Electrohydrodynamic Nanopatterning: A Novel Solvent-Assisted Technique for Unconventional Substrates.

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD)-driven patterning is a pioneering lithographic technique capable of replicating and modifying micro/nanostructures efficiently. However, this process is currently restricted to conventional substrates, as it necessitates a uniform and robust electric field over a large area. Consequently, the use of nontraditional substrates, such as those that are flexible, nonflat, or have high insulation, has been notably limited. In our study, we extend the applicability of EHD-driven patterning by introducing a solvent-assisted capillary peel-and-transfer method that allows the successful removal of diverse EHD-induced structures from their original substrates. Compared with the traditional route, our process boasts a success rate close to 100%. The detached structures can then be efficiently transferred to nonconventional substrates, overcoming the limitations of the traditional EHD process. Our method exhibits significant versatility, as evidenced by successful transfer of structures with engineered wettability and patterned structures composed of metals and metal oxides onto nonconventional substrates.

Anopheles diversity, biting behaviour and transmission potential in forest and farm environments of Gia Lai province, Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Despite recent reductions in Vietnam, malaria transmission persists in some areas in forests and farmlands where a high density of Anopheles mosquitoes relative to other environments occurs. To inform effective malaria control measures, it is important to understand vector bionomics and the malaria transmission role of Anopheles spp. in the highland regions of Vietnam. This study was conducted to quantify the abundance, composition and biting behaviour of the Anopheles mosquito population, and the proportion of Plasmodium spp. infected mosquitoes collected from forest and agricultural farm sites in Gia Lai province, Vietnam. METHODS: Forest and agricultural farm sites in Gia Lai province were selected for mosquito collections (total eight sites). Mosquito collection was performed by Human-baited Double Net Trap (HDNT), animal-baited traps (ABT) using cattle, and CDC light traps. Captured mosquitoes were identified morphologically, and salivary glands of Anopheles mosquitoes were examined for sporozoites using microscopy. Plasmodium infection was determined by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and identification of blood meal type was determined by PCR and diffuse serum agglutination assay. RESULTS: A total of 1815 Anopheles mosquitoes belonging to 19 species were collected by ABT (n = 1169), HDNT (n = 471) and CDC light trap (n = 175). Anopheles abundance and diversity varied by district and environment. Capture by HDNT of Anopheles of vectorial concern was observed between early evening and early morning. Plasmodium vivax infection was determined by PCR in two Anopheles dirus specimens captured by HDNT in forest sites. Blood from a range of hosts could, including human blood, could be detected in species considered primary and secondary vectors An. dirus, and Anopheles aconitus, and Anopheles maculatus, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A low number of Anopheles spp. considered primary vectors of concern and very low numbers of Plasmodium spp. infected Anopheles mosquitoes were captured at the end of the rainy season in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. However, capture species of vectorial concern by HDNT throughout the early to late evening demonstrates that use of additional personal protective measures could supplement current preventative measures, such as bed nets to prevent exposure to vectors of concern in this region.

3D culture of cancer cells in alginate hydrogel beads as an effective technique for emergency cell storage and transportation in the pandemic era.

Due to the restrictions in accessing research laboratories and the challenges in providing proper storage and transportation of cells during the COVID-19 pandemic, having an effective and feasible mean to solve these challenges would be of immense help. Therefore, we developed a 3D culture setting of cancer cells using alginate beads and tested its effectiveness in different storage and transportation conditions. The viability and proliferation of cancer cells were assessed using trypan blue staining and quantitative CCK-8 kit, respectively. The developed beads allowed cancer cells survival up to 4 weeks with less frequent maintenance measures such as change of the culture media or subculture of cells. In addition, the recovery of cancer cells and proliferation pattern were significantly faster with better outcomes in the developed 3D alginate beads compared to the standard cryopreservation of cells or the 2D culture conditions. The 3D alginate beads also supported the viability of cells while the shipment at room temperature for a duration of up to 5 days with no humidity or CO2  support. Therefore, 3D culture in alginate beads can be used to store or ship biological cells with ease at room temperature with minimal preparations.

