The human red blood cell (hRBC) metabolic network is relatively simple compared with other whole cell metabolic networks, yet too complicated to study without the aid of a computer model. Systems science techniques can be used to uncover the key dynamic features of hRBC metabolism. Herein, we have studied a full dynamic hRBC metabolic model and developed several approaches to identify metabolic pools of metabolites. In particular, we have used phase planes, temporal decomposition, and statistical analysis to show hRBC metabolism is characterized by the formation of pseudoequilibrium concentration states. Such equilibria identify metabolic "pools" or aggregates of concentration variables. We proceed to define physiologically meaningful pools, characterize them within the hRBC, and compare them with those derived from systems engineering techniques. In conclusion, systems science methods can decipher detailed information about individual enzymes and metabolites within metabolic networks and provide further understanding of complex biological networks.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3495(02)75198-9 | DOI Listing |
Braz J Biol
January 2025
National University of Medical Sciences, Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
One of the biggest public health problems globally is that of iron deficiency anemia. The present research aimed to determine the effect of prebiotics along with iron fortification on iron biomarkers in female anemic rats as some evidence suggests that prebiotics convert increase the solubility of iron, thereby enhancing its absorption. A total of 126 Sprague Dawley rats were fed with sixteen different types of fortified feed containing prebiotics (Inulin + Galacto Oligosaccharides) and Iron Fortificants (Sodium Ferric Ethylenediaminetetraacetate + Ferrous Sulphate).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Trauma Nurs
January 2025
Author Affiliations: St Andrew's Anglia Ruskin (StAAR) Research Group, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine, and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK (Dr Adegboye); Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital; and Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa (Dr Pillay and Prof Adams).
Background: Contemporary research has shown that acellular dermal matrices can benefit adult lower extremity traumatic injuries; however, its use in children has not been explored.
Objective: This study aims to explore the use of acellular dermal matrices in pediatric complex lower extremity trauma.
Methods: This single-center retrospective observational cohort study of children with complex lower extremity trauma treated with Pelnac™, commercial acellular dermal matrices, was conducted at a tertiary hospital in South Africa from 2010 to 2017.
J Vis Exp
January 2025
Genetics and Aging Research Unit, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Henry and Allison McCance Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School;
A method to quantitate the stabilization of Mitochondria-Associated endoplasmic reticulum Membranes (MAMs) in a 3-dimensional (3D) neural model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is presented here. To begin, fresh human neuro progenitor ReN cells expressing β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) containing familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) or naïve ReN cells are grown in thin (1:100) Matrigel-coated tissue culture plates. After the cells reach confluency, these are electroporated with expression plasmids encoding red fluorescence protein (RFP)-conjugated mitochondria-binding sequence of AKAP1(34-63) (Mito-RFP) that detects mitochondria or constitutive MAM stabilizers MAM 1X or MAM 9X that stabilize tight (6 nm ± 1 nm gap width) or loose (24 nm ± 3 nm gap width) MAMs, respectively.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Vis Exp
January 2025
Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London;
Erythropoiesis, a remarkably dynamic and efficient process responsible for generating the daily quota of red blood cells (approximately 280 ± 20 billion cells per day), is crucial for maintaining individual health. Any disruption in this pathway can have significant consequences, leading to health issues. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 25% of the global population presents symptoms of anemia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Glaucoma
January 2025
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Precis: Current optical coherence tomography normative sample data may not represent diverse human optic nerve anatomy to accurately classify all individuals with true glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Purpose: To compare optic nerve head (ONH) measurements between published values from an optical coherence tomography (OCT) normative database and a more diverse cohort of healthy individuals.
Patients And Methods: ONH parameters from healthy participants of the Michigan Screening and Intervention for Glaucoma and Eye Health through Telemedicine (MI-SIGHT) program and the Topcon Maestro-1 normative cohort were compared.
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