Search Results (1,356)

We compared the applicability of 3D fibrous scaffolds, produced by our patented centrifugal spinning technology, in soft tissue engineering. The scaffolds were prepared from four different biocompatible and biodegradable thermoplastics, namely, polylactide (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), and poly(1,4-butylene succinate) (PBS) and their blends. The combined results of SEM and BET analyses revealed an internal hierarchically organized porosity of the polymeric micro/nanofibers. Both nanoporosity and capillary effect are crucial for the water retention capacity of scaffolds designed for tissue engineering. The increased surface area provided by nanoporosity enhances water retention, while the capillary effect facilitates the movement of water and nutrients within the scaffolds. When the scaffolds were seeded with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), the ingrowth of these cells was the deepest in the PLA/PCL 13.5/4 (w/w) composite scaffolds. This result is consistent with the relatively large pore size in the fibrous networks, the high internal porosity, and the large specific surface area found in these scaffolds, which may therefore be best suited as a component of adipose tissue substitutes that could reduce postoperative tissue atrophy. Adipose tissue constructs produced in this way could be used in the future instead of conventional fat grafts, for example, in breast reconstruction following cancer ablation. Full article

This study aims to examine context-specific post-migration stress factors and their differential impacts on the mental health of Syrian refugee women resettled in Houston, Texas, and urban communities in Jordan. A cross-sectional survey investigated sociodemographic and health-related conditions, psychological distress and coping (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS]), mental health-related symptomatology (Self-Report Questionnaire [SRQ]), conflict-related psychological distress (Afghan Symptom Checklist [ASC]), and post-migration stress (Refugee Post-Migration Stress Scale [RPMS]). Linear regression models examined factors associated with post-migration stress and mental health outcomes. A total of 127 Syrian refugee women participated in the study. Participants were in their mid-30s (mean age = 34.79 ± 11.2 years), married (66.9%), and reported low levels of education (44.8% below high school), low employment (27.2%), and elevated financial strain (91% below the poverty line). Jordan-based refugees exhibited higher scores on mental distress measures compared to their Houston-based counterparts; specifically more elevated psychological distress (p < 0.001), symptomatology (p < 0.001), and conflict-related distress (p < 0.001). Syrian refugee women in Houston reported higher social strain, while those in Jordan experienced greater financial hardship and barriers to accessing healthcare services. Mental distress among Syrian refugee women is influenced by specific post-migration stressors that vary by resettlement location. Targeted interventions are necessary to improve mental health outcomes in this population. Full article

Background and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the impact of smoking on cervical histopathology in women with high-risk HPV types 16 and 18 (the most common types) utilizing comprehensive clinical data and to conduct a risk analysis based on smoking pack-years. Materials and Methods: Between 2022 and 2024, 1048 high-risk HPV-positive women aged 25 to 65 years were categorized into two groups: smokers and non-smokers. Data acquired from a histopathological examination of samples collected during a colposcopic evaluation of these women were compared individually regarding clinical and demographic factors, specifically age, gravida, parity, and alcohol consumption. Subsequently, the impact of prolonged and excessive smoking on histopathological cellular changes was assessed in women with the same characteristics. A case–control study was performed on 312 smokers and 312 non-smokers following mutual matching. Results: The women were matched one-to-one regarding gravida, parity, and alcohol consumption. Subsequently, they were paired within a ±2-year age range. The mean age of the smoker group was 47.1 ± 8.8, while that of the non-smoker group was 47.2 ± 8.5 (p: 0.904). In all cases of high-risk HPV positivity, the rate of normal cervical cytological results was 14% in women who smoked and 29% in women who did not smoke. The LGSIL, HGSIL, ASC-H, and AGC-NOS rates were elevated in the smoker group, and a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of abnormal cervical cytological results (p < 0.001). After a colposcopic biopsy, the smoker group exhibited higher rates of HGSILs, LGSILs, AGC-NOS, and CIS pathological lesions (28% vs. 23%), whereas the non-smoker group exhibited higher rates of chronic cervicitis (23% vs. 16%). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (p: 0.092). In a comparison of endocervical curettage (ECC) samples, it was observed that the HGSIL, CIS, and AGC-FN rates in the smoker group were almost the same as those in the non-smoker group. However, the LGSIL histopathology results (32% vs. 18%) were higher, and the rate of negativity with no pathology was higher in the non-smoker group (72% vs. 59%). A statistically significant difference in ECC histopathology was noted between the two groups (p < 0.001). An ROC analysis conducted between smoking pack-years and the colposcopic and endocervical curettage biopsy results revealed that the cutoff value for the colposcopic abnormal histopathological results increased, with 40% sensitivity and 76% specificity above 20 pack-years (AUC: 0.592 and p: 0.025). Additionally, the abnormal histopathology rates for endocervical curettage exhibited 81% sensitivity and 32% specificity above 13 pack-years (AUC: 0.586 and p: 0.008). The rate of abnormalities in the colposcopic biopsy results was 2.19 times higher for individuals with over 20 pack-years, and the rate of abnormalities in the ECC results was 2.08 times higher for those with over 13 pack-years; additionally, statistically significant results were obtained (p-values of 0.027 and 0.008, respectively). Conclusions: The most important cause of neoplastic changes in the cervix uteri is high-risk HPV infection, with evidence indicating that prolonged excessive smoking significantly exacerbates the persistence and progression of HPV infection, thereby influencing neoplastic changes in the cervix uteri. It is crucial for women to cease smoking in order to eradicate HPV infection from the body. Full article

