Synergistic enhancement of spinal fusion in preclinical models using low-dose rhBMP-2 and stromal vascular fraction in an injectable hydrogel composite.

Spinal fusion surgery remains a significant challenge due to limitations in current bone graft materials, particularly in terms of bioactivity, integration, and safety. This study presents an innovative approach using an injectable hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate (HA/β-TCP) hydrogel combined with stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and low-dose recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) to enhance osteodifferentiation and angiogenesis. Through a series of in vitro studies and preclinical models involving rats and minipigs, we demonstrated that the hydrogel system enables the sustained release of rhBMP-2, resulting in significantly improved bone density and integration, alongside reduced inflammatory responses.

Obesity, Diabetes, Plasmodium Infection, and Severe Malaria in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: This study aimed to investigate existing evidence regarding the associations of obesity and diabetes with Plasmodium infection and severe malaria in adults.

Methods: We comprehensively searched relevant studies using Embase, Medline, Global Health, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. The primary exposures were obesity and diabetes.

Comparison of predictive models using logistic regression, classification tree, and structural equation model for severe dengue.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the predictive performance of three statistical models-logistic regression, classification tree, and structural equation model (SEM)-in predicting severe dengue illness.

Methods/findings: We adopted modified classification of dengue illness severity based on WHO 1997 guideline. Predictive models were constructed using demographic factors and laboratory indicators on the day of fever occurrence.

Monolayer, open-mesh, pristine PEDOT:PSS-based conformal brain implants for fully MRI-compatible neural interfaces.

Understanding brain function is essential for advancing our comprehension of human cognition, behavior, and neurological disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stands out as a powerful tool for exploring brain function, providing detailed insights into its structure and physiology. Combining MRI technology with electrophysiological recording system can enhance the comprehension of brain functionality through synergistic effects.

Co-Administration of Resolvin D1 and Peripheral Nerve-Derived Stem Cell Spheroids as a Therapeutic Strategy in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI), primarily caused by trauma, leads to permanent and lasting loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Current therapeutic strategies are focused on mitigating secondary injury, a crucial aspect of SCI pathophysiology. Among these strategies, stem cell therapy has shown considerable therapeutic potential.

Heparin-Based Hydrogel Micropatches with Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: A Promising Therapeutic Approach for Neuropathic Pain Relief.

This study explores the therapeutic efficacy of heparin-based hydrogel micropatches containing human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) in treating neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage. Our results showed that hASCs exhibited neuroregenerative and pain-relieving effects when used with heparin-based hydrogel micropatches in the neuropathic pain animal model. The use of this combination also produced enhanced cell viability and nerve regeneration.

Multi-modulation of immune-inflammatory response using bioactive molecule-integrated PLGA composite for spinal fusion.

Despite current developments in bone substitute technology for spinal fusion, there is a lack of adequate materials for bone regeneration in clinical applications. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is commercially available, but a severe inflammatory response is a known side effect. Bone graft substitutes that enhance osteogenesis without adverse effects are needed.

Concentration-Dependent Efficacy of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Using a HA/β-TCP Hydrogel Carrier in a Mini-Pig Vertebral Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion Model.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is used in the treatment of degenerative spinal disease and vertebral fractures, spine fusion, dental surgery, and facial surgery. However, high doses are associated with side effects such as inflammation and osteophytes. In this study, we performed spinal fusion surgery on mini-pigs using BMP-2 and a HA/β-TCP hydrogel carrier, and evaluated the degree of fusion and osteophyte growth according to time and dosage.

Comprehensive analysis of multivariable models for predicting severe dengue prognosis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dengue fever has often been confused with other febrile diseases, with deterioration occurring in the later state. Many predictive models for disease progression have been developed, but there is no definite statistical model for clinical use yet. We retrieved relevant articles through Global Health, EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL Plus.

Peripheral Nerve-Derived Stem Cell Spheroids Induce Functional Recovery and Repair after Spinal Cord Injury in Rodents.

Stem cell therapy is one of the most promising candidate treatments for spinal cord injury. Research has shown optimistic results for this therapy, but clinical limitations remain, including poor viability, engraftment, and differentiation. Here, we isolated novel peripheral nerve-derived stem cells (PNSCs) from adult peripheral nerves with similar characteristics to neural-crest stem cells.

Hypoxia-specific, VEGF-expressing neural stem cell therapy for safe and effective treatment of neuropathic pain.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic cytokine that stimulates the differentiation and function of vascular endothelial cells. VEGF has been implicated in improving nervous system function after injury. However, uncontrolled overexpression of VEGF increases the risk of tumor formation at the site of gene delivery.

Antiapoptotic Effect of Highly Secreted GMCSF From Neuronal Cell-specific GMCSF Overexpressing Neural Stem Cells in Spinal Cord Injury Model.

Study Design: Neuronal cell-specific gene expression system and neural stem cells (NSCs) were combined for treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI).

Objective: To verify the reproducibility of the neuronal cell-specific therapeutic gene overexpression system, we develop a neuronal cell-specific granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor expression system (NSE-GMCSF), and then examine the characteristics of GMCSF overexpression and protective effect on neural cells in vitro and vivo.

Summary Of Background Data: The stem cell transplantation is considered a promising therapy for SCI.

A Gene and Neural Stem Cell Therapy Platform Based on Neuronal Cell Type-Inducible Gene Overexpression.

Purpose: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with permanent neurological damage, and treatment thereof with a single modality often does not provide sufficient therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, a strategy that combines two or more techniques might show better therapeutic effects.

Materials And Methods: In this study, we designed a combined treatment strategy based on neural stem cells (NSCs) introduced via a neuronal cell type-inducible transgene expression system (NSE::) controlled by a neuron-specific enolase (NSE) promoter to maximize therapeutic efficiency and neuronal differentiation.

Vascular endothelial growth factor-expressing neural stem cell for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Previously, we determined that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) improves the survival of neural stem cells (NSCs) transplanted into an ischemic environment and effectively enhances angiogenesis. Here, we applied NSCs expressing VEGF (SV-VEGF-NSCs) to treat neuropathic pain. In this study, our goal was to verify the therapeutic effect of SV-VEGF-NSCs by transplanting the cells in a sciatic nerve injury model.

Enhancement of mitochondrial function correlates with the extension of lifespan by caloric restriction and caloric restriction mimetics in yeast.

Caloric restriction mimetics (CRMs) have been developed to mimic the effects of caloric restriction (CR). However, research reports for the effects of CRMs are often times inconsistent across different research groups. Therefore, in this study, we compared seven identified CRMs which extend the lifespans of various organisms including caffeine, curcumin, dapsone, metformin, rapamycin, resveratrol, and spermidine to CR for mitochondrial function in a single model, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.