Anatomical, histological, and histochemical alterations in portio vaginalis uteri with an evaluation of the vaginal artery vascularity during the luteal and early pregnant stages in domestic buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

The portio-vaginalis uteri (PVU) and its mucus secretion have shown an essential role in conception. A significant endeavour to improve buffaloes' reproductive efficiency is the investigation of their basic reproductive pattern, which provides a reference for applications in breeding and pregnancy. The present study aimed to evaluate the anatomical and histological alterations in PVU regarding to the vaginal artery (VA) hemodynamic at luteal and early pregnant stages in buffalos. Egyptian live buffaloes (n = 16) and fresh genitals (n = 25) of mature buffalo were used. Different luteal and early pregnant stages were macroscopically identified with the shape and mucosal colouration with discharges of the PVU. Histological examination showed a significant difference in area % of alcian blue and periodic acid Schiff positive granules which considered an indication for presence of acidic and neutral mucins respectively in the epithelial cells of PVU mucosa which increased in pregnant stage than in other luteal stages. VA assessment demonstrated an increase in luminal diameter and thickness of tunica muscularis in pregnant stage than other stages (P < 0.05). Middle uterine (MUA) and VA arteries peak velocity point (PSV mm/sec) were elevated (P < 0.05) in pregnant stage, with a marked reduction in both resistance and pulsatility indices (RI and PI), and ratio of systolic /diastolic (S/D). Positive correlation was detected between VA. PSV and, MUA. PSV (r = 0.87), but a negative relation was detected with VA. S/D (r = -0.77), VA.PI (r = -0.89), VA. RI (r = -0.97), MUA. S/D (r = -0.94), MUA. PI (r = -0.85), and MUA. RI (r = -0.88). Doppler indices were negatively corrected with the VA. PSV (r = -0.68). It was concluded that there was a significant alterations in histological features of the cervical PVU at different physiological stages (luteal and early pregnant) in buffalos in relation to the MUA and VA hemodynamic pattern and that hypotheses can be established regarding the female cyclicity that affected by both arteries hemodynamics change.

An RSV Live-Attenuated Vaccine Candidate Lacking G Protein Mucin Domains Is Attenuated, Immunogenic, and Effective in Preventing RSV in BALB/c Mice.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading viral respiratory pathogen in infants. The objective of this study was to generate RSV live-attenuated vaccine (LAV) candidates by removing the G-protein mucin domains to attenuate viral replication while retaining immunogenicity through deshielding of surface epitopes. METHODS: Two LAV candidates were generated from recombinant RSV A2-line19F by deletion of the G-protein mucin domains (A2-line19F-G155) or deletion of the G-protein mucin and transmembrane domains (A2-line19F-G155S). Vaccine attenuation was measured in BALB/c mouse lungs by fluorescent focus unit (FFU) assays and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunogenicity was determined by measuring serum binding and neutralizing antibodies in mice following prime/boost on days 28 and 59. Efficacy was determined by measuring RSV lung viral loads on day 4 postchallenge. RESULTS: Both LAVs were undetectable in mouse lungs by FFU assay and elicited similar neutralizing antibody titers compared to A2-line19F on days 28 and 59. Following RSV challenge, vaccinated mice showed no detectable RSV in the lungs by FFU assay and a significant reduction in RSV RNA in the lungs by RT-PCR of 560-fold for A2-line19F-G155 and 604-fold for A2-line19F-G155S compared to RSV-challenged, unvaccinated mice. CONCLUSIONS: Removal of the G-protein mucin domains produced RSV LAV candidates that were highly attenuated with retained immunogenicity.

Ovarian, uterine, and luteal vascular perfusions during follicular and luteal phases in the adult cyclic female rabbits with special orientation to their histological detection of hormone receptor.

