Advances in liver organoids: replicating hepatic complexity for toxicity assessment and disease modeling.

The lack of in vivo accurate human liver models hinders the investigation of liver-related diseases, injuries, and drug-related toxicity, posing challenges for both basic research and clinical applications. Traditional cellular and animal models, while widely used, have significant limitations in replicating the liver's complex responses to various stressors. Liver organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells, adult stem cells primary cells, or tissues can mimic diverse liver cell types, major physiological functions, and architectural features.

Immunomodulation effects of collagen hydrogel encapsulating extracellular vesicles derived from calcium silicate stimulated-adipose mesenchymal stem cells for diabetic healing.

Diabetic wounds are characterized by chronic inflammation, reduced angiogenesis, and insufficient collagen deposition, leading to impaired healing. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSC) offer a promising cell-free therapeutic strategy, yet their efficacy and immunomodulation can be enhanced through bioactivation. In this study, we developed calcium silicate (CS)-stimulated ADSC-derived EVs (CSEV) incorporated into collagen hydrogels to create a sustained-release system for promoting diabetic wound healing.

Migrasomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells: a new therapeutic agent for ovalbumin-induced asthma in mice.

Background: Asthma is a prevalent respiratory disease, and its management remains largely unsatisfactory. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated to be efficacious in reducing airway inflammation in experimental allergic diseases, representing a potential alternative treatment for asthma. Migrasomes are recently identified extracellular vesicles (EVs) generated in migrating cells and facilitate intercellular communication.

Immunomodulatory effect of efferocytosis at the maternal-fetal interface.

Efferocytosis is a mechanism by which phagocytes efficiently clear apoptotic cells, averting their secondary necrosis and the subsequent release of potentially immunogenic or cytotoxic substances that can trigger strong immune and inflammatory responses. During efferocytosis, the metabolic pathways of phagocytes are transformed, which, along with the catabolism of apoptotic cargo, can affect their function and inflammatory state. Extensive apoptosis occurs during placental development, and some studies reported the immunomodulatory effects of efferocytosis at the maternal-fetal interface.

Identifying Preferred Features of Influenza Vaccination Programs Among Chinese Clinicians Practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine: Discrete Choice Experiment.

Background: Achieving high vaccine coverage among clinicians is crucial to curb the spread of influenza. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), rooted in cultural symbols and concepts without direct parallels in modern Western medicine, may influence perspectives on vaccination. Therefore, understanding the preferences of TCM clinicians towards influenza vaccines is of great importance.

Role of miRNAs as epigenetic regulators of immune checkpoints in lung cancer immunity.

The advent of immunotherapy in cancer has provided new avenues in the treatment of many malignancies at various stages. Specifically, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the field of lung cancer treatment. However, since some tumors can evade the immune system, not all patients respond properly.

Plasma membrane-coated nanoparticles and membrane vesicles to orchestrate multimodal antitumor immunity.

Background: A number of immunotherapeutic approaches have been developed and are entering the clinic. Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) are one of these modalities and induce robust efficacy by endogenous T cells in several hematological malignancies. However, most of the treated patients experience only a temporary benefit.

Proteomic Profiling and Pre-Clinical Efficacy of Antimicrobial Lithium Complex and Colistin Combination against Multi-drug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii accounts for high mortality rates in hospital-acquired infections. Colistin is the last resort treatment despite nephrotoxic effects and the emergence of colistin resistant A. baumannii.

Poor agreement among asthma specialists on the choice and timing of initiation of a biologic treatment for severe asthma patients.

Background: As the number of monoclonal antibodies available for severe asthma is growing, specialists currently choose without clear guidelines. Despite increasing knowledge on treatment response to these monoclonal antibodies, making the optimal choice for each individual patient remains a challenge. However, evidence of this daily challenge is lacking.

Autophagy-Targeted Therapy for Pulmonary Inflammation by 2D MX (M = W, Nb; X = S, Se) Nanosheets.

For biomedical applications, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDCs) are often combined with other elements or functionalized with specific surface ligands, while their intrinsic biological activities are not yet fully understood. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory potential of four unmodified 2D TMDCs, including WS, WSe, NbS, and NbSe nanosheets, in LPS-activated MH-S cells in vitro and in a mouse model of pulmonary inflammation in vivo. Despite their varying compositions, these 2D TMDCs exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-activated MH-S cells.

Rhythm is essential: Unraveling the relation between the circadian clock and cancer.

Physiological processes such as the sleep-wake cycle, metabolism, hormone secretion, neurotransmitter release, sensory capabilities, and a variety of behaviors, including sleep, are controlled by a circadian rhythm adapted to 24-hour day-night periodicity. Disruption of circadian rhythm may lead to the risks of numerous diseases, including cancers. Several epidemiological and clinical data reveal a connection between the disruption of circadian rhythms and cancer.

Assessing diapocynin's different effects on osteosarcoma and breast cancer cells: An in vitro study.

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer, accounting for approximately 5 % of new cancer cases globally. In contrast, breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women. Given the limitations of current therapies, novel treatment strategies are urgently needed.

Identification of the conditions and minimum requirements necessary for the release of autologous fresh CAR T-cell products under hospital exemption: a position paper from the WP-bioproduction of the UNITC consortium.

The accessibility of CAR-T cells in centralized production models faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from logistical complexities and prohibitive costs. However, European Regulation EC No. 1394/2007 introduced a pivotal provision known as the hospital exemption.

Fecal microbiota transplantation to prevent acute graft-versus-host disease: pre-planned interim analysis of donor effect.

