Microparticles incorporating dual apoptotic factors to inhibit anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages.

New approaches to treat autoimmune diseases are needed, and we can be inspired by mechanisms in immune tolerance to guide the design of these approaches. Efferocytosis, the process of phagocyte-mediated apoptotic cell (AC) disposal, represents a potent tolerogenic mechanism that we could draw inspiration from to restore immune tolerance to specific autoantigens. ACs engage multiple avenues of the immune response to redirect aberrant immune responses. Two such avenues are: phosphatidylserine on the outer leaflet of the cell and engaging the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. We incorporated these two avenues into one acetalated dextran (Ace-DEX) microparticle (MP) for evaluation in vitro. First phosphatidylserine (PS) was incorporated into Ace-DEX MPs and evaluated for cellular association and mediators of cell tolerance including IL-10 production and M2 associated gene expression when particles were cultured with peritoneal macrophages (PMacs). Further PS Ace-DEX MPs were evaluated as an agent to suppress LPS stimulated PMacs. Then, AhR agonist 2-(1'H-indole-3'-carbonyl)-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (ITE) was incorporated into Ace-DEX MPs and expression of M2 and IL-10 genes was evaluated in PMacs. Further the ITE and PS Ace-DEX MPs (PS/ITE MPs) were evaluated for suppression of T cell priming and Th1 polarization. Our results indicate that the PS/ITE-MPs stimulated anti-inflammatory cytokine expression and suppressed inflammation following LPS stimulation of PMacs. Moreover, PS/ITE MPs induced the anti-inflammatory enzyme IDO1 and suppressed macrophage-mediated T cell priming and Th1 polarization. These findings suggest that PS and ITE-loaded Ace-DEX MPs could be a promising therapeutic tool for suppressing inflammation.

Enhancement of subunit vaccine delivery with zinc-carnosine coordination polymer through the addition of mannan.

Vaccines represent a pivotal health advancement for preventing infection. However, because carrier systems with repeated administration can invoke carrier-targeted immune responses that diminish subsequent immune responses (e.g., PEG antibodies), there is a continual need to develop novel vaccine platforms. Zinc carnosine microparticles (ZnCar MPs), which are composed of a one-dimensional coordination polymer formed between carnosine and the metal ion zinc, have exhibited efficacy in inducing an immune response against influenza. However, ZnCar MPs' limited suspendability hinders clinical application. In this study, we address this issue by mixing mannan, a polysaccharide derived from yeast, with ZnCar MPs. We show that the addition of mannan increases the suspendability of this promising vaccine formulation. Additionally, since mannan is an adjuvant, we illustrate that the addition of mannan increases the antibody response and T cell response when mixed with ZnCar MPs. Mice vaccinated with mannan + OVA/ZnCar MPs had elevated serum IgG and IgG1 levels in comparison to vaccination without mannan. Moreover, in the mannan + OVA/ZnCar MPs vaccinated group, mucosal washes demonstrated increased IgG, IgG1, and IgG2c titers, and antigen recall assays showed enhanced IFN-γ production in response to MHC-I and MHC-II immunodominant peptide restimulation, compared to the vaccination without mannan. These findings suggest that the use of mannan mixed with ZnCar MPs holds potential for subunit vaccination and its improved suspendability further promotes clinical translation.

Immunogenicity of an adjuvanted broadly active influenza vaccine in immunocompromised and diverse populations.

Influenza virus outbreaks are a major burden worldwide each year. Current vaccination strategies are inadequate due to antigenic drift/shift of the virus and the elicitation of low immune responses. The use of computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen (COBRA) hemagglutinin (HA) immunogens subvert the constantly mutating viruses; however, they are poorly immunogenic on their own. To increase the immunogenicity of subunit vaccines such as this, adjuvants can be delivered with the vaccine. For example, agonists of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) have proven efficacy as vaccine adjuvants. However, their use in high-risk populations most vulnerable to influenza virus infection has not been closely examined. Here, we utilize a vaccine platform consisting of acetalated dextran microparticles loaded with COBRA HA and the STING agonist cyclic GMP-AMP. We examine the immunogenicity of this platform in mouse models of obesity, aging, and chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression. Further, we examine vaccine efficacy in collaborative cross mice, a genetically diverse population that mimics human genetic heterogeneity. Overall, this vaccine platform had variable efficacy in these populations supporting work to better tailor adjuvants to specific populations.

Do timing and frequency of antenatal care make a difference in maternal micronutrient intake and breastfeeding practices? Insights from a multi-country study in South Asia.