Understanding the does reproductive hemodynamic changes during the estrous cycle is crucial for improving reproductive competence and fertility potential in this species. The objective of this study is to investigate the hemodynamic variations in ovarian (OA) and uterine (UA) arteries, histological and morphometric changes in ovarian and uterine tissues throughout the follicular (FP) and luteal (LP) phases in rabbits and determine estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) receptors, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) distributions using immunohistochemistry.Fourteen adults pluriparous New Zealand rabbits were divided into rabbits at the FP (Day - 1; n = 7) and those at the LP (Day 9; n = 7). Animals were subjected to Doppler, hormonal (estrogen [E2], progesterone [P4], insulin-like growth factor [ILGF], and VEGF), histological, and immunohistochemical analyses. In LP, OA Doppler indices were significantly increased, whereas peak systolic velocity (PSV) was decreased compared with that in FP. UA Doppler indices were significantly decreased in the LP, whereas PSV was increased (P < 0.05). E2 levels were increased in the FP, whereas P4 levels were increased in the LP. The morphometric analysis of uterine tissues during the LP revealed an increase in the mean uterine endometrium length, endometrial connective tissue area percentage (%), endometrial glands number, myometrial area (%) and thickness. Furthermore, ovarian follicles and corpus luteum (CL) displayed strong positive immunoreactivity for ER, PR, and VEGF-A during both phases. The ovarian sections displayed a substantial (P < 0.05) increase in the area % of VEGF-A in the ovarian follicles during FP while in the CL during LP. Conversely, area percentage of VEGF-A immunoreactivity in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelia during the FP and LP revealed no differences. However, the number of VEGF-A-stained blood capillaries revealed an increase during LP than FP. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time the changes in both ovarian and uterine arteries during two different phases of the rabbit cycle in relation to the histo-morphometric analysis and distribution of ER, PR, and VEGF-A, which regulate uterine functions that play a role in reproduction.

Study of gut microbiome in Egyptian patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases.

BACKGROUND: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD) are the most prevalent forms of autoimmune thyroid disorders (ATD). A pathogenic link with gut microbial dysbiosis has been described in different autoimmune disorders but not yet fully elucidated in patients with ATD. AIM OF THE WORK: The present study aimed to elucidate changes in gut microbiome in Egyptian patients with ATD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The gut bacterial composition of 20 patients with ATD and 30 age, sex, and BMI-matched healthy subjects as controls was analysed using Quantitative SYBR Green Real-Time PCR technique targeting 16S rRNA of selected bacterial genera and/or species. RESULTS: Compared with controls; the Firmictus/Bacteroidetes ratio (known to be representative for healthy status) was significantly decreased in patients with ATD (P < .001), without a significant difference between GD and HT patients. Also, the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria associated with the gut barrier and anti-inflammatory state; A. mucinophilia, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and F. prausnitzii, were decreased in ATD patients. TRAb in GD patients and anti-TPO in HT patients showed a significant positive correlation with Bacteroidetes (P = .001) and (P = .018), respectively. CONCLUSION: Egyptian patients with ATD show dysbiosis of the gut microbiome that can be related to the pathogenesis of ATD. This hopefully points to the potential therapeutic benefits of manipulating the composition of the gut microbiome in the management or even protection from ATD.

Air pollution epidemiology: A simplified Generalized Linear Model approach optimized by bio-inspired metaheuristics.

Studies in air pollution epidemiology are of paramount importance in diagnosing and improve life quality. To explore new methods or modify existing ones is critical to obtain better results. Most air pollution epidemiology studies use the Generalized Linear Model, especially the default version of R, Splus, SAS, and Stata softwares, which use maximum likelihood estimators in parameter optimization. Also, a smooth time function (usually spline) is generally used as a pre-processing step to consider seasonal and long-term tendencies. This investigation introduces a new approach to GLM, proposing the estimation of the free coefficients through bio-inspired metaheuristics - Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithms, and Differential Evolution, as well as the replacement of the spline function by a simple normalization procedure. The considered case studies comprise three important cities of São Paulo state, Brazil with distinct characteristics: São Paulo, Campinas, and Cubatão. We considered the impact of particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µm (PM10), ambient temperature, and relative humidity in the number of hospital admissions for respiratory diseases (ICD-10, J00 to J99). The results showed that the new approach (especially PSO) brings performance gains compared to the default version of statistical software like R.

