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PloS One 2024Art v4.01 is a well-known profilin protein belonging to the pan-allergens group and is commonly involved in triggering allergic asthma, polyallergy, and...
Art v4.01 is a well-known profilin protein belonging to the pan-allergens group and is commonly involved in triggering allergic asthma, polyallergy, and cross-sensitization. It is also referred to as Wormwood due to its origin. Crude wormwood extracts are applied for allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT). Whether the recombinant Art v4.01 (rArt v4.01) can produce in vivo immunological tolerance by subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) remains elusive. In this study, to investigate the in vivo immunological response of rArt v4.01, Th2, Th1, Treg, Th17 type-related cytokines and phenotypes of immune cells were tested, facilitating the exploration of the underlying mechanisms. The expression and purification of Art v4.01 were carried out using recombinant techniques. Allergic asthma female BALB/c mice were induced by subcutaneous sensitization of wormwood pollen extract and intranasal challenges. SCIT without adjuvant was performed using the rArt v4.01 and wormwood pollen extract for 2 weeks. Following exposure to challenges, the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), cytokines, and inflammatory cells were assessed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and histological examination of sera, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung tissue. These parameters were subsequently compared between treatment groups receiving rArt v4.01 and wormwood pollen extract. The rArt v4.01 protein was expressed, which had a high purity (>90%) and an allergenic potency. Compared with the pollen extract, rArt v4.01 was superior in terms of reducing the number of white blood cells (WBCs), total nucleated cells (TNCs), and monocytes (MNs) in BALF and the degree of lung inflammation (1.77±0.99 vs. 2.31±0.80, P > 0.05). Compared with the model group, only rArt v4.01 reduced serum IgE level (1.19±0.25 vs. 1.61±0.17 μg/ml, P = 0.062), as well as the levels of Th2 type-related cytokines (interleukin-4 (IL-4) (107.18±16.17 vs. 132.47±20.85 pg/ml, P < 0.05) and IL-2 (19.52±1.19 vs. 24.02±2.14 pg/ml, P < 0.05)). The study suggested that rArt v4.01 was superior to pollen extract in reducing the number of inflammatory cells in BALF, pneumonitis, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and serum IgE level. These findings confirmed that Art v4.01 could be a potential candidate protein for allergen-specific immunotherapy.
Topics: Animals; Female; Asthma; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Disease Models, Animal; Immune Tolerance; Recombinant Proteins; Cytokines; Immunoglobulin E; Pollen; Desensitization, Immunologic; Allergens; Profilins; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Injections, Subcutaneous
PubMed: 38941291
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280418 -
International Ophthalmology Jun 2024This prospective clinical study evaluates the effect of a silicone stent tube (SST) on the success rate of endonasal-endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) to treat... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Prospective, randomised clinical trial on the necessity of using a silicone intubarium in the context of endonasal-endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) in patients with postsaccal lacrimal duct stenosis.
BACKGROUND
This prospective clinical study evaluates the effect of a silicone stent tube (SST) on the success rate of endonasal-endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) to treat primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
METHODS
Patients were randomly assigned to receive EN-DCR with or without SST intubation over a period of 3 months. The surgery was performed using standardized techniques. Patients were assessed at three different timepoints: one day, 12 weeks and 24 weeks after the surgery. The results were compared in order to evaluate statistical differences. Surgical success was determined by means of positive irrigation procedures, as well as by the improvement of symptoms and a high level of patient satisfaction.
RESULTS
A total of 56 randomized cases completed 24 weeks of follow up. 1 Patient dropped out due to malignant genesis of the nasolacrimal duct obstruction. After 24 weeks of follow up no statistically significant differences in levels of epiphora (p > .10) or patency (p > .16) were revealed. Comparisons regarding changes in time did not show levels of significance (p > .28).
CONCLUSIONS
This study could not confirm a statistically significant benefit or disadvantage for SST Insertion in EN-DCR.
Topics: Humans; Dacryocystorhinostomy; Lacrimal Duct Obstruction; Prospective Studies; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Intubation; Stents; Nasolacrimal Duct; Aged; Adult; Silicones; Endoscopy; Follow-Up Studies; Treatment Outcome; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38940962
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03205-7 -
Nano-micro Letters Jun 2024Poor cycling stability in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries necessitates advanced electrode/electrolyte design and innovative interlayer architectures. Heterogeneous...