Despite the established benefits of vitamins and minerals for maternal and neonatal health, global micronutrient deficiency remains a significant concern. As such, the World Health Organization advocates timely antenatal care (ANC) initiation and micronutrient supplementation for expectant mothers. This study investigates the association between ANC timing and frequency and maternal health behaviours, specifically iron-folic acid (IFA) intake, early breastfeeding initiation, and exclusive breastfeeding among married women in South Asia. By utilizing recent Demographic and Health Survey data, this study focuses on married women aged 15-49 in Bangladesh (N = 966), India (N = 89,472), and Pakistan (N = 1,005), specifically primiparous women with children aged 0-23 months living with the motherMultivariable analysis revealed that women receiving ≥4 ANC visits were more likely to consume IFA ≥90 days compared to those with fewer visits in Bangladesh (AOR: 1.85, 95% CI [1.30, 2.63]), India (AOR: 1.87, 95% CI [1.81, 1.94]), and Pakistan (AOR: 1.92, 95% CI [1.24, 2.97]). Women receiving first ANC in the second or third trimester were less likely to consume IFC for ≥90 days compared to those with first-trimester ANC. While the ANC timing did not significantly influence early breastfeeding initiation, ANC frequency was inversely associated with delayed initiation in all countries. Breastfeeding advice during ANC visits was significantly associated with reduced odds of delayed breastfeeding initiation. Neither ANC timing nor frequency significantly predicted exclusive breastfeeding, except for breastfeeding advice in India. This study highlights the importance of ANC in maternal and child health outcomes. ANC timing and frequency, along with breastfeeding advice during ANC, notably influence maternal IFA consumption and early breastfeeding initiation. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions during ANC visits to enhance maternal and child health practices in low- and middle-income countries.

Effect of Light Quality on Seed Potato (Solanum tuberose L.) Tuberization When Aeroponically Grown in a Controlled Greenhouse.

A plant factory equipped with artificial lights is a comparatively new concept when growing seed potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) for minituber production. The shortage of disease-free potato seed tubers is a key challenge to producing quality potatoes. Quality seed tuber production all year round in a controlled environment under an artificial light condition was the main purpose of this study. The present study was conducted in a plant factory to investigate the effects of distinct spectrum compositions of LEDs on potato tuberization when grown in an aeroponic system. The study was equipped with eight LED light combinations: L1 = red: blue: green (70 + 25 + 5), L2 = red: blue: green (70 + 20 + 10), L3 = red: blue: green (70 + 15 + 15), L4 = red: blue: green (70 + 10 + 20), L5 = red: blue: far-red (70 + 25 + 5), L6 = red: blue: far-red (70 + 20 + 10), L7 = red: blue: far-red (70 + 15 + 15), L8 = red: blue: far-red (70 + 10 + 20), and L9 = natural light with 300 µmol m-2 s-1 of irradiance, 16/8 h day/night, 65% relative humidity, while natural light was used as the control treatment. According to the findings, treatment L4 recorded a higher tuber number (31/plant), tuber size (>3 g); (9.26 ± 3.01), and GA3 content, along with better plant growth characteristics. Moreover, treatment L4 recorded a significantly increased trend in the stem diameter (11.08 ± 0.25), leaf number (25.32 ± 1.2), leaf width (19 ± 0.81), root length (49 ± 2.1), and stolon length (49.62 ± 2.05) compared to the control (L9). However, the L9 treatment showed the best performance in plant fresh weight (67.16 ± 4.06 g) and plant dry weight (4.46 ± 0.08 g). In addition, photosynthetic pigments (Chl a) (0.096 ± 0.00 mg g-1, 0.093 ± 0.00 mg g-1) were found to be the highest in the L1 and L2 treatments, respectively. However, Chl b and TCL recorded the best results in treatment L4. Finally, with consideration of the plant growth and tuber yield performance, treatment L4 was found to have the best spectral composition to grow quality seed potato tubers.

The Transformative Role of Information and Communication Technologies in Shaping Gender Norms and Empowering Women: Evidence From Pakistan and Nepal.

This study explores how information and communication technologies (ICTs) influence transforming attitudes toward intimate partner violence (IPV) and women's empowerment in Pakistan and Nepal. By analyzing data from married women using recent Demographic and Health Surveys, the research reveals that owning multiple ICTs is associated with decreased experiences of physical IPV and reduced acceptance of wife-beating. Notably, increased ownership of ICTs corresponds to heightened participation in household decisions. Furthermore, regular internet use further diminishes the likelihood of experiencing physical IPV and justifying wife-beating. These findings underscore ICTs' potential to empower women, reshape gender norms, and enhance decision-making autonomy. The study advocates for gender-inclusive policy interventions that leverage the transformative influence of ICTs in fostering positive sociocultural changes.

Health Facilities Readiness and Determinants to Manage Cardiovascular Disease in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal: Evidence from the National Service Provision Assessment Survey.