Modelling a preference-based index for EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-3L + Sleep using a Bayesian framework.

BACKGROUND: Conventionally, frequentist approach has been used to model health state valuation data. Recently, researchers started to explore the use of Bayesian methods in this area. OBJECTIVES: This paper presents an alternative approach to modelling health state valuation data of the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-3L + Sleep descriptive systems, using a Bayesian framework, and demonstrates its superiority to conventional frequentist methods. METHODS: The valuation study is composed of 18 EQ-5D-3L health states and 18 EQ-5D-3L + Sleep health states valued by 160 members of the general public in South Yorkshire, UK, using the time tradeo-ff technique. Three different models were developed for EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-3L + Sleep accordingly using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation methods. Bayesian methods were applied to models fitted included a linear regression, random effect and random effect with covariates. The models are compared based on their predictive performance using mean predictions, root mean squared error (RMSE) and deviance information criterion (DIC). All analyses were performed using Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation methods. RESULTS: The random effects with covariates model performs best under all criterions for the two preference-based measures, with RMSE (0.037) and DIC (637.5) for EQ-5D-3L and RMSE (0.019), DIC (416.4) for EQ-5D + Sleep. Compared with models previously estimated using frequentist approach, the Bayesian models reported in this paper provided better predictions of observed values. CONCLUSION: Bayesian methods provide a better way to model EQ-5D-3L valuation data with and without a sleep 'bolt-on' and provide a more flexible in characterizing the full range of uncertainty inherent in these estimates.

Synthesis, Characterization and Cytotoxicity of Substituted [1]Benzothieno[3,2-e][1,2,4]triazolo [4,3-a]pyrimidines.

A new series of 4-benzyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro[1]benzothieno[3,2-e][1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrimidines was synthesized motivated by the widely reported anticancer activity of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines and triazolothienopyrimidines. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of some selected compounds was evaluated against two human cell lines: prostate cancer (PC-3) and colon cancer (HCT-116). A preliminary study of the structure-activity relationship of the target compounds was discussed. Most of the synthesized compounds showed remarkable activity on the tested cell lines, while compound 16c had the highest potency against the PC-3 cell line with an IC50 of 5.48 µM compared to Doxorubicin (IC50 = 7.7 µM), the reference standard used in this study. On the other hand, 6c and 18c were the most active against HCT-116 (IC50 = 6.12 and 6.56 µM, respectively) relative to IC50 = 15.82 µM of the standard. Thus, some of the synthesized thienopyrimidine derivatives, specially 6c, 16c and 18c, have the potential to be developed into potent anticancer agents.

Aluminum adjuvants of vaccines injected into the muscle: Normal fate, pathology and associated disease.

Aluminum oxyhydroxide (Alhydrogel(®)) is a nano-crystalline compound forming aggregates that has been introduced in vaccine for its immunologic adjuvant effect in 1926. It is the most commonly used adjuvant in human and veterinary vaccines but mechanisms by which it stimulates immune responses remain ill-defined. Although generally well tolerated on the short term, it has been suspected to occasionally cause delayed neurologic problems in susceptible individuals. In particular, the long-term persistence of aluminic granuloma also termed macrophagic myofasciitis is associated with chronic arthromyalgias and fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. Safety concerns largely depend on the long biopersistence time inherent to this adjuvant, which may be related to its quick withdrawal from the interstitial fluid by avid cellular uptake; and the capacity of adjuvant particles to migrate and slowly accumulate in lymphoid organs and the brain, a phenomenon documented in animal models and resulting from MCP1/CCL2-dependant translocation of adjuvant-loaded monocyte-lineage cells (Trojan horse phenomenon). These novel insights strongly suggest that serious re-evaluation of long-term aluminum adjuvant phamacokinetics and safety should be carried out.

