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BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Conductive hydrogels have gained interest in biomedical applications and soft electronics. To tackle the challenge of ionic hydrogels falling short of desired mechanical...
Conductive hydrogels have gained interest in biomedical applications and soft electronics. To tackle the challenge of ionic hydrogels falling short of desired mechanical properties in previous studies, our investigation aimed to understand the pivotal structural factors that impact the conductivity and mechanical behavior of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogels with ionic conductivity. Polyether urethane diacrylamide (PEUDAm), a functionalized long-chain macromer based on PEG, was used to synthesize hydrogels with ionic conductivity conferred by incorporating ions into the liquid phase of hydrogel. The impact of salt concentration, water content, temperature, and gel formation on both mechanical properties and conductivity was characterized to establish parameters for tuning hydrogel properties. To further expand the range of conductivity available in these ionic hydrogels, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) was incorporated as a single copolymer network or double network configuration. As expected, conductivity in these ionic gels was primarily driven by ion diffusivity and charge density, which was dependent on hydrogel network formation and swelling. Copolymer network structure had minimal effect on the conductivity which was primarily driven by counter-ion equilibrium; however, the mechanical properties and equilibrium swelling was strongly dependent on network structure. The structure-property relationships elucidated here enables the rationale design of this new double network hydrogel to achieve target properties for a broad range of applications.
PubMed: 38948818
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.17.599239 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are a condensed subtype of extracellular matrix that form a net-like coverings around certain neurons in the brain. PNNs are primarily composed...
Chondroitin sulfate glycan sulfation patterns influence histochemical labeling of perineuronal nets: a comparative study of interregional distribution in human and mouse brain.
Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are a condensed subtype of extracellular matrix that form a net-like coverings around certain neurons in the brain. PNNs are primarily composed of chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycans from the lectican family that consist of CS-glycosaminoglycan (CS-GAG) side chains attached to a core protein. CS disaccharides can exist in various isoforms with different sulfation patterns. Literature suggests that CS disaccharide sulfation patterns can influence the function of PNNs as well as their labeling. This study was conducted to characterize such interregional CS disaccharide sulfation pattern differences in adult human (N = 81) and mouse (N = 19) brains. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify five different CS disaccharide sulfation patterns, which were then compared to immunolabeling of PNNs using (WFL) to identify CS-GAGs and anti-aggrecan to identify CS proteoglycans. In healthy brains, significant regional and species-specific differences in CS disaccharide sulfation and single versus double-labeling pattern were identified. A secondary analysis to investigate how early-life stress (ELS) impacts these PNN features discovered that although ELS increases WFL+ PNN density, the CS-GAG sulfation code and single versus double PNN-labeling distributions remained unaffected in both species. These results underscore PNN complexity in traditional research, emphasizing the need to consider their heterogeneity in future experiments.
PubMed: 38948769
DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.579711 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024The ecological and evolutionary success of multicellular lineages is due in no small part to their increased size relative to unicellular ancestors. However, large size...
The ecological and evolutionary success of multicellular lineages is due in no small part to their increased size relative to unicellular ancestors. However, large size also poses biophysical challenges, especially regarding the transport of nutrients to all cells; these constraints are typically overcome through multicellular innovations (e.g., a circulatory system). Here we show that an emergent biophysical mechanism - spontaneous fluid flows arising from metabolically-generated density gradients - can alleviate constraints on nutrient transport, enabling exponential growth in nascent multicellular clusters of yeast lacking any multicellular adaptations for nutrient transport or fluid flow. Surprisingly, beyond a threshold size, the metabolic activity of experimentally-evolved snowflake yeast clusters drives large-scale fluid flows that transport nutrients throughout the cluster at speeds comparable to those generated by the cilia of extant multicellular organisms. These flows support exponential growth at macroscopic sizes that theory predicts should be diffusion limited. This work demonstrates how simple physical mechanisms can act as a 'biophysical scaffold' to support the evolution of multicellularity by opening up phenotypic possibilities prior to genetically-encoded innovations. More broadly, our findings highlight how cooption of conserved physical processes is a crucial but underappreciated facet of evolutionary innovation across scales.
PubMed: 38948761
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.19.599734 -
The Journal of Innovations in Cardiac... Jun 2024The HD Grid multipolar mapping catheter has emerged as an invaluable tool for greater effectiveness of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). In the cases described here,...
The HD Grid multipolar mapping catheter has emerged as an invaluable tool for greater effectiveness of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). In the cases described here, fractionated signals seen with the HD Grid catheter at the left atrial appendage (LAA) and left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) junction were ablated. These signals are not likely to be visualized with conventional catheters and may cause recurrences due to incomplete PVI. The directional sensitivity limitations of bipolar electrogram recordings and the unique anatomy of the LAA-LSPV ridge further contribute to the challenge of evaluating PVI. The HD Grid catheter's ability to record bipoles parallel and perpendicular to the catheter splines and its high-density mapping capabilities provide a superior means for identifying gaps in ablation and detecting the low-voltage isthmus. Furthermore, factors such as ablation quality, catheter stability, and thickness of the LAA-LSPV ridge influence the presence of fractionated signals and the success of PVI. Incorporating preprocedural imaging modalities, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, and real-time intracardiac echocardiography could enhance the tailored approach to address these challenges. Future developments in the HD Grid technology, including the option for contact force measurement during mapping, may offer additional insights into the nature of these signals. This case series highlights the significance of using the HD Grid catheter for a detailed interrogation of the LAA-LSPV ridge, ultimately leading to more effective PVI and improved outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation.