Poor cycling stability in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries necessitates advanced electrode/electrolyte design and innovative interlayer architectures. Heterogeneous catalysis has emerged as a promising approach, leveraging the adsorption and catalytic performance on lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) to inhibit LiPSs shuttling and improve redox kinetics. In this study, we report an ultrathin and laminar SnO@MXene heterostructure interlayer (SnO@MX), where SnO quantum dots (QDs) are uniformly distributed across the MXene layer. The combined structure of SnO QDs and MXene, along with the creation of numerous active boundary sites with coordination electron environments, plays a critical role in manipulating the catalytic kinetics of sulfur species. The Li-S cell with the SnO@MX-modified separator not only demonstrates superior electrochemical performance compared to cells with a bare separator but also induces homogeneous Li deposition during cycling. As a result, an areal capacity of 7.6 mAh cm under a sulfur loading of 7.5 mg cm and a high stability over 500 cycles are achieved. Our work demonstrates a feasible strategy of utilizing a laminar separator interlayer for advanced Li-S batteries awaiting commercialization and may shed light on the understanding of heterostructure catalysis with enhanced reaction kinetics.
PubMed: 38940902
DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01446-w -
Annals of Agricultural and... Jun 2024Ultraviolet light in the UV-C band is known as germicidal radiation and was widely used for both sterilization of the equipment and creation of a sterile environment....
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
Ultraviolet light in the UV-C band is known as germicidal radiation and was widely used for both sterilization of the equipment and creation of a sterile environment. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of inactivation of microorganisms deposited on surfaces with various textures by UV-C radiation disinfection devices.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Five microorganisms (3 bacteria, virus, and fungus) deposited on metal, plastic, and glass surfaces with smooth and rough textures were irradiated with UV-C light emitted by low-pressure mercury lamp and ultraviolet emitting diodes (LEDs), from a distance of 0.5 m, 1 m, and 1.5 m to check their survivability after 20-minute exposure.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Both tested UV-C sources were effective in inactivation of microorganisms; however, LED emitter was more efficient in this respect than the mercury lamp. The survival rate of microorganisms depended on the UV-C dose, conditioned by the distance from UV-C source being the highest at 0.5 m and the lowest at 1.5 m. For the tested microorganisms, the highest survival rate after UV-C irradiation was usually visible on glass and plastic surfaces. This observation should be considered in all environments where the type of material (from which the elements of technical equipment are manufactured and may be contaminated by specific activities) is important for maintaining the proper level of hygiene and avoiding the unwanted and uncontrolled spread of microbiological pollution.
Topics: Ultraviolet Rays; Disinfection; Fungi; Bacteria; Viruses; Surface Properties; Microbial Viability; Plastics; Glass
PubMed: 38940114
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/189695 -
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience Jun 2024The majority of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) patients are seropositive for aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-specific antibodies [also named neuromyelitis optica...
OBJECTIVES
The majority of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) patients are seropositive for aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-specific antibodies [also named neuromyelitis optica immunoglobulin G antibodies (NMO-IgG)]. Although NMO-IgG can induce pathological changes in the central nervous system (CNS), the immunological changes in the CNS and peripheral tissue remain largely unknown. We investigated whether NMO-IgG binds to tissue expressing AQP4 and induces immunological changes in the peripheral tissue and CNS.
METHODS
C57BL/6 female mice were assigned into an NMOSD or control group. Pathological and immunological changes in peripheral tissue and CNS were measured by immunostaining and flow cytometry, respectively. Motor impairment was measured by open-field test.
RESULTS
We found that NMO-IgG did bind to astrocyte- and AQP4-expressing peripheral tissue, but induced glial fibrillary acidic protein and AQP4 loss only in the CNS. NMO-IgG induced the activation of microglia and modulated microglia polarization toward the classical (M1) phenotype, but did not affect innate or adaptive immune cells in the peripheral immune system, such as macrophages, neutrophils, Th17/Th1, or IL-10-producing B cells. In addition, NMOSD mice showed significantly less total distance traveled and higher immobility time in the open field.
