The use of ectopic volar fibroblasts to modify skin identity.

Skin identity is controlled by intrinsic features of the epidermis and dermis and their interactions. Modifying skin identity has clinical potential, such as the conversion of residual limb and stump (nonvolar) skin of amputees to pressure-responsive palmoplantar (volar) skin to enhance prosthesis use and minimize skin breakdown. Greater keratin 9 () expression, higher epidermal thickness, keratinocyte cytoplasmic size, collagen length, and elastin are markers of volar skin and likely contribute to volar skin resiliency.

Dual-mode colorimetric/fluorescent chemosensor for Cu/Zn and fingerprint imaging based on rhodamine ethylenediamine bis(triazolyl silsesquioxane).

A novel dual functional and visual rhodamine ethylenediamine bis(triazolyl silsesquioxane) (RBS) chemosensor was successfully synthesized using "click" chemistry. The results have unambiguously demonstrated that RBS can act in fluorescent and colorimetric sensing of Cu and Zn by their respective coordination with triazole structures and, more importantly, it has also been found that triazole-amide of RBS could turn on chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) of Cu. Remarkably, the addition of Cu triggered an enhanced fluorescent emission by 63.

Commensal microbiome promotes hair follicle regeneration by inducing keratinocyte HIF-1α signaling and glutamine metabolism.

Tissue injury induces metabolic changes in stem cells, which likely modulate regeneration. Using a model of organ regeneration called wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis (WIHN), we identified skin-resident bacteria as key modulators of keratinocyte metabolism, demonstrating a positive correlation between bacterial load, glutamine metabolism, and regeneration. Specifically, through comprehensive multiomic analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing in murine skin, we show that bacterially induced hypoxia drives increased glutamine metabolism in keratinocytes with attendant enhancement of skin and hair follicle regeneration.

Bacteria induce skin regeneration via IL-1β signaling.

Environmental factors that enhance regeneration are largely unknown. The immune system and microbiome are attributed roles in repairing and regenerating structure but their precise interplay is unclear. Here, we assessed the function of skin bacteria in wound healing and wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis (WIHN), a rare adult organogenesis model.

Glucokinase intrinsically regulates glucose sensing and glucagon secretion in pancreatic alpha cells.

The secretion of glucagon by pancreatic alpha cells is regulated by a number of external and intrinsic factors. While the electrophysiological processes linking a lowering of glucose concentrations to an increased glucagon release are well characterized, the evidence for the identity and function of the glucose sensor is still incomplete. In the present study we aimed to address two unsolved problems: (1) do individual alpha cells have the intrinsic capability to regulate glucagon secretion by glucose, and (2) is glucokinase the alpha cell glucose sensor in this scenario.

Green synthesis of triclinic (anorthic) phase AgCoPO nanoparticles: optical studies and theoretical modelling.

We report the plant-mediated synthesis, structural investigation, optical properties and theoretical modelling of a triclinic (anorthic) phase AgCoPO nanoparticles for the first time. As part of green chemistry, the secondary metabolites in the leaf extract of were engaged as the reducing/capping agent for the metal nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the presence of an anorthic AgCoPO phase, crystallised in a triclinic structure with P -1 space group.

XPR1 Mediates the Pancreatic β-Cell Phosphate Flush.

Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion is the hallmark of the pancreatic β-cell, a critical player in the regulation of blood glucose concentration. In 1974, the remarkable observation was made that an efflux of intracellular inorganic phosphate (P) accompanied the events of stimulated insulin secretion. The mechanism behind this "phosphate flush," its association with insulin secretion, and its regulation have since then remained a mystery.

Fluorescent-Labeled Octasilsesquioxane Nanohybrids as Potential Materials for Latent Fingerprinting Detection.