PubMed: 38948664
DOI: 10.19102/icrm.2024.15063 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... May 2024Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) is a rare hereditary autosomal dominant condition characterized by benign cutaneous lesions, lung cysts, and increased risk of...
Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHDS) is a rare hereditary autosomal dominant condition characterized by benign cutaneous lesions, lung cysts, and increased risk of spontaneous pneumothorax and renal cancer. We report a case of a young Indian boy with bilateral pneumothorax as the first symptom of BHDS. Detailed history examination and investigation showed multiple facial lesions; his computerized tomography was suggestive of renal angiomyolipoma, hepatic angiomyolipoma, pulmonary cyst with pneumothorax, and small bilateral subependymal soft tissue density lesion with calcification in the brain, all of which were collectively suggestive of BHDS. Identification of the above commonly presented clinical features as a syndrome is important for even a primary care physician so as to ensure the timely management and if required referral to a higher center.
PubMed: 38948613
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1451_23 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... May 2024Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a cluster of disorders of blood vessels and the heart. As a form of physical activity, yoga postures, and pranayama have been shown to...
INTRODUCTION
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a cluster of disorders of blood vessels and the heart. As a form of physical activity, yoga postures, and pranayama have been shown to be beneficial in various health conditions, i.e. hypertension, prediabetes, and diabetes among high-risk subjects. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of yoga and diet on the Framingham risk score (FRS) among high-risk cardiovascular subjects.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The experimental interventional study was conducted at "RUHS College of Medical Sciences" and Associated Group of Hospitals", Jaipur among high-risk cardiovascular subjects. FRS was used as a measurement for the outcome of interest at baseline and six months of yoga diet intervention in the study and control groups.
RESULTS
Mean age of participants was 48.43 ± 6.4 years. Baseline values (mean ± SD) of FRS 24.59 ± 10.15 after six months of yogic lifestyle 15.1 ± 7.05. After six months of yogic lifestyle FRS scores and estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk were statistically significantly ( < 0.0001) decreased. Pearson correlation analysis results depict that FRS correlation. There was a strong positive correlation between the FRS score and total cholesterol ( = 0.787; < 0.001) and a negative strong correlation between the FRS score and high-density lipoprotein was observed ( =-0.621; < 0.002).
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study conclude that six months of yoga and diet lifestyle intervention significantly decreased FRS among high-risk CVD subjects compared to the control group.
PubMed: 38948605
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1169_23 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... May 2024Diabetes mellitus is associated with carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism abnormalities. Uncontrolled hyperglycaemia can result in dysfunction of various organs...
BACKGROUND
Diabetes mellitus is associated with carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism abnormalities. Uncontrolled hyperglycaemia can result in dysfunction of various organs such as eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart and blood vessels leading to long-term complications like nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, stroke and ischaemia. The main objective of the study was to identify critical factors in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) with metabolic syndrome (mets) compared with Type 2 DM without mets and their association in the development of Type 2 DM to Type 2 DM with mets and cardiovascular complications. This can aid in improving the clinical management and the consequences of the disease.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, a tertiary care centre in Northern India. All patients who were aged between 35 and 65 years of age were enrolled. Enrolled subjects were divided into three groups, Group I: 50 healthy people; Group II: 50 Type 2 DM without mets; and Group III: 50 Type 2 DM with mets. These patients were subjected to Anthropometric and biochemical parameter assessment.
RESULTS
On comparing Group III with control and Group II significant difference was observed in these parameters, that is, elevated TGs ( = 0.001), reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level ( = 0.001), elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (0.011), high serum insulin fasting ( = 0.010), weight ( = 0.021), waist circumference ( = 0.001) and BMI ( = 0.001). In the control group, head circumference was significantly lower compared to Group II ( = 0.001) and Group III ( = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
On the basis of observed observation, it has been suggested that low enzymatic activity with poor glycaemic control may further progress Type 2 DM into Type 2 DM with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular complications. High hs-CRP concentration and high fasting insulin can be independent predictor of cardiovascular complications.
