Epsilon Toxin from Induces the Generation of Extracellular Vesicles in HeLa Cells Overexpressing Myelin and Lymphocyte Protein.

Epsilon toxin (ETX) from is a pore-forming toxin (PFT) that crosses the blood-brain barrier and binds to myelin structures. In in vitro assays, ETX causes oligodendrocyte impairment, subsequently leading to demyelination. In fact, ETX has been associated with triggering multiple sclerosis.

Efficacy and safety of a non-immersive virtual reality-based neuropsychological intervention for cognitive stimulation and relaxation in patients with critical illness: study protocol of a randomized clinical trial (RGS-ICU).

Background: Experiencing a critical illness may be a stressful life event that is also associated with cognitive dysfunction during and after the intensive care unit (ICU) stay. A deep-tech solution based on non-immersive virtual reality, gamification and motion capture called Rehabilitation Gaming System for Intensive Care Units (RGS-ICU) has been developed that includes both cognitive stimulation and relaxation protocols specifically designed for patients with critical illness. This study aims to evaluate whether the cognitive and relaxation protocols of the RGS-ICU platform are 1) effective in improving neuropsychological outcomes during and after ICU stay and 2) safe for patients with critical illness.

The epsilon toxin from Clostridium perfringens stimulates calcium-activated chloride channels, generating extracellular vesicles in Xenopus oocytes.

The epsilon toxin (Etx) from Clostridium perfringens has been identified as a potential trigger of multiple sclerosis, functioning as a pore-forming toxin that selectively targets cells expressing the plasma membrane (PM) myelin and lymphocyte protein (MAL). Previously, we observed that Etx induces the release of intracellular ATP in sensitive cell lines. Here, we aimed to re-examine the mechanism of action of the toxin and investigate the connection between pore formation and ATP release.

Validation and incorporation of digital entheses into a preliminary GLobal OMERACT Ultrasound DActylitis Score (GLOUDAS) in psoriatic arthritis.

Objectives: The main objective was to generate a GLobal OMERACT Ultrasound DActylitis Score (GLOUDAS) in psoriatic arthritis and to test its reliability. To this end, we assessed the validity, feasibility and applicability of ultrasound assessment of finger entheses to incorporate them into the scoring system.

Methods: The study consisted of a stepwise process.

PLGA Nanoparticles Containing Natural Flavanones for Ocular Inflammation.

Flavanones are natural compounds that display anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this work was to prepare PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) containing natural flavanones I ((2)-5,7-dihydroxy-6-methyl-8-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-il)-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-4-1-Benzopyran-4-one) and II (2)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-8-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-2,3-dihydro-4-1-Benzopyran-4-one) (NP I and NP II, respectively) so as to evaluate their potential for topical anti-inflammatory ocular therapy. An in silico study was carried out using the Molinspiration and PASS Online web platforms before evaluating the in vitro release study and the ex vivo porcine cornea and sclera permeation.

Compartments of the crural fascia: clinically relevant ultrasound, anatomical and histological findings.

Purpose: Compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency that can occur in any part of the body and can cause cell necrosis when maintained over time. The resulting defects can affect the nerves, muscle cells, bone tissue, and other connective tissues inside the compartment, and fasciotomy has to be performed. The anatomical and histological characteristics of the leg make acute, chronic, and exertional compartment syndrome more likely in this limb.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals the immune response of human microglia to a soy protein and collagen hybrid bioscaffold.

Inflammatory reactions resulting from spinal cord injury cause significant secondary damage. Microglial cells activate CD4 T cells via major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) molecules. The activated T cells lead to neural tissue damage and demyelination at early stages of spinal cord injury.

Multiplex microdisk biosensor based on simultaneous intensity and phase detection.

Future healthcare and precision medicine require multiplex and reliable biosensors. Here we present a compact photonic crystal based microdisk biosensor that is designed for simultaneous intensity and phase measurements of multiple biomarkers in parallel. The combination of two different measurement approaches has a range of advantages.

Ultrasound assessment of degenerative muscle sarcopenia: the University of Barcelona ultrasound scoring system for sarcopenia.

Aim: This study aimed to (1) determine the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of ultrasonographic measurement of muscle thickness (MT) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris and biceps brachii, correlating these values with manual measurements on dissected cadavers and (2) develop the first semiquantitative musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) scoring system of muscle morphology in sarcopenia and assess its intraobserver and interobserver reliability. In addition, the MSUS morphology score was compared with the corresponding histological images to verify concurrent validity.

Methods: Ten cryopreserved limbs of 10 cadavers aged 68-91 years were evaluated.

New Mutants of Epsilon Toxin from with an Altered Receptor-Binding Site and Cell-Type Specificity.

Epsilon toxin (Etx) from is the third most potent toxin after the botulinum and tetanus toxins. Etx is the main agent of enterotoxemia in ruminants and is produced by toxinotypes B and D, causing great economic losses. Etx selectively binds to target cells, oligomerizes and inserts into the plasma membrane, and forms pores.

The PGO concept: Prosthetically guided orthodontics concept.

