaffolds are widely used in tissue engineering because their manufacture is based on natural and synthetic polymers, which allows them to have properties such as biocompatibility and biodegradability, creating an ideal environment for cell growth on their surface. In this context, among the polymers studied in Tissue Engineering are Chitosan (CH) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA). CH is a versatile polymer obtained from de-acetylation of chitin, which is used for its high biodegradability and biocompatibility, although its mechanical properties must be improved. It has been found that one of the ways to improve the mechanical properties of CH is to mix it with other synthetic polymers such as PVA. PVA is known for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, zero toxicity and ease of preparation due to its solubility in water and excellent mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and ease in the formation of films and barriers. In this study we evaluated the capacity of scaffolds made with CH and PVA in different concentrations (2: 1, 1: 1, 1: 2, respectively) as a possible application in bone regeneration. This was made through different characterization tests such as Infrared Spectroscopy, AFM, Swelling test and Porosity test, where we obtained information about its structural and physicochemical properties. Additionally, a cellular quality control was performed on the material through the MTT assay. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study showed that there are strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol molecules. The Swelling and Porosity tests showed favorable results, obtaining maximum values ​​of 5519% and 72.17% respectively. MTT tests determined that the prepared materials are not cytotoxic. These findings suggest that scaffolds possess properties suitable for use in Tissue Engineering.

Cranio-maxillofacial structure is a region of particular interest in the field of regenerative medicine due to both its anatomical complexity and the numerous abnormalities affecting this area. However, this anatomical complexity is what makes possible the coexistence of different microbial ecosystems in the oral cavity and the maxillofacial region, contributing to the increased risk of bacterial infections. In this regard, different materials have been used for their application in this field. These materials can be obtained from natural and renewable feedstocks or by synthetic routes with desired mechanical properties, biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity. Hence, in this review, we have focused on bio-based polymers, which by their own nature, by chemical modifications of their structure, or by their combination with other elements, provide a useful antibacterial activity as well as the suitable conditions for cranio-maxillofacial tissue regeneration. This approach has not been reviewed previously, and we have specifically arranged the content of this article according to the resulting material and its corresponding application, reviewing guided bone regeneration membranes; bone cements; and devices and scaffolds for both soft and hard maxillofacial tissue regeneration, including hybrid scaffolds, dental implants, hydrogels and composites.

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting promises to be essential in tissue engineering for solving the rising demand for organs and tissues. Some bioprinters are commercially available, but their impact on the field of TE is still limited due to their cost or difficulty to tune. Herein, we present a low-cost easy-to-build printhead for microextrusion-based bioprinting (MEBB) that can be installed in many desktop 3D printers to transform them into 3D bioprinters. We can extrude bioinks with precise control of print temperature between 2 - 60 ºC. We validated the versatility of the printhead, by assembling it in three low-cost open-source desktop 3D printers. Multiple units of the printhead can also be easily put together in a single printer carriage for building a multi-material 3D bioprinter. Print resolution was evaluated by creating representative calibration models at different temperatures using natural hydrogels such as gelatin and alginate, and synthetic ones like poloxamer. Using one of the three modified low-cost 3D printers, we successfully printed cell-laden lattice constructs with cell viabilities higher than 90% after 24h post printing. Controlling temperature and pressure according to the rheological properties of the bioinks was essential in achieving optimal printability and great cell viability. The cost per unit of our device, which can be used with syringes of different volume, is less expensive than any other commercially available product. These data demonstrate an affordable open-source printhead with the potential to become a reliable alternative to commercial bioprinters for any laboratory.

The aim of performed studies was to fabricate an antibacterial and degradable scaffold that may be used in the field of skin regeneration. To reach the degradation criterion the biocompatible polyurethane (PUR), obtained by using amorphous macrodiol α,ω-dihydroxy(ethylene-butylene adipate) macrodiol (PEBA), was used and processed with so-called “fast-degradable” polymer polylactide (PLA) (5 wt% or 10 wt%). To meet the antibacterial requirement obtained hybrid PUR-PLA scaffolds (HPPS) were modified with ciprofloxacin (Cipro) (2 wt% or 5 wt%), the fluoroquinolone antibiotic inhibiting growth of bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are main cause of wound infections. Obtained unmodified and Cipro-modified HPPS were studied towards their chemical composition to detect presence or absence of characteristic functional groups of PUR, PLA and Cipro, and as well to indicate the participation of hydrogen bonds in the HPPS structure in dependence on PLA addition and ciprofloxacin modification. Mechanical properties were studied to determine the possible application of HPPS as a skin tissue scaffold. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study morphology of unmodified and Cipro-modified HPPS and to performed elementary analysis by using energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) of obtained materials. Finally, the microbiological tests were performed to indicate the antibacterial effect of Cipro-modified HPPS on S.aureus growth. Performed studies showed that Cipro-modified HPPS, obtained by using 5 % of PLA, possess suitable mechanical characteristic, morphology, degradation rate and demanded antimicrobial properties to be further developed as a potential scaffolds for skin tissue engineering.

Background: This study aimed to describe the frequency and duration of sedentary bouts and assess the bidirectional cross-sectional associations between these characteristics and adiposity in elderly women. Methods: Data from 314 elderly community-dwelling women (mean age 66.6±6.5 years) from Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia were analyzed. Measures were collected in 2008–2017. Fat mass percentage (FM%) was used as an indicator of adiposity. The patterns of sedentary behaviour were monitored using an accelerometer, and ≥5, ≥10, ≥20, ≥30, ≥40, and ≥60 minute bouts were analyzed. The exponent alpha was also calculated to express the accumulation of sedentary time in bouts. We performed a multiple linear regression analysis to assess the bidirectional causal association between variables. Results: There was a significant association of FM% with time spent in bouts with a duration ≥5, ≥10, ≥20min (β ranging 0.11–0.28, p≤0.01) and the frequency of bouts with a length ≥5, ≥10, ≥20, and ≥30min (β ranging 0.03–0.74, p≤0.05) in fully-adjusted models. In contrast, a strong negative association was observed between FM% and alpha (bout distribution) in both directions (p≤0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that the sedentary characteristics such as bout duration, bout frequency, and distribution (alpha) are bidirectionally associated with adiposity and they should be considered in further research in older adults.

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet much is still unknown about its mechanism of establishment and destruction. Recently, studies had shown that tumor cells cannot survive under the high temperature conditions. This treatment technique is called Hyperthermia. This report presents the case of radiative microwave heating of hyperthermia therapy on breast cancer in a porous medium. In this study, the steady state is solved analytically while unsteady state is solved using semi-implicit finite difference to get a more accurate prediction of blood temperature distributions within the breast tissues. A moderate temperature hyperthermia treatment is apply which results into cell death due to an increase in the level of cell sensitivity to radiation therapy and blood flow in tumor and oxygen. The results show that by applying metabolic heat generation rate of $3.97 X 10^{5}Wm^{-3}$, it takes upto 2 minutes for the tumor cells to get the require therapeutic temperature point.

