Novel Dynamic Organ Storage System Enhances Liver Graft Function in a Porcine Donation After Circulatory Death Model.

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) livers face increased risks of critical complications when preserved with static cold storage (SCS). Although machine perfusion (MP) may mitigate these risks, its cost and logistical complexity limit widespread application. We developed the Dynamic Organ Storage System (DOSS), which delivers oxygenated perfusate at 10°C with minimal electrical power requirement and allows real-time effluent sampling in a portable cooler.

Aluminum phosphate sludge as a phosphorus source for maize production under low soil phosphorus availability.

Background: With increasing food demand as a consequence of the growing world population, there is a corresponding demand for additional sources of phosphorus (P). Alum-phosphate (Al-P) sludge is a by-product of wastewater treatment and can be a good source of P. In this study, the response of maize ( L.

Relative proportions of organic carbon functional groups in biochars as influenced by spectral data collection and processing.

Solid-state C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and synchrotron-based X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES) have applications for determining the relative proportions of organic C functional groups in materials. Spectral data obtained by NMR is typically processed using integration (INTEG) whereas XANES spectral data is typically processed using deconvolution (DECONV). The objective of this study was to examine the impact of spectral data collection and processing on the estimated relative proportions of organic C functional groups in biochars.

Phytoextraction of ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxaxole by cattail and switchgrass.

Cattail (Typha latifolia L.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) can effectively remove inorganic contaminants from soils and biosolids, but their role in the attenuation of organic contaminants, such as antimicrobials, is currently poorly understood.

Towards cardiovascular disease prevention in Nigeria: A mixed method study of how adolescents and young adults in a university setting perceive cardiovascular disease and risk factors.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a global problem but its increasing prevalence in the working age group in developing countries like Nigeria is concerning and needs urgent attention.

Methods: The study was a mixed method design: quantitative phase with 402 participants and qualitative phase with 16 participants in two focus groups. The participants in the quantitative survey phase completed two questionnaires on the knowledge and perception of CVD and its risk factors.

Bioavailability study of phosphorus in alum-phosphorus sludge using switchgrass.

The study investigated biomass yield and the uptake of P and aluminum by switchgrass grown in a low-P soil amended with alum-P sludge and a conventional fertilizer, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), at rates of 9.7, 19.4, 29.

Dissipation of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim during temporary storage of biosolids: A microcosm study.

Little is known about the dissipation rate of microcontaminants in biosolids during storage and stabilization in stockpiles (unsaturated) or storage lagoons/tanks (saturated). The objective of this study was to characterize the dissipation in biosolids of two antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and trimethoprim (TMP), in microcosms under saturated and unsaturated conditions that simulate biosolids that are stockpiled on land or deposited in lagoons/tanks, respectively. The laboratory experiment was conducted at 22 °C using biosolids spiked at an initial nominal concentration of 10 mg kg for both antibiotics.

Sulfamethoxazole sorption by cattail and switchgrass roots.

Sorption to roots is one of several mechanisms by which plant-assisted attenuation of antibiotics can be achieved. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the sorption of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) by cattail and switchgrass roots, (2) determine the kinetics of SMX sorption by cattail and switchgrass roots, and (3) characterize the temperature-dependency of SMX sorption. A batch sorption experiment was conducted to measure SMX sorption by roots of the two plant species using five initial antibiotic concentrations (2.

MG53 suppresses interferon-β and inflammation via regulation of ryanodine receptor-mediated intracellular calcium signaling.

TRIM family proteins play integral roles in the innate immune response to virus infection. MG53 (TRIM72) is essential for cell membrane repair and is believed to be a muscle-specific TRIM protein. Here we show human macrophages express MG53, and MG53 protein expression is reduced following virus infection.

Sustained elevation of MG53 in the bloodstream increases tissue regenerative capacity without compromising metabolic function.

MG53 is a muscle-specific TRIM-family protein that presides over the cell membrane repair response. Here, we show that MG53 present in blood circulation acts as a myokine to facilitate tissue injury-repair and regeneration. Transgenic mice with sustained elevation of MG53 in the bloodstream (tPA-MG53) have a healthier and longer life-span when compared with littermate wild type mice.

MG53 promotes corneal wound healing and mitigates fibrotic remodeling in rodents.

