ABO and Rhesus blood groups and multiple health outcomes: an umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood groups and various health outcomes. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the robustness of these associations is still lacking. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and several regional databases from their inception until Feb 16, 2024, with the aim of identifying systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies exploring associations between ABO and Rh blood groups and diverse health outcomes. For each association, we calculated the summary effect sizes, corresponding 95% confidence intervals, 95% prediction interval, heterogeneity, small-study effect, and evaluation of excess significance bias. The evidence was evaluated on a grading scale that ranged from convincing (Class I) to weak (Class IV). We assessed the certainty of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria (GRADE). We also evaluated the methodological quality of included studies using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). AMSTAR contains 11 items, which were scored as high (8-11), moderate (4-7), and low (0-3) quality. We have gotten the registration for protocol on the PROSPERO database (CRD42023409547). RESULTS: The current umbrella review included 51 systematic reviews with meta-analysis articles with 270 associations. We re-calculated each association and found only one convincing evidence (Class I) for an association between blood group B and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk compared with the non-B blood group. It had a summary odds ratio of 1.28 (95% confidence interval: 1.17, 1.40), was supported by 6870 cases with small heterogeneity (I2 = 13%) and 95% prediction intervals excluding the null value, and without hints of small-study effects (P for Egger's test > 0.10, but the largest study effect was not more conservative than the summary effect size) or excess of significance (P < 0.10, but the value of observed less than expected). And the article was demonstrated with high methodological quality using AMSTAR (score = 9). According to AMSTAR, 18, 32, and 11 studies were categorized as high, moderate, and low quality, respectively. Nine statistically significant associations reached moderate quality based on GRADE. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a potential relationship between ABO and Rh blood groups and adverse health outcomes. Particularly the association between blood group B and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk.

Self-Assembled Nanoparticles from the Amphiphilic Prodrug of Resiquimod for Improved Cancer Immunotherapy.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) usually adopt a tumor-promoting M2-like phenotype, which largely impedes the immune response and therapeutic efficacy of solid tumors. Repolarizing TAMs from M2 to the antitumor M1 phenotype is crucial for reshaping the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME). Herein, we developed self-assembled nanoparticles from the polymeric prodrug of resiquimod (R848) to reprogram the TIME for robust cancer immunotherapy. The polymeric prodrug was constructed by conjugating the R848 derivative to terminal amino groups of the linear dendritic polymer composed of linear poly(ethylene glycol) and lysine dendrimer. The amphiphilic prodrug self-assembled into nanoparticles (PLRS) of around 35 nm with a spherical morphology. PLRS nanoparticles could be internalized by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in vitro and thus efficiently repolarized macrophages from M2 to M1 and facilitated the maturation of APCs. In addition, PLRS significantly inhibited tumor growth in the 4T1 orthotopic breast cancer model with much lower systemic side effects. Mechanistic studies suggested that PLRS significantly stimulated the TIME by repolarizing TAMs into the M1 phenotype and increased the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells into the tumor. This study provides an effective polymeric prodrug-based strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of R848 in cancer immunotherapy.

Human ß-defensin-1 affects the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and autophagy in colon cancer cells through long non-coding RNA TCONS_00014506.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer has a low 5-year survival rate and high mortality. Human ß-defensin-1 (hBD-1) may play an integral function in the innate immune system, contributing to the recognition and destruction of cancer cells. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the process of cell differentiation and growth. AIM: To investigate the effect of hBD-1 on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and autophagy in human colon cancer SW620 cells. METHODS: CCK8 assay was utilized for the detection of cell proliferation and determination of the optimal drug concentration. Colony formation assay was employed to assess the effect of hBD-1 on SW620 cell proliferation. Bioinformatics was used to screen potentially biologically significant lncRNAs related to the mTOR pathway. Additionally, p-mTOR (Ser2448), Beclin1, and LC3II/I expression levels in SW620 cells were assessed through Western blot analysis. RESULTS: hBD-1 inhibited the proliferative ability of SW620 cells, as evidenced by the reduction in the colony formation capacity of SW620 cells upon exposure to hBD-1. hBD-1 decreased the expression of p-mTOR (Ser2448) protein and increased the expression of Beclin1 and LC3II/I protein. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis identified seven lncRNAs (2 upregulated and 5 downregulated) related to the mTOR pathway. The lncRNA TCONS_00014506 was ultimately selected. Following the inhibition of the lncRNA TCONS_00014506, exposure to hBD-1 inhibited p-mTOR (Ser2448) and promoted Beclin1 and LC3II/I protein expression. CONCLUSION: hBD-1 inhibits the mTOR pathway and promotes autophagy by upregulating the expression of the lncRNA TCONS_00014506 in SW620 cells.