Background: In South Asia, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are an increasing public health concern. One strategy for dealing with the growing CVDs epidemic is to make health facilities more ready to provide CVDs services. The study's objectives were to: (1) assess healthcare facilities' readiness to offer CVDs services; and (2) identify the variables that influence such readiness. Methods: This study employed data from the Afghanistan Service Provision Assessment Survey 2018-2019, Bangladesh Health Facility Survey 2017, and Nepal Health Facility Survey 2021 that were cross-sectional and nationally representative. In Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, 117, 368, and 1,381 health facilities, respectively, were examined. A total of 10 items/indicators were used to measure a health facility's readiness to provide CVDs services across three domains. Results: The mean readiness scores of managing CVDs were 6.7, 5.6, and 4.6 in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, respectively. Availability of trained staff for CVD services are not commonly accessible in Afghanistan (21.5%), Bangladesh (15.3%), or Nepal (12.9%), except from supplies and equipment. Afghanistan has the highest levels of medicine and other commodity availability. Among the common factors linked with readiness scores, we ought to expect a 0.02 unit rise in readiness scores for three nations for every unit increase in number of CVDs care providers. In Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, availability of both diagnosis and treatment facilities was associated with increases in readiness scores of 27%, 9%, and 17%, respectively. Additionally, an association was observed between nation-specific facility types and the readiness scores. Conclusions: Country-specific factors as well as universal factors present in all three nations must be addressed to improve a health facility's readiness to provide CVDs care. To create focused and efficient country-specific plans to raise the standard of CVD care in South Asia, more investigation is necessary to ascertain the reasons behind country-level variations in the availability of tracer items.

The Relationship Between Childhood Abuse and Unintended Pregnancy Among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Bangladesh.

Childhood abuse has been associated with adverse medical, psychological, behavioral, and socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood. Despite this, limited research explores the connection between childhood abuse and unintended pregnancy during adulthood. Notably, existing studies have predominantly focused on high-income countries, leaving a significant gap regarding low- and middle-income nations. This study aims to investigate the impact of childhood physical, sexual, and psychological abuse on the prevalence of unintended pregnancies and explore the interaction effects of childhood abuse on unintended pregnancy occurrences. The cross-sectional survey study was conducted between October 2015 and January 2016 in the Chandpur District of Bangladesh. Data were collected from 426 married women aged 15-49 years who had at least one child of six months or younger. The assessment of child abuse pertains to the mother's own experiences of childhood abuse and not abuse inflicted on her child. The prevalence of childhood physical, psychological, and sexual abuse was 37%, 26%, and 15%, respectively. About 25.1% of their most recent pregnancies were unintended. Notably, women with a history of childhood sexual abuse were twice as likely to experience unintended pregnancy compared to those without such a history. Furthermore, a dose-response connection was observed between the combined exposure of all categories of childhood abuse and a higher risk of unintended pregnancy. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as comprehensive sex education, accessible mental health support, and improved child protection frameworks, to address the potential repercussions of maternal childhood abuse and reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancies.

Factors mediating the association between recurring floods and child chronic undernutrition in northern Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVES: Although there is some evidence that flood exposure in Bangladesh and other developing countries increases the risk of chronic undernutrition in children, the underlying mechanisms are, to our knowledge, unknown. The objectives of this research are to examine the association between recurrent flood exposure and the likelihood of chronic undernutrition in children and to investigate the mediators of this association. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Naogaon District in northern Bangladesh. Purposive sampling was used to choose 800 children between the ages of 12 and 59 mo in equal numbers in the specified flood-affected and flood-unaffected areas: 400 children from the flood-affected area and 400 from the flood-unaffected area. The nutrition indicator height for age, expressed as z scores, was used to define child chronic undernutrition. Our study focused on children who have been exposed to multiple floods in the past 5 y. RESULTS: In our sample data, children who had experienced flooding had a 1.74-times higher chance of having chronic undernutrition (95% CI, 1.53-2.28) than children who had not experienced flooding. The mediation analyses found inadequate minimum dietary diversity, history of diarrhea, not being fully vaccinated, not using clean cooking fuel, and not having a separate kitchen contributed 19.5%, 10%, 9.8%, 14.8%, and 10%, respectively, to the flood exposure-child undernutrition association. CONCLUSIONS: Flood exposure was found associated with the likelihood of child chronic undernutrition, and this relationship was mediated through lack of having a separate kitchen, history of diarrhea, insufficient vaccination, use of unclean cooking fuel, and poor minimum dietary diversity. Interventions to reduce the prevalence of these risk factors could contribute to reducing the disparities in child undernourishment brought on by exposure to flooding.