In the field of tissue engineering, conductive hydrogels have been the most effective biomaterials to mimic the biological and electrical properties of tissues in the human body. The main advantages of conductive hydrogel include not only its physical properties, but also its adequate electrical properties, thus providing electrical signals to cells efficiently. However, when introducing a conductive material into a non-conductive hydrogel, a conflicting relationship between the electrical and mechanical properties may develop. This review examines the strengths and weaknesses of the generation of conductive hydrogels using various conductive materials and introduces the use of these conductive hydrogels in tissue engineering applications.

Polymer-based piezoelectric biomaterials have already proven their relevance for tissue engineering applications. Further, the morphology of the scaffolds plays also an important role in cell proliferation and differentiation. The present work reports on poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), a biocompatible, biodegradable and piezoelectric biopolymer that has been processed in different morphologies, including films, fibres, microspheres and 3D scaffolds. Further, the corresponding magnetically active PHBV-based composites were also produced. The effect of the morphology on physico-chemical, thermal, magnetic and mechanical properties of pristine and composites samples was evaluated, as well as their cytotoxicity. It was observed that the morphology does not strongly affect the properties of the pristine samples but the introduction of cobalt ferrites induces changes in the degree of crystallinity that could affect the applicability of prepared biomaterials. Young modulus is dependent of the morphology and also increases with the addition of cobalt ferrites. Both, pristine and PHBV/cobalt ferrite composite samples are no cytotoxic, indicating their suitability for tissue engineering applications.

Electrospinning is the versatile technique to generate large quantities of micro- or nano-fibers from a wide variety of shapes and sizes of polymer. Natural bone is a hierarchically composites with the dispersion of inorganic ceramic along organic polymer. The aim of this study, the electrospun poly (lactic acid) (PLA) mats coated with chitosan (CH) and calcium silicate (CS) powder were fabricated. The morphology, chemical composition, and surface properties of CS/CH-PLA composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In vitro, the CS/CH-coated PLA mats increased the formation of apatite on the surface when soaking in cell cultured medium. During culture, the adhesion and proliferation of the human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) cultured on CS/CH-PLA were significantly promoted relative to those on PLA. Collagen I and fibronectin levels and promoted cell adhesion were observed upon an increase in CS content. Further, compared to PLA mats without CS/CH, CS10 and CS15 mats markedly enhanced the proliferation of hMSCs as well as their osteogenesis properties, which was characterized by bone-related gene expression. Our results demonstrated that the biodegradable and electroactive CS/CH-PLA mats had potential application as an ideal candidate for bone tissue engineering. Together, findings from this study clearly demonstrated that PLLA-C2S composite scaffold may function as an ideal candidate for bone tissue engineering.

Diseases in articular cartilages have affected millions of people globally. Although the biochemical and cellular composition of articular cartilages is relatively simple, there is the limitation in self-repair ability of cartilage. Therefore, developing the strategies for cartilage repair is very important. Here, we reported a new manufacturing process of water-based polyurethane based photosensitive materials with hyaluronic acid and applied the materials for 3D printed customized cartilage scaffolds. The scaffold has high cytocompatibility and is one that closely mimics the mechanical properties of articular cartilages. It is suitable for culturing human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJMSCs) and the cells showed an excellent chondrogenic differentiation capacity. We consider that the 3D printing hybrid scaffolds may have potential in customized tissue engineering and facilitate the development of cartilage tissue engineering.

Background: Traditional root canal therapy (RCT) has been the primary method for treating necrotic pulp, but it presents limitations such as loss of vitality and postoperative fractures. Recent advancements in regenerative endodontics offer alternative strategies to restore pulp tissue vitality and function. These approaches involve stem cell transplantation, cell homing, and the use of organic scaffolds to promote pulp regeneration. Highlight: This article reviews various regenerative endodontic techniques, including autogenic and allogenic dental pulp transplantation, the use of amniotic membrane scaffolds, platelet-rich fibrin therapy, specialized pro-resolving mediators, nanofibrous and bioceramic-based scaffolds, injectable scaffolds, and dentin matrix proteins. These strategies leverage stem cells, growth factors, and biomaterials to create conducive microenvironments for cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation, thereby facilitating pulp tissue regeneration. Methods: The literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, employing keywords like "regenerative endodontics," "pulpitis," "pulp regeneration," and "platelet-rich fibrin." Conclusion: The reviewed approaches in regenerative endodontics show promising potential for overcoming the limitations of traditional RCT and promoting pulp tissue regeneration. However, further research is needed to optimize protocols, address challenges, and translate these advancements into routine clinical practice. Ultimately, these innovations have the potential to enhance patient outcomes in endodontic treatment by restoring pulp vitality and function effectively.

Chitosan-based hydrogels are promising in bone tissue regeneration due to their biocompatibility, tunable properties, and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix. With high water content and porous structure, they can encapsulate bioactive agents for controlled release. Chitosan, derived from chitin in crustacean exoskeletons and fungi, possesses mechanical qualities ideal for biomedical applications. This study will evaluate recent advances in chitosan hydrogels for bone regeneration, focusing on their efficacy, mechanisms, and challenges in clinical settings.

Inherited heart diseases (IHDs) are caused by genetic mutations that disrupt the physiological structure and function of the heart. Understanding the mechanisms behind these diseases is crucial for developing personalised interventions in cardiovascular medicine. Development of induced pluripotent stem cells, which can then be differentiated to any nucleated adult cell type, has enabled the creation of personalised single-cell and multicellular models, providing unprecedented insights into the pathophysiology of IHDs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in human iPSC models used to dissect the molecular and genetic underpinnings of common IHDs. We examine multicellular models and tissue engineering approaches, such as cardiac organoids, engineered heart tissue, and multicellular co-culture systems, which simulate complex intercellular interactions within heart tissue. Recent advancements in stem cell models offer a more physiologically relevant platform to study disease mechanisms, enabling researchers to observe cellular interactions, study disease progression, and identify therapeutic strategies. By leveraging these innovative models, we can gain deeper insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying IHDs, ultimately paving the way for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Background: Obesity remains a widely debated issue, often criticized for the limitations in its identification and classification. This study aims to compare two distinct systems for classifying obesity: Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP) as assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). By examining these measures, the study seeks to clarify how different metrics of body composition influence the identification of obesity-related risk factors. Methods: The study enrolled 1255 adults, comprising 471 males and 784 females, with a mean age of 36 ± 11.90 years. Participants exhibited varying degrees of weight status, including optimal weight, overweight, and obesity. Body composition analysis was conducted using the TANITA Body Composition Analyzer BC-418 MA III device (T5896, Tokyo, Japan), evaluating the following parameters: current weight, basal metabolic rate (BMR), adipose tissue (%), muscle mass (%), and hydration status (%). Results: Age and psychological factors like cravings, fatigue, stress, and compulsive eating were significant predictors of obesity in the BMI model but not in the BFP model. Additionally, having a family history of diabetes was protective in the BMI model (OR: 0.33) but increased risk in the BFP model (OR: 1.66). The BMI model demonstrates exceptional predictive ability (AUC=0.998). In contrast, the BFP model, while still performing well, exhibits a lower AUC (0.975), indicating slightly reduced discriminative power compared to the BMI model. Conclusions:BMI classification demonstrates superior predictive accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity. This suggests that BMI remains a more reliable measure for identifying obesity-related risk factors compared to the BFP model.