Functional study of the soybean stamen-preferentially expressed gene GmFLA22a in regulating male fertility.

China has a high dependence on soybean imports, yield increase at a faster rate is an urgent problem that need to be solved at present. The application of heterosis is one of the effective ways to significantly increase crop yield. In recent years, the development of an intelligent male sterility system based on recessive nuclear sterile genes has provided a potential solution for rapidly harnessing the heterosis in soybean. However, research on male sterility genes in soybean has been lagged behind. Based on transcriptome data of soybean floral organs in our research group, a soybean stamen-preferentially expressed gene GmFLA22a was identified. It encodes a fasciclin-like arabinogalactan protein with the FAS1 domain, and subcellular localization studies revealed that it may play roles in the endoplasmic reticulum. Take advantage of the gene editing technology, the Gmfla22a mutant was generated in this study. However, there was a significant reduction in the seed-setting rate in the mutant plants at the reproductive growth stage. The pollen viability and germination rate of Gmfla22a mutant plants showed no apparent abnormalities. Histological staining demonstrated that the release of pollen grains in the mutant plants was delayed and incomplete, which may due to the locule wall thickening in the anther development. This could be the reason of the reduced seed-setting rate in Gmfla22a mutants. In summary, our study has preliminarily revealed that GmFLA22a may be involved in regulating soybean male fertility. It provides crucial genetic materials for further uncovering its molecular function and gene resources and theoretical basis for the utilization of heterosis in soybean.

The Profound Influence of Gut Microbiome and Extracellular Vesicles on Animal Health and Disease.

The animal gut microbiota, comprising a diverse array of microorganisms, plays a pivotal role in shaping host health and physiology. This review explores the intricate dynamics of the gut microbiome in animals, focusing on its composition, function, and impact on host-microbe interactions. The composition of the intestinal microbiota in animals is influenced by the host ecology, including factors such as temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and nutrient availability, as well as genetic makeup, diet, habitat, stressors, and husbandry practices. Dysbiosis can lead to various gastrointestinal and immune-related issues in animals, impacting overall health and productivity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes derived from gut microbiota, play a crucial role in intercellular communication, influencing host health by transporting bioactive molecules across barriers like the intestinal and brain barriers. Dysregulation of the gut-brain axis has implications for various disorders in animals, highlighting the potential role of microbiota-derived EVs in disease progression. Therapeutic approaches to modulate gut microbiota, such as probiotics, prebiotics, microbial transplants, and phage therapy, offer promising strategies for enhancing animal health and performance. Studies investigating the effects of phage therapy on gut microbiota composition have shown promising results, with potential implications for improving animal health and food safety in poultry production systems. Understanding the complex interactions between host ecology, gut microbiota, and EVs provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying host-microbe interactions and their impact on animal health and productivity. Further research in this field is essential for developing effective therapeutic interventions and management strategies to promote gut health and overall well-being in animals.

Unseen Weapons: Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles and the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance in Aquatic Environments.

This paper sheds light on the alarming issue of antibiotic resistance (ABR) in aquatic environments, exploring its detrimental effects on ecosystems and public health. It examines the multifaceted role of antibiotic use in aquaculture, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste in fostering the development and dissemination of resistant bacteria. The intricate interplay between various environmental factors, horizontal gene transfer, and bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) in accelerating the spread of ABR is comprehensively discussed. Various BEVs carrying resistance genes like blaCTX-M, tetA, floR, and sul/I, as well as their contribution to the dominance of multidrug-resistant bacteria, are highlighted. The potential of BEVs as both a threat and a tool in combating ABR is explored, with promising strategies like targeted antimicrobial delivery systems and probiotic-derived EVs holding significant promise. This paper underscores the urgency of understanding the intricate interplay between BEVs and ABR in aquatic environments. By unraveling these unseen weapons, we pave the way for developing effective strategies to mitigate the spread of ABR, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach that includes stringent regulations, enhanced wastewater treatment, and the adoption of sustainable practices in aquaculture.

The new N2, N4-diphenylpyridine-2,4-diamine deuterated derivatives as EGFR inhibitors to overcome C797S-mediated resistance.

