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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery Jul 2022Orthobiologics are organic and synthetic materials that help in the cure of musculo-skeletal problems and are utilized in Orthopaedic Surgery, both in and out of the... (Review)
Review
Orthobiologics are organic and synthetic materials that help in the cure of musculo-skeletal problems and are utilized in Orthopaedic Surgery, both in and out of the surgical theater, to augment the possibilities of curing bone and soft tissue lesions. Taking into account that their effect is frequently multifactorial and, in some occasions not entirely comprehended, together with the insufficient clinical information, orthobiologics should be scrupulously assessed against other secure and clinically accepted options. The fundamental orthobiologics today ready for use in Orthopedic Surgery are the following: osseous hollow fillers, extracellular matrix (ECM) substances, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), bone marrow aspirate (BMA), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). It is predictable that in the time to come we will have more secure and more efficacious orthobiologics. Meanwhile, it is paramount that orthopedic surgeons have appropriate information of contemporary orthobiologics (biological adjuvants) so that they can utilize them correctly.
PubMed: 36032640
DOI: 10.22038/ABJS.2021.52770.2614 -
Journal of Inflammation Research 2023Endothelial cells (ECs) are widely distributed inside the vascular network, forming a vital barrier between the bloodstream and the walls of blood vessels. These... (Review)
Review
Endothelial cells (ECs) are widely distributed inside the vascular network, forming a vital barrier between the bloodstream and the walls of blood vessels. These versatile cells serve myriad functions, including the regulation of vascular tension and the management of hemostasis and thrombosis. Inflammation constitutes a cascade of biological responses incited by biological, chemical, or physical stimuli. While inflammation is inherently a protective mechanism, dysregulated inflammation can precipitate a host of vascular pathologies. ECs play a critical role in the genesis and progression of vascular inflammation, which has been implicated in the etiology of numerous vascular disorders, such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, and sepsis. Upon activation, ECs secrete potent inflammatory mediators that elicit both innate and adaptive immune reactions, culminating in inflammation. To date, no comprehensive and nuanced account of the research progress concerning ECs and inflammation in vascular-related maladies exists. Consequently, this review endeavors to synthesize the contributions of ECs to inflammatory processes, delineate the molecular signaling pathways involved in regulation, and categorize and consolidate the various models and treatment strategies for vascular-related diseases. It is our aspiration that this review furnishes cogent experimental evidence supporting the established link between endothelial inflammation and vascular-related pathologies, offers a theoretical foundation for clinical investigations, and imparts valuable insights for the development of therapeutic agents targeting these diseases.
PubMed: 37641702
DOI: 10.2147/JIR.S418166 -
Hormones (Athens, Greece) 2015The Sertoli cell is important for endocrine and paracrine control of spermatogenesis. Functions attributed to Sertoli cells are: (1) supportive and trophic functions for... (Review)
Review
The Sertoli cell is important for endocrine and paracrine control of spermatogenesis. Functions attributed to Sertoli cells are: (1) supportive and trophic functions for the cells of the seminiferous epithelium, (2) transport of mature spermatids towards the lumen of seminiferous tubules, (3) secretion of androgen binding protein, (4) production of substances with endocrine or paracrine action for spermatogenesis control and (5) interaction with intertubular endocrine Leydig cells. Inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) are glycoproteins belonging to the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily; they are produced almost exclusively by the Sertoli cells and have been proposed as direct markers of their function and indirect markers of spermatogenesis. Serum inhibin B and AMH concentrations seem to constitute additional diagnostic parameters in male subfertility as they reflect Sertoli cell function. Stimulated concentrations of serum inhibin B and AMH do not add clinically relevant information in subfertile men compared to basal concentrations of these hormones. Serum inhibin B and AMH concentrations correlate with testicular histology/cytology but are not superior to FSH as predictors of the presence of sperm in testicular sperm extraction (TESE)/fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy in men with azoospermia.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Mullerian Hormone; Azoospermia; Biomarkers; Biopsy, Fine-Needle; Fertility; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Humans; Inhibins; Male; Paracrine Communication; Predictive Value of Tests; Sertoli Cells; Signal Transduction; Spermatogenesis
PubMed: 26859601
DOI: 10.14310/horm.2002.1648 -
Journal of Molecular Biology Jun 2021Protein phase separation has emerged as a novel paradigm to explain the biogenesis of membraneless organelles and other so-called biomolecular condensates. While the... (Review)
Review
Protein phase separation has emerged as a novel paradigm to explain the biogenesis of membraneless organelles and other so-called biomolecular condensates. While the implication of this physical phenomenon within cell biology is providing us with novel ways for understanding how cells compartmentalize biochemical reactions and encode function in such liquid-like assemblies, the newfound appreciation of this process also provides immense opportunities for designing and sculpting biological matter. Here, we propose that understanding the cell's instruction manual of phase separation will enable bioengineers to begin creating novel functionalized biological materials and unprecedented tools for synthetic biology. We present FASE as the synthesis of the existing sticker-spacer framework, which explains the physical driving forces underlying phase separation, with quintessential principles of Scandinavian design. FASE serves both as a designer condensates catalogue and construction manual for the aspiring (membraneless) biomolecular architect. Our approach aims to inspire a new generation of bioengineers to rethink phase separation as an opportunity for creating reactive biomaterials with unconventional properties and to encode novel biological function in living systems. Although still in its infancy, several studies highlight how designer condensates have immediate and widespread potential applications in industry and medicine.