Accidental arterial embolization of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can lead to severe complications, including skin ischemia, blindness, and stroke. Currently, the intra-arterial dispersal and fragmentation behavior of HA gels is unknown but is critical to our understanding of the pathomechanism of these injuries. This work introduces the Pulsatile Unit for the Laboratory Simulation of Arterioembolic Restrictions (PULSAR) and evaluates the intravascular behavior of different HA gels. The fragmentation and dispersal behaviors of four HA gels with distinct rheological properties were evaluated via high-resolution videography and ImageJ particle size and morphology analysis. The gels' elastic modulus (G'), loss modulus (G''), tan(δ), and HA concentration were subsequently correlated with their intra-arterial behaviors. This study effectively confirms the extensive fragmentation of HA gels upon arterial inoculation, with particle sizes ranging from &lt;50 µm to &gt;1 mm. Gel particle size and morphology correlate most significantly with tan(δ). Conversely, arterial flow rates do not significantly influence gel fragmentation behavior, though the probability of proximal, macrovascular obstruction is affected. Overall, this study validates the PULSAR model for simulation of arterial dynamics and the testing of intravascular filler kinematics. The findings highlight the importance of gel viscoelasticity and flow parameters in determining particle size, dispersibility, and occlusive potential.

The integration of modern technologies like intramedullary fixators and advanced biometallic alloys has revolutionized traumatology and orthopedics. While these innovations have improved treatment, the exploration of new materials for implants persists. Tantalum and niobium, both non-toxic with similar properties, are preferred for titanium-based biomedical alloys due to their exceptional biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. Acting as stabilizers in titanium alloys, they form passive oxide layers resisting corrosion and remain compatible with biological systems. The novel Ti21Nb6Ta (TNT) alloy promises enhanced osteosynthesis outcomes. Our in vivo research on experimental animals evaluated the biocompatibility and osteoinduction of TNT compared to Ti-6Al-4V (BT-6) alloy (control group). The study comprised three experiments across different animal species, assessing acute toxicity, irritant effects, and long-term biocompatibility and osteoinduction through simulated osteosynthesis. Results indicated that aqueous extracts from both alloys were non-toxic and non-irritating. Furthermore, both demonstrated high biocompatibility and active osteoinduction potential after three months of implantation.

Background: In most cases, intra-labyrinthine schwannoma (ILS) occurs in patients with unilateral hearing deterioration or neurofibromatosis type II (NF II). The pattern of localization of these tumors is various but affects mostly the cochlea. Extirpation of the ILS, if hidden by the cochlea modiolus, is difficult under the aspect of complete removal. Therefore, a tissue removal device (TRD) was designed and tested in temporal bones. The principle of handling the new device is a pushing and pipe cleaner handling inside the cochlea. This present study aimed to describe the first in vivo experience with the newly developed TRD for removing cochlear intra-labyrinthine schwannoma. Methods: In three patients, the TRD was used for the tumor removal of ILS. In two patients with a cochlear schwannoma in combination with a cochlea implantation and one patient suffering from NF II, a cochlear schwannoma was removed with the TRD. The access was performed with a posterior tympanotomy, an enlarged round window approach, and an additional second-turn access. The device was inserted and extracted gradually from the second turn access until the rings were visible in the second turn access. By pushing and pipe cleaner handling, the tumors were removed. An MRI control was performed on the day postoperatively with a T1 GAD sequence. Results: Tumor removal with the TRD was performed in a 15-minute procedure. MRI control confirmed a complete removal on the postoperative day in both cases. Conclusion: In vivo handling of the device confirmed a straightforward handling for tumor removal. MRI scanning showed a complete removal of the tumor by the TRD.

Cartilage degeneration is a characteristic of osteoarthritis (OA) which is often observed in aging populations. This degeneration is due to the breakdown of articular cartilage (AC) mechanical and tribological properties, primarily attributed to lubrication failure. Understanding the reasons behind these failures and identifying potential solutions could have significant economic and societal implications, ultimately enhancing the quality of life. This review provides an overview of developments in the field of AC, focusing on its mechanical and tribological properties. The emphasis is on the role of lubrication in degraded AC, offering insights into its structure and function relationship. Further it explores the fundamental connection between AC mechano-tribological properties and the advancement of its degradation and puts forth recommendations for strategies to boost its lubrication efficiency.

Previous high throughput screening studies indicated trans-eQTLs tend to be tissue specific. In this study, I probed if this feature can be used to identify tissue-specific gene regulatory networks. eQTL data (P<5e-8) for 16,259 genes were identified and their summary association statistics were obtained from the eQTLGen database. Next, eQTLs that display both cis and trans regulatory effects were selected and the association between their corresponding genes were examined by Mendelian randomization. 253 genes that exerted trans-regulatory impacts on 1,439 genes were identified. Majority of the identified gene-pairs aggregated into a gene regulatory network significantly enriched in hemo-immune processes. The robustness of finding was confirmed through simulation. Genes with higher gene expression heritabilities displayed broader regulatory impact in the network. The network displayed the scale-free topology, this provided the reason to examine the association of the network’s hub genes with the phenome. The outcome of analyses revealed GSDMB and ORMDL3 impact several disorders of immune origin and higher expression of HHEX is associated with lower triglycerides and risk of type 2 diabetes. This study reports trans-eQTLs can be used to identify tissue-specific gene regulatory networks and describes a workflow to achieve this purpose. The identified network displayed scale-free topology indicating the hub genes of a tissue-specific network could be targeted to prevent disease outcomes.