A series of new deuterated and non-deuterated N2, N4-diphenylpyridine - 2,4-diamine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as EGFR C797S-mediated resistance inhibitors. Most of these compounds exhibited potent antiproliferative activity against Baf3-EGFR L858R/T790M/C797S and Baf3-EGFR Del19/T790M/C797S cancel cell lines, with IC50 values in the nanomolar concentration range. Among them, compound 14l represented the most active compound with IC50 values of 8-11 nM. Interestingly, metabolic stability assay with rat liver microsomes indicated that the half-life of the deuterated derivative 14o was significantly increased compared to that of 14l. In xenograft mice models, 14o inhibited tumor growth with excellent inhibitory rate of 75.1 % at the dosage of 40 mg/kg, comparing 73.2 % of the TGI with its non-deuterated compound 14l, at a dosage of 80 mg/kg. Mechanism studies revealed that 14o was a potent EGFR L858R/T790M/C797S and EGFR Del19/T790M/C797S kinase inhibitor, which could downregulate the protein phosphorylation of EGFR and m-TOR signaling pathways, arrest cell cycle at G2/M phase by affecting the expression of CDC25C, and promote cell apoptosis by regulating the expression of cleaved caspase-3. In summary, 14o could serve as a promising deuterated compound for the development of highly efficient anticancer agents.

Upregulation of p300 in paclitaxel-resistant TNBC: implications for cell proliferation via the PCK1/AMPK axis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of p300 in the context of paclitaxel (PTX) resistance in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, focusing on its interaction with the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1)/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. METHODS: The expression of p300 and PCK1 at the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) level was detected using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The GeneCards and GEPIA databases were used to investigate the relationship between p300 and PCK1. The MDA-MB-231/PTX cell line, known for its PTX resistance, was chosen to understand the specific role of p300 in such cells. The Lipofectamine™ 3000 reagent was used to transfer the p300 small interfering RNA and the overexpression of PCK1 plasmid into MDA-MB-231/PTX. The expression levels of p300, PCK1, 5'AMPK and phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK) were determined using the western blot test. RESULTS: In TNBC cancer tissue, the expression of p300 was increased compared with TNBC paracancerous tissue (P < 0.05). In the MDA-MB-231 cell line of TNBC, the expression of p300 was lower than in the PTX-resistant TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231/PTX) (P < 0.05). The PCK1 expression was decreased in the TNBC cancer tissue compared with TNBC paracancerous tissue, and the PCK1 expression was reduced in MDA-MB-231/PTX than in MDA-MB-231 (P < 0.05) indicating that PCK1 was involved in the resistance function. Additionally, p-AMPK was decreased in MDA-MB-231/PTX compared with MDA-MB-231 (P < 0.05). The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level was also detected and was significantly lower in MDA-MB-231/PTX than in MDA-MB-231 (P < 0.05). Additionally, cell proliferation increased significantly in MDA-MB-231/PTX at 48 and 72 h (P < 0.05) suggesting that MDA-MB-231/PTX cells obtained the resistance function which was associated with AMPK and ATP level. When p300 was inhibited, p-AMPK and ATP levels elevated in MDA-MB-231/PTX (P < 0.05). When PCK1 was suppressed, the ATP consumption rate decreased, and cell proliferation increased (P < 0.05). However, there were no changes in p300. CONCLUSIONS: In MDA-MB-231/PTX, p300 can inhibit p-AMPK and ATP levels by inhibiting PCK1 expression. Our findings suggest that targeting p300 could modulate the PCK1/AMPK axis, offering a potential therapeutic avenue for overcoming PTX resistance in TNBC.

SHP-1 Regulates CD8+ T Cell Effector Function but Plays a Subtle Role with SHP-2 in T Cell Exhaustion Due to a Stage-Specific Nonredundant Functional Relay.

SHP-1 (Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1) is a well-known negative regulator of T cells, whereas its close homolog SHP-2 is the long-recognized main signaling mediator of the PD-1 inhibitory pathway. However, recent studies have challenged the requirement of SHP-2 in PD-1 signaling, and follow-up studies further questioned the alternative idea that SHP-1 may replace SHP-2 in its absence. In this study, we systematically investigate the role of SHP-1 alone or jointly with SHP-2 in CD8+ T cells in a series of gene knockout mice. We show that although SHP-1 negatively regulates CD8+ T cell effector function during acute lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, it is dispensable for CD8+ T cell exhaustion during chronic LCMV infection. Moreover, in contrast to the mortality of PD-1 knockout mice upon chronic LCMV infection, mice double deficient for SHP-1 and SHP-2 in CD8+ T cells survived without immunopathology. Importantly, CD8+ T cells lacking both phosphatases still differentiate into exhausted cells and respond to PD-1 blockade. Finally, we found that SHP-1 and SHP-2 suppressed effector CD8+ T cell expansion at the early and late stages, respectively, during chronic LCMV infection.