Topics: Computational Chemistry; Macromolecular Substances; Models, Molecular; Phase Transition; Proteins; Synthetic Biology
PubMed: 33539874
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166837 -
Biomolecules Oct 2023Aging is a natural and inescapable phenomenon characterized by a progressive deterioration of physiological functions, leading to increased vulnerability to chronic... (Review)
Review
Aging is a natural and inescapable phenomenon characterized by a progressive deterioration of physiological functions, leading to increased vulnerability to chronic diseases and death. With economic and medical development, the elderly population is gradually increasing, which poses a great burden to society, the economy and the medical field. Thus, healthy aging has now become a common aspiration among people over the world. Accumulating evidence indicates that substances that can mediate the deteriorated physiological processes are highly likely to have the potential to prolong lifespan and improve aging-associated diseases. Foods from natural sources are full of bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, carotenoids, sterols, terpenoids and vitamins. These bioactive compounds and their derivatives have been shown to be able to delay aging and/or improve aging-associated diseases, thereby prolonging lifespan, via regulation of various physiological processes. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the anti-aging activities of the compounds, polysaccharides, polyphenols, carotenoids, sterols, terpenoids and vitamins from natural food sources, and their modes of action in delaying aging and improving aging-associated diseases. This will certainly provide a reference for further research on the anti-aging effects of bioactive compounds from natural food sources.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Aging; Carotenoids; Polyphenols; Vitamins; Terpenes; Sterols; Polysaccharides
PubMed: 38002283
DOI: 10.3390/biom13111600 -
Journal of Orthodontic Science 2022Ingestion is the entry of a substance into the human organism, which occurs by taking it through the mouth into the gastrointestinal tract. One of the adverse events... (Review)
Review
Ingestion is the entry of a substance into the human organism, which occurs by taking it through the mouth into the gastrointestinal tract. One of the adverse events that may happen during the course of an orthodontic treatment is the ingestion of orthodontic appliances. The present review aims to investigate the literature regarding the ingestion of orthodontic appliances. An electronic search was carried out in order to identify case reports of ingestion of foreign objects related to orthodontic treatment in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science until July 2019.Nineteen articles were retrieved. In these articles, ingestion had occurred inadvertently, due to patients' or orthodontists' errors. Some of the most commonly ingested appliances were molar bands, segments of wire, and expansion keys. It is likely that patients with a specific medical background are more prone to ingestion of orthodontic appliances. Special precautions need be taken in order to avoid such incidents. These precautions are analyzed in three categories: general, those related to fixed appliances, and those related to removable appliances.
PubMed: 35754414
DOI: 10.4103/jos.jos_94_21 -
The Science of the Total Environment Aug 2023Anthropogenic activities generally consume non-renewable resources and release polluting substances into the environment. Concerning agriculture, the cropping systems... (Review)
Review
Anthropogenic activities generally consume non-renewable resources and release polluting substances into the environment. Concerning agriculture, the cropping systems are almost based on exploiting non-renewable resources. In recent years, increasing interest has been devoted to reusing agricultural, food and other biomass wastes, considered relevant as they can be seen as resources rich in compounds that can find numerous applications. Biomass biorefining has been successfully applied and has opened up sustainable alternatives to the disposal of agricultural, agroindustrial and food wastes. In this area, an emerging, smart and environmentally friendly way to reduce the impact of waste on the environment is to obtain innovative materials for agriculture. Therefore, as part of biobased strategies, the use of waste biomass to obtain biostimulants and biogenic nanoparticles for crops has recently been proposed. Some research has shown that appropriate biostimulants and biobased nanomaterials have the potential to counteract some of the problems that plague agriculture. The above materials can improve crop performance, enhance crop tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and improve plant nutrition. In light of the above, this review aspires, in the first part, to provide an overview of the ideas and central points that characterize the concept of bioeconomy and circular economy. In the second part, on the other hand, the most recent studies related to the valorization of various types of wastes leading to innovative biobased materials and their application in agriculture are presented. In particular, biostimulants and nanoparticles obtained through biogenic synthesis using agroindustrial and plant residues have been considered. In conclusion, the studies reported in this review show that the use of some biomasses to obtain the above materials represents a sustainable way of waste management and valorization, enabling innovative biobased materials for agriculture.