Mercury (Hg) pollution not only poses a threat to the environment but also adversely affects the growth and development of plants, with potential repercussions for animals and humans through bioaccumulation in the food chain. Maize, a crucial source of food, industrial materials, and livestock feed, requires special attention in understanding the genetic factors influencing mercury accumulation. Developing maize varieties with low mercury accumulation is vital for both maize production and human health. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using an enlarged SNP panel comprising 1.25 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 230 maize inbred lines across three environments. The analysis identified 111 significant SNPs within 78 quantitative trait loci (QTL), involving 169 candidate genes under the Q model. Compared to the previous study, the increased marker density and optimized statistical model led to the discovery of 74 additional QTL, demonstrating improved statistical power. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that most genes participate in arsenate reduction and stress responses. Notably, GRMZM2G440968, associated with the significant SNP chr6.S_155668107 of axis tissue, encodes a cysteine proteinase inhibitor, suggesting its potential role in alleviating Hg toxicity by inhibiting cysteine. Haplotype analyses provided further insights, indicating that lines carrying hap3 exhibited the lowest mercury content compared to other haplotypes. In summary, our study significantly enhances the statistical power of GWAS, identifying additional genes related to mercury accumulation and metabolism. These findings offer valuable insights into unraveling the genetic basis of mercury content in maize and contribute to the development of maize varieties with low mercury accumulation.

In a 24-week-long experiment, 31 rats were assigned to one of 3 groups: a Control group receiving standard chow and water, a Fructose group receiving standard chow and a 20% fructose solution, or an STZ+lipids group that received a fat-enriched diet following a single 25 mg/kg streptozotocin injection at the onset of the diet. Both groups experienced significantly increased caloric intake but did not gain weight above the Control group level. Adipocytes in subcutaneous and visceral adipose depots of both groups had smaller size compared to control and higher density in tissue. Respirometric analyses unveiled a substantial increase in mitochondrial respiration across all adipose tissue types in both dietary intervention groups, with greater changes observed in the Fructose group. Correlation analyses demonstrated that in both experimental groups high tissue respiration is associated with better biochemical profile and closer to control adipose tissue morphology. Increased tissue respiration in adipose depots could be an important mechanism of resilience to excessive caloric intake.

Intrauterine adhesions (IUA) has become one of the main causes of female infertility, how to effectively prevent postoperative re-adhesion has been a clinical challenge. In this study, a mussel-inspired dual-network hydrogel was proposed for postoperative anti-adhesion of IUA. First, calcium alginate/polyacrylamide (CA-PAM) hydrogel was prepared by covalent and Ca2+ cross-linking. Benefiting from abundant phenolic hydroxyl groups, polydopamine (PDA) was introduced to further enhance the adhesion ability and biocompatibility. This CA-PAM hydrogel immersed in 10 mg/mL dopamine solution possessed remarkable mechanical strength (elastic modulus > 5 kPa) and super stretchability (with a breaking elongation of 720%). At the same time, it shown excellent adhesion more than 6 kPa. Surprisingly, the coagulation index of the hydrogel was 27.27 ± 4.91, demonstrating attractive coagulation performance in vitro and the potential for rapid hemostasis after surgery.

Biological function depends on the composition as well as structure of the organism, that is the organization of interactions between its parts. In multicellular organisms, the complex communication between cells is crucial for the coordination of cellular functions (growth, differentiation, apoptosis), compartmentalization of cellular processes within the organism, and the integration of cells into functioning higher levels of structural organization. Here we focus on the interaction among cells, as the basic level of biological organization, capable of a remarkable degree of autonomy and self-maintenance. While a wealth of data on putative cell interactions has recently become available, its biological interpretation depends on expectations we have for the structure of these interaction networks. This contribution is an attempt at formulating basic questions we may ask about cell interaction data. We build on the understanding that cells fulfill two general functions: the integrity-maintaining and the organismal service function. We derive the expected patterns of cell interactions considering two intertwined aspects: the immediate functional and the evolutionary. Based on these, we propose several guidelines for analysis and interpretation of transcriptional cell-interactome data.

Severe COVID-19 is frequently associated with thromboembolic complications. Increased platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte aggregate formation can amplify thrombotic responses by inducing tissue factor (TF) expression on leukocytes. Here, we characterized TF-positive extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cellular origin in 12 patients suffering from severe COVID-19 (time course, 134 samples overall) and 25 healthy controls. EVs exposing phosphatidylserine (PS) were characterized by flow cytometry. Their cellular origin was determined by staining with anti-CD41, anti-CD45, anti-CD235a, and anti-CD105 as platelet, leukocyte, red blood cell, and endothelial markers. We further investigated the association of EVs with TF, platelet factor 4 (PF4), C-reactive protein (CRP) and high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB-1). COVID-19 patients showed higher levels of PS-exposing EVs compared to controls. The majority of these EVs originated from platelets. A higher amount of EVs in patient samples were associated with CRP, HMGB-1, PF4, and TF, as compared to EVs from healthy donors. In COVID-19 samples, 16.5% of all CD41+ EVs displayed the leukocyte marker CD45, and 55.5% of all EV aggregates (CD41+CD45+) co-expressed TF, which reflects the interaction of platelets and leukocytes in COVID-19 on an EV level.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The role of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), particularly in the left atrium, has garnered attention in the pathophysiology of AF. This review aims to provide an overview of the association between the thickness of left atrial epicardial adipose tissue (LA-EAT) and the incidence of AF, while exploring the arrhythmogenic effects of LA-EAT and the impact of epicardial fat tissue changes with age and in pathological conditions. A comprehensive search of PubMed was conducted, and relevant studies were selected based on their inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that increased LA-EAT thickness is associated with an elevated risk of AF, potentially mediated through inflammatory and proarrhythmic effects. Age-related changes in epicardial fat tissue and alterations in pathological conditions, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases, further contribute to the development and progression of AF. Further research is needed to deepen our understanding of these mechanisms and their clinical implications.

Several rheumatologic diseases are primarily distinguished by their involvement of bone tissue, where it not only serves as a mere target of the condition but often plays a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. This scenario is particularly prominent in chronic inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA). Given the immunological and systemic nature of these diseases, in this review, we report an overview of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the specific bone involvement, focusing on the complex interactions that occur between bone tissue's own cells and the molecular and cellular actors of the immune system, a recent and fascinating field of interest defined osteoimmunology. Specifically, we have comprehensively elaborated on the distinct pathogenic mechanisms of bone erosion seen in both rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis, as well as the characteristic process of aberrant bone formation observed in spondyloarthritis. Lastly, chronic inflammatory arthritis lead to systemic bone involvement, resulting in systemic bone loss and consequent osteoporosis, along with increased skeletal fragility.