Charge Transfer Doping of Carbon Nitride Films through Noncovalent Iodination for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance: Combined Experimental and Computational Insights.

To improve the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of photocatalysts, the doping strategy through covalent functionalization is often adopted to adjust material electronic structures. By contrast, this work demonstrates that the noncovalent interaction in the case of iodinated graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) film can also enhance the PEC performance. Through a facile synthesis method of rapid thermal vapor condensation (RTVC), the prepared iodinated g-CN film shows a significantly improved photocurrent density (38.9 µA cm-2 ), three times that of pure g-CN film (13.0 µA cm-2 ) at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Computations reveal that the noncovalent attachment of iodine anion (I- ) on g-CN plays a crucial role in modulating the bandgap states and broadening of the visible-light absorption range as well as the charge carrier separation with the photo-induced hole confined to I- and electron to g-CN film. The fully filled valence orbitals (4d10 5s2 5p6 ) of I- determine its noncovalent attachment on the g-CN film and so do the iodine species of I3 - , I5 - , etc. This work offers a favorable synthesis method to achieve efficient doping through noncovalent charge transfer between thin film and certain dopants and provides a useful modification strategy for the establishment of multi-channel transportation of charge carriers in general photocatalysts.

Reducing malaria transmission in forest-going mobile and migrant populations in Lao PDR and Cambodia: protocol for stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Countries of the Greater Mekong Sub-region aim to achieve malaria elimination by 2030. In the region, malaria is concentrated in high-risk areas and populations such as forest-going mobile and migrant populations (MMPs). However, routine protective measures such as long-lasting insecticidal nets do not prevent all infectious bites in these high-risk populations. Evidence for the effectiveness of a personal protection package tailored to forest-going MMPs which is acceptable, feasible, and cost-effective for reducing malaria transmission is required to inform the malaria elimination toolkit in the region. METHODS: A personal protection package consisting of long-lasting insecticidal hammock net, insect repellent and health communication pamphlet was developed in consultation with relevant implementing partners from Cambodia and Lao PDR. An open stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial will be conducted over a period of 12 months in a minimum of 488 villages (~ 428 in Lao PDR and ~ 60 in Cambodia) to evaluate the effectiveness of the personal protection package. Villages will be randomised into 11 blocks, with blocks transitioned in random order from control to intervention states at monthly intervals, following a 1-month baseline period. The primary outcome of the trial is the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. infection diagnosed by rapid diagnostic test. Difference in prevalence of malaria infection will be estimated across intervention and control periods using generalized linear mixed modelling. Nested within the stepped-wedge cluster-randomised controlled trial is a mixed-methods study to explore the acceptability of the personal protection package, feasibility of implementing a personal protection package as a vector control intervention, and knowledge, attitude and practice of MMPs regarding malaria prevention; and cost-analysis to determine the cost-effectiveness of implementing a personal protection package. DISCUSSION: This study, using a rigorous design and mixed-methods methodology, will evaluate whether a personal protection package can reduce residual malaria transmission among forest-going MMPs in Cambodia and Lao PDR. It will also measure implementation research outcomes such as effectiveness of the intervention package, cost-effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility, in order to inform potential national and regional policy. Trial registration This trial was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05117567) on 11th November 2021.

Potential role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in transition from reaction to repair phase of bone healing process.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells with immunosuppressive functions; these cells play a key role in infection, immunization, chronic inflammation, and cancer. Recent studies have reported that immunosuppression plays an important role in the healing process of tissues and that Treg play an important role in fracture healing. MDSCs suppress active T cell proliferation and reduce the severity of arthritis in mice and humans. Together, these findings suggest that MDSCs play a role in bone biotransformation. In the present study, we examined the role of MDSCs in the bone healing process by creating a bone injury at the tibial epiphysis in mice. MDSCs were identified by CD11b and GR1 immunohistochemistry and their role in new bone formation was observed by detection of Runx2 and osteocalcin expression. Significant numbers of MDSCs were observed in transitional areas from the reactionary to repair stages. Interestingly, MDSCs exhibited Runx2 and osteocalcin expression in the transitional area but not in the reactionary area. And at the same area, cllagene-1 and ALP expression level increased in osteoblast progenitor cells. These data is suggesting that MDSCs emerge to suppress inflammation and support new bone formation. Here, we report, for the first time (to our knowledge), the role of MDSCs in the initiation of bone formation. MDSC appeared at the transition from inflammation to bone making and regulates bone healing by suppressing inflammation.