Effectiveness of selective catalytic reduction systems on reducing gaseous emissions from an engine using diesel and biodiesel blends.

The aim of this investigation was to quantify organic and inorganic gas emissions from a four-cylinder diesel engine equipped with a urea selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. Using a bench dynamometer, the emissions from the following mixtures were evaluated using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer: low-sulfur diesel (LSD), ultralow-sulfur diesel (ULSD), and a blend of 20% soybean biodiesel and 80% ULSD (B20). For all studied fuels, the use of the SCR system yielded statistically significant (p < 0.05) lower NOx emissions. In the case of the LSD and ULSD fuels, the SCR system also significantly reduced emissions of compounds with high photochemical ozone creation potential, such as formaldehyde. However, for all tested fuels, the SCR system produced significantly (p < 0.05) higher emissions of N2O. In the case of LSD, the NH3 emissions were elevated, and in the case of ULSD and B20 fuels, the non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) and total hydrocarbon of diesel (HCD) emissions were significantly higher.

Revision of Trachelissa Aurivillius, 1912 (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

A revision of the genus Trachelissa Aurivillius, 1912, based on a study of external morphology and terminalia, is presented. The genus and its species are redescribed. Five species are recognized, two of which are described as new: T. bella sp. nov. from Bolivia and T. opaca sp. nov. from Argentina. A new host plant for T. maculicollis Audinet-Serville, 1834 is recorded. A key to all species, and their photographs and distribution maps are provided. 

Liraglutide and Naringenin relieve depressive symptoms in mice by enhancing Neurogenesis and reducing inflammation.

Depression is a debilitating mental disease that negatively impacts individuals' lives and society. Novel hypotheses have been recently proposed to improve our understanding of depression pathogenesis. Impaired neuroplasticity and upregulated neuro-inflammation add-on to the disturbance in monoamine neurotransmitters and therefore require novel anti-depressants to target them simultaneously. Recent reports demonstrate the antidepressant effect of the anti-diabetic drug liraglutide. Similarly, the natural flavonoid naringenin has shown both anti-diabetic and anti-depressant effects. However, the neuro-pharmacological mechanisms underlying their actions remain understudied. The study aims to evaluate the antidepressant effects and neuroprotective mechanisms of liraglutide, naringenin or a combination of both. Depression was induced in mice by administering dexamethasone (32 mcg/kg) for seven consecutive days. Liraglutide (200 mcg/kg), naringenin (50 mg/kg) and a combination of both were administered either simultaneously or after induction of depression for twenty-eight days. Behavioral and molecular assays were used to assess the progression of depressive symptoms and biomarkers. Liraglutide and naringenin alone or in combination alleviated the depressive behavior in mice, manifested by decrease in anxiety, anhedonia, and despair. Mechanistically, liraglutide and naringenin improved neurogenesis, decreased neuroinflammation and comparably restored the monoamines levels to that of the reference drug escitalopram. The drugs protected mice from developing depression when given simultaneously with dexamethasone. Collectively, the results highlight the usability of liraglutide and naringenin in the treatment of depression in mice and emphasize the different pathways that contribute to the pathogenesis of depression.

Combined laser-activated SVF and PRP remodeled spinal sclerosis via activation of Olig-2, MBP, and neurotrophic factors and inhibition of BAX and GFAP.

