Air-jet spun tissue engineering scaffolds incorporated with diamond nanosheets with improved mechanical strength and biocompatibility.

The development of highly porous cell supportive polymeric scaffolds with sufficient mechanical strength has always been a challenging task in tissue engineering. The widely used nanofiber fabrication methods like electrospinning are time consuming and the obtained nanofibrous scaffolds are generally consist of compactly packed fibers, which affect proper cell penetration. On the other hand, air-jet spinning is an upcoming, less explored alternative approach for generating loosely arranged nanofibrous scaffolds within short time. However, air-jet spun scaffolds show inferior mechanical properties due to loosely organized fibers. Herein, we report the fabrication and detailed characterization of polycaprolactone (PCL) tissue engineering scaffolds loaded with diamond nanosheets (DNS) by air-jet spinning. Our results showed that the inclusion of DNS could improve the mechanical strength of the scaffolds. In vitro biocompatibility, and in vivo implantation studies demonstrated that PCL-DNS scaffolds are highly biocompatible and are suitable for tissue engineering applications. Our studies showed that mammalian cells can proliferate well in the presence of PCL-DNS scaffolds and the nanocomposite scaffolds implanted in rats did not show any considerable adverse effects. Overall, the findings show that the developed novel air-jet spun PCL-DNS nanocomposite scaffolds can be used as cell supportive scaffolds for various tissue engineering applications.

Natural Products as Anticancer Agents.

Medicinal plants and mushrooms have always fascinated the world as an attractive source of natural compounds for cancer therapy. From ancient times, they have been valued as gourmet food and folk medicine in Oriental practice. For over 40 years, the world has witnessed the overwhelming interest of the western scientific fraternity in the pharmaceutical potential of natural products in combating cancer. The plants and mushrooms credited with success against angiogenesis and cancer metastasis belong to certain Plants, including Catharanthus roseus, Aloe Vera,Annona muricata,Curcuma longa, Withania somnifera, and Berberis and mushrooms such as Agaricus, Antrodia, Ganoderma, Grifolafrondosa, Hericiumerinaceus, Phellinuslinteus, and Trametesversicolor Coriolusversicolor. The anti-cancer compounds play a pivotal role as a free radical scavenger and reactive oxygen species inducer, mitotic spindle kinase inhibitor, anti-mitotic, angiogenesis inhibitor, topoisomerase inhibitor, apoptosis inducers, and eventually checking cancer invasion, migration and proliferation. The present review updates and focuses on the recent findings of the pharmacologically potential bioactive compounds, their anti-tumor potential, and underlying mechanism of preventing cancer metastasis and angiogenesis in order to raise knowledge for further investigations to develop cancer therapeutics with no adverse side effects The mounting experimental evidence at pre-clinical and clinical levels from various research groups across the globe, regarding prevention of cancer metastasis by natural products unarguably make it a fast-track research area worth mass attention.

Growth factor loaded in situ photocrosslinkable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/gelatin methacryloyl hybrid patch for diabetic wound healing.

Management of chronic diabetic ulcers remains as a major challenge in healthcare which requires extensive multidisciplinary approaches to ensure wound protection, management of excess wound exudates and promoting healing. Developing wound healing patches that can act as a protective barrier and support healing is highly needed to manage chronic diabetic ulcers. In order to boost the wound healing potential of patch material, bioactive agents such as growth factors can be used. Porous membranes made of nanofibers generated using electrospinning have potential for application as wound coverage matrices. However, electrospun membranes produced from several biodegradable polymers are hydrophobic and cannot manage the excess exudates produced by chronic wounds. Gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels absorb excess exudates and provide an optimal biological environment for the healing wound. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) promotes cell migration, angiogenesis and overall wound healing. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) membranes provide microbial, thermal and mechanical barrier properties to the wound healing patch. Herein, we developed a biodegradable polymeric patch based on the combination of mechanically stable electrospun PHBV, GelMA hydrogel and EGF for promoting diabetic wound healing. In vitro and in vivo studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of developed patches on cell proliferation, cell migration, angiogenesis and wound healing. Our results showed that EGF loaded patches can promote the migration and proliferation of multiple types of cells (keratinocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells) and enhance angiogenesis. In situ development of the patch and subsequent in vivo wound healing study in diabetic rats showed that EGF loaded patches provide rapid healing compared to control wounds. Interestingly, 100 ng EGF per cm2 of the patches was enough to provide favourable cellular response, angiogenesis and rapid diabetic wound healing. Overall results indicate that EGF loaded PHBV-GelMA hybrid patch could be a promising approach to promote diabetic wound healing.

Rapid Antibody-Based COVID-19 Mass Surveillance: Relevance, Challenges, and Prospects in a Pandemic and Post-Pandemic World.