The off-axis reflective optical system offers several advantages, including the elimination of central obstruction, zero chromatic aberration, and a compact structure. These features make it highly valuable in the domain of space remote sensing. Freeform surfaces transcend the limitations imposed by rotational symmetry, providing significant design flexibility that is particularly effective for correcting non-rotationally symmetric aberrations present in off-axis systems. In this paper, we propose the averaged seed curve extension (A-SCE) method, which facilitates the direct design of an initial structure for freeform off-axis reflective systems. Both focal and afocal off-axis four-mirror freeform optical systems are designed utilizing the A-SCE method, demonstrating an enhanced capability for initial structure design. The results indicate excellent optical performance while maintaining relatively loose processing and assembly tolerances for both systems, thereby enhancing the facilitation of practical implementation. Full article

Achieving high energy density while maintaining high power density and long cycle life in supercapacitors, particularly in supercapatteries (SCs), through a thermally stable, greener ionic liquid approach remains a significant challenge for an advanced energy storage application. In this work, we prepared high conductive and high charge storage capability bimetallic transition metal molybdate [Ag₂Mo₂O₇ (AgM)], synergistic with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) coated on nickel foam (AgM/rGO/NF). The physio-chemical characterization revealed a ball-like cluster morphology wrapped in rGO nanosheets and a spinel-type cubic structure using scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) displays and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Further, the electrochemical performance of AgM/rGO/NF electrode achieved a remarkable specific C_sp value of 573.63 F/g at a current density of 1.0 A/g in 3 M KOH electrolyte. An asymmetric SCs (ASCs) device was fabricated using AgM/rGO/NF as the positive and rGO as the negative electrodes, achieving a wide potential window of 1.3 V. The ASC demonstrated an energy density of 16.71 Wh/kg at a power density of 642.98 W/kg, highlighting AgM/rGO/NF’s potential as an advanced electrode material for energy storage applications. Full article

