Identification of Genomic Predictors of Muscle Fiber Size.

The greater muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) is associated with greater skeletal muscle mass and strength, whereas muscle fiber atrophy is considered a major feature of sarcopenia. Muscle fiber size is a polygenic trait influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. However, the genetic variants underlying inter-individual differences in muscle fiber size remain largely unknown.

Endothelial progenitor cells for fabrication of engineered vascular units and angiogenesis induction.

The promotion of vascularization and angiogenesis in the grafts is a crucial phenomenon in the healing process and tissue engineering. It has been shown that stem cells, especially endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), can stimulate blood vessel formation inside the engineered hydrogels after being transplanted into the target sites. The incorporation of EPCs into the hydrogel can last the retention time, long-term survival, on-target delivery effects, migration and differentiation into mature endothelial cells.

Japanese encephalitis virus infection causes reactive oxygen species-mediated skeletal muscle damage.

Skeletal muscle wasting is a clinically proven pathology associated with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection; however, underlying factors that govern skeletal muscle damage are yet to be explored. The current study aims to investigate the pathobiology of skeletal muscle damage using a mouse model of JEV infection. Our study reveals a significant increment in viral copy number in skeletal muscle post-JEV infection, which is associated with enhanced skeletal muscle cell death.

Electrospun polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane-poly(carbonate-urea) urethane for fabrication of hemocompatible small-diameter vascular grafts with angiogenesis capacity.

The clinical utility of small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) is limited due to the possibility of thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia. These features can delay the development of a functional endothelial cell (EC) monolayer on the luminal surface of grafts. Therefore, the development and fabrication of vascular grafts (VGs) with comparable extracellular matrix (ECM) functions are mandatory to elicit hemocompatible confluent EC monolayers, and angiogenesis behavior inside the body.

Technological advancements in deciphering RNA-RNA interactions.

RNA-RNA interactions (RRIs) can dictate RNA molecules to form intricate higher-order structures and bind their RNA substrates in diverse biological processes. To elucidate the function, binding specificity, and regulatory mechanisms of various RNA molecules, especially the vast repertoire of non-coding RNAs, advanced technologies and methods that globally map RRIs are extremely valuable. In the past decades, many state-of-the-art technologies have been developed for this purpose.

Ultrasound-assisted encapsulating folic acid-based carbon quantum dots within breast cancer cell-derived exosomes as a co-receptors-mediated anticancer nanocarrier for enhanced breast cancer therapy.

The nonspecific nature of cancer drug delivery often results in substantial toxic side effects during treatments for breast cancer. To mitigate these negative outcomes, our approach involves loading methotrexate (MTX) within carbon quantum dots (CQDs) synthesized from folic acid, which are then enveloped in exosomal membranes obtained from breast cancer cells (Ex@MTX-CQDs). Analysis utilizing nanoparticle tracking techniques has demonstrated that these Ex@MTX-CQDs maintain the physical and biochemical properties of their exosomal precursors.

Recombinant human epidermal growth factor-loaded liposomes and transferosomes for dermal delivery: Development, characterization, and cytotoxicity evaluation.

Recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) is widely utilized as an antiaging compound in wound-healing therapies and cosmetic purposes. However, topical administration of rhEGF has limited treatment outcomes because of its poor percutaneous penetration and rapid proteinase degradation. To overcome these obstacles, this study aims to develop and characterize rhEGF-containing conventional liposomes (rhEGF-CLs) and transferosomes (rhEGF-TFs) as efficient dermal carriers.

Improving Fertility in Non-obstructive Azoospermia: Results from an Autologous Bone Mar-row-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell Phase I Clinical Trial.

Background: In this phase I clinical trial, our primary objective was to develop an innovative therapeutic approach utilizing autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (BM-MSCs) for the treatment of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Additionally, we aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of this approach.

Materials And Methods: We recruited 80 participants in this non-randomized, open-label clinical trial, including patients undergoing NOA treatment using autologous BM-MSCs (n=40) and those receiving hormone therapy as a control group (n=40).

Toxoplasma gondii suppress human cord blood cell differentiation to the NK cell population.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can invade all mammalian cells. It is well established that natural killer (NK) cells have critical protective roles in innate immunity during infections by intracellular pathogens. In the current study, we conducted an in vitro experiment to evaluate NK cell differentiation and activation from human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB-MNCs) after infection with T.

Advancements in APOE and dementia research: Highlights from the 2023 AAIC Advancements: APOE conference.

Introduction: The apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) is an established central player in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with distinct apoE isoforms exerting diverse effects. apoE influences not only amyloid-beta and tau pathologies but also lipid and energy metabolism, neuroinflammation, cerebral vascular health, and sex-dependent disease manifestations. Furthermore, ancestral background may significantly impact the link between APOE and AD, underscoring the need for more inclusive research.

Colloidal chitosan-silver nanoparticles-fluoride nanocomposite as an antibacterial mouthwash against salivary Streptococcus mutans in orthodontic patients (a randomized clinical trial).

