Fibroblasts modulate epithelial cell behavior within the proliferative niche and differentiated cell zone within a human colonic crypt model.

Colonic epithelium is situated above a layer of fibroblasts that provide supportive factors for stem cells at the crypt base and promote differentiation of cells in the upper crypt and luminal surface. To study the fibroblast-epithelial cell interactions, an crypt model was formed on a shaped collagen scaffold with primary epithelial cells growing above a layer of primary colonic fibroblasts. The crypts possessed a basal stem cell niche populated with proliferative cells and a differentiated, nondividing cell zone at the luminal crypt end.

Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial: Integrating the 'Time-limited Trial' in the emergency department.

Introduction: Time-limited trial (TLT) is a structured approach between clinicians and seriously ill patients or their surrogates to discuss patients' values and preferences, prognosis, and shared decision-making to use specific therapies for a prespecified period of time in the face of prognostic uncertainty. Some evidence exists that this approach may lead to more patient-centered care in the intensive care unit; however, it has never been evaluated in the emergency department (ED). The study protocol aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of TLTs initiated in the ED.

Positive impact of indicaxanthin from Opuntia ficus-indica fruit on high-fat diet-induced neuronal damage and gut microbiota dysbiosis.

Indicaxanthin is a betalain that is abundant in Opuntia ficus-indica orange fruit and has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, very little is known about the neuroprotective potential of indicaxanthin. This study investigated the impact of indicaxanthin on neuronal damage and gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by a high-fat diet in mice.

Rapid Assessment of Metabolomic Fingerprinting of Recycled Sunflower By-Products via DART-HRMS.

To comply with a more circular and environmentally friendly European common agricultural policy, while also valorising sunflower by-products, an ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) was tested to optimise ethanol-wash solutes (EWS). Furthermore, the capabilities of DART-HRMS as a rapid and cost-effective tool for determining the biochemical changes after valorisation of these defatted sunflower EWS were investigated. Three batches of EWS were doubly processed into optimised EWS (OEWS) samples, which were analysed via DART-HRMS.