The recent demand for fluorescent-labeled materials (FLMs) in forensic security concepts such as latent fingerprints (LFs) that encode information for anti-counterfeiting and encryption of confidential data makes necessary the development of building new and innovative materials. Here, novel FLMs based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) functionalized with fluorophores via "click" reactions have been successfully synthesized and fully characterized. A comprehensive study of their photophysical properties has displayed large Stokes's shift together with good photostability in all cases, fulfilling the fundamental requisites for any legible LF detection on various surfaces.

Protective role of diosgenin against hyperglycaemia-mediated cerebral ischemic brain injury in zebrafish model of type II diabetes mellitus.

Impairment in glucose regulation is an indicatory effect capable of mediating multiple dysfunction such as cerebrovascular disorder with ischemia and brain damage inclusive. This study aims at investigating the glucose-lowering and neuroprotective capability of Diosgenin (DG) towards hyperglycemia-induced cerebral injury in a developed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Zebrafish (ZF) model. T2DM was developed in ZF with 20 mg/kg body weight () multiple-low dose (MLD) Streptozotocin (STZ) for 28 days.

Ultraviolet irradiation of trypsin, lysozyme and β-galactosidase: how does UVC affect these enzymes when used as a secondary barrier against adventitious agents?

Trypsin is one of the essential raw materials used in the manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products. As an animal derived product, it can potentially carry a serious risk of contamination with adventitious agents that can result in production shut down and lost product. To mitigate these risks, several methods are currently being used in the industry to remove contamination including physical and chemical methods.

Inositol pyrophosphates and Akt/PKB: Is the pancreatic β-cell the exception to the rule?

The inositol pyrophosphate, diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (IP), is thought to negatively regulate the critical insulin signaling protein Akt/PKB. Knockdown of the IP-generating inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 (IP6K1) results in a concomitant increase in signaling through Akt/PKB in most cell types so far examined. Total in vivo knockout of IP6K1 is associated with a phenotype resistant to high-fat diet, due to enhanced Akt/PKB signaling in classic insulin regulated tissues, counteracting insulin resistance.

Understanding science teachers' implementations of integrated STEM curricular units through a phenomenological multiple case study.

Background: Current reforms in K-12 STEM education call for integration between science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Such integration of STEM disciplines at the K-12 level offers students an opportunity to experience learning in real-world, multidisciplinary contexts; however, there is little reported research about teachers' experiences in engaging in integrated STEM instruction. The purpose of this phenomenological multiple case study is to understand nine science teachers' first-time experiences in implementing integrated STEM curricular units in their middle school physical science classrooms.

Dataset on the evaluation of antimicrobial activity and optical properties of green synthesized silver and its allied bimetallic nanoparticles.

The pursuit for bioremediation has led to alternative route for the synthesis of nanoparticles and their hybrids. Data in this article display optical properties and progress in the formation of silver and silver/nickel bimetallic nanoparticles using eco-friendly reducing agent (Akinsiku et al. 2018).

Inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 is a metabolic sensor in pancreatic β-cells.

Diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (IP) is critical for the exocytotic capacity of the pancreatic β-cell, but its regulation by the primary instigator of β-cell exocytosis, glucose, is unknown. The high K for ATP of the IP-generating enzymes, the inositol hexakisphosphate kinases (IP6K1 and 2) suggests that these enzymes might serve as metabolic sensors in insulin secreting β-cells and act as translators of disrupted metabolism in diabetes. We investigated this hypothesis and now show that glucose stimulation, which increases the ATP/ADP ratio, leads to an early rise in IP concentration in β-cells.

Modeling and Synthesis of Ag and Ag/Ni Allied Bimetallic Nanoparticles by Green Method: Optical and Biological Properties.

In the quest for environmental remediation which involves eco-friendly synthetic routes, we herein report synthesis and modeling of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and silver/nickel allied bimetallic nanoparticles (Ag/Ni NPs) using plant-extract reduction method. Secondary metabolites in the leaf extract of acted as reducing agent. Electronic transitions resulted in emergence of surface plasmon resonance in the regions of 416 nm (Ag NPs) and 421 nm (Ag/Ni NPs) during optical measurements.