A single injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in treating neurological ailments suggests promise; however, there is limited evidence of the efficacy of combination therapy. This trial aimed to determine whether combining SVF and PRP could provide further therapeutic effects in treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Fifteen Persian cats were separated into three groups (n = 5): group I (control negative), and group II (control positive); EB was injected intrathecally into the spinal cord and then treated 14 days later with intrathecal phosphate buffered saline injection, and group III (SVF + PRP), cats were injected intrathecally with EB through the spinal cord, followed by a combination of SVF and PRP 14 days after induction. Therapeutic effects were evaluated using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale throughout the treatment timeline and at the end. Together with morphological, MRI scan, immunohistochemical, transmission electron microscopy, and gene expression investigations. The results demonstrated that combining SVF and PRP successfully reduced lesion intensity on gross inspection and MRI. In addition to increased immunoreactivity to Olig2 and MBP and decreased immunoreactivity to Bax and GFAP, there was a significant improvement in BBB scores and an increase in neurotrophic factor (BDNF, NGF, and SDF) expression when compared to the positive control group. Finally, intrathecal SVF + PRP is the most promising and safe therapy for multiple sclerosis, resulting in clinical advantages such as functional recovery, MRI enhancement, and axonal remyelination.

Insights into the photoactivatable CO releasing properties of dicarbonyl Ru(II) complex with 8-amino quinoline ligand: Experimental and theoretical studies.

Reaction between the polymeric [RuCl2(CO)2]n and the N,N-bidentate ligand, 8-amino-quinoline (Quin), in methanol, afforded the photoactivated CO releasing molecule with the formula of trans-(Cl,Cl)-[RuCl2(CO)2Quin]. In the presence of biomolecules or in solvents with varying polarity and coordinating abilities, the solvatochromic characteristics and dark stability were investigated. A new board band emerged in the visible spectrum during the illumination, and its position varies according to the type of solvent used, indicating the role of the solvent in controlling the nature of the CO-depleted species. Spectral methods were used in combination with density functional theory simulations to get insight into the local minimum structure and the electronic properties of the Ru(II) complex. The results of the myoglobin assay showed that within the first two hours of illumination, one of the two CO molecules was released. The cytotoxic properties of the Ru(II)-based complex were investigated against normal mice bone marrow stromal cells and malignant human acute monocytic leukaemia cells.

Pancreatic Beta Cell Function in Infants Varies by Maternal Weight.

The Asian Indian Beta Cell function (ABCs) in Infants Study examined the associations of maternal weight on infant pancreatic beta cell function across 7 months postpartum. Pregnant women aged 18-35 years were recruited in Hyderabad, India. Women were classified by first trimester weight as underweight (UW), BMI < 18.5 kg/m2; normal weight (NW), BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m2; or overweight (OW), BMI 23.0 through <28.5 kg/m2. At age > 7 months, infants had an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT, 1.75 g glucose/kg bodyweight) following a 3 h fast. Infant blood samples were assayed for C-peptide and glucose. Infant beta cell function (HOMA2-B; disposition index, DI) and insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) were compared across maternal weight groups. Mothers (UW n = 63; NW n = 43; OW n = 29) had similar age at delivery and second trimester 50 g glucose challenge test results. Cord HOMA2-B values were 51% greater for IUW (83.5, SD 55.2) and 44% greater for IOW (79.9, SD 60.8) vs. INW (55.4, SD 51.5), forming a U-shaped relationship between maternal weight and HOMA2-B. No qualitative differences in HOMA2-IR were found at birth. However, at 7 months postpartum, HOMA2-IR changed most within IUW (-64% median reduction) and changed the least in IOW (-7% median reduction). At seven months postpartum, DI was higher in IUW vs. the other groups (geometric mean IUW 1.9 SD 2.5; INW 1.3 SD 2.6 or vs. IOW mean 1.2 SD 3.7), reflecting a +49% difference in DI. Evidence from this study illustrates adaptations in the pancreatic functional response of infants associated with the maternal nutritional environment.

Silver Nanoparticles In Situ Synthesized and Incorporated in Uniaxial and Core-Shell Electrospun Nanofibers to Inhibit Coronavirus.

