Transcriptomic profiling reveals key early response genes during GDF6-mediated differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells to nucleus pulposus cells.

Background: Stem cell-based therapies show promise as a means of repairing the degenerate intervertebral disc, with growth factors often used alongside cells to help direct differentiation toward a nucleus pulposus (NP)-like phenotype. We previously demonstrated adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) differentiation with GDF6 as optimal for generating NP-like cells through evaluating end-stage differentiation parameters. Here we conducted a time-resolved transcriptomic characterization of ASCs response to GDF6 stimulation to understand the early drivers of differentiation to NP-like cells.

A Cross-Sectional Assessment of HIV Self-Testing Preferences and Uptake Among Key Populations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Background: HIV self-testing (HIVST) is recommended by the World Health Organization, but implementation remains limited. This cross-sectional study evaluated HIVST uptake among female entertainment workers (EWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to inform national implementation.

Methods: Between December 2018 and September 2019, individuals reached through community outreach or via online advertising were offered HIVST or referrals to facility-based testing.

Lights, camera…research! Short film and social media to recruit to HIV research in Indonesia.

Introduction: HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men has increased in Indonesia, amid reports of growing stigma against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and policies that have pushed back public health outreach to these groups.

Methods: We assessed the utility of tailored short film and targeted social media engagement to recruit men who have sex with men in Indonesia to HIV social science research. A short HIV testing promotion film, anonymised short survey and invite to a wider research study was embedded on a website platform and disseminated using geo and social/community group targeting for 1 month via a social networking app and social media platforms.

Antiretroviral drug switches to zidovudine-based regimens and loss to follow-up during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Bali, Indonesia.

Objectives: International lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted antiretroviral drug supplies in Indonesia. We assessed the impact of antiretroviral treatment (ART) provision and being lost to follow-up (LTFU) on people living with HIV, attending a key population-focused HIV clinic in Denpasar, Bali.

Methods: This was a retrospective note review of anonymized data from adult Indonesian patients living with HIV.

Multiscale Regulation of the Intervertebral Disc: Achievements in Experimental, In Silico, and Regenerative Research.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major risk factor of low back pain. It is defined by a progressive loss of the IVD structure and functionality, leading to severe impairments with restricted treatment options due to the highly demanding mechanical exposure of the IVD. Degenerative changes in the IVD usually increase with age but at an accelerated rate in some individuals.