Prevalence and determinants of perinatal depression among labour migrant and refugee women on the Thai-Myanmar border: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal depression is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality globally. Migrant women, particularly those living in low- and middle-income settings, represent a particularly vulnerable group due to stressors experienced before, during and after migration. The vast majority of global migration flows occurring within and between low- and middle-income regions, yet existing evidence focuses predominantly on migrants in high-income destinations. This study aimed to redress this significant gap in the evidence by determining the prevalence and determinants of perinatal depression among migrant women on the Thai-Myanmar border. METHODS: A cohort of labour migrant and refugee women was followed-up from the first trimester of pregnancy to one month post-partum. Depression status was assessed in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy and at one month post-partum using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnosis of DSM-IV Disorders. Women diagnosed with depression had immediate access to care. Data on potential demographic, social and clinical associated factors was collected using a questionnaire. Prevalence and incidence of any depressive disorder and moderate-severe depressive disorder was calculated. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression using complete case analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) of association between exposure variables and depression status. RESULTS: Five hundred sixty-eight women participated. Period prevalence (from first trimester of pregnancy to one month post-partum) of moderate-severe perinatal depression was 18.5% (95% CI 15.4-21.9%). Overall, 15.4% (95% CI 11.8-19.6%) of women developed new-onset moderate-severe depression during the study period. Forty-two participants received treatment for depression. Risk factors were interpersonal violence (OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.9-11.1); history of trauma (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.4-4.3); self-reported history of depression (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.2-4.2); labour migrant status (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.1-4.0); low social support (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.1-3.7); and maternal age (OR 1.1 per year; 95% CI 1.0-1.1). Limitations of the study include that culturally specific manifestations of depression may have been missed. CONCLUSIONS: Perinatal depression represents a significant burden among migrant women on the Thai-Myanmar border. Programmes to address the determinants along with early case identification and effective treatment and referral systems are key to addressing perinatal depression in this low-resource setting.

Impact of the Stroma on the Biological Characteristics of the Parenchyma in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Solid tumors consist of the tumor parenchyma and stroma. The standard concept of oncology is that the tumor parenchyma regulates the tumor stroma and promotes tumor progression, and that the tumor parenchyma represents the tumor itself and defines the biological characteristics of the tumor tissue. Thus, the tumor stroma plays a pivotal role in assisting tumor parenchymal growth and invasiveness and is regarded as a supporter of the tumor parenchyma. The tumor parenchyma and stroma interact with each other. However, the influence of the stroma on the parenchyma is not clear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of the stroma on the parenchyma in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We isolated tumor stroma from two types of OSCCs with different invasiveness (endophytic type OSCC (ED-st) and exophytic type OSCC (EX-st)) and examined the effect of the stroma on the parenchyma in terms of proliferation, invasion, and morphology by co-culturing and co-transplanting the OSCC cell line (HSC-2) with the two types of stroma. Both types of stroma were partially positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin. The tumor stroma increased the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells and altered the morphology of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. ED-st exerted a greater effect on the tumor parenchyma in proliferation and invasion than EX-st. Morphological analysis showed that ED-st changed the morphology of HSC-2 cells to the invasive type of OSCC, and EX-st altered the morphology of HSC-2 cells to verrucous OSCC. This study suggests that the tumor stroma influences the biological characteristics of the parenchyma and that the origin of the stroma is strongly associated with the biological characteristics of the tumor.