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs in individuals of all ages, predominantly during sports, accidents, and in active military service members. Chronic consequences of TBI include declined cognitive and motor function, dementia, and emotional distress. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), previously referred to as exosomes, are nano-sized lipid vesicles that play a role in intercellular communication. Our prior research established the efficacy of sEVs derived from human adipose stem cells (hASC sEVs) in accelerating the healing of brain injuries. The hASC sEVs are a biologic therapeutic and need to be stored at −20 °C or −80 °C. This limits their use in translating to everyday use in clinics or their inclusion in first-aid kits for application immediately after injury. To address this, here we demonstrate that hASC sEVs can be stored at room temperature (RT) for two months post lyophilization. Methods: A transmission electron microscope (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) were used to validate the morphology of lyophilized RT sEVs. Using in vitro models of neuronal injury mimicking physical injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress, we demonstrate that lyophilized RT hASC sEVs are viable and promote the healing of neuronal injuries. Results: The lyophilized sEVs maintain their purity, size, and morphology upon rehydration. Lyophilized, RT stored sEVs showed better efficacy after two months compared with −80 °C stored sEVs. Conclusions: RT storage of lyophilized hASC sEVs maintains their efficacy to accelerate the healing of injuries in neuronal cells. This will advance the use of hASC sEVs, bringing them closer to use in clinics, home first-aid kits, and on battlefields by active service members. Full article

Background/Objectives: Understanding the behavior of B cells during infection and vaccination is important for determining protective humoral immunity. We evaluated the profile of humoral immunity and B cell pool in individuals who were acutely infected with SARS-CoV-2, recovered from COVID-19, or received two doses of the AZD1222 vaccine. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from these individuals were subjected to in vitro stimulation to promote the differentiation of B cells into antibody-secreting cells (ASCs), and the ELISpot evaluated the abundance of pan and SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1-reactive IgG+ ASC. Stimulated PBMCs were characterized using flow cytometry. Culture supernatants were assessed for soluble B-cell-activating factors. The IgA and IgG for the S1 were evaluated through ELISA. Results: The recovered individuals displayed a robust S1 ASC compared to acute and vaccinated individuals. Although the frequency of total B cells or B cell subsets did not vary among the groups, plasmablast cells were increased in naïve and double-negative B cells in the acute, recovered, and vaccinated individuals. Similar IgA and IgG production appeared to be present in the acute and recovered individuals. During vaccination, more IgG is produced than IgA. In acute patients, BAFF levels were positively correlated with total B cells and IgG+ plasmablast cells but negatively correlated with IgA+ plasmablast cells. Conclusions: Vaccination and natural infection with COVID-19 induce a differential profile and functionality of B cells. We suggest that new vaccines against COVID-19 incorporate molecular adjuvants that regulate B lymphocyte functionality and consider the beneficial aspects of the IgA response in addition to IgG. Full article

Current knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease highlights the accumulation of β-amyloid plaques (Aβ1–42) and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated Tau, which lead to the loss of neuronal connections. Microglial activation and the release of inflammatory mediators play a significant role in the progression of Alzheimer’s pathology. Recent advances have identified the involvement of inflammasomes, particularly NOD-like receptor NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), whose activation promotes the release of proinflammatory cytokines and triggers pyroptosis, exacerbating neuroinflammation. Aggregates of Aβ1–42 and hyperphosphorylated Tau have been shown to activate these inflammasomes, while the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) components form aggregates that further accelerate Aβ aggregation. Defects in the autophagic clearance of inflammasomes have also been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, contributing to sustained inflammation. This review explores strategies to counteract inflammation in Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the degradation of ASC specks and the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Notably, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor emerges as a promising therapeutic target due to its dual role in mitigating oxidative stress and directly inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome formation. By reducing inflammasome-driven inflammation, Nrf2 offers significant potential for addressing the neuroinflammatory aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. Full article

Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) possess significant regenerative potential, playing a key role in tissue repair and angiogenesis. During wound healing, ASC interacts with the extracellular matrix by recognizing arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD) motifs, which are crucial for mediating these functions. This study investigates how RGD exposure influences ASC behavior, with a focus on angiogenesis. To mimic the wound-healing environment, ASC were cultured in a porcine gelatin sponge, an RGD-exposing matrix. Transcriptomics revealed that ASC cultured in gelatin exhibited an upregulated expression of genes associated with inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue repair compared to ASC in suspension. Pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic factors, including IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF, were significantly elevated. Functional assays further demonstrated that ASC-conditioned media enhanced endothelial cell migration, tubulogenesis, and reduced endothelial permeability, all critical processes in angiogenesis. Notably, ASC-conditioned media also promoted vasculogenesis in human vascular organoids. The inhibition of ASC-RGD interactions using the cyclic peptide cilengitide reversed these effects, underscoring the essential role of RGD-integrin interactions in ASC-mediated angiogenesis. These findings suggest that gelatin sponges enhance ASC’s regenerative and angiogenic properties via RGD-dependent mechanisms, offering promising therapeutic potential for tissue repair and vascular regeneration. Understanding how RGD modulates ASC behavior provides valuable insights into advancing cell-based regenerative therapies. Full article