Objectives: This study aimed to synthesize and characterize colloidal chitosan-silver nanoparticles-fluoride nanocomposite (CCAgNPF) and evaluate its efficacy compared to chlorhexidine on salivary Streptococcus mutans in orthodontic patients.

Materials And Methods: AgNPs stabilized with chitosan were synthesized by chemical reduction of AgNO. The nanoparticles were characterized with SEM, FTIR, DLS and ICP-OES.

High-Intensity Interval Training Ameliorates Tramadol-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Experimental Rats.

Introduction: Tramadol (TRA) is an opioid analgesic widely prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain; however, its abuse and chronic use have been associated with kidney damage. Considering the protective role of exercise training in reducing organ damage, this study aimed to assess the influence of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on a male rat's kidney following chronic TRA administration.

Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male Wistar rats were assigned to the following groups: control (CON; animals received normal saline five days a week in the first month and three days a week in the second month), exercise (EXE; animals conducted HIIT training according to exercise protocol five days a week for two months), TRA (animals received TRA 50 mg/kg (i.

Harnessing natural killer cells for refractory/relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma: biological roles, clinical trials, and future prospective.

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are heterogeneous and are among the most common hematological malignancies worldwide. Despite the advances in the treatment of patients with NHLs, relapse or resistance to treatment is anticipated in several patients. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are needed.

Integrated Single-Cell Analysis Reveals Spatially and Temporally Dynamic Heterogeneity in Fibroblast States during Wound Healing.

Wound healing is a dynamic process over temporal and spatial scales. Key to repair outcomes are fibroblasts; yet, how they modulate healing across time and in different wound regions remains incompletely understood. By integrating single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets of mouse skin and wounds, we infer that fibroblasts are the most transcriptionally dynamic skin-resident cells, evolving during postnatal skin maturation and rapidly after injury toward distinct late scar states.

Organelle phenotyping and multi-dimensional microscopy identify C1q as a novel regulator of microglial function.

Microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system, are dynamic and heterogenous cells. While single cell RNA sequencing has become the conventional methodology for evaluating microglial state, transcriptomics do not provide insight into functional changes, identifying a critical gap in the field. Here, we propose a novel organelle phenotyping approach in which we treat live human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia (iMGL) with organelle dyes staining mitochondria, lipids, lysosomes and acquire data by live-cell spectral microscopy.

Targeting SOX4/PCK2 signaling suppresses neuroendocrine trans-differentiation of castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Background: Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a lethal subset of prostate cancer (PCa), is characterized by loss of AR signaling and resistance to AR-targeted therapy. While it is well reported that second-generation AR blockers induce neuroendocrine (NE) trans-differentiation of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) to promote the occurrence of NEPC, and pluripotent transcription factors might be potential regulators, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods: We analyzed the data from public databsets to screen candidate genes and then focused on SOX4, a regulator of NE trans-differentiation.

The safety and efficacy of adipose tissue-derived exosomes in treating mild to moderate plaque psoriasis: A clinical study.

Aim: This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes as a treatment for Psoriasis, a chronic immune-related skin and joint disorder, compared to current treatments like topicals, phototherapy, and systemic.

Materials And Methods: The study isolated exosomes from Mesenchymal Stem Cells(MSCs) of healthy adipose tissue using ultracentrifugation. 12 patients with plaque psoriasis were divided into three groups and given single doses of exosomes.

Efficacy and Safety of a DOAC Compared to Unfractionated Heparin and A Low Molecular Weight Heparin in the Prevention of Thromboembolism in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients are at risk of thromboembolic events, making thromboprophylaxis crucial.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare apixaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor (DOAC), with dalteparin and unfractionated heparin for thromboprophylaxis in HSCT recipients. The safety outcome included the assessment of hemorrhagic events.

An Extended Flow Cytometry Evaluation of ex Vivo Expanded NK Cells Using K562.Clone1, a Feeder Cell Line Manufactured in Brazil.

Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in the immune system's response against cancer. However, the challenge of obtaining the required quantity of NK cells for effective therapeutic response necessitates the development of strategies for their ex vivo expansion. This study aimed to develop a novel feeder cell line, K562.

The molecular crosstalk between innate immunity and DNA damage repair/response: Interactions and effects in cancers.

DNA damage can lead to erroneous alterations and mutations which in turn can result into wide range of disease condition including aging, severe inflammation, and, most importantly, cancer. Due to the constant exposure to high-risk factors such as exogenous and endogenous DNA-damaging agents, cells may experience DNA damage impairing stability and integrity of the genome. These perturbations in DNA structure can arise from several mutations in the genome.

Assessing the Risk Stratification of Breast Cancer Polygenic Risk Scores in a Brazilian Cohort.

Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for breast cancer have a clear clinical utility in risk prediction. PRS transferability across populations and ancestry groups is hampered by population-specific factors, ultimately leading to differences in variant effects, such as linkage disequilibrium and differences in variant frequency (allele frequency differences). Thus, locally sourced population-based phenotypic and genomic data sets are essential to assess the validity of PRSs derived from signals detected across populations.