Silk fibroin (SF) extracted from Bombyx mori cocoons is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer shows potential as matrices for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, or con-trolled drug delivery systems. Regenerated fibroin, obtained by removing sericin from natural silk, is water-soluble. Its aqueous solutions can be processed into a variety of materials, for example, fibrous matrices, using the electrospinning method. In this article, the concentration dependences of the properties of aqueous solutions of regener-ated fibroin, that determine the possibility of obtaining electrospun mats for tissue-engineering applications, are studied. A slowdown in the growth of viscosity after a concentration of fibroin of 30% and a decrease in the transparency of the solution were found; this may be due to the on-set of conformational rearrangements: the transition of fibroin from the random coils, charac-teristic for dilute solutions, to the anisotropic conformation of the helix and the appearance of β-pleated sheets. Fibrous mats from regenerated fibroin were obtained from solutions with a concentration of 10 and 20%. Two methods were used to prevent solubility of fibroin-based matrices: conversion of fibroin to the β-conformation by treatment with an ethanol solution and chemical cross-linking with gen-ipin (Gp). The structures of the fibrous samples were studied by AFM and confocal laser scan-ning microscopy. The composition of the moulding solution for the electrospinning of regener-ated fibroin fibrous matrices and the conditions for their modification have been optimised. It has been shown that the composition of fibroin with chitosan contributes to a decrease in the solubility of electrospun fibrous matrices by increasing the number of amino groups available for modification by Gp, and also leads to a decrease in the diameter of the fibers. Electrospun fiber matrices based on regenerated SF, modified by cross-linking with Gp in water-alcohol solutions, promote cell growth and proliferation and may be promising for tissue engineering.

Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) aim at recreating dental pulp tissue using biomaterials such as hydrogels. Their bioactivity is mostly linked to the nature of biomolecules or chemical compounds that will compose the endodontic hydrogel. However, many other parameters, such as hydrogel concentration, type, bioactive molecules solubility, of apex size were reported to influence the hydrogel behavior, leading to the inability to predict the clinical outcome. This lack of knowledge and the various parameters that should be considered, suggest that biological activity of endodontic hydrogel is impossible to anticipate and could hinder the bench to bedside transition. We formulated in this article our opinion that most of these parameters could be identified, described, and studied. A second part of the document lists some challenges and perspectives, including development of future mathematical models able to explain and predict the bioactivity of these endodontic hydrogel in clinic.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal complaint that can impede physical function and mobility. Current management often involves pain medication, but there is a need for non-pharmacological and non-invasive interventions. Soft tissue manipulation (STM) such as massage has been shown to be effective in human subjects, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these findings are not well understood. In this paper, we evaluated potential changes in soft tissue levels of more than thirty pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines following instrument-assisted STM (IASTM) in rats with chronic, induced LBP using Complete Freund’s Adjuvant. Our results indicate that IASTM is associated with reduced soft tissue levels of RANTES/CCL5 and increased soft tissue levels of IL-4, which are pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, respectively, by 120 minutes post-treatment. IASTM was not associated with tissue-level changes in CXCL5/LIX (the murine homologue of IL-8), CXCL7, GM-CSF ICAM-1, IL1-ra, IL-6, IP-10/CXCL10, L-selectin, TNF-α, or VEGF at either 30- or 120 minutes post-treatment. Combined, our findings suggest that IASTM exerts tissue-level effects that are associated with improved clinical outcomes and potentially beneficial changes in pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines in circulation and at the tissue level.

Under inflammatory conditions including lymphatic disorders, bone marrow-derived myeloid cells often express lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) markers called LEC progenitor cells, which extend lymphatic vessels by fusing with existing lymphatic vessels. However, studies on the mechanism of lymphatic regeneration using three-dimensional images of lymphatic structures are limited. In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the three-dimensional structure of lymphangiogenesis in a mouse model of secondary lymphedema. The model was established in C57BL/6J mice via circumferential incision in the inguinal region of the left hind limb. Skin samples were obtained from the lymphedema region on days 2, 5, and 8 after surgery. To determine lymphatic vessel positions using SEM analysis, we detected anti-lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE-1) immunoreactivity in serial sections and overlaid them during SEM observation. On days 2 and 5, spherical cells, probably myeloid cells, were attached and fused to the LYVE-1-positive lymphatic vessel walls. On day 8, spherical cells were converted to string-shaped cells, forming a new lymphatic vessel wall resembling an intraluminal pillar. Our results show the three-dimensional lymphatic structures formed during lymphatic regeneration.

The genus Eucalyptus is a globally captivated source of hardwood and is well known for its medicinal uses. The hybrid and wild species of Eucalyptus are widely used as exotic plantations due to their renowned potential of adapting to various systems and sites, furthermore, making the species the most extensively propagated. Despite unquestionable progression in biotechnological and tissue culture approaches, the productivity of plantations is still limited often due to the low efficiency of clonal propagation from cuttings. The obtained F1 hybrids yield high biomass and High-quality low-cost raw material for large-scale production, however, the development of hybrid, clonal multiplication, proliferation, and post-developmental studies are still major concerns. This riveting review describes the problems concerned with in-vitro and clonal propagation of Eucalypt plantation; recent advances in biotechnological and tissue culture practices for massive and rapid micro-propagation of Eucalyptus; as well, highlights the Eucalypt germplasm preservation techniques.

In oral pathology, the appearance of a large ulcerated lesion may suggest a malignant process that requires an early diagnosis given the uneasiness of the patient and his or her family. Finding lingual carcinoma in children is, however, extremely rare We present the case of a 13-year-old girl who came to the oral medicine clinic, referred by her orthodontist, with a large round lesion on the ventral side of the tongue (15 x 12 mm) that did not heal, after three weeks of evolution and after eliminating the existing traumatic factors (orthodontic appliance in the lower jaw) and treatment with topical gel based on PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone), glycyrrhetinic acid and hyaluronic acid (Aloclair PLUS®). The objective of this article is analyse the possible causes and provide a review of the literature of a large ulcerated lesions.

