Hydrogel-Based Sensor for the Detection of Iron Ions and Excessive Alerting.

The excessive content of heavy metal ions in water has attracted increasing worldwide attention due to the potential harm to human health and ecological systems. Therefore, it is particularly significant to research and develop a sensitive and straightforward water quality monitoring method. Here, a dual-network designed hydrogel poly(acrylic acid-co--methylolacrylamide)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrenesulfonate, P(AA-co-N-MA)/PEDOT: PSS, was constructed and used for Fe detection.

Metal framework reinforcement in implant overdenture fabricated with a digital workflow and the double milling technique: A dental technique.

An implant-supported overdenture is a cost-effective option that enhances both appearance and function. Advances in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology have simplified the procedures for denture fabrication, reducing time and costs while increasing patient satisfaction. However, fractures in overdentures are often caused by misalignment of the occlusal registration, excessive force, material wear, and insufficient space between the denture base and the attachment.

Abnormal increased mTOR signaling regulates seizure threshold in Dravet syndrome.

Excessive activation of mTOR has been observed in the brains of mouse models for Dravet syndrome. We aim to confirm whether that the overactivation of mTOR contributes to the neuropathological changes leading to epileptogenesis and neurobehavior deficits to support a novel pharmacological therapeutic approach for Dravet syndrome. The mTOR inhibitor everolimus, as a clinical antiseizure medication, was utilized to investigate whether mTOR is involved in hyperthermia-induced seizures, anxiety-like, and autism-like behaviors, as well as to explore potential pathogenic mechanisms in Scn1a mice, a model of Dravet syndrome.

Serological responses to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with chronic liver diseases.

Longitudinal analysis of antibody responses following three-dose COVID-19 vaccination in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) has been limited. From August 2021 to February 2023, sequential anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG titers were determined in 45 patients with CLD who received two or three doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The geometric mean of anti-spike IgG at four weeks after the second and third doses were 1313.

BIN1 regulates actin-membrane interactions during IRSp53-dependent filopodia formation.

Amphiphysin 2 (BIN1) is a membrane and actin remodeling protein mutated in congenital and adult centronuclear myopathies. Here, we report an unexpected function of this N-BAR domain protein BIN1 in filopodia formation. We demonstrated that BIN1 expression is necessary and sufficient to induce filopodia formation.

Mature neurons from iPSCs unveil neurodegeneration-related pathways in mucopolysaccharidosis type II: GSK-3β inhibition for therapeutic potential.

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II is caused by a deficiency of iduronate-2-sulfatase and is characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Without effective therapy, the severe form of MPS II causes progressive neurodegeneration and death. This study generated multiple clones of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their isogenic controls (ISO) from four patients with MPS II neurodegeneration.

Caveolin-1 protects endothelial cells from extensive expansion of transcellular tunnel by stiffening the plasma membrane.

Large transcellular pores elicited by bacterial mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase (mART) exotoxins inhibiting the small RhoA GTPase compromise the endothelial barrier. Recent advances in biophysical modeling point toward membrane tension and bending rigidity as the minimal set of mechanical parameters determining the nucleation and maximal size of transendothelial cell macroaperture (TEM) tunnels induced by bacterial RhoA-targeting mART exotoxins. We report that cellular depletion of caveolin-1, the membrane-embedded building block of caveolae, and depletion of cavin-1, the master regulator of caveolae invaginations, increase the number of TEMs per cell.

Naringin activates semaphorin 3A to ameliorate TGF-β-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition related to atrial fibrillation.

The loss of semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), which is related to endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in atrial fibrosis, is implicated in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). To explore the mechanisms by which EndMT affects atrial fibrosis and assess the potential of a Sema3A activator (naringin) to prevent atrial fibrosis by targeting transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-induced EndMT, we used human atria, isolated human atrial endocardial endothelial cells (AEECs), and used transgenic mice expressing TGF-β specifically in cardiac tissues (TGF-β transgenic mice). We evaluated an EndMT marker (Twist), a proliferation marker (proliferating cell nuclear antigen; PCNA), and an endothelial cell (EC) marker (CD31) through triple immunohistochemistry and confirmed that both EndMT and EC proliferation contribute to atrial endocardial fibrosis during AF in TGF-β transgenic mice and AF patient tissue sections.

Actin-membrane linkers: Insights from synthetic reconstituted systems.

At the cell surface, the actin cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane interact reciprocally in a variety of processes related to the remodeling of the cell surface. The actin cytoskeleton has been known to modulate membrane organization and reshape the membrane. To this end, actin-membrane linking molecules play a major role in regulating actin assembly and spatially direct the interaction between the actin cytoskeleton and the membrane.

Use of consecutive transcutaneous oxygen measurement when assessing the need for revascularization and association with the outcomes of ischemic diabetic ulcers.

This study compared the ankle-brachial index (ABI) with transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO ) in assessing peripheral vascular disease (PVD) prevalence in 100 diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients. Patients were categorized into vascular or nonvascular reconstruction groups and underwent both ABI and TcPO measurements four times over 6 months. Predictive validity for PVD diagnosis was analysed using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Outcome of eight working dogs with fibrotic myopathy following extracorporeal shockwave and rehabilitation therapy: a case series.