CONCLUSIONS
We found that injection of human NMO-IgG led to astrocytopathic lesions with microglial activation in the CNS. However, there were no significant pathological or immunological changes in the peripheral tissues.
Topics: Animals; Neuromyelitis Optica; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Immunoglobulin G; Aquaporin 4; Female; Humans; Mice; Disease Models, Animal; Microglia; Autoantibodies; Astrocytes; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Central Nervous System
PubMed: 38940087
DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2306119 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Jun 2024Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for a variety of diseases due to their immunomodulatory and tissue regeneration... (Review)
Review
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for a variety of diseases due to their immunomodulatory and tissue regeneration capabilities. Despite their potential, the clinical application of MSC therapies is hindered by limited cell retention and engraftment at the target sites. Electrospun scaffolds, with their high surface area-to-volume ratio and tunable physicochemical properties, can be used as platforms for MSC delivery. However, synthetic polymers often lack the bioactive cues necessary for optimal cell-scaffold interactions. Integrating electrospun scaffolds and biological polymers, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and composites, combines the mechanical integrity of synthetic materials with the bioactivity of natural polymers and represents a strategic approach to enhance cell-scaffold interactions. The molecular interactions between MSCs and blended or functionalized scaffolds have been examined in recent studies, and it has been shown that integration can enhance MSC adhesion, proliferation, and paracrine secretion through the activation of multiple signaling pathways, such as FAK/Src, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, and YAP/TAZ. Preclinical studies on small animals also reveal that the integration of electrospun scaffolds and natural polymers represents a promising approach to enhancing the delivery and efficacy of MSCs in the context of regenerating bone, cartilage, muscle, cardiac, vascular, and nervous tissues. Future research should concentrate on identifying the distinct characteristics of the MSC niche, investigating the processes involved in MSC-scaffold interactions, and applying new technologies in stem cell treatment and biofabrication to enhance scaffold design. Research on large animal models and collaboration among materials scientists, engineers, and physicians are crucial to translating these advancements into clinical use.
Topics: Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Tissue Scaffolds; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Animals; Polymers; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 38940050
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906228 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition) Jun 2024Dextran is an exopolysaccharide synthesized in reactions catalyzed by enzymes obtained from microbial agents of specific species and strains. Products of dextran... (Review)
Review
Dextran is an exopolysaccharide synthesized in reactions catalyzed by enzymes obtained from microbial agents of specific species and strains. Products of dextran polysaccharides with different molecular weights are suitable for diverse pharmaceutical and clinical uses. Dextran solutions have multiple characteristics, including viscosity, solubility, rheological, and thermal properties; hence, dextran has been studied for its commercial applications in several sectors. Certain bacteria can produce extracellular polysaccharide dextran of different molecular weights and configurations. Dextran products of diverse molecular weights have been used in several industries, including medicine, cosmetics, and food. This article aims to provide an overview of the reports on dextran applications in blood transfusion and clinical studies and its biosynthesis. Information has been summarized on enzyme-catalyzed reactions for dextran biosynthesis from sucrose and on the bio-transformation process of high molecular weight dextran molecules to obtain preparations of diverse molecular weights and configurations.
Topics: Dextrans; Humans; Blood Transfusion; Molecular Weight
PubMed: 38939916
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbe1602017 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition) May 2024Flaxseed mucilage (FSM) is one of the healthy components of flaxseed. FSM is an example of a material that can be used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical...
BACKGROUND
Flaxseed mucilage (FSM) is one of the healthy components of flaxseed. FSM is an example of a material that can be used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries due to its rheological properties. FSM consists mainly of two polysaccharides, arabinoxylan, and rhamnogalacturonan I, and it also contains protein components and minerals. The prospect of using FSM in food is due to its gelling, water binding, emulsifying, and foaming properties. In addition, valuable natural sources of phenolic compounds such as lignans, phenolic acids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and tannins are partially extracted from flaxseed in FSM. These antioxidant components have pharmacological properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. A combination of FSM and lactobacilli in dairy foods can improve their functional properties. This study aimed to develop dairy products by adding of FSM and using two lactic acid bacteria (LAB). FSM (0.2%) was used as an ingredient to improve both the texture and antioxidant properties of the product.