Topics: Waste Management; Agriculture; Crops, Agricultural; Nanostructures; Nanoparticles
PubMed: 37150469
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163912 -
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) 2022Capsular tension ring (CTR) realizes safe cataract surgery. However, residual cortex removal becomes difficult with CTR. Originally, the flushing technique was developed...
Capsular tension ring (CTR) realizes safe cataract surgery. However, residual cortex removal becomes difficult with CTR. Originally, the flushing technique was developed for intracameral antibiotic administration. Using this technique with larger amounts of solution enables surgeons to 1) deliver antibiotics to the anterior chamber and area behind the intraocular lens, resulting in stable, scheduled antibiotic concentration and 2) entirely irrigate and displace the area, leading to the effective cleansing of residual substances and bacterial pollution. When performing the flushing technique, the residual cortex and debris that were not eliminated by ordinary irrigation and aspiration can be pushed out to the anterior chamber. Applying flushing technique to CTR cases, the residual cortex and debris trapped between the CTR loop and capsular equator is lifted into the anterior chamber and easily removed. If the capsular bag is polluted by bacteria, it may also be lifted to the anterior chamber.
PubMed: 35422609
DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S359319 -
Journal of Responsible Innovation 2018The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative is focused on developing new tools and neurotechnologies to revolutionize our...
The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative is focused on developing new tools and neurotechnologies to revolutionize our understanding of how the brain functions in health and disease, in large part to address the growing societal impact of neurological, mental health, and substance abuse disorders. Recent advances in neurotechnology are delivering unprecedented ways to interrogate and modulate brain function, and the BRAIN Initiative is focused on translation for human medical uses over the next decade. Since its inception, the NIH component of the BRAIN Initiative has utilized an iterative model of integrating ethics into the scientific trajectory of the Initiative, most recently with the creation of a Neuroethics Division of the NIH BRAIN Initiative Multi-Council Working Group. The Division serves as a resource of expertise, to help the BRAIN Initiative navigate issues involving ethics. Here we discuss the BRAIN Initiative, and its implications and aspirations for neuroethics. We also discuss new opportunities for collaboration and for integrating stakeholder voices.
PubMed: 30854409
DOI: 10.1080/23299460.2017.1319035 -
Women's Health (London, England) 2023Women experiencing homelessness with substance use disorders face unique and intersecting barriers to realizing their reproductive goals.
Patient and provider perspectives on barriers and facilitators to reproductive healthcare access for women experiencing homelessness with substance use disorders in San Francisco.
BACKGROUND
Women experiencing homelessness with substance use disorders face unique and intersecting barriers to realizing their reproductive goals.
OBJECTIVE
This study explored the reproductive aspirations of this population, as well as the barriers to accessing reproductive services from the perspectives of affected individuals, and the healthcare providers who serve them.
DESIGN
This mixed-methods study included surveys and interviews with women experiencing homelessness with substance use disorders and healthcare providers.
METHODS
We conducted surveys and semi-structured interviews with women recruited from opiate treatment programs and homeless encampments in San Francisco, California in 2018. We also conducted interviews and focus groups with healthcare providers in reproductive health and substance use treatment settings. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded. Descriptive statistics of survey results were performed.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight women completed surveys, 96% of whom reported current substance use. Ten women participated in interviews. One-third (9/28) reported desiring pregnancy in the next year; over half (16/28) reported they would be somewhat or very happy to learn they were pregnant. A majority used no contraception at last intercourse (14/28). Twenty-six healthcare providers participated in interviews (n = 15) and focus groups (n = 2). Patients and providers identified similar barriers to care access, including discrimination, logistical and financial challenges, and delayed pregnancy awareness. While providers proposed solutions focused on overcoming logistical challenges, patients emphasized the importance of transforming the healthcare environment to treat patients affected by substance use and homelessness with dignity and respect.
CONCLUSION
Women experiencing homelessness with substance use disorders face intersecting and compounding barriers to accessing reproductive health services. For patients, the impact of stigma and bias on treatment experiences are particularly salient, in contrast to logistical barriers emphasized by providers. Improving access will require structural and individual-level solutions to address stigma and create person-centered, trauma-informed, and respectful care environments.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; San Francisco; Health Services Accessibility; Ill-Housed Persons; Substance-Related Disorders; Focus Groups
PubMed: 36939096
DOI: 10.1177/17455057231152374