Introduction: Fibrotic myopathy of the gracilis, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus is described primarily in working German Shepherd dogs. The purpose of this case series is to describe the rehabilitation modalities and treatments utilized in working dogs with fibrotic myopathy and the time frame they were able to continue working.

Methods: Medical records of patients with hindlimb lameness that were presented to the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City from 2012 to 2023 were retrospectively searched.

Application of the Key Characteristics of Carcinogens to Bisphenol A.

The ten key characteristics (KCs) of carcinogens are based on characteristics of known human carcinogens and encompass many types of endpoints. We propose that an objective review of the large amount of cancer mechanistic evidence for the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) can be achieved through use of these KCs. A search on metabolic and mechanistic data relevant to the carcinogenicity of BPA was conducted and web-based software tools were used to screen and organize the results.

Early identification of delayed wound healing in complex diabetic foot ulcers treated with a dermal regeneration template: a novel clinical target and its risk factors.

Background: The dermal regeneration template (DRT), a tissue-engineered skin substitute composing a permanent dermal matrix and an upper temporary silicone layer that serves as the epidermis, has demonstrated efficacy in treating uncomplicated diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Our institution has obtained good outcomes with DRT in patients with more complicated DFUs. Because of its chronicity, the authors are working to identify a clinical target that anticipates delayed healing early in the treatment in addition to determining the risk factors linked to this endpoint to increase prevention.

Studying Cellular Focal Adhesion Parameters with Imaging and MATLAB Analysis.

Cell signaling is highly integrated for the process of various cell activities. Although previous studies have shown how individual genes contribute to cell migration, it remains unclear how the integration of these signaling pathways is involved in the modulation of cell migration. In our migration screen, we revealed that serine-threonine kinase 40 (STK40) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) worked synergistically, and the suppression of both genes could further lead to suppression in cell migration.

Studying Cell Migration (Random and Wound Healing) Parameters with Imaging and MATLAB Analysis.

Cell migration is an essential biological process for organisms, in processes including embryonic development, immune response, and cancer metastasis. To elucidate the regulatory machinery of this vital process, methods that mimic in vivo migration, including in vitro wound healing assay and random migration assay, are widely used for cell behavior investigation. However, several concerns are raised with traditional cell migration experiment analysis.

CD44 regulates Epac1-mediated β-adrenergic-receptor-induced Ca-handling abnormalities: implication in cardiac arrhythmias.

Background: Sustained, chronic activation of β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) signaling leads to cardiac arrhythmias, with exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (Epac1 and Epac2) as key mediators. This study aimed to evaluate whether CD44, a transmembrane receptor mediating various cellular responses, participates in Epac-dependent arrhythmias.

Methods: The heart tissue from CD44 knockout (CD44) mice, cultured HL-1 myocytes and the tissue of human ventricle were used for western blot, co-immunoprecipitaiton and confocal studies.

Complete bio-degradation of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) via engineered cutinases.

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), a polyester made of terephthalic acid (TPA), 1,4-butanediol, and adipic acid, is extensively utilized in plastic production and has accumulated globally as environmental waste. Biodegradation is an attractive strategy to manage PBAT, but an effective PBAT-degrading enzyme is required. Here, we demonstrate that cutinases are highly potent enzymes that can completely decompose PBAT films in 48 h.

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase B reduces atherosclerosis and fatty liver in mice.

Oxidative stress is vital for pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an important source of oxidative stress in the vascular system and liver. However, the effect of MAO inhibition on atherosclerosis and NAFLD has not been explored.

Recent trends of phosphorus-containing flame retardants modified polypropylene composites processing.

Polypropylene has been used for applications requiring high mechanical properties, good adhesion, chemical stability and insulation. Whereas, Polypropylene itself is flammable, and its limiting oxygen index (LOI) is low, which cannot pass the UL-94 combustion test. Therefore, extensive use will cause a serious threat to human life and property.

Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) as one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Full-body skin exam and biopsy is the gold standard for cSCC diagnosis, but it is not always feasible given constraints on time and costs. Furthermore, biopsy fails to reflect the dynamic changes in tumor genomes, which challenges long-term medical treatment in patients with advanced diseases.

Activated I-BAR IRSp53 clustering controls the formation of VASP-actin-based membrane protrusions.

Filopodia are actin-rich membrane protrusions essential for cell morphogenesis, motility, and cancer invasion. How cells control filopodium initiation on the plasma membrane remains elusive. We performed experiments in cellulo, in vitro, and in silico to unravel the mechanism of filopodium initiation driven by the membrane curvature sensor IRSp53 (insulin receptor substrate protein of 53 kDa).

PI4P and BLOC-1 remodel endosomal membranes into tubules.

Intracellular trafficking is mediated by transport carriers that originate by membrane remodeling from donor organelles. Tubular carriers contribute to the flux of membrane lipids and proteins to acceptor organelles, but how lipids and proteins impose a tubular geometry on the carriers is incompletely understood. Using imaging approaches on cells and in vitro membrane systems, we show that phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P) and biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex 1 (BLOC-1) govern the formation, stability, and functions of recycling endosomal tubules.