PubMed: 38948574
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_852_23 -
Cancer Innovation Feb 2024The 3D cancer models fill the discovery gap of 2D cancer models and play an important role in cancer research. In addition to cancer cells, a range of other factors... (Review)
Review
The 3D cancer models fill the discovery gap of 2D cancer models and play an important role in cancer research. In addition to cancer cells, a range of other factors include the stroma, density and composition of extracellular matrix, cancer-associated immune cells (e.g., cancer-associated fibroblasts cancer cell-stroma interactions and subsequent interactions, and a number of other factors (e.g., tumor vasculature and tumor-like microenvironment in vivo) has been widely ignored in the 2D concept of culture. Despite this knowledge, the continued use of monolayer cell culture methods has led to the failure of a series of clinical trials. This review discusses the immense importance of tumor microenvironment (TME) recapitulation in cancer research, prioritizing the individual roles of TME elements in cancer histopathology. The TME provided by the 3D model fulfills the requirements of in vivo spatiotemporal arrangement, components, and is helpful in analyzing various different aspects of drug sensitivity in preclinical and clinical trials, some of which are discussed here. Furthermore, it discusses models for the co-assembly of different TME elements in vitro and focuses on their synergistic function and responsiveness as tumors. Furthermore, this review broadly describes of a handful of recently developed 3D models whose main focus is limited to drug development and their screening and/or the impact of this approach in preclinical and translational research.
PubMed: 38948533
DOI: 10.1002/cai2.102 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Studies on the effect of vaccine type and two other vaccines other than inactivated vaccines approved in China on fertilization (IVF) pregnancy outcomes are rare. To...
INTRODUCTION
Studies on the effect of vaccine type and two other vaccines other than inactivated vaccines approved in China on fertilization (IVF) pregnancy outcomes are rare. To complement and confirm the existing findings, this research aimed to investigate whether there are adverse effects of different vaccine types in females and males on reproductive function and clinical pregnancy.
METHODS
This retrospective study enrolled 6,455 fresh embryo transfer cycles at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between May 1, 2021, and October 31, 2022. The primary outcome is the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). At the same time, the secondary results are the number of oocytes retrieved, two pronuclei (2PN) rate, blastocyst formation rate, high-quality blastocyst rate, and semen parameters (volume, density, sperm count, forward motility rate, total motility rate, immobility rate, and DNA fragment index (DFI) rate).
RESULTS
In the comparison of ovarian stimulation indicators, no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in Gn days, endometrial thickness, 2PN rate, metaphase 2 (MII) rate, high-quality embryo rate, and blastocyst formation rate. No significant differences (P>0.05) were found in age, body mass index (BMI), education level, and semen parameters (volume, density, sperm count, forward motility rate, total motility rate, immobility rate, and DFI rate) in these four groups. The multivariate regression model showed that neither the types of vaccines nor the vaccination status of both infertile couples significantly affected clinical pregnancy.
DISCUSSION
The type of vaccine does not appear to have an unfavorable effect on ovarian stimulation, embryo development, semen parameters, and clinical pregnancy.
PubMed: 38948529
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1356938 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Obesity impairs bone marrow (BM) glucose metabolism. Adult BM constitutes mostly of adipocytes that respond to changes in energy metabolism by modulating their...
OBJECTIVES
Obesity impairs bone marrow (BM) glucose metabolism. Adult BM constitutes mostly of adipocytes that respond to changes in energy metabolism by modulating their morphology and number. Here we evaluated whether diet or exercise intervention could improve the high-fat diet (HFD) associated impairment in BM glucose uptake (BMGU) and whether this associates with the morphology of BM adipocytes (BMAds) in rats.
METHODS
Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either HFD or chow diet for 24 weeks. Additionally after 12 weeks, HFD-fed rats switched either to chow diet, voluntary intermittent running exercise, or both for another 12 weeks. BMAd morphology was assessed by perilipin-1 immunofluorescence staining in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tibial sections. Insulin-stimulated sternal and humeral BMGU were measured using [F]FDG-PET/CT. Tibial microarchitecture and mineral density were measured with microCT.
RESULTS
HFD rats had significantly higher whole-body fat percentage compared to the chow group (17% vs 13%, respectively; = 0.004) and larger median size of BMAds in the proximal tibia (815 µm vs 592 µm, respectively; = 0.03) but not in the distal tibia. Switch to chow diet combined with running exercise normalized whole-body fat percentage ( < 0.001) but not the BMAd size. At 32 weeks of age, there was no significant difference in insulin-stimulated BMGU between the study groups. However, BMGU was significantly higher in sternum compared to humerus ( < 0.001) and higher in 8-week-old compared to 32-week-old rats ( < 0.001). BMAd size in proximal tibia correlated positively with whole-body fat percentage (r = 0.48, = 0.005) and negatively with humeral BMGU (r = -0.63, = 0.02). HFD significantly reduced trabecular number ( < 0.001) compared to the chow group. Switch to chow diet reversed this as the trabecular number was significantly higher ( = 0.008) than in the HFD group.
CONCLUSION
In this study we showed that insulin-stimulated BMGU is age- and site-dependent. BMGU was not affected by the study interventions. HFD increased whole-body fat percentage and the size of BMAds in proximal tibia. Switching from HFD to a chow diet and running exercise improved glucose homeostasis and normalized the HFD-induced increase in body fat but not the hypertrophy of BMAds.
PubMed: 38948514
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1422869