Spatial proteomics of immune microenvironment in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: NASH-HCC is inherently resistant to immune checkpoint blockade, but its tumor immune microenvironment is largely unknown. APPROACH AND RESULTS: We applied the imaging mass cytometry to construct a spatially resolved single-cell atlas from the formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections from patients with NASH-HCC, virus-HCC (HBV-HCC and HCV-HCC), and healthy donors. Based on 35 biomarkers, over 750,000 individual cells were categorized into 13 distinct cell types, together with the expression of key immune functional markers. Higher infiltration of T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSCs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in HCC compared to controls. The distribution of immune cells in NASH-HCC is spatially heterogeneous, enriched at adjacent normal tissues and declined toward tumors. Cell-cell connections analysis revealed the interplay of MDSCs and TAMs with CD8 + T cells in NASH-HCC. In particular, exhausted programmed cell death 1 (PD-1 + )CD8 + T cells connected with programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1 + )/inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS + ) MDSCs and TAMs in NASH-HCC, but not in viral HCC. In contrast, CD4 + /CD8 + T cells with granzyme B positivity were reduced in NASH-HCC. Tumor cells expressed low PD-L1 and showed few connections with immune cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our work provides the first detailed spatial map of single-cell phenotypes and multicellular connections in NASH-HCC. We demonstrate that interactions between MDSCs and TAMs with effector T cells underlie immunosuppression in NASH-HCC and are an actionable target.

A New Floating Piezoelectric Microphone for Fully Implantable Cochlear Implants in Middle Ear.

OBJECTIVE: Our team designed a long-lasting, well-sealed microphone, which uses laser welding and vacuum packaging technology. This study examined the sensitivity and effectiveness of this new floating piezoelectric microphone (NFPM) designed for totally implantable cochlear implants (TICIs) in animal experiments and intraoperative testing. METHODS: Different NFPM frequency responses from 0.25 to 10 kHz at 90 dB SPL were analyzed using in vivo testing of cats and human patients. The NFPM was tested in different positions that were clamped to the ossicular chains or placed in the tympanic cavity of cats and human patients. Two volunteers' long incus foot and four cats' malleus neck of the ossicular chain were clamped with the NSFM. The output electrical signals from different locations were recorded, analyzed, and compared. The NFPM was removed after the test without causing any damage to the middle-ear structure of the cats. Intraoperative tests of the NFPM were performed during the cochlear implant surgery and the cochlear implant surgery was completed after all tests. RESULTS: Compared with the results in the tympanic cavity, the NFPM could detect the vibration from the ossicular chain more sensitively in cat experiments and intraoperative testing. We also found that the signal output level of the NFPM decreased as the acoustic stimulation strength decreased in the intraoperative testing. CONCLUSION: The NFPM is effective in the intraoperative testing, making it feasible as an implantable middle-ear microphone for TICIs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:937-944, 2024.

Tracking the extracellular and intracellular antibiotic resistance genes across whole year in wastewater of intensive dairy farm.

Monitoring the annual variation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in livestock wastewater is important for determining the high-risk period of transfer and spread of animal-derived antibiotic resistance into the environment. However, the knowledge regarding the variation patterns of ARGs, especially intracellular ARGs (iARGs) and extracellular ARGs (eARGs), over time in livestock wastewater is still unclear. Herein, we conducted a year-round study to trace the profiles of ARGs at a Chinese-intensive dairy farm, focusing on the shifts observed in different months. The results showed significant differences in the composition and variation between iARGs and eARGs. Tetracycline, sulfonamide, and macrolide resistance genes were the major types of iARGs, while cfr was the major type of eARG. The environmental adaptations of the host bacteria determine whether ARGs appear as intracellular or extracellular forms. The total abundance of ARGs was higher from April to September, which can be attributed to the favorable climatic conditions for bacterial colonization and increased antibiotic administration during this period. Integron was found to be highly correlated with most iARGs, potentially playing a role in the presence of these genes within cells and their similar transmission patterns in wastewater. The intracellular and extracellular bacterial communities were significantly different, primarily because of variations in bacterial adaptability to the high salt and anaerobic environment. The intracellular co-occurrence network indicated that some dominant genera in wastewater, such as Turicibacter, Clostridium IV, Cloacibacillus, Subdivision5_genera_incertae_sedis, Saccharibacteria_genera_incertae_sedis and Halomonas, were potential hosts for many ARGs. To the best of our knowledge, this study demonstrates, for the first time, the annual variation of ARGs at critical points in the reuse of dairy farm wastewater. It also offers valuable insights into the prevention and control of ARGs derived from animals.