Aspirin (ASA) is one of the most used medications worldwide and has shown various effects on cellular processes, including stem cell differentiation. However, the effect of ASA on adipogenesis of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) remains largely unknown. Considering the potential application of ASCs in regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies, this study investigates the effects of ASA on adipogenic differentiation in human ASCs. ASCs were exposed to varying concentrations of ASA (0 µM, 400 µM, and 1000 µM) and evaluated for changes in morphology, migration, and adipogenic differentiation. While ASA exposure did not affect self-renewal potential, migration ability, or cell morphology, it significantly reduced lipid vacuole formation at 1000 µM after 21 days of adipogenic differentiation (p = 0.0025). This visible inhibition correlated with decreased expression of adipogenic markers (PPARG, ADIPOQ, and FABP4) and the proliferation marker MKi67 under ASA exposure in comparison to the control (ns). Overall, the findings demonstrate that ASA inhibits adipogenic differentiation of human ASCs in a dose-dependent manner in vitro, contrasting its known role in promoting osteogenic differentiation. This research highlights ASA’s complex effects on ASCs and emphasizes the need for further investigation into its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications in obesity and metabolic diseases. The inhibitory effects of ASA on adipogenesis should be considered in cell-based therapies using ASCs. Full article

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is a major cause of nosocomial infections in critically ill patients, and strains are frequently multidrug resistant (MDR). This study aimed to characterize 45 clinical A. baumannii isolates collected in different periods in the main hospital in the Molise Region, central Italy. Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated using an automated system, and PCRs were performed to detect resistance-associated genes. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was carried out with AscI and ApaI, and Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was performed according to the Oxford scheme. Results: All isolates exhibited MDR profiles, showing total susceptibility towards colistin. All strains harbored the blaOXA-23, blaOXA-51, and blaAmpC genes, as well as adeB, adeJ, adeG, abeS, and soxR. Dendrogram with AscI and ApaI revealed eleven and three clusters, respectively, and twenty-three and eighteen pulsotypes (Simpson’s index 0.96 and 0.93), and isolates from different periods were clearly distinguished. MLST revealed five sequence types, which varied depending on the isolation period, and ST1720 and ST369 were prevalent, followed by ST281, ST218, and ST513. Conclusions: Molecular characterization enables the identification of distinct patterns of MDR A. baumannii over time, underscoring its usefulness for improving epidemiological surveillance and combating antimicrobial resistance. This study provides previously unavailable information regarding A. baumannii circulating in the examined setting. Full article

Acanthopanax senticosus (ASC) contains a variety of bioactive compounds and serves as an important traditional Chinese medicinal resource. However, its prolonged growth cycle and reliance on wild populations limit its practical use. To explore the potential of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus (ASF) as an alternative, this study focused on optimizing the extraction process and assessing the bioactivity of stem extracts. The Analytic Hierarchy Process-Entropy Weight Method (AHP-EWM) was applied to comprehensively score five key active compounds in ASF stems, establishing a benchmark for evaluating extraction efficiency. Ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) was employed, and orthogonal and response surface experiments were conducted to refine the extraction parameters. The optimal conditions identified were an ultrasound temperature of 59 °C, a duration of 57 min, an ethanol concentration of 61%, and a liquid-to-material ratio of 39:1, resulting in an AHP-EWM composite score of 94.76. Comparative analysis of antibacterial and antioxidant activities revealed that ASC extracts exhibited superior antibacterial effects, while ASF extracts demonstrated enhanced antioxidant properties. These findings support the partial replacement of ASC with ASF, contributing to the conservation of wild resources and expanding the application of ASF in medicinal development. Full article