Objective: The aim of this case report is to present a novel digital approach of guiding orthodontics and periodontal surgery by creating interim restorations that represent the final shape of the teeth before starting the treatment.

Clinical Considerations: The patient presented with worn dentition, super-erupted maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, and altered passive eruption, all this creating a gummy smile. Following a digital wax-up design, a digital orthodontic set-up, and the digital bracket bonding, temporary restorations, and bracket indirect bonding trays were fabricated.

Multiplex optical biosensors based on multi-pinhole interferometry.

The application of new sensor technologies for frequent biomarker monitoring in combination with the leverage of artificial intelligence has great potential to improve the design and safety of health care. With current research efforts, the screening of tens of biomarkers at the point of care and immediate adjustment of therapy is coming within reach. Here we introduce an optical multiplexing approach based on multi-pinhole interference providing inherent differential referencing between a multitude of measurement fields on a surface.

Compartments of the antebrachial fascia of the forearm: clinically relevant ultrasound, anatomical and histological findings.

Purpose: Acute compartment syndrome is defined as a limb-threatening condition caused by bleeding or oedema in a closed muscle compartment surrounded by fascia or bone. It is most commonly encountered in the forearm, which has three compartments: posterior, anterior and lateral. These are surrounded and closed in by the antebrachial fascia, formed by dense connective tissue that facilities their study on ultrasound and is key to fasciotomy treatment.

Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neurons Are Functionally Mature In Vitro and Integrate into the Mouse Striatum Following Transplantation.

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are a powerful tool for modelling human development. In recent years, hPSCs have become central in cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases given their potential to replace affected neurons. However, directing hPSCs into specific neuronal types is complex and requires an accurate protocol that mimics endogenous neuronal development.

Lung endothelial cells are sensitive to epsilon toxin from Clostridium perfringens.

The pore-forming protein epsilon toxin (Etx) from Clostridium perfringens produces acute perivascular edema affecting several organs, especially the brain and lungs. Despite the toxin evident effect on microvasculature and endothelial cells, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain obscure. Moreover, no Etx-sensitive endothelial cell model has been identified to date.

Bidirectional Synaptic Plasticity Is Driven by Sex Neurosteroids Targeting Estrogen and Androgen Receptors in Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons.

Neuroactive estrogenic and androgenic steroids influence synaptic transmission, finely modulating synaptic plasticity in several brain regions including the hippocampus. While estrogens facilitate long-term potentiation (LTP), androgens are involved in the induction of long-term depression (LTD) and depotentiation (DP) of synaptic transmission. To examine sex neurosteroid-dependent LTP and LTD in single cells, patch-clamp recordings from hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons of male rats and selective antagonists for estrogen receptors (ERs) and androgen (AR) receptors were used.

Calcium enhances binding of Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin to sulfatide.

Epsilon toxin (Etx) from Clostridium perfringens is synthesized as a very low-active prototoxin form (proEtx) that becomes active upon proteolytic activation and has the capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), thereby producing severe neurological effects. The identity and requirements of host receptors of Etx remain a matter of controversy. In the present study, we analysed the binding of proEtx or Etx to liposomes containing distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), cholesterol and sulfatide, or alternatively to detergent-solubilized lipids, using surface plasmon resonance (SPR).

The Cytotoxicity of Epsilon Toxin from Clostridium perfringens on Lymphocytes Is Mediated by MAL Protein Expression.

Epsilon toxin (Etx) from is a pore-forming protein that crosses the blood-brain barrier, binds to myelin, and, hence, has been suggested to be a putative agent for the onset of multiple sclerosis, a demyelinating neuroinflammatory disease. Recently, myelin and lymphocyte (MAL) protein has been identified to be a key protein in the cytotoxic effect of Etx; however, the association of Etx with the immune system remains a central question. Here, we show that Etx selectively recognizes and kills only human cell lines expressing MAL protein through a direct Etx-MAL protein interaction.

Epsilon toxin from Clostridium perfringens induces cytotoxicity in FRT thyroid epithelial cells.

Epsilon toxin (Etx) is produced by Clostridium perfringens and induces enterotoxemia in ruminants. Etx crosses the blood-brain barrier, binds to myelin structures, and kills oligodendrocytes, inducing central nervous system demyelination. In addition, Etx has a cytotoxic effect on distal and collecting kidney tubules.

Acute Effect of Pore-Forming ε-Toxin on Compound Action Potentials of Optic Nerve of Mouse.

ε-Toxin is a pore forming toxin produced by types B and D. It is synthesized as a less active prototoxin form that becomes fully active upon proteolytic activation. The toxin produces highly lethal enterotoxaemia in ruminants, has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and specifically binds to myelinated fibers.

Cellular Redox Systems Impact the Aggregation of Cu,Zn Superoxide Dismutase Linked to Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Protein misfolding is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, where mutations of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) account for about 20% of the inherited mutations. Human SOD1 (hSOD1) contains four cysteines, including Cys(57) and Cys(146), which have been linked to protein stability and folding via forming a disulfide bond, and Cys(6) and Cys(111) as free thiols. But the roles of the cellular oxidation-reduction (redox) environment in SOD1 folding and aggregation are not well understood.