Revealing the mechanism of quinoa on type 2 diabetes based on intestinal flora and taste pathways.

To investigate the antidiabetic effects and mechanisms of quinoa on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice model. In this context, we induced the T2DM mice model with a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozotocin (STZ), followed by treatment with a quinoa diet. To explore the impact of quinoa on the intestinal flora, we predicted and validated its potential mechanism of hypoglycemic effect through network pharmacology, molecular docking, western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). We found that quinoa could significantly improve abnormal glucolipid metabolism in T2DM mice. Further analysis showed that quinoa contributed to the improvement of gut microbiota composition positively. Moreover, it could downregulate the expression of TAS1R3 and TRPM5 in the colon. A total of 72 active components were identified by network pharmacology. Among them, TAS1R3 and TRPM5 were successfully docked with the core components of quinoa. These findings confirm that quinoa may exert hypoglycemic effects through gut microbiota and the TAS1R3/TRPM5 taste signaling pathway.

MHC class II regulation of CD8+ T cell tolerance and implications in autoimmunity and cancer immunotherapy.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-reactive CD8+ T cells are found in humans and animals, but little is known about their identity, development, and function. In this study, we discover a group of CD8+ T cells reactive to both MHC class I and II molecules in MHC class II-deficient mice. We clone their T cell receptors (TCRs) and analyze their development and function. In wild-type animals, thymocytes bearing those TCRs are purged by negative selection. In the absence of MHC class II, they develop into mature CD8+ T cells. When encountering MHC class II in the periphery, they undergo robust activation and proliferation, attack self-tissues, and cause lethal autoimmune diseases. In adoptive T cell therapy, those CD8+ T cells are able to efficiently control MHC class II-expressing tumors. This study opens the door to investigation of dual-reactive CD8+ T cells, their development and selection in the thymus, and the perils and promises when their normal development and selection are compromised.

Monoterpene indole alkaloids from Gelsemium elegans.

Two new monoterpene indole alkaloids, Eleganine A (1) and Eleganine B (2), along with 11 known compounds (3-13) were isolated from the stems and leaves of Gelsemium elegans. Compound 1 is a gelsenicine-related monoterpenoid indole alkaloid possessing an iridoid unit. Their structures and absolute configurations of 1-2 were established by UV, IR, HR-ESI-MS, NMR spectroscopy, and electronic circular dichroism data analyses. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and inhibiting glucose-induced mesanginal cell proliferation activities. None of them showed activity with IC50 far beyond 50 µM.

Monoterpene indole alkaloids from the roots of Alstonia rupestris and their anti-inflammatory activity.

Four new monoterpene indole alkaloids (1-4) together with twelve known alkaloids (5-16) were isolated from the roots of Alstonia rupestris. Compound 1 was the first example of C2-symmetric heteroyohimbine-type indole alkaloid homodimer obtained from natural plant resource. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by comparison of its calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. All compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities by measuring their NO inhibitory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Compound 2 showed strong NO inhibition with IC50 value of 4.2 ± 1.3 µM. Moreover, compound 2 could decrease the expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-ß1).

Characteristics of Malaysian 16-year-old girls who reported regular binge eating episodes and the associated risk factors: a descriptive study.