METHODS
Skim milk was fermented with 0.2% flaxseed mucilage using and the probiotic AG9. The finished fermented milk products were stored at 4 °C for 14 days. Quantitative chemical, textural, and antioxidant analyses were carried out.
RESULTS
Adding 0.2% FSM to the dairy product stimulated the synthesis of lactic acid. FSM increased the viscosity and water-holding capacity of or AG9 fermented milk products. Combining these starter strains with FSM promoted the formation of a hard, elastic, resilient casein matrix in the product. When only AG9 was used for the fermentation, the dairy product had a high syneresis and a low viscosity and firmness; such a product is inferior in textural characteristics to the variant with commercial . The addition of FSM improved the textural properties of this variant. The use of AG9 and FSM makes it possible to obtain a fermented milk product with the highest content of polyphenolic compounds, which have the highest antioxidant properties and stimulate lipase and α-glucosidase inhibitor synthesis. Combining of and AG9 in the starter (20% of the total mass of the starter) and adding of 0.2% FSM is the optimal combination for obtaining a dairy product with high textural and antioxidant properties.
CONCLUSIONS
The physicochemical properties (viscosity, syneresis, water holding capacity, texture) and antioxidant properties of fermented milk were improved. In the future, as part of the work to investigate the functional properties of dairy products with FSM, studies will be conducted using in models.
Topics: Flax; Lactobacillus delbrueckii; Plant Mucilage; Lactobacillus plantarum; Antioxidants; Cultured Milk Products; Animals; Milk; Fermentation
PubMed: 38939910
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbe1602011 -
ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering Jun 2024Understanding the properties of polymers, such as their crystallinity, is crucial for their material performance and predicting their behavior during and after use,...
Understanding the properties of polymers, such as their crystallinity, is crucial for their material performance and predicting their behavior during and after use, especially in the case of environmentally friendly (bio)degradable polymers, enabling optimized design. In this work, for the first time, a pressure-induced condis crystal-like mesophase of poly(butylene succinate--butylene adipate) (PBSA) is presented. The phase behavior of pressed films obtained from commercial PBSA with 25% butylene adipate units is investigated at various processing temperatures from room temperature to 100 °C, pressed at a pressure of the press jaws and at 2-5 t for 1-5 min. The characterization and quantification evaluation of the condis crystal-like mesophase of pressed PBSA formed at temperatures above the glass transition is investigated by X-ray diffraction, polarized optical microscopy (POM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods. Our results demonstrate that pressed PBSA films at 60 °C show a condis crystal-like mesophase, characterized by the presence of reflections at wide angles, birefringence by POM, as well as a higher melting point (endotherm) by DSC. The resulting oriented mesomorphic green polymer can, in a sustainable manner, expand further technological applications of (bio)degradable polymers, especially in the medical field, and open up opportunities for further research that could provide such polymers with tailored persistence and degradation, thus changing the shelf life.
PubMed: 38939870
DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c03285 -
Journal of Immunology Research 2024Sepsis treatment is a challenging condition due to its complexity, which involves host inflammatory responses to a severe and potentially fatal infection, associated... (Review)
Review
Sepsis treatment is a challenging condition due to its complexity, which involves host inflammatory responses to a severe and potentially fatal infection, associated with organ dysfunction. The aim of this study was to analyze the scientific literature on the immunomodulatory effects of glucans in a murine model of systemic infection induced by cecal ligation and puncture. This study comprises an integrative literature review based on systematic steps, with searches carried out in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases. In most studies, the main type of glucan investigated was -glucan, at 50 mg/kg, and a reduction of inflammatory responses was identified, minimizing the occurrence of tissue damage leading to increased animal survival. Based on the data obtained and discussed in this review, glucans represent a promising biotechnological alternative to modulate the immune response and could potentially be used in the clinical management of septic individuals.
Topics: Animals; Sepsis; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Mice; Glucans; beta-Glucans; Immunomodulation
PubMed: 38939744
DOI: 10.1155/2024/6876247