Background The main aim of reconstructive surgery (RS) is to restore the integrity of soft tissues damaged by trauma, surgery, congenital deformity, burns or infection. Microsurgical techniques consist of harvesting tissues that are separated from the vascular sources of the donor site and anastomosed to the vessels of the recipient site. In these procedures, there are some preoperative modifiable factors that have the potential to influence the outcome of the flap transfer and its anastomosis. Methods Chronic inflammatory anaemia (ACD) is a constant condition in patients who have undergone RS and correlates with the perfusion of the free flap. In RS, it is important to maintain good tissue oxyporesis, avoiding blood hyperviscosity. From January 2017 to September 2019, we studied 16 patients (16 males, mean age 38 years) who underwent microsurgical procedures for RS. Haemoglobin (Hb) levels, Corpuscular Indexes, Transferring saturation (TSAT) ferritin concentrations and creatinine clearance have been measured the first day after surgery (T0), after the first week (T1) and after five weeks (T2). At T0 all patients showed low hemoglobin levels (average 7.4 g/dl, STD 0,71range 6,2-7,4 g dL-1), with an MCV of 72, MCH 28, MCHC 33, RDW 16, Sideremy 35, Ferritin 28, Ret% 1,36, TRF 277 and Creatinine Clearance 119. . We assessed all patients for clinical status, medical history and comorbidities before starting therapy. Results. In collaboration between the two departments, we started a therapeutic protocol with erythropoietic stimulating agents (ESAs) (Binocrit 6000 UI/week) and intravenous iron every other day, on the second day after surgery. Thirteen patients received ESAs and FCM (500-1000 mg per session), three patients received ESAs and iron gluconate (1 vial every other day). No patients received blood transfusions. No side effects were observed and, most importantly, no limb or flap rejection. Conclusions Preliminary data from our protocol show an optimal therapeutic response in a surgical setting with limited data in the scientific literature. The enrolment of further patients will allow us to validate this therapeutic protocol with statistically significant data.

A recently identified broiler myopathy known as wooden breast (WB) is predominantly found in the pectoralis major muscle of fast-growing broiler hybrids and is causing significant losses to the poultry industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of WB syndrome on raw meat texture, purge loss and thermal properties of intramuscular connective tissue of pectoralis major muscle in the early post-mortem period. Results showed that WB muscles at 1d postmortem was associated with significantly increased stiffness and significantly increased purge loss compared to normal muscles (NB). However, at 3d postmortem, these parameters did not differ between the two groups. Insoluble and total collagen content was significantly higher in WB muscles compared to NB muscles, and the extractability of intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) was also higher and remained stable in the early postmortem period. These were coincided with significantly lower protein content in the sarcoplasmic protein fraction and myofibrillar protein fraction of WB muscles compared to NB muscles (P < 0.05). The IMCT of these two groups showed different thermal properties, as the enthalpy of denaturation (ΔH) was significantly lower in WB muscles compared to NB muscles. The WB syndrome had a great effect on the texture and connective tissue properties of the meat compared to normal muscle, with a tendency for having a lower water holding capacity and higher raw meat hardness

The optical properties and physiology of biological tissue, as well as how near-infrared (NIR) light interacts with the tissue, both play a significant role in interpreting the tissue probing optical measurements, and in solving the inverse problem of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-based medical imaging modalities such as diffuse optical tomography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy. This paper discusses the optical properties of tissue, specifically in the NIR wavelength range, which influence NIRS measurements in NIRS-based medical imaging. There is an easy-to-understand explanation given in this paper of the NIR light-tissue interaction phenomenon. The mathematical explanation, the processes involved in the interaction, and the rationale for a few approximations are described. Various types of chromophores present in the tissue, their composition in the tissue, and how these chromophores overall affect the scattering and absorption of NIR light are presented. The absorption spectra of these chromophores are shown. Finally, the paper concludes with the author’s perspective on two NIRS-based medical imaging modalities, diffuse optical tomography, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

There is increasing interest in the application of near-infrared (NIR) laser light for the treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders. The present study thoroughly examined the physical characteristics of laser beams from two different laser therapy devices that are commercially available for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Then, these laser beams were used to measure the penetration depth in various biological tissues from different animal species. The key result of the present study was the finding that for all investigated tissues, most of the initial light energy was lost in the first one to two millimeters, more than 90% of the light energy was absorbed within the first ten millimeters, and there was hardly any light energy left after 15 – 20 mm of tissue. Furthermore, the investigated laser therapy devices fundamentally differed in several laser beam parameters that can have an influence on how light is transmitted through tissue. Overall, the present study showed that a laser therapy device that is supposed to reach deep layers of tissue for treatments of musculoskeletal disorders should operate with a wavelength between 800 nm and 905 nm, a top-hat beam profile, and it should emit very short pulses with a large peak power.

Background: High coronary thrombus burden has been associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the optimal management of which has not yet to be established. Methods: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of adjunctive catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with STEMI and high thrombus burden. Results: Among the 1,849 consecutive patients with STEMI, 263 had high thrombus burden. Moreover, 41 patients received intracoronary infusion of tissue plasminogen activator during primary PCI (CDT group), whereas 222 did not receive (non-CDT group). No significant differences in bleeding complications and in-hospital and long-term mortalities were observed (9.8% vs. 7.2%, p=0.53; 7.3% vs. 2.3%, p=0.11; and 12.6% vs. 17.5%, p=0.84, CDT vs. non-CDT). In patients who underwent antecedent aspiration thrombectomy during PCI (75.6%; CDT group and 87.4%; non-CDT group), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade 2 or 3 flow rate after thrombectomy was significantly lower in the CDT group than in the non-CDT group (32.2% vs. 61.0%, p&lt;0.01). However, the final rates improved considerably without significant difference (90.3% vs. 97.4%, p=0.14). Conclusions: For STEMI patients with high thrombus burden, adjunctive CDT is safe and effective for improving coronary flow. CDT resulted in favorable coronary flow even after unsatisfactory aspiration thrombectomy.

Cannabis has developed into a multi-billion dollar industry that relies on clonal propagation of elite genetics with desirable agronomic and chemical phenotypes. While the goal of clonal propagation is to produce genetically uniform plants, somatic mutations can accumulate during growth and compromise long-term genetic fidelity. Cryopreservation is a process in which tissues are stored at cryogenic temperatures, halting cell division and metabolic processes to facilitate high fidelity germplasm preservation. In this study, a series of experiments were conducted to optimize various stages of cryopreservation and develop a protocol for long-term germplasm storage of Cannabis sativa. The resulting protocol uses a standard vitrification procedure to cryopreserve nodal explants from in vitro shoots as follows: Nodes were cultured for 17 hours in a pre-culture solution (PCS), followed by a 20 minute treatment in a loading solution (LS), and a 60 minute incubation in plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2). The nodes were then flash frozen in liquid nitrogen, re-warmed in an unloading solution at 40°C, and cultured on basal MS culture medium in the dark for 5 days followed by transfer to standard culture conditions. This protocol was tested across 13 genotypes to assess the genotypic variability. The protocol was successful across all 13 genotypes, but significant variation was observed in tissue survival (43.3-80%) and regrowth of shoots (26.7-66.7%). Plants grown from cryopreserved samples were morphologically and chemically similar to control plants for most major traits, but some differences were observed in the minor cannabinoid and terpene profiles. While further improvements are likely possible, this study provides a functional cryopreservation system that works across multiple commercial genotypes for long-term germplasm preservation.