The cornea plays an important role in transmitting light and providing protection to the eye, but is susceptible to injury and infection. Standard treatments for corneal wounds include topical lubricants, antibiotics, bandage contact lens, and surgery. However, these measures are often ineffective.

MG 53 Protein Protects Aortic Valve Interstitial Cells From Membrane Injury and Fibrocalcific Remodeling.

Background The aortic valve of the heart experiences constant mechanical stress under physiological conditions. Maladaptive valve injury responses contribute to the development of valvular heart disease. Here, we test the hypothesis that MG 53 (mitsugumin 53), an essential cell membrane repair protein, can protect valvular cells from injury and fibrocalcific remodeling processes associated with valvular heart disease.

In Vivo Genome Editing Restores Dystrophin Expression and Cardiac Function in Dystrophic Mice.

Rationale: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe inherited form of muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the reading frame of the dystrophin gene disrupting its protein expression. Dystrophic cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, and currently no effective treatment exists to halt its progression. Recent advancement in genome editing technologies offers a promising therapeutic approach in restoring dystrophin protein expression.

Patient Perceptions on Facilitating Follow-Up After Heart Failure Hospitalization.

Background: Timely follow-up after hospitalization for heart failure (HF) is recommended. However, follow-up is suboptimal, especially in lower socioeconomic groups. Patient-centered solutions for facilitating follow-up post-HF hospitalization have not been extensively evaluated.

MicroRNA regulation of autophagy in cardiovascular disease.

Autophagy, a form of lysosomal degradation capable of eliminating dysfunctional proteins and organelles, is a cellular process associated with homeostasis. Autophagy functions in cell survival by breaking down proteins and organelles and recycling them to meet metabolic demands. However, aberrant up regulation of autophagy can function as an alternative to apoptosis.

Transplantation of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells enhances angiogenesis after ischemic limb injury in mice.

Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential effects of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) on mouse hindlimb ischemia. PMSCs were isolated from human placenta tissue and characterized by flow cytometry.

Effect of metabolic syndrome on mitsugumin 53 expression and function.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia that increases the individual's likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases. Patients inflicted with metabolic disorders also suffer from tissue repair defect. Mitsugumin 53 (MG53) is a protein essential to cellular membrane repair.

Dealing with a Porcelain Aorta during Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

We report a complex case of multivessel CAD in a patient with a porcelain aorta and high-grade left subclavian artery stenosis. Utilizing a staged left subclavian artery stent placement with a next-day plan for a four-vessel, on-pump CABG and ascending aortic replacement, this case highlights an organized approach to diagnosing and dealing with a heavily calcified aorta while describing a stepwise algorithm to deal with aortic calcifications prior to initiating cardiac surgery.

Delivery of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorates ischemia induced limb injury by immunomodulation.

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a major health burden in the world. Stem cell-based therapy has emerged as an attractive treatment option in regenerative medicine. In this study, we sought to test the hypothesis that stem cell-based therapy can ameliorate ischemia induced limb injury.

A systematic study of gene expression variation at single-nucleotide resolution reveals widespread regulatory roles for uAUGs.

Regulatory single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rSNPs) alter gene expression. Common approaches for identifying rSNPs focus on sequence variants in conserved regions; however, it is unknown what fraction of rSNPs is undetectable using this approach. We present a systematic analysis of gene expression variation at the single-nucleotide level in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae GAL1-10 regulatory region.

Exploring the responsiveness of public and private hospitals in lagos, Nigeria.

According to the World Health Report 2000, health system responsiveness is proposed as one of the three key objectives of any health system. This multi-domain concept describes how well a health system responds to the expectations of their users concerning the non-health enhancing aspects of care. In this study we aim to compare the levels of responsiveness experienced by users of private and publicly managed hospitals in Nigeria, and through these insights, to propose recommendations on how to improve performance on this measure.

Measures of gender differences in the human brain and their relationship to brain weight.

A series of gross brain linear measurements and cross-sectional surface areas were obtained in a sample of 69 postmortem adult human brains. Data indicate that a subset of these measurements are sexually dimorphic and can be used to discriminate between male and female brains. Results further suggest that studies on gender differences in neuromorphometry can be greatly enhanced if they account for sample variance in brain weight.