The aggressive outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) as COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) pandemic demands rapid and simplified testing tools for its effective management. Increased mass testing and surveillance are crucial for controlling the disease spread, obtaining better pandemic statistics, and developing realistic epidemiological models. Despite the advantages of nucleic acid- and antigen-based tests such as accuracy, specificity, and non-invasive approaches of sample collection, they can only detect active infections. Antibodies (immunoglobulins) are produced by the host immune system within a few days after infection and persist in the blood for at least several weeks after infection resolution. Antibody-based tests have provided a substitute and effective method of ultra-rapid detection for multiple contagious disease outbreaks in the past, including viral diseases such as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome). Thus, although not highly suitable for early diagnosis, antibody-based methods can be utilized to detect past infections hidden in the population, including asymptomatic ones. In an active community spread scenario of a disease that can provide a bigger window for mass detections and a practical approach for continuous surveillance. These factors encouraged researchers to investigate means of improving antibody-based rapid tests and employ them as reliable, reproducible, sensitive, specific, and economic tools for COVID-19 mass testing and surveillance. The development and integration of such immunoglobulin-based tests can transform the pandemic diagnosis by moving the same out of the clinics and laboratories into community testing sites and homes. This review discusses the principle, technology, and strategies being used in antibody-based testing at present. It also underlines the immense prospect of immunoglobulin-based testing and the efficacy of repeated planned deployment in pandemic management and post-pandemic sustainable screenings globally.

Cerium Oxide Nanoparticle Incorporated Electrospun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Membranes for Diabetic Wound Healing Applications.

Insufficient cell proliferation, cell migration, and angiogenesis are among the major causes for nonhealing of chronic diabetic wounds. Incorporation of cerium oxide nanoparticles (nCeO2) in wound dressings can be a promising approach to promote angiogenesis and healing of diabetic wounds. In this paper, we report the development of a novel nCeO2 containing electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) membrane for diabetic wound healing applications. In vitro cell adhesion studies, chicken embryo angiogenesis assay, and in vivo diabetic wound healing studies were performed to assess the cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and wound healing potential of the developed membranes. The experimental results showed that nCeO2 containing PHBV membranes can promote cell proliferation and cell adhesion when used as wound dressings. For less than 1% w/w of nCeO2 content, human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) were adhered parallel to the individual fibers of PHBV. For higher than 1% w/w of nCeO2 content, cells started to flatten and spread over the fibers. In ovo angiogenic assay showed the ability of nCeO2 incorporated PHBV membranes to enhance blood vessel formation. In vivo wound healing study in diabetic rats confirmed the wound healing potential of nCeO2 incorporated PHBV membranes. The study suggests that nCeO2 incorporated PHBV membranes have strong potential to be used as wound dressings to enhance cell proliferation and vascularization and promote the healing of diabetic wounds.

Historical and current perspectives on therapeutic potential of higher basidiomycetes: an overview.

Mushrooms are macroscopic fungi which can be either epigeous or hypogeous and is estimated to be 140,000 on earth, yet only 10% are known. Since ancient time, it played a diverse role in human history for mycolatry, mycophagy and as medicine in folklore and religion. Many Asian and western countries consider mushrooms as panacea for a large number of diseases and utilized for consumption as a gourmet food for its taste as well as flavor. In recent years, scientific research fraternities have confirmed that various extracts and metabolites of mushrooms used traditionally are able to treat a wide range of diseases due to their balanced modulation of multiple targets thereby providing a greater therapeutic effect or equivalent curative effect to that of modern medicine. Medicinal mushrooms especially those belonging to higher basidiomycete groups are reservoir of bioactive compounds with multiple therapeutic properties. The present review provides historical importance as well as an updated information on pharmacologically relevant higher basidiomycetes belong to the genus Agaricus, Auricularia, Phellinus, Ganoderma, Pleurotus, Trametes and Lentinus and their biologically active secondary metabolites. This will help the researchers to understand various type of secondary metabolites, their therapeutic role and related in vivo or in vitro work at a glance. The mounting evidences from several scientific community across the globe, regarding various therapeutic applications of mushroom extracts, unarguably make it an advance research area worth mass attention.

Hand hygiene compliance surveillance with time series anomaly detection.

BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene is the most important intervention to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens in health care. Assurance of effective hand hygiene improvement campaigns includes adequate data analytics for reporting compliance. Traditional analytical approaches for monitoring hand hygiene compliance suffer from several limitations, including autocorrelation. The objective of this study was to use a novel time series anomaly detection algorithm to analyze routine hand hygiene compliance data. METHODS: Hand hygiene compliance data were collected daily by trained observers in a large academic medical center. Statistical process control p-charts were used as a comparison method of analysis per facility protocol. Time series anomaly detection was carried out using the seasonal and trend decomposition using LOESS (STL) algorithm. RESULTS: A total of 34 months of hand hygiene compliance data were analyzed. Traditional statistical process control p-charts identified over 76% of rates as special-cause variation, whereas STL identified 18% of rates as anomalous. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the use of time series anomaly detection for the routine surveillance of hand hygiene compliance data. This method will facilitate specific and accurate feedback, helping to improve this critical approach for improving patient safety.

Yttrium oxide nanoparticle loaded scaffolds with enhanced cell adhesion and vascularization for tissue engineering applications.