The Role of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and its signaling have been identified in several human cancers, and increased levels of SHH expression appear to correlate with cancer progression. However, the role of SHH in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still unclear. No studies have compared the expression of SHH in different subtypes of OSCC and focused on the relationship between the tumor parenchyma and stroma. In this study, we analyzed SHH and expression of its receptor, Patched-1 (PTCH), in the TME of different subtypes of OSCC. Fifteen endophytic-type cases (ED type) and 15 exophytic-type cases (EX type) of OSCC were used. H&E staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), double IHC, and double-fluorescent IHC were performed on these samples. ED-type parenchyma more strongly expressed both SHH and PTCH than EX-type parenchyma. In OSCC stroma, CD31-positive cancer blood vessels, CD68- and CD11b-positive macrophages, and α-smooth muscle actin-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts partially expressed PTCH. On the other hand, in EX-type stroma, almost no double-positive cells were observed. These results suggest that autocrine effects of SHH induce cancer invasion, and paracrine effects of SHH govern parenchyma-stromal interactions of OSCC. The role of the SHH pathway is to promote growth and invasion.

Living with severe perinatal depression: a qualitative study of the experiences of labour migrant and refugee women on the Thai-Myanmar border.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal depression is an important contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Migrant women, particularly those resettling within low- and middle-income settings, are at increased risk of perinatal depression due to multiple stressors experienced before, during and after migration. Evidence on migrant perinatal mental health to date has focused largely on women in high-income destination countries, leaving the voices of displaced women in low-income settings unheard. This study addresses the current evidence gap by exploring the experiences of migrant women living on the Thai-Myanmar border. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with pregnant and post-partum labour migrant and refugee women on the Thai-Myanmar border who had been diagnosed with severe depression. An interview guide covering women's current and past life experiences, social support and the impact of depression on social and occupational functioning was used as a prompt. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes emerging from women's narratives. RESULTS: Eleven pregnant and post-partum women with severe perinatal depression took part. Participating women provided extensive insight into the many difficult aspects of their lives that they perceived as contributing to their depression status. Predominant themes emerging from women's narratives included difficult relationships with partners, challenging life situations, mechanisms for coping with depression and impressions of mental health care. CONCLUSIONS: Labour migrant and refugee women with severe perinatal depression face a wide range of chronic stressors at the individual, household and community levels that are likely to have both short- and long-term negative effects on their mental well-being and day-to-day functioning. Participating women responded positively to the mental health support they received, and findings provide important insights into how services might further support their needs.

Polymeric behavior evaluation of PVP K30-poloxamer binary carrier for solid dispersed nisoldipine by experimental design.

CONTEXT: High melting point polymeric carrier without plasticizer is unacceptable for solid dispersion (SD) by melting method. Combined polymer-plasticizer carrier significantly affects drug solubility and tableting property of SD. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and optimize the combined effect of a binary carrier consisting PVP K30 and poloxamer 188, on nisoldipine solubility and tensile strength of amorphous SD compact (SDcompact) by experimental design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SD of nisoldpine (SDnisol) was prepared by melt mixing with different PVP K30 and poloxamer amount. A 32 factorial design was employed using nisoldipine solubility and tensile strength of SDcompact as response variables. Statistical optimization by design expert software, and SDnisol characterization using ATR FTIR, DSC and microscopy were done. RESULTS: PVP K30:poloxamer, at a ratio of 3.73:6.63, was selected as the optimized combination of binary polymeric carrier resulting nisoldipine solubility of 115 µg/mL and tensile strength of 1.19 N/m2. DISCUSSION: PVP K30 had significant positive effect on both responses. Increase in poloxamer concentration after a certain level decreased nisoldipine solubility and tensile strength of SDcompact. CONCLUSION: An optimized PVP K30-poloxamer binary composition for SD carrier was developed. Tensile strength of SDcompact can be considered as a response for experimental design to optimize SD.

