Graft ischemia post cell transplantation to the brain: Glucose deprivation as the primary driver of rapid cell death.

Replacing cells lost during the progression of neurodegenerative disorders holds potential as a therapeutic strategy. Unfortunately, the majority of cells die post-transplantation, which creates logistical and biological challenges for cell therapy approaches. The cause of cell death is likely to be multifactorial in nature but has previously been correlated with hypoxia in the graft core.

Cryogel microcarriers loaded with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor enhance the engraftment of primary dopaminergic neurons in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Cryogel microcarriers made of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and 3-sulfopropyl acrylate have the potential to act as delivery vehicles for long-term retention of neurotrophic factors (NTFs) in the brain. In addition, they can potentially enhance stem cell-derived dopaminergic (DAergic) cell replacement strategies for Parkinson's disease (PD), by addressing the limitations of variable survival and poor differentiation of the transplanted precursors due to neurotrophic deprivation post-transplantation in the brain. In this context, to develop a proof-of-concept, the aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of glial cell line-derived NTF (GDNF)-loaded cryogel microcarriers by assessing their impact on the survival of, and reinnervation by, primary DAergic grafts after intra-striatal delivery in Parkinsonian rat brains.

Cryogel microcarriers for sustained local delivery of growth factors to the brain.

Neurotrophic growth factors such as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been considered as potential therapeutic candidates for neurodegenerative disorders due to their important role in modulating the growth and survival of neurons. However, clinical translation remains elusive, as their large size hinders translocation across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and their short half-life in vivo necessitates repeated administrations. Local delivery to the brain offers a potential route to the target site but requires a suitable drug-delivery system capable of releasing these proteins in a controlled and sustained manner.

Levels of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Saudi Arabia's Medical and Dental Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study Following the Covid-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND Healthcare providers, particularly in dentistry and medicine, experience high stress levels, exacerbated by factors like patient anxiety, clinical work, and continuous training. The COVID-19 pandemic has further increased these risks. This study aimed to assess depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) among dental and medical practitioners in Saudi Arabia, investigating influential factors on their psychological behavior.

Preformulation Studies with Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase: Essential Prelude to a Microcapsule Formulation for the Management of Phenylketonuria.

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) metabolizes phenylalanine to transcinnamic acid (TCA). Our eventual goal is to develop a PAL microcapsule formulation to deplete phenylalanine in the gastrointestinal tract (g.i.

Growth Factor Therapy for Parkinson's Disease: Alternative Delivery Systems.

Despite decades of research and billions in global investment, there remains no preventative or curative treatment for any neurodegenerative condition, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Arguably, the most promising approach for neuroprotection and neurorestoration in PD is using growth factors which can promote the growth and survival of degenerating neurons. However, although neurotrophin therapy may seem like the ideal approach for neurodegenerative disease, the use of growth factors as drugs presents major challenges because of their protein structure which creates serious hurdles related to accessing the brain and specific targeting of affected brain regions.

Psychological impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on dental students: A nationwide study.

Objectives: Public mental health concerns have been raised during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the psychological impact of the pandemic on dental students in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among dental students from different universities in Saudi Arabia selected using 2-stage cluster sampling.