In the present study, we sought to develop materials applicable to personal and collective protection equipment to mitigate SARS-CoV-2. For this purpose, AgNPs were synthesized and stabilized into electrospinning nanofiber matrices (NMs) consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), chitosan (CHT), and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL). Uniaxial nanofibers of PVA and PVA/CHT were developed, as well as coaxial nanofibers of PCL[PVA/CHT], in which the PCL works as a shell and the blend as a core. A crucial aspect of the present study is the in situ synthesis of AgNPs using PVA as a reducing and stabilizing agent. This process presents few steps, no additional toxic reducing agents, and avoids the postloading of drugs or the posttreatment of NM use. In general, the in situ synthesized AgNPs had an average size of 11.6 nm, and the incorporated nanofibers had a diameter in the range of 300 nm, with high uniformity and low polydispersity. The NM's spectroscopic, thermal, and mechanical properties were appropriate for the intended application. Uniaxial (PVA/AgNPs and PVA/CHT/AgNPs) and coaxial (PCL[PVA/CHT/AgNPs]) NMs presented virucidal activity (log's reduction ≥ 5) against mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-3) genus Betacoronavirus strains. In addition to that, the NMs did not present cytotoxicity against fibroblast cells (L929 ATCC® CCL-1TM lineage).

Pregnancy Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Cycle Complicated by Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Case Series Study.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a frequent, potentially lethal side effect of assisted reproductive technology (ART), distinguished by symptoms such as ovarian enlargement, ascites, and pleural effusion. OBJECTIVE: This study is designed to study the effect of assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle complicated by OHSS on pregnancy outcomes. METHOD: A case series study at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was executed to examine the pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Fifteen patients were admitted to the IVF unit between January 2015 and December 2021. Data were retrieved from patients' medical records, and descriptive statistical methods were employed to analyze participants' data. RESULTS: The study assessed pregnancy outcomes for 15 female participants (mean age=31.1 years, SD=3.46) with a BMI range of 20-40 (mean BMI=29.6, SD=6.4), of whom 33.3% were classified as obese. The primary factor of infertility was anovulation (66.7%), followed by male factors (20%). About 26.7% of those affected by OHSS had moderate OHSS, and 73.3% had severe OHSS, with 100% of those with severe OHSS having undergone three embryo transfers. None of the participants developed gestational diabetes mellitus (DM), but one participant had high blood sugar levels (6.67% of total participants), with a mean glucose of 6.3±2.0. There were no instances of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, abnormal placentas, or congenital abnormalities in newborns among the participants. Preterm deliveries were common, with 33.3% delivering between 32 and 37 weeks, 6.7% before 28 weeks, and 33.3% within 28-32 weeks. Overall, 73.3% of the participants experienced pregnancy, and the birth mode was almost evenly split between vaginal and cesarean birth. CONCLUSION:  In conclusion, this research provides an exploration into the outcomes of pregnancies in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatments complicated by ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. It shows anovulation as a prevalent cause of infertility and a noteworthy incidence of severe OHSS. Despite these challenges, a significant number of women were able to experience pregnancy, although preterm deliveries and abortions were common. The delivery methods were fairly balanced between vaginal birth and cesarean section. These findings underscore the necessity for more effective strategies to manage OHSS and improve pregnancy outcomes in ART procedures.

Awareness of Contraceptives and Their Use Among Saudi Women Attending Primary Care Centers in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background The objective of this cross-sectional study is to identify the prevalence of contraceptive use and the knowledge and attitudes of Saudi women towards it. Methods We distributed a survey to Saudi women aged 19-49 attending primary care centers under King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh to identify their views on using contraceptives and what they know about them. We calculated the sample size using the Roasoft sample calculator. Results This study enrolled 432 Saudi women. The number of women who were contraceptive users was 249 (57.6%). Among those who were using contraceptives, the most common reason was the idea of taking care of themselves and avoiding consecutive pregnancies (105, 42.2%). Of the non-users, the most common reason was concerns regarding side effects (41%). The most commonly used contraceptive methods were contraceptive pills (55.6%) and intrauterine devices (IUDs) (17.6%). The most commonly used non-pharmacological contraception methods were withdrawal (17.6%) and rhythm (8.6%). Conclusion In this study, factors associated with contraceptive use among Saudi women were explored. Demographic data, type, attitude, and associations provided insight into factors taken into consideration while developing future contraceptives in addition to improving clinical practice.