In bone tissue engineering, ceramics have been the choice due to their excellent biological properties. But the paradigm changed with the discovery of bioactive glasses (BGs) in 1969 by Larry Hench and co-workers, due to their ability to bond to living tissues through the formation of an interfacial bone-like hydroxyapatite layer when the bioglass was put in contact with biological fluids in vivo. Among a number of tested compositions, the one exhibiting the highest bioactivity index is the well-known trademarked 45S5 Bioglass®. The topic received increasing attention particularly after 1985 when this material entered in the market of biomedical devices, inspiring many other investigations aiming at further exploring the in vitro and in vivo performances of this BG, or developing other related BG compositions. The research efforts gradually revealed a number of shortcomings of 45S5 Bioglass®, mostly derived from its high sodium content, initially intended to decrease the melting temperature and accelerating the degradation of the silicate network over time. But the extensive release of sodium from 45S5 Bioglass® in the biological fluids creates a high pH cytotoxic environment. Other serious drawbacks include a fast degradation rate, and a poor sintering ability, which hinders the reliable fabrication of porous scaffolds. Therefore, sol-gel was regarded as an attractive alternative to prepare alkali-free BG compositions. The process uses inorganic and/or organic precursors, which undergo hydrolysis and condensation at room-temperature, being less costly. When properly conducted, the sol-gel process might result in amorphous structures with all the components intimately mixed at the atomic scale. Moreover, developing new better performing materials for bone tissue engineering is a growing concern, as the ageing of the world’s population leads to lower bone density and osteoporosis. This work describes the sol-gel synthesis of a novel quaternary silicate-based BG with the composition 60 SiO2 – 34 CaO – 4 MgO – 2 P2O5 (mol%) was prepared using acidified distilled water as single solvent. By controlling the kinetics of the hydrolysis and condensation steps, an amorphous glass structure could be obtained. The results of XRD of samples calcined within the temperature range from 600-900 ºC demonstrated that amorphous nature was maintained until 800 ºC, followed by partial crystallization at 900 ºC. The specific surface area, an important factor in osteoconduction, was also evaluated over different temperatures, ranging from 160.6 ± 0.8 m2/g at 600 ºC down to 2.2 ± 0.1 m2/g at 900 ºC, being accompanied consistent changes in average pore size and agreeing pore size distribution. The immersion of the BG particles in simulated body fluid (SBF) led to the formation of an extensive apatite layer on its surface. These overall results indicate the proposed material is very promising for biomedical applications in bone regeneration and tissue engineering.

Cholinergic innervation in pancreas controls both the release of digestive enzymes to support the intestinal digestion and absorption, as well as insulin release to promote nutrient use in the cells of the body. The effects of muscarinic receptor stimulation are described in detail for endocrine beta cells and exocrine acinar cells separately. Here we describe morphological and functional criteria to separate these two cell types in situ in tissue slices and simultaneously measure their response to ACh stimulation on cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations [Ca2+]c in stimulatory glucose conditions. Our results show that both cell types respond to glucose directly in the concentration range compatible with the glucose transporters they express. The physiological ACh concentration increases the frequency of glucose stimulated [Ca2+]c oscillations in both cell types and synchronizes [Ca2+]c oscillations in acinar cells. The pharmacological ACh concentration further increases the oscillation frequency on the level of individual beta cells, inhibits the synchronization between these cells, and abolishes oscillatory activity in acinar cells. We discuss possible mechanisms leading to the observed phenomena.

The concerning worldwide increase of obesity and chronic metabolic diseases such as T2D, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease motivates further investigations into preventive and alternative therapeutic approaches. Over the past decade, there is growing evidence that the formation and activation of thermogenic adipocytes (brown and beige) may serve as therapy to treat obesity and its associated diseases owing to its capacity to increase energy expenditure and to modulate circulating lipids and glucose levels. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism of brown and beige adipocytes formation and activation will facilitate the development of strategies to combat metabolic disorders. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of pathways and players involved in the development of brown and beige fat as well as the role of thermogenic adipocytes in energy homeostasis and metabolism. Also, we discuss the alterations in brown and beige adipose tissue function during obesity and, explore the therapeutic potential of thermogenic activation to treat metabolic syndrome.

Currently, the clinical impact of cell therapy after a myocardial infarction (MI) is limited by low cell engraftment due to significant cell death, including apoptosis, in an infarcted, inflammatory, poor angiogenic environment, low cell retention and secondary migration. Cells interact with their environment through integrin mechanoreceptors that control their survival/apoptosis/differentiation/migration/proliferation. Optimizing these interactions may be a way of improving outcomes. The association of free cells with a 3D-scaffold may be a way to target their integrins. Collagen is the most abundant structural component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the best contractility levels are achieved with cellular preparations containing collagen, fibrin, or Matrigel (i.e. tumor extract). In the interactions between cells and ECM, 3 main proteins are recognised: collagen, laminin and RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptide. The RGD plays a key role in heart development, after MI, and on cardiac cells. Cardiomyocytes secrete their own laminin on collagen. The collagen has a non-functional cryptic RGD and is thus suboptimal for interactions with associated cells. The use of a collagen functionalized with RGD may help to improve collagen biofunctionality. It may help in the delivery of paracrine cells, whether or not they are contractile, and in assisting tissue engineering a safe contractile tissue.

Purpose: to assess the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) on human gingival fibroblast proliferation. Methods: The study was conducted using the primary cell cultures of human fibroblasts collected from systemically healthy donors. Three different laser types: Nd:YAG (1064nm), infrared diode laser (980nm) and prototype led laser emitting 405, 450 and 635nm were used to irradiate fibroblasts. Thanks to the patented structure of that laser, it was possible to irradiate fibroblasts with a beam combining two or three wavelengths. The energy density was 3 J/cm², 25 J/cm², 64 J/cm². The viability and proliferation of cells were determined using the MTT test conducted 24, 48 and 72 hours after laser irradiation. Results: The highest percentage of mitochondrial activity (MA=122.1%) was observed in the group irradiated with the 635nm laser, with an energy density of 64 J/cm² after 48 hours. The lowest percentage of MA (94.0%) was observed in the group simultaneously irradiated with three wavelengths (405 + 450 + 635 nm). The use of the 405nm laser at 25 J/cm² gave similar results to the 635 nm laser. Conclusions: The application of the 635nm and 405nm irradiation caused a statistically significant increase in the proliferation of gingival fibroblasts.