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are commonly employed in clinical treatment for various diseases due to their ability to differentiate into multi-lineage and anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory properties. Preclinical studies support their use for bone regeneration, healing, and the improvement of functional outcomes. However, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ASC biology is crucial to identifying key regulatory pathways that influence differentiation and enhance regenerative potential. In this study, we employed the NanoString nCounter technology, an advanced multiplexed digital counting method of RNA molecules, to comprehensively characterize differentially expressed transcripts involved in metabolic pathways at distinct time points in osteogenically differentiating ASCs treated with or without the pan-DNMT inhibitor RG108. In silico annotation and gene ontology analysis highlighted the activation of ethanol oxidation, ROS regulation, retinoic acid metabolism, and steroid hormone metabolism, as well as in the metabolism of lipids, amino acids, and nucleotides, and pinpointed potential new osteogenic drivers like AOX1 and ADH1A. RG108-treated cells, in addition to the upregulation of the osteogenesis-related markers RUNX2 and ALPL, showed statistically significant alterations in genes implicated in transcriptional control (MYCN, MYB, TP63, and IRF1), ethanol oxidation (ADH1C, ADH4, ADH6, and ADH7), and glucose metabolism (SLC2A3). These findings highlight the complex interplay of the metabolic, structural, and signaling pathways that orchestrate osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, this study underscores the potential of epigenetic drugs like RG108 to enhance ASC properties, paving the way for more effective and personalized cell-based therapies for bone regeneration. Full article

Background: Major global economic and health burdens due to norovirus gastroenteritis could be addressed by an effective vaccine. Methods: In this study, 428 adult recipients of various compositions of the norovirus vaccine candidate, HIL-214, were followed for 5 years, to assess immune responses to its virus-like particle antigens, GI.1 and GII.4c. Serum antibodies and peripheral-blood antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) were measured. This report focuses on the single-dose 15/50 (µg GI.1/GII.4c) composition, which had been selected for further clinical development. Results: For single-dose 15/50 recipients (N = 105), GI.1-specific and GII.4c-specific histoblood-group antigen-blocking (HBGA) antibodies appeared to have persisted to 5 years, waning from a peak at 4 to 8 weeks, and plateauing above baseline after 3 years. From 3 to 5 years, GI.1-specific GMTs ranged between 53 (95%CI, 40–71) and 60 (95%CI, 46–77; N = 69–97) and were approximately 2-fold above the baseline GMT (24 (95%CI, 20–28); N = 105). GII.4c-specific GMTs ranged between 103 (95%CI, 77–138) and 114 (95%CI, 86–152; N = 70–97) and were above baseline, but by less than 2-fold (70 (95%CI, 53–92); N = 105). Similar kinetics were observed for pan-Ig titers and ASCs in a subset. Similar kinetics were also observed for HBGA and pan-Ig titers in recipients of other 15/50 dosages. Conclusions: Immune responses to HIL-214 in adults appear to persist for five years. Full article

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measures the rate at which erythrocytes aggregate and sediment in a fixed time in an anticoagulated blood tube and is expressed as a speed (mm/h). The ESR is still widely used in human medicine mainly as a modified or alternate method to the original Westergren. In veterinary medicine, it was employed in the 1940s–1960s after which it was gradually abandoned or rarely employed. More papers using the Westergren method have been published in dogs rather than in cats. In recent years, the test has regained importance. This narrative review describes the principle of ESR, which is related to the increase in a few acute response proteins such as fibrinogen, immunoglobulin M, and α2-macroglobulin which act to aggregate RBCs. Reference intervals were established for dogs and cats for the original and modified Westergren method. The ESR is mainly used to detect inflammatory conditions derived from infection, urinary or orthopedic disorders, and also miscellaneous diseases. The application of the modified ESR is supported by appropriate reference intervals; however, further studies are needed to assess the influence of age, sex, and breed both for dogs and cats. Full article