Double-faced CX3CL1 enhances lymphangiogenesis-dependent metastasis in an aggressive subclone of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Because cancer cells have a genetically unstable nature, they give rise to genetically different variant subclones inside a single tumor. Understanding cancer heterogeneity and subclone characteristics is crucial for developing more efficacious therapies. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by high heterogeneity and plasticity. On the other hand, CX3C motif ligand 1 (CX3CL1) is a double-faced chemokine with anti- and pro-tumor functions. Our study reported that CX3CL1 functioned differently in tumors with different cancer phenotypes, both in vivo and in vitro. Mouse OSCC 1 (MOC1) and MOC2 cells responded similarly to CX3CL1 in vitro. However, in vivo, CX3CL1 increased keratinization in indolent MOC1 cancer, while CX3CL1 promoted cervical lymphatic metastasis in aggressive MOC2 cancer. These outcomes were due to double-faced CX3CL1 effects on different immune microenvironments indolent and aggressive cancer created. Furthermore, we established that CX3CL1 promoted cancer metastasis via the lymphatic pathway by stimulating lymphangiogenesis and transendothelial migration of lymph-circulating tumor cells. CX3CL1 enrichment in lymphatic metastasis tissues was observed in aggressive murine and human cell lines. OSCC patient samples with CX3CL1 enrichment exhibited a strong correlation with lower overall survival rates and higher recurrence and distant metastasis rates. In conclusion, CX3CL1 is a pivotal factor that stimulates the metastasis of aggressive cancer subclones within the heterogeneous tumors to metastasize, and our study demonstrates the prognostic value of CX3CL1 enrichment in long-term monitoring in OSCC.

Comprehensive evaluation of malaria reactive surveillance and response strategies in Lao People's Democratic Republic: a mixed-methods study.

OBJECTIVES: To achieve malaria elimination by 2030, the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) adopted a reactive surveillance and response (RASR) strategy of malaria case notification within 1 day, case investigation and classification within 3 days and foci investigation and response within 7 days. It is important to evaluate the performance and feasibility of RASR implementation in Lao PDR so that the strategy may be optimised and better contribute towards the goal of malaria elimination. DESIGN: A mixed-methods study comprising of secondary data analysis of routinely collected malaria surveillance data, quantitative surveys and qualitative consultations was conducted in 2022. SETTING: Primary data collections for quantitative surveys and qualitative consultations were conducted in Huaphan, Khammouane, Luangprabang and Savannakhet Provinces of Lao PDR. PARTICIPANTS: Quantitative surveys were conducted among malaria programme stakeholders and service providers. Qualitative interviews were conducted with malaria programme stakeholders, and focus group discussions with malaria programme stakeholders, service providers and mobile and migrant populations (MMPs). OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes of interests were awareness and acceptability of current RASR activities by different group of participants, implementation, performance and feasibility of RASR activities including enablers and barriers. RESULTS: In Lao PDR, malaria programme stakeholders and service providers were aware of RASR; however, these activities were not well known in MMPs. Respectively, the timeliness of case notification and case investigation was 0.0% and 15.6% in 2018 but increased to 98.0% and 98.6% in 2022. Implementation of RASR was acceptable to the malaria programme stakeholders and service providers, and continued implementation was perceived as feasible. Nevertheless, issues such as low level of community awareness, high level of migration and limitations in health system capacity were identified. CONCLUSION: Overall, the timeliness of case notification and investigation in Lao PDR was high, and malaria programme stakeholders and service providers had positive opinions on RASR. However, some operational and health system-related barriers were identified, which need to be addressed to improve the performance of RASR in Lao PDR.

Boosting the photoelectrochemical performance of bismuth vanadate photoanode through homojunction construction.

