Biofunctionalized Plants as Diverse Biomaterials for Human Cell Culture.

The commercial success of tissue engineering products requires efficacy, cost effectiveness, and the possibility of scaleup. Advances in tissue engineering require increased sophistication in the design of biomaterials, often challenging the current manufacturing techniques. Interestingly, several of the properties that are desirable for biomaterial design are embodied in the structure and function of plants. This study demonstrates that decellularized plant tissues can be used as adaptable scaffolds for culture of human cells. With simple biofunctionalization technique, it is possible to enable adhesion of human cells on a diverse set of plant tissues. The elevated hydrophilicity and excellent water transport abilities of plant tissues allow cell expansion over prolonged periods of culture. Moreover, cells are able to conform to the microstructure of the plant frameworks, resulting in cell alignment and pattern registration. In conclusion, the current study shows that it is feasible to use plant tissues as an alternative feedstock of scaffolds for mammalian cells.

Effects of ginseng on secretory IgA, performance, and recovery from interval exercise.

PURPOSE: This study examined the efficacy of ginseng to modulate secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), exercise performance, and recovery from repeated bouts of strenuous physical exertion. METHODS: Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized design, 38 active healthy adults supplemented their diets with a standardized ginseng concentrate (400 mg.d-1 of G115; equivalent to 2 g of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer root material) or placebo (lactose) for 8 wk. Before and after the intervention, each subject performed three consecutive 30-s Wingate tests interspersed with 3-min recovery periods under controlled laboratory conditions. SIgA secretion rate (S-SIgA) and the relation of SIgA to total protein were calculated from measures of saliva flow rate (SFR), and absolute SIgA and salivary protein concentrations in timed, whole unstimulated saliva samples collected before and after exercise testing. Peak and mean mechanical power output (W.kg-1) was measured with an infrared-beam optical-sensor array, and exercise recovery heart rate (HRR) was determined electrocardiographically. RESULTS: Twenty-seven subjects (12 placebo, 15 ginseng) completed the study. Compared with rest, S-SIgA, SIgA:protein ratio, and SFR were lower after exercise at baseline (P < 0.05). Similarly, both peak and mean mechanical power output declined (P < 0.01) across consecutive Wingate tests. Postintervention minus preintervention change scores for salivary parameters, exercise performance, and HRR were similar between ginseng- and placebo-treated groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings do not support the hypothesis that ginseng may affect mucosal immunity as indicated by changes in secretory IgA at rest and after an exercise induced state of homeostatic disturbance. Supplementation with ginseng fails to improve physical performance and heart rate recovery of individuals undergoing repeated bouts of exhausting exercise.

Clinical and patient estimation of fetal weight vs. ultrasound estimation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical and patient estimation of fetal weight to ultrasound estimation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study of clinical, patient and ultrasound estimation of fetal weight at term. RESULTS: A total of 200 pregnant women participated. There was no statistically significant difference between clinical and sonographic estimates of fetal weight: of the estimates, 64.0% were within 10% of the actual birth weight vs. 62.5% (P > .2). There was no statistically significant difference between patient and sonographic estimates of fetal weight: of the estimates, 53.5% were within 10% of the actual birth weight vs. 62.5%, respectively (P < .1). Senior resident clinical and sonographic estimates of fetal weight were superior to junior resident estimates: 75.2% of clinical estimates were within 10% of the actual birth weight vs. 59.2% (P < .03), and 73.1% of sonographic estimates were within 10% of the actual birth weight vs. 58.3% (P < .05). Nulliparous and multiparous patients were equally accurate in estimating fetal weight: 48.1% of estimates were within 10% of birth weight vs. 57.4% (P > .2). CONCLUSION: Sonographic estimation of fetal weight offers no advantage over clinical or patient estimation of fetal weight at term. Senior resident clinical and sonographic estimates are superior to junior resident estimates. Parity has no effect on patient accuracy in estimating fetal weight.