OBJECTIVES: Adolescents may suffer from binge eating (BE), that refers to consuming a large amount of food in a short period of time and accompanied by feelings of loss of control (LOC) over eating. This study compared the prevalence of BE between 16-year-old Malaysian girls from two types of public schools, Malay-English-medium and Chinese-Malay-English-medium schools. Additionally, this study identified associated risk factors of those who presented regular BE episodes, including LOC eating, anxiety, body mass index (BMI), body dissatisfaction (BD) and eating disorders (EDs) psychopathology. METHODS: 398 participants completed self-reports assessing BE symptoms, LOC eating, state anxiety, trait anxiety, EDs psychopathology, and BD. They also reported heights and weights. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and Z-test for independent proportions were conducted. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in either the prevalence of BE or EDs psychopathology between participants from the two types of schools. 71 (17.8 %) participants reported moderate-to-severe symptoms of BE, and 46 (11.6 %) reported moderate-to-severe levels of LOC eating. Those who reported moderate-to-severe symptoms of BE reported significantly higher levels of LOC eating, BD, drive to be thinner, BMI, state anxiety, and EDs psychopathology, compared to those who reported none-to-minimal BE. CONCLUSIONS: BE and LOC eating appeared to be relatively common among secondary school girls in Malaysia. The relatively high prevalence of BE amongst adolescents in our sample highlighted the importance of early identification of signs for BE as preventive measures from developing EDs psychopathology among children and adolescents. We propose that attitudes towards eating and body image-related concerns should be included in school screenings aimed at preventing psychological problems in minors.

Preparation of Fibrinogen-Depleted Human Platelet Lysate to Support Heparin-Free Expansion of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Human platelet lysate (hPL) has high levels of fibrinogen and coagulation factors, which can lead to gel and precipitate formation during storage and cell culture. Heparin derived from animals is commonly added to minimize these risks, but cannot completely eliminate them. Thus, this study proposes an alternative method to prepare fibrinogen-depleted hPL (Fd-hPL) that supports heparin-free expansion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). hPL was added to heparin to prepare heparin-hPL (H-hPL), whilst Fd-hPL was prepared by adding calcium salt to hPL to remove the fibrin clot. The concentrations of calcium, fibrinogen, and growth factors in H-hPL and Fd-hPL were compared. The effects of H-hPL and Fd-hPL on umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) were assessed. The results showed that Fd-hPL possessed a significantly higher calcium concentration and a lower fibrinogen level than H-hPL. The concentrations of BDNF, TGF-ß1, and PDGF-BB showed no significant difference between H-hPL and Fd-hPL, but Fd-hPL had a lower VEGF concentration. Fd-hPL retained the characteristics of UC-MSCs, as it did not affect the cell viability, proliferation, multilineage differentiation potential, or surface marker expression. In conclusion, Fd-hPL effectively supported the in vitro expansion of MSCs without compromising their characteristics, positioning it as a potential substitute for FBS in MSC culture.

The Role and Mechanism of MicroRNA 21 in Osteogenesis: An Update.

MicroRNAs are short, single-stranded ribonucleic acids expressed endogenously in the body to regulate gene expression at the post-translational level, with exogenous microRNA offering an attractive approach to therapy. Among the myriad microRNA candidates involved in controlling bone homeostasis and remodeling, microRNA 21 (miR21) is the most abundant. This paper discusses the studies conducted on the role and mechanism of human miR21 (hsa-miR21) in the regulation of bones and the various pathways mediated by miR21, and explores the feasibility of employing exogenous miR21 as a strategy for promoting osteogenesis. From the literature review, it was clear that miR21 plays a dual role in bone metabolism by regulating both bone formation and bone resorption. There is substantial evidence to date from both in vitro and in vivo studies that exogenous miR21 can successfully accelerate new bone synthesis in the context of bone loss due to injury or osteoporosis. This supports the exploration of applications of exogenous miR21 in bone regenerative therapy in the future.

New cyclic C-geranylflavanones isolated from Paulownia fortunei fruits with their anti-proliferative effects on three cancer cell lines.

Seven new C-geranylated flavanones, fortunones F - L (1-7), were isolated from the fresh mature fruits of Paulownia fortunei (Seem.) Hemsl. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic data interpretation (UV, IR, HRMS, NMR, and CD). These new isolated compounds were all with a cyclic side chain modified from the geranyl group. Among them, compounds 1-3 all possessed a dicyclic geranyl modification, which was described firstly for Paulownia C-geranylated flavonoids. All the isolated compounds were subjected to the cytotoxic assay on human lung cancer cell A549, mouse prostate cancer cell RM1 and human bladder cancer cell T24, respectively. Results indicated A549 cell line was more sensitive to C-geranylated flavanones than the other two cancer cell lines and compounds 1, 7 and 8 exhibited potential anti-tumor effects (IC50 ˂ 10 µM). Further research revealed the effective C-geranylated flavanones could exert their anti-proliferative activity on A549 cells by inducing apoptosis and blocking cells in G1 phase.