Oriented nanofibrous silk as a natural scaffold for ocular epithelial regeneration

The aim of this study was to develop nanofibrous silk substrates for limbal stem cell expansion that can serve as a potential alternative substrate to replace human amniotic membrane. The human limbal stem cell was used to evaluate the biocompatibility of substrates (random and oriented nanofibrous mats, and human amniotic membrane) based on their phenotypic profile, viability, proliferation, and attachment ability. Biocompatibility results indicated that all substrates were highly biocompatible, as limbal stem cells could favorably attach and proliferate on the nanofibrous surfaces. Microscopic figures showed that the human limbal stem cells were firmly anchored to the substrates and were able to retain a normal corneal stem cell phenotype. Microscopic analyses illustrated that cells infiltrated the nanofibers and successfully formed a three-dimensional corneal epithelium, which was viable for 15 days. Immunocytochemistry and real-time PCR results revealed no change in the expression profile of limbal stem cells grown on nanofibrous substrates when compared to those grown on human amniotic membrane. In addition, electrospun nanofibrous silk substrates especially oriented mat provides not only a milieu supporting limbal stem cells expansion, but also serve as a useful alternative carrier for ocular surface tissue engineering and could be used as an alternative substrate to amniotic membrane.     

Potential role of Nigella sativa supplementation with physical activity in prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19: a contemporary review

Sport Sciences for Health - The widespread prevalence and mortality of coronavirus diseases-2019 (COVID-19) lead many researchers to study the SARS-CoV-s2 infection to find a treatment for this...     

Thoracic imaging outcomes in COVID-19 survivors

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents a significant global public health challenge. One in five individuals with COVID-19 presents with symptoms that last for weeks after hospital discharge, a condition termed “long COVID”. Thus, efficient follow-up of patients is needed to assess the resolution of lung pathologies and systemic involvement. Thoracic imaging is multimodal and involves using different forms of waves to produce images of the organs within the thorax. In general, it includes chest X-ray, computed tomography, lung ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Such modalities have been useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19. These tools have also allowed for the follow-up and assessment of long COVID. This review provides insights on the effectiveness of thoracic imaging techniques in the follow-up of COVID-19 survivors who had long COVID.     

The association of endothelin-1 gene polymorphism and its plasma levels with hypertension and coronary atherosclerosis

IntroductionEndothelin-1 (ET-1) is the most potent among all vasoconstrictors, and its association with cardiovascular diseases has been reported before. Our aim was to investigate the association of ET-1 plasma level and its gene polymorphisms (rs5370 and rs10478694) with hypertension and coronary atherosclerosis (CA).Material and methodsThis study was carried out on 128 women and 132 men, who were divided into 4 groups: hypertensive without atherosclerosis (H+A–); hypertensive with atherosclerosis (H+A+); non-hypertensive with atherosclerosis (H–A+); and non-hypertensive without atherosclerosis (control group). Endothelin-1 plasma levels were measured by ELISA, and gene polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. Coronary artery diseases (CAD) were then defined based on angiography data.ResultsThe ET-1 plasma level was significantly higher in the H+A+ group in comparison with the other groups, especially H+A–. Comparing people with CA and those without it, the highest frequency level of the T allele of rs5370 was found in people with CA. Significantly higher frequencies of the 3A allele were detected in hypertensive patients in comparison with non-hypertensive individuals, when analyzing rs10478694.ConclusionsEndothelin-1 plasma level shows a direct association with the risk of CA development. The T allele of rs5370 can be regarded as a risk factor for CA development. The 3A allele of rs10478694 can be associated with the risk of hypertension; therefore, it can be concluded that ET-1 and its gene polymorphisms play an important role in CA development and hypertension observed in the south-eastern populations of Iran.     

Binary Chimp Optimization Algorithm (BChOA): a New Binary Meta-heuristic for Solving Optimization Problems

Cognitive Computation - Chimp optimization algorithm (ChOA) is a newly proposed meta-heuristic algorithm inspired by chimps’ individual intelligence and sexual motivation in their group...     

The influence of laser frequency and groove distance on cell adhesion,cell viability,and antibacterial characteristics of Ti-6Al-4V dental implants treated by modern fiber engraving laser

ObjectiveMicro-nano scale surface modification of Ti-6Al-4V was investigated through the fascinated modern fiber engraving laser method. The process was performed at a high laser speed of 2000 mm/s, under different laser frequencies (20–160 kHz) and groove distances (0.5–50 μm).MethodsTopographic evaluations such as Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) were used to identify the quality and regularity of patterns. The proliferation of human osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells (MG63) was analyzed by MTT assay for up to 72 h. Also, the plate counting method was used to quantify the viability potential of the modified surface against Escherichia coli bacteria.ResultsThe cellular viability of the sample modified at the laser frequency of 20 kHz and grooving distance of 50 μm increased up to 35 and 10% compared to the non-treated and control samples, respectively. In the case of the surface modification at lower grooving distances range between 0.5–50 μm, the maximum laser frequency (160 kHz) applied leads to lower pulse’s energies and less bacterial adhesion. Otherwise, at groove distances more than 50 μm, the minimum laser frequency (20 kHz) applied reduces the laser pulse overlaps, increases the cell adhesion and antibacterial properties.SignificanceSurface modification by the fiber engraving laser process significantly enhances the cell adhesion on the surface. As a result of such roughness and cell adhesion enhancement, the surface toxicity feature diminished, and its antibacterial properties improved.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of insulin regular and flunixin meglumine on endotoxemia experimentally induced by Escherichia coli serotype O55:B5 in an ovine model