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) suffers from sluggish charge mobility and substantial charge recombination losses due to its intrinsic defect. To rectify the problem, we developed a novel approach to prepare an n-n+ type II BVOac-BVOal homojunction with staggered band alignment. This architecture involves a built-in electric field that facilitating the electron-hole separation at the BVOac/BVOal interface. As a result, the BVOac-BVOal homojunction shows superior photocurrent density up to 3.6 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) with 0.1 M sodium sulfite as the hole scavenger, which is 3 times higher than that of the single-layer BiVO4 photoanode. Unlike the previous efforts that modifying the PEC performance of BiVO4 photoanodes through incorporating heteroatoms, the highly-efficient BVOac-BVOal homojunction was achieved without incorporating any heteroatoms in this work. The remarkable PEC activity of the BVOac-BVOal homojunction highlights the tremendous importance of reducing the charge recombination rate at the interface by constructing the homojunction and offers an effective strategy to form the heteroatoms-free BiVO4 thin film as an efficient photoanode material for practical PEC applications.

Relationship between CGM-derived nocturnal hypoglycemia and subjective sleep quality in people with type 1 diabetes.

This pilot study explores the relationship between nocturnal hypoglycemia (NH) and subjective sleep quality in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Twenty-seven adults with T1D wore a Freestyle Libre Pro CGM and recorded subjective sleep quality daily, as assessed by a single Likert scale question. Frequency, duration, area under the curve (AUC) of NH (00:00-06:00) defined as sensor glucose below threshold (< 3.9 mmol/L; < 3 mmol/L) for ≥ 15 min, nocturnal mean glucose, Time in Range (3.9-10 mmol/L), and coefficient of variation were calculated. Twenty-seven adults, 18 (66.7%) women, with median (IQR) age of 27 (26, 32) years and HbA1c of 7.6 (7.1, 8.1) participated. Nights with NH < 3.9 mmol/L resulted in a lower (worse) sleep score than nights without NH [Mean (SD): 3.3 (1.2) vs 3.5 (1.0), p = 0.03). A higher frequency and longer duration but not AUC [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.52 (0.38, 0.72), 0.961 (0.932, 0.991), 0.999 (0.998, 1.001) respectively)], of NH < 3.9 mmol/L, were associated with a lower sleep score. NH < 3.0 mmol/L metrics were not associated with sleep quality. Recurrent NH < 3.9 mmol/L, rather than prolonged NH < 3.0 mmol/L, seems associated with subjective sleep quality, implying that those with the highest burden of NH are likely unaware of it.

Association of Smartphone-Based Activity Tracking and Nocturnal Hypoglycemia in People With Type 1 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Nocturnal hypoglycemia (NH) remains a major burden for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Daytime physical activity (PA) increases the risk of NH. This pilot study tested whether cumulative daytime PA measured using a smartphone-based step tracker was associated with NH. METHODS: Adults with T1D for ≥ 5 years (y) on multiple daily insulin or continuous insulin infusion, not using continuous glucose monitoring and HbA1c 6 to 10% wore blinded Freestyle Libre Pro sensors and recorded total daily carbohydrate (TDC) and total daily dose (TDD) of insulin. During this time, daily step count (DSC) was tracked using the smartphone-based Fitbit MobileTrack application. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of DSC on NH (sensor glucose <70, <54 mg/dl for ≥15 minutes), while adjusting for TDC and TDD of insulin, and treating participants as a random effect. RESULTS: Twenty-six adults, with 65.4% females, median age 27 years (interquartile range: 26-32) mean body mass index 23.9 kg/m2, median HbA1c 7.6% (7.1-8.1) and mean Gold Score 2.1 (standard deviation 1.0) formed the study population. The median DSC for the whole group was 2867 (1820-4807). There was a significant effect of DSC on NH episodes <70 mg/dl. (odds ratio 1.11 [95% CI: 1.01-1.23, P = .04]. There was no significant effect on NH <54 mg/dl. CONCLUSION: Daily PA measured by a smartphone-based step tracker was associated with the risk of NH in people with type 1 diabetes.