In situ tissue engineering is emerging as a novel approach in tissue engineering to repair damaged tissues by boosting the natural ability of the body to heal itself. This can be achieved by providing suitable signals and scaffolds that can augment cell migration, cell adhesion on the scaffolds and proliferation of endogenous cells that facilitate the repair. Lack of appropriate cell proliferation and angiogenesis are among the major issues associated with the limited success of in situ tissue engineering during in vivo studies. Exploitation of metal oxide nanoparticles such as yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles may open new horizons in in situ tissue engineering by providing cues that facilitate cell proliferation and angiogenesis in the scaffolds. In this context, Y2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized and incorporated in polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds to enhance the cell proliferation and angiogenic properties. An optimum amount of Y2O3-containing scaffolds (1% w/w) promoted the proliferation of fibroblasts (L-929) and osteoblast-like cells (UMR-106). Results of chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and the subcutaneous implantation studies in rats demonstrated the angiogenic potential of the scaffolds loaded with Y2O3 nanoparticles. Gene expression study demonstrated that the presence of Y2O3 in the scaffolds can upregulate the expression of cell proliferation and angiogenesis related biomolecules such as VEGF and EGFR. Obtained results demonstrated that Y2O3 nanoparticles can perform a vital role in tissue engineering scaffolds to promote cell proliferation and angiogenesis.

Titanium Nanorods Loaded PCL Meshes with Enhanced Blood Vessel Formation and Cell Migration for Wound Dressing Applications.

Proper management of nonhealing wounds is an imperative clinical challenge. For the effective healing of chronic wounds, suitable wound coverage materials with the capability to accelerate cell migration, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and wound healing are required to protect the healing wound bed. Biodegradable polymeric meshes are utilized as effective wound coverage materials to protect the wounds from the external environment and prevent infections. Among them, electrospun biopolymeric meshes have got much attention due to their extracellular matrix mimicking morphology, ability to support cell adhesion, and cell proliferation. Herein, electrospun nanocomposite meshes based on polycaprolactone (PCL) and titanium dioxide nanorods (TNR) are developed. TNR incorporated PCL meshes are fabricated by electrospinning technique and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. In vitro cell culture studies, in ovo angiogenesis assay, in vivo implantation study, and in vivo wound healing study are performed. Interestingly, obtained in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that the presence of TNR in the PCL meshes greatly improved the cell migration, proliferation, angiogenesis, and wound healing. Owing to the above superior properties, they can be used as excellent biomaterials in wound healing and tissue regeneration applications.

Mitigating Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Using a Water-Alcohol Extract of Phellinus caryophylli (Agaricomycetes) in a Murine Model.

This study investigates the hepatoprotective effect of a water-alcohol extract of the medicinal mushroom Phellinus caryophylli (Racib.) G. Cunn. (PCE) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. The mice orally received APAP (150 mg/kg body weight), followed by PCE extract (250 or 500 mg/kg body weight). The liver damage induced by APAP was analyzed on the basis of blood serum parameters (glutamate pyruvate transaminase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase), antioxidant assays (reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase), and tissue peroxidation based on malondialdehyde level. The molecular mechanism underlying the prevention of APAP-induced damage by PCE was also analyzed. Liver damage was confirmed on the basis of increased serum parameter values, decreased antioxidant levels, and cellular and molecular alterations, which PCE restored in a dose-dependent manner. At a transcriptional level, PCE downregulated expression of the preapoptototic gene Bax and the inflammatory gene Cox2 but upregulated the antiapoptotic gene Bcl2 in the mice that received APAP. PCE exerted a hepatoprotective effect by preventing apoptotic and inflammatory events caused by APAP. Thus, this study demonstrates a hepatoprotective effect of PCE, which could be explored further for managing hepatopathy.

Nanoceria Can Act as the Cues for Angiogenesis in Tissue-Engineering Scaffolds: Toward Next-Generation in Situ Tissue Engineering.

Next-generation tissue engineering exploits the body's own regenerative capacity by providing an optimal niche via a scaffold for the migration and subsequent proliferation of endogenous cells to the site of injury, enhancing regeneration and healing and bypassing laborious in vitro cell-culturing procedures. Such systems are also required to have a sufficient angiogenic capacity for the subsequent patency of implanted scaffolds. The exploitation of redox properties of nanodimensional ceria (nCeO2) in in situ tissue engineering to promote cell adhesion and angiogenesis is poorly investigated. As a novel strategy, electrospun polycaprolactone based tissue-engineering scaffolds loaded with nCeO2 were developed and evaluated for morphological and physicomechanical features. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed to show the ability of nCeO2-containing scaffolds to enhance cell adhesion and angiogenesis. These studies confirmed that nCeO2-containing scaffolds supported cell adhesion and angiogenesis better than bare scaffolds. Gene-expression studies had shown that angiogenesis-related factors such as HIF1α and VEGF were up-regulated. Overall results show that incorporation of nCeO2 plays a key role in scaffolds for the enhancement of angiogenesis, cell adhesion, and cell proliferation and can produce a successful outcome in in situ tissue engineering.