Background

Endotoxemia is a major cause of mortality in large animals and there are several therapeutic regimens for the treatment of endotoxemia. Recent studies have suggested the anti-inflammatory effects of insulin in endotoxemic human and laboratory animal models but to the best of our knowledge there is no report on the possible therapeutic effect of insulin in large animal endotoxemia.

Objective

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of insulin regular compared with flunixin meglumine on the treatment of endotoxemia in sheep.

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli was administered intravenously to ewes. Anti-inflammatory effects of flunixin meglumine (at 2.2 mg/kg) and insulin regular (at 1.5 and 3 IU/kg) were evaluated by determination of serum concentrations of acute phase proteins, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers.

Results

Insulin regular at 3 IU/kg controlled the acute phase response following endotoxemia induction. The anti-inflammatory potency of insulin regular at 3 IU/kg was significantly higher than at 1.5 IU/kg and of flunixin meglumine at 2.2 mg/kg (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Insulin regular induces its anti-inflammatory effects in a dose-dependent manner. Intravenous use of insulin regular can be a potential new therapeutic regimen for endotoxemia in large animal medicine.     

Combined NGS Approaches Identify Mutations in the Intraflagellar Transport Gene IFT140 in Skeletal Ciliopathies with Early Progressive Kidney Disease

Ciliopathies are genetically heterogeneous disorders characterized by variable expressivity and overlaps between different disease entities. This is exemplified by the short rib‐polydactyly syndromes, Jeune, Sensenbrenner, and Mainzer‐Saldino chondrodysplasia syndromes. These three syndromes are frequently caused by mutations in intraflagellar transport (IFT) genes affecting the primary cilia, which play a crucial role in skeletal and chondral development. Here, we identified mutations in IFT140, an IFT complex A gene, in five Jeune asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (JATD) and two Mainzer‐Saldino syndrome (MSS) families, by screening a cohort of 66 JATD/MSS patients using whole exome sequencing and targeted resequencing of a customized ciliopathy gene panel. We also found an enrichment of rare IFT140 alleles in JATD compared with nonciliopathy diseases, implying putative modifier effects for certain alleles. IFT140 patients presented with mild chest narrowing, but all had end‐stage renal failure under 13 years of age and retinal dystrophy when examined for ocular dysfunction. This is consistent with the severe cystic phenotype of Ift140 conditional knockout mice, and the higher level of Ift140 expression in kidney and retina compared with the skeleton at E15.5 in the mouse. IFT140 is therefore a major cause of cono‐renal syndromes (JATD and MSS). The present study strengthens the rationale for IFT140 screening in skeletal ciliopathy spectrum patients that have kidney disease and/or retinal dystrophy.     

Lupus mastitis: a review

Lupus mastitis (LM) is a rare benign inflammatory condition characterized by inflammation of the deep subcutaneous adipose tissues of the breast. It can be seen in patients with a known history of systemic lupus erythematous or discoid lupus or rarely can be the initial presentation of these diseases. Histologically, the most common findings are the presence of a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of lobules and hyaline fat necrosis. Radiologic characteristics of LM can mimic a malignant lesion. However, because histologic features of this lesion have been well defined, correlation with clinical history is important to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and, therefore, deliver appropriate patient management. Herein, we present a review of LM with emphasis on clinicopathologic findings and differential diagnosis.     

Van der Waals heterostructures of SiC and Janus MSSe (M = Mo,W) monolayers: a first principles study

Favorable stacking patterns of two models with alternative orders of chalcogen atoms in SiC-MSSe (M = Mo, W) vdW heterostructures are investigated using density functional theory calculations. Both model-I and model-II of the SiC-MSSe (M = Mo, W) vdW heterostructures show type-II band alignment, while the spin orbit coupling effect causes considerable Rashba spin splitting. Furthermore, the plane-average electrostatic potential is also calculated to investigate the potential drops across the heterostructure and work function. The imaginary part of the dielectric function reveals that the first optical transition is dominated by excitons with high absorption in the visible region for both heterostructures. Appropriate band alignments with standard water redox potentials enable the capability of these heterostructures to dissociate water into H⁺/H₂ and O₂/H₂O.

Using DFT calculations, we have investigated the electronic structure, Rashba effect, optical and photocatalytic performance of SiC-MSSe (M = Mo, W) van der Waals heterostructures with different stacking patterns of chalcogen atoms.