Magnesium (Mg)-based biomaterials are promising candidates for bone and tissue regeneration. Alloying and surface modifications provide effective strategies for optimizing and tailoring their degradation kinetics. Nethertheless, biocompatibility analyses of Mg-based materials are challenging due to its special degradation mechanism with continous hydrogen release. In this context, the hydrogen release and the related (micro-) milieu conditions pretend to strictly follow in vitro standards based on ISO 10993-5/-12. Thus, special adaptions for the testing of Mg materials are necessary, which have been described in a previous study from our group. Based on these adaptions, further developments of a test procedure allowing rapid and effective in vitro cytocompatibility analyses of Mg-based materials based on ISO 10993-5/-12 are necessary. The following study introduces a new two-step test scheme for rapid and effective testing of Mg. Specimens with different surface characteristcis were produced by means of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) using silicate-based and phosphate-based electrolytes. The test samples were evaluated for corrosion behavior, cytocompatibility and their mechanical and ostogenic properties. Thereby, two PEO ceramics could be identified for further in vivo evaluations.

Urolithiasis is a painful experience associated with hematuria, damage to kidney tissue and renal failure. It is a multi-factorial disorder while in India, its prevalence is rapidly increasing imposing a large burden for both healthcare and economy globally. In this article, we aimed to evaluate the association between genetic defects in SPP1 gene and urolithiasis from East Indian patients.75 urolithiasis patients were recruited from SSKM Hospital & Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research (IPGME&R), Kolkata, India while 75 healthy controls were recruited from the same community. SNPs based areas of SPP1 gene were analyzed by direct sequencing to identify genetic defects.We identified 3 polymorphisms one synonymous and two 3’UTR variants rs1126616: p.Ala250Ala, rs1126772: 7315 a>g, rs9138: 7471 a>c in SPP1 gene in study individuals. Genotype and allele frequency analysis of these SNPs revealed that, rs9138 SNP was significantly associated with urolithiasis risk in East Indian patients. To our knowledge this is the first study reporting the role of the gene with urolithiasis in the population of West Bengal, India.

The barley (Hordeum vulgare) genome comprises over 32,000 genes, with differentiated cells expressing only a subset of genes; the remainder being silent. Mechanisms by which tissue-specific genes are regulated are not entirely understood, although DNA methylation is likely to be involved. DNA methylation patterns are not static during plant development, but it is still unclear whether different organs possess distinct methylation profiles. Methylation-sensitive GBS was used to generate DNA methylation profiles for roots, leaf-blades and leaf-sheaths from five barley varieties, using seedlings at the three-leaf stage. Differentially Methylated Markers (DMMs) were characterised by pairwise comparisons of roots, leaf-blades and leaf-sheaths of three different ages. While very many DMMs were found between roots and leaf parts, only a few existed between leaf-blades and leaf-sheaths, with differences decreasing with leaf rank. Organ-specific DMMs appeared to target mainly repeat regions, implying that organ differentiation partially relies on the spreading of DNA methylation from repeats to promoters of adjacent genes. Furthermore, the biological functions of differentially methylated genes in the different organs correlated with functional specialisation. Our results indicate that different organs do possess diagnostic methylation profiles and suggest that DNA methylation is important for both tissue development and differentiation and organ function.

Puerarin (PUE) is a compound isolated from the roots of Pueraria lobata. We studied the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution kinetics of PUE in Sprague-Dawley rats following intraperitoneal administration of three concentrations. Indirect competitive ELISA based on an anti-PUE monoclonal antibody was used to determine the concentration of PUE in the blood, heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and striatum. The plasma and tissue distribution kinetic characteristics following a single injection of PUE (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) were calculated using a non-compartment model. In the high-dose (80 mg/kg) and medium-dose (40 mg/kg) groups, the kinetic profile of PUE in blood and kidney samples showed two absorption peaks, while that of the other tissues showed only one peak. In the low-dose (20 mg/kg) group, there was only one peak, irrespective of the sample type. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as the area under the curve, C_max, and T_max varied according to the administered dose. AUC and C_max values increased dose-dependently. PUE was widely distributed in areas of the brain such as the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and striatum, providing a foundation for guiding the use of PUE in the treatment of cerebral ischaemic stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.

This paper presents a proof-of-concept study on the biocolonization of 3D-printed hydroxyapatite scaffolds with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Three-dimensional (3D) printed biomimetic bone structure made of Calcium Deficient HydroxyApatite (CDHA) intended as future bone graft was made from newly developed composite material for FDM printing. The biopolymer polyvinyl alcohol serves in this material as a thermoplastic binder for 3D molding of the printed object with a passive function and is completely removed during sintering. The study presents the material, the process of fused deposition modeling (FDM) of CDHA scaffolds and its post-processing at three temperatures (1200, 1300, 1400 °C), as well it evaluates the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of scaffolds with MTT and LDH release assays after 14 days. The study also includes a morphological evaluation of the cellular colonization with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in two different filament orientations (rectilinear and gyroid). The results of the MTT assay showed that the tested material was not toxic, and cells were preserved in both orientations, with most cells present on the material fired at 1300°C. Results of the LDH release assay showed a slight increase in LDH leakage from all samples. Visual evaluation of SEM confirmed the ideal post-processing temperature of the 3D-printed FDM framework for samples fired at 1300°C and 1400°C, with a porosity of 0.3 mm between filaments. In conclusion, the presented fabrication and colonization of CDHA scaffolds have great potential to be used in the tissue engineering of bones.

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines methods, materials, and biological molecules to fabricate newly formed tissues to replace or restore functional organs. Biomaterials-based scaffolds play a vital role in developing new tissue by interacting with human cells. Tissue Engineering scaffolds with ideal characteristics, namely, nontoxicity, biodegradability, and appropriate mechanical and surface properties, are vital for tissue regeneration applications. Although commonly utilized biomaterials can provide physical and chemical properties needed for tissue regeneration, inadequate biomimetic properties, as well as insufficient interactions of cells-scaffolds interaction, still need to be improved for the application of tissue engineering in vivo. Consequently, developing innovative biomaterials-based stimulus-responsive 3D scaffolds that can enhance the mediators of cell adhesion and cellular functioning and that can form functional tissues by providing structural integrity within an appropriate time is much needed. It is possible to achieve some essential features using a single material, so combining two or more materials may fulfill the requirements. In order to achieve a proper scaffold design, a suitable fabrication technique and combination of biomaterials with controlled micro or nanostructures are needed to achieve the proper biological responses. This review highlights the natural polymers, smart materials, and recent advanced techniques currently used to create emerging scaffolds for tissue regeneration applications.