Gut microbiota disruptions after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) are associated with increased risk of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). We designed a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial to test whether healthy-donor fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) early after alloHCT reduces the incidence of severe aGVHD. Here, we report the results from the single-arm run-in phase which identified the best of 3 stool donors for the randomized phase.

A mouse model to assess immunotherapy-related colitis.

Combined blockade of the immune checkpoints PD-1 and CTLA-4 has shown remarkable efficacy in patients with melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, non-small-cell lung cancer and mesothelioma, among other tumor types. However, a proportion of patients suffer from serious immune-related adverse events (irAEs). In severe cases, a reduction of the doses or the complete cessation of the treatment is required, limiting the antitumor efficacy of these treatments.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody positivity on infection and hospitalisation rates in immunosuppressed populations during the omicron period: the MELODY study.

Background: In the UK, booster COVID-19 vaccinations have been recommended biannually to people considered immune vulnerable. We investigated, at a population level, whether the absence of detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein IgG antibody (anti-S Ab) following three or more vaccinations in immunosuppressed individuals was associated with greater risks of infection and severity of infection.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study using UK national disease registers, we recruited participants with solid organ transplants (SOTs), rare autoimmune rheumatic diseases (RAIRDs), and lymphoid malignancies.

Distinct clinical outcomes based on multiple serum cytokine and chemokine profiles rather than autoantibody profiles and ultrasound findings in rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective ultrasound cohort study.

Objectives: To evaluate the potential of clinical factors, ultrasound findings, serum autoantibodies, and serum cytokine and chemokine profiles as predictors of clinical outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Patients And Methods: We included 200 patients with RA treated with biological and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in a prospective multicentre ultrasound cohort study. Their serum levels of multiple cytokines and chemokines, rheumatoid factors, and serum autoantibodies (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide-2 (anti-CCP2) and anti-carbamylated protein antibodies) were measured at baseline, 3 months and 12 months.

Arsenic-induced modulation of virulence and drug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Arsenic contamination of water sources, whether from natural or industrial origins, represents a significant risk to human health. However, its impact on waterborne pathogens remains understudied. This research explores the effects of arsenic exposure on the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium found in diverse environments.

Biological therapy in Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Introduction: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a heterogeneous disease. High proportions of patients with CRSwNP characterized by type 2 inflammation fail to gain adequate control with conventional medical and surgical approaches. The application of biologics in clinical practice and assessments of novel biologics in clinical trials are blooming in expectations to fulfill the unmet medical needs of patients with CRSwNP with type 2 inflammation.

Herpesvirus Infections After Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy and Bispecific Antibodies: A Review.

In this narrative review, we explore the burden and risk factors of various herpesvirus infections in patients receiving chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy or bispecific antibodies (BsAb) for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Antiviral prophylaxis for herpes simplex/varicella zoster viruses became part of the standard of care in this patient population. Breakthrough infections may rarely occur, and the optimal duration of prophylaxis as well as the timing of recombinant zoster immunization remain to be explored.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Fails to Enhance Antibody Response to Omicron Variant in Reinfected Healthcare Workers.

The emergence of new variants and diverse vaccination regimens have raised uncertainty about vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to investigate the impact of Omicron primo-/reinfection and primary vaccination schedules on the immunogenicity of an mRNA-based booster dose over a six-month period. We conducted a prospective cohort study to assess the durability and level of antibodies of 678 healthcare workers fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Bacteriophage and Phage-Encoded Depolymerase Exhibit Antibacterial Activity Against K9-Type in Mouse Sepsis and Burn Skin Infection Models.

is a widely distributed nosocomial pathogen that causes various acute and chronic infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. In this study, the activities of the K9-specific virulent phage AM24 and phage-encoded depolymerase DepAPK09 were assessed using in vivo mouse sepsis and burn skin infection models. In the mouse sepsis model, in the case of prevention or early treatment, a single K9-specific phage or recombinant depolymerase injection was able to protect 100% of the mice after parenteral infection with a lethal dose of of the K9-type, with complete eradication of the pathogen.

Serosurvey of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in Cattle in Southern Japan and Estimation of Its Transmissibility by Transient Infection in Nonvaccinated Cattle.

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is caused by the BVD virus (BVDV) and has been reported worldwide in cattle. To estimate BVDV circulation among cattle where few BVD cases were reported in southern Japan, 1910 serum samples collected from 35 cattle farms without a BVD outbreak were investigated to detect antibodies against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 using an indicator virus with a cytopathogenic effect and the luciferase gene, respectively. Neutralizing antibodies against BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 were detected more frequently in 18 vaccinated farms than in 17 nonvaccinated farms.

Assessment of Vaccination Impact in PPR-Control Program Implemented in Southern States of India: A System Dynamics Model Approach.

Mass vaccination against peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in two southern states of India, namely Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, has reduced disease outbreaks significantly. The sporadic outbreaks reported now can be attributed in part to the recurring movement of sheep and goats between these contiguous states. This study assessed the present level of economic burden and impact of vaccination on the local system (one state), considering the exposure from the external system (neighboring state) using a system dynamic (SD) model.

Employing the Oncolytic Vesicular Stomatitis Virus in Cancer Virotherapy: Resistance and Clinical Considerations.

Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) has emerged as a promising candidate for various clinical applications, including vaccine development, virus pseudotyping, and gene delivery. Its broad host range, ease of propagation, and lack of pre-existing immunity in humans make it ideal for therapeutic use. VSV's potential as an oncolytic virus has garnered attention; however, resistance to VSV-mediated oncolysis has been observed in some cell lines and tumor types, limiting its effectiveness.