Laser-activated autologous adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction restores spinal cord architecture and function in multiple sclerosis cat model.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent non-traumatic neurological debilitating disease among young adults with no cure. Over recent decades, efforts to treat neurodegenerative diseases have shifted to regenerative cell therapy. Adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) comprises a heterogeneous cell population, considered an easily accessible source of MSCs with therapeutic potential in autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to assess the regenerative capacity of low-level laser-activated SVF in an MS cat model. METHODS: Fifteen adult Persian cats were used in this study: Group I (control negative group, normal cats), Group II (EB-treated group, induced for MS by ethidium bromide (EB) intrathecal injection), and Group III (SVF co-treated group, induced for MS then treated with SVF on day 14 post-induction). The SVF was obtained after digesting the adipose tissue with collagenase type I and injecting it intrathecal through the foramen magnum. RESULTS: The results showed that the pelvic limb's weight-bearing locomotion activity was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) recovered in Group III, and the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores of hindlimb locomotion were significantly higher in Group III (14 ± 0.44) than Group II (4 ± 0.31). The lesion's extent and intensity were reduced in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Group III. Besides, the same group showed a significant increase in the expression of neurotrophic factors: BDNF, SDF and NGF (0.61 ± 0.01, 0.51 ± 0.01 and 0.67 ± 0.01, respectively) compared with Group II (0.33 ± 0.01, 0.36 ± 0.006 and 0.2 ± 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, SVF co-treated group revealed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in oligodendrocyte transcription factor (Olig2) and myelin basic protein (4 ± 0.35 and 6 ± 0.45, respectively) that was decreased in group II (1.8 ± 0.22 and 2.9 ± 0.20, respectively). Moreover, group III showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in Bax and glial fibrillary acidic protein (4 ± 0.53 and 3.8 ± 0.52, respectively) as compared with group II (10.7 ± 0.49 and 8.7 ± 0.78, respectively). The transmission electron microscopy demonstrated regular more compact, and markedly (P ≤ 0.05) thicker myelin sheaths (mm) in Group III (0.3 ± 0.006) as compared with group II (0.1 ± 0.004). Based on our results, the SVF co-treated group revealed remyelination and regeneration capacity with a reduction in apoptosis and axonal degeneration. CONCLUSION: SVF is considered an easy, valuable, and promising therapeutic approach for treating spinal cord injuries, particularly MS.

Assessment of Vitamin D status and association with inflammation: Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) project.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether 25(OH)D concentrations in children and female adults may be influenced by inflammation and thus require adjustment when estimating the population prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. OBJECTIVES: We examined correlations between inflammation biomarkers, CRP or alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), and serum 25(OH)D concentrations among preschool children (PSC; 6-59 mo) and nonpregnant females of reproductive age (FRA; 15-49 y). METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data from 6 nationally representative nutrition surveys (Afghanistan, Cambodia, Pakistan, UK, USA, and Vietnam) conducted among PSC (n = 9880) and FRA (n = 14,749) from the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia project. Rank correlations between CRP or AGP and 25(OH)D concentrations were examined while taking into account complex survey design effects. RESULTS: Among both PSC and FRA, correlations between inflammation and vitamin D biomarkers were weak and inconsistent across surveys. For PSC, correlation coefficients between CRP and 25(OH)D concentrations ranged from -0.04 to 0.08, and correlations between AGP and 25(OH)D ranged from 0.01 to 0.05. Correlation coefficients between CRP and 25(OH)D for FRA ranged from -0.11 to 0.14, and correlations between AGP and 25(OH)D concentrations ranged from -0.05 to 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the weak and inconsistent correlations between CRP or AGP and 25(OH)D, there is no rationale to adjust for these inflammation biomarkers when estimating population prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in PSC or FRA.