Protein kinase- and lipase inhibitors of inositide metabolism deplete IP indirectly in pancreatic β-cells: Off-target effects on cellular bioenergetics and direct effects on IP6K activity.

Inositol pyrophosphates have emerged as important regulators of many critical cellular processes from vesicle trafficking and cytoskeletal rearrangement to telomere length regulation and apoptosis. We have previously demonstrated that 5-di-phosphoinositol pentakisphosphate, IP, is at a high level in pancreatic β-cells and is important for insulin exocytosis. To better understand IP regulation in β-cells, we used an insulin secreting cell line, HIT-T15, to screen a number of different pharmacological inhibitors of inositide metabolism for their impact on cellular IP.

A dual-purpose silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Detarium microcarpum: An under-utilized species.

The need for green synthesis of emerging industrial materials has led to the biosynthesis of nanoparticles from plants to circumvent the adverse by-products of chemical synthesis. In this study, the leaf extract of Detarium mirocarpum Guill & Perr, a small tree belonging to the family Fabaceae (Legume), was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (DAgNPs). DAgNPs were characterized using spectroscopic techniques (Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy) which showed hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups to be responsible for their synthesis.

Validation of the Italian version of the SBMA Functional Rating Scale as outcome measure.

The Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy Functional Rating Scale (SBMAFRS) is an established rating instrument used to assess the functional status of patients with Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA). Our aim was to validate an Italian version of the scale. We administered the SBMAFRS to sixty SBMA patients during routine follow-up of clinical evaluations.

Impact of Dissolved Oxygen during UV-Irradiation on the Chemical Composition and Function of CHO Cell Culture Media.

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is advantageous as a sterilization technique in the biopharmaceutical industry since it is capable of targeting non-enveloped viruses that are typically challenging to destroy, as well as smaller viruses that can be difficult to remove via conventional separation techniques. In this work, we investigated the influence of oxygen in the media during UV irradiation and characterized the effect on chemical composition using NMR and LC-MS, as well as the ability of the irradiated media to support cell culture. Chemically defined Chinese hamster ovary cell growth media was irradiated at high fluences in a continuous-flow UV reactor.

Secretome protein signature of human gastrointestinal stromal tumor cells.

Strategies for correct diagnosis, treatment evaluation and recurrence prediction are important for the prognosis and mortality rates among cancer patients. In spite of major improvements in clinical management, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) can still be deadly due to metastasis and recurrences, which confirms the unmet need of reliable follow-up modalities. Tumor-specific secreted, shed or leaked proteins (collectively known as secretome) are considered promising sources for biomarkers, and suitable for detection in biofluids.

Apolipoprotein CIII links islet insulin resistance to β-cell failure in diabetes.

Insulin resistance and β-cell failure are the major defects in type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the molecular mechanisms linking these two defects remain unknown. Elevated levels of apolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) are associated not only with insulin resistance but also with cardiovascular disorders and inflammation.

Evaluation of antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles green-synthesized using pineapple leaf (Ananas comosus).

Pineapple leaf was used in this study for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles based on the search for sustainable synthetic means. Indeed, this offered an economical and sustainable synthetic route relative to expensive and toxic chemical methods. The leaf extract was used and the corresponding nanoparticles obtained were subjected to UV-vis analysis at different times.

Adenosine increases LPS-induced nuclear factor kappa B activation in smooth muscle cells via an intracellular mechanism and modulates it via actions on adenosine receptors.

Aim: In inflamed and damaged cardiovascular tissues, local extracellular adenosine concentrations increase coincidentally with activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). To investigate whether adenosine influences NFκB activation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and, if so, to examine the role of its receptors.

Methods: VSMCs were isolated from NFκB-luciferase reporter mice, cultured and then treated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to activate NFκB signalling.