Enzyme-Cleaved Bone Marrow Transplantation Improves the Engraftment of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is a promising approach to curing bone diseases and disorders. In treating genetic bone disorders, MSC therapy is local or systemic transplantation of isolated and in vitro proliferated MSC rather than bone marrow transplantation. Recent evidence showed that bone marrow MSC engraftment to bone regeneration has been controversial in animal and human studies. Here, our modified bone marrow transplantation (BMT) method solved this problem. Like routine BMT, our modified method involves three steps: (i) isolation of bone marrow cells from the donor, (ii) whole-body lethal irradiation to the recipient, and (iii) injection of isolated bone marrow cells into irradiated recipient mice via the tail vein. The significant modification is imported at the bone marrow isolation step. While the bone marrow cells are flushed out from the bone marrow with the medium in routine BMT, we applied the enzymes' (collagenase type 4 and dispase) integrated medium to wash out the bone marrow cells. Then, cells were incubated in enzyme integrated solution at 37°C for 10 minutes. This modification designated BMT as collagenase-integrated BMT (c-BMT). Notably, successful engraftment of bone marrow MSC to the new bone formation, such as osteoblasts and chondrocytes, occurs in c-BMT mice, whereas routine BMT mice do not recruit bone marrow MSC. Indeed, flow cytometry data showed that c-BMT includes a higher proportion of LepR+, CD51+, or RUNX2+ non-hematopoietic cells than BMT. These findings suggested that c-BMT is a time-efficient and more reliable technique that ensures the disaggregation and collection of bone marrow stem cells and engraftment of bone marrow MSC to the recipient. Hence, we proposed that c-BMT might be a promising approach to curing genetic bone disorders. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Quantitative mapping of reversible mitochondrial Complex I cysteine oxidation in a Parkinson disease mouse model.

Differential cysteine oxidation within mitochondrial Complex I has been quantified in an in vivo oxidative stress model of Parkinson disease. We developed a strategy that incorporates rapid and efficient immunoaffinity purification of Complex I followed by differential alkylation and quantitative detection using sensitive mass spectrometry techniques. This method allowed us to quantify the reversible cysteine oxidation status of 34 distinct cysteine residues out of a total 130 present in murine Complex I. Six Complex I cysteine residues were found to display an increase in oxidation relative to controls in brains from mice undergoing in vivo glutathione depletion. Three of these residues were found to reside within iron-sulfur clusters of Complex I, suggesting that their redox state may affect electron transport function.

Examining School Based Health Service Utilization Among Marginalized Youth in Connecticut During COVID.

PURPOSE: This study examines how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is affecting utilization of medical and behavioral health services through school based health centers (SBHC s). METHODS: We leveraged the electronic health records from one of the largest sponsors of SBHCs in the country, and tested differences in SBHC utilization with chi-square tests one year prior to the pandemic (pre-pandemic: March 2019-February 2020) compared to one year into the pandemic period (March 2020-February 2021). RESULTS: A significant difference in SBHC utilization was found between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods (P <.001). 63.5% of SBHC patients accessed medical services pre-pandemic compared to 51.2% during the pandemic. In contrast, 36.5% of SBHC patients accessed behavioral services pre-pandemic compared to 48.8% during the pandemic, representing a 12.3% increase in SBHC behavioral service utilization since the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: SBHCs may serve as an invaluable means of ensuring youth, particularly those from disadvantaged communities, have access to needed behavioral health services during the current public health crisis.

Biocompatible Supramolecular Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as the Next-Generation Drug Delivery System.

Supramolecular mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) offer distinct properties as opposed to micron-sized silica particles in terms of their crystal structure, morphology-porosity, toxicity, biological effects, and others. MSN biocompatibility has touched the pharmaceutical realm to exploit its robust synthesis pathway for delivery of various therapeutic molecules including macromolecules and small-molecule drugs. This article provides a brief review of MSN history followed by special emphasis on the influencing factors affecting morphology-porosity characteristics. Its applications as the next-generation drug delivery system (NGDDS) particularly in a controlled release dosage form via an oral drug delivery system are also presented and shall be highlighted as oral delivery is the most convenient route of drug administration with the economical cost of development through to scale-up for clinical trials and market launch.