Structural analysis of platelet fragments and extracellular vesicles produced by apheresis platelets during storage.

Platelets (PLTs) for transfusion can be stored for up to 7 days at room temperature (RT). The quality of apheresis PLTs decreases over storage time, which affects PLT hemostatic functions. Here, we characterized the membranous particles produced by PLT storage lesion (PSLPs), including degranulated PLTs, PLT ghosts, membrane fragments, and extracellular membrane vesicles (PEVs).

Trichomoniasis, a new look at a common but neglected STI in African descendance population in the United States and the Black Diaspora. A review of its incidence, research prioritization, and the resulting health disparities.

Structural racism plays a significant role in limited access to higher education, financial resources, employment opportunities, and high-quality healthcare for African Americans. The lack of healthcare equity and infrastructure has directly contributed to overall poor healthcare outcomes for the Black community. Studies have shown that adverse health outcomes such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are more prevalent in African Americans, regardless of their socioeconomic factors and lifestyles.

Cell membrane disintegration and extracellular vesicle release in a model of different size and charge PAMAM dendrimers effects on cultured endothelial cells.

Different nanomaterials are under development for various biomedical applications in which nanoparticles contact blood and vasculature. Therefore, investigating the interactions between nanomaterials and vascular endothelial cells (ECs) is of great importance. Here, we show the effects of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers of two different sizes, generation 2 (G2; approximately 3nm diameter) and generation 7 (G7; 9nm), with neutral (OH-terminated), anionic (COOH-terminated), and cationic (NH-terminated) surface modifications on cultured human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs).

An effective "three-in-one" screening assay for testing drug and nanoparticle toxicity in human endothelial cells.

Evaluating nanoparticle (NP) toxicity in human cell systems is a fundamental requirement for future NP biomedical applications. In this study, we have designed a screening assay for assessing different types of cell death induced by NPs in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) culture. This assay consists of WST-8, LDH and Hoechst 33342 staining, all performed in one well, which enables an evaluation of cell viability, necrosis and apoptosis, respectively, in the same cell sample.

Dissecting the biochemical architecture and morphological release pathways of the human platelet extracellular vesiculome.

Platelet extracellular vesicles (PEVs) have emerged as potential mediators in intercellular communication. PEVs exhibit several activities with pathophysiological importance and may serve as diagnostic biomarkers. Here, imaging and analytical techniques were employed to unveil morphological pathways of the release, structure, composition, and surface properties of PEVs derived from human platelets (PLTs) activated with the thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP).

Characterization of procoagulant extracellular vesicles and platelet membrane disintegration in DMSO-cryopreserved platelets.

Background: Freezing is promising for extended platelet (PLT) storage for transfusion. 6% DMSO cryopreserved PLTs (CPPs) are currently in clinical development. CPPs contain significant amount of platelet membrane vesicles (PMVs).