Blue Light and Temperature Actigraphy Measures Predicting Metabolic Health Are Linked to Melatonin Receptor Polymorphism

This study explores the relationship between the light features of the Arctic spring equinox and circadian rhythms, sleep and metabolic health. Residents (N = 62) provided week-long actigraphy measures, including light exposure, which were related to body mass index (BMI), leptin and cortisol. Lower wrist temperature (wT) and higher evening blue light exposure (BLE), expressed as a novel index, the nocturnal excess index (NEIbl), were the most sensitive actigraphy measures associated with BMI. A higher BMI was linked to nocturnal BLE within distinct time windows. These associations were present specifically in carriers of the MTNR1B rs10830963 G-allele. A larger wake-after-sleep onset (WASO), smaller 24 h amplitude and earlier phase of the activity rhythm were associated with higher leptin. Higher cortisol was associated with an earlier M10 onset of BLE and with our other novel index, the Daylight Deficit Index of blue light, DDIbl. We also found sex-, age- and population-dependent differences in the parametric and non-parametric indices of BLE, wT and physical activity, while there were no differences in any sleep characteristics. Overall, this study determined sensitive actigraphy markers of light exposure and wT predictive of metabolic health and showed that these markers are linked to melatonin receptor polymorphism.

Investigation of the Causes and Ways of Reducing Injuries in Age-Related Patients with Multimorbidity

The article investigates the causes and ways to reduce injuries in age-related patients with multimorbidity. The author points out that Multimorbid people are at significant risk of falls. These results require prioritization of falls as a public health problem with the need to integrate falls into existing geriatric healthcare programs. The combination of multimorbidity and proximal fracture leads to an increase in mortality, which strongly indicates the need for more comprehensive approaches to high-risk patients. Accordingly, there is a need for future research on the care of high-risk patients after a fracture and the study of the relationship between multimorbid clusters and other signaling events in the field of healthcare.

ODP100 Hypoparathyroidism in the Setting of COVID-19: Increasingly Common Phenomenon

Background

Acquired hypoparathyroidism (HPT) in adults is most commonly caused by post-surgical or autoimmune damage to the parathyroid glands. Genetic defects causing abnormal gland development, impaired parathyroid hormone (PTH) production or action are rare and typically diagnosed in childhood. Recent literature suggests surprisingly high prevalence of hypocalcemia in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and this finding is associated with poor outcomes. [1] We present a case of new onset HPT in a patient admitted with respiratory failure due to COVID-19.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old woman with history of obesity, GERD, asthma, presented to the ED with fever, cough, dyspnea, and diarrhea. She was found to have low O2 saturation, CXR revealed multifocal interstitial and airspace opacities. Her PCR SARS-CoV-2 test was positive and she was admitted to ICU. She was incidentally found to have severe hypocalcemia Ca 5.2 mg/dL (8.5 - 10.3 mg/dL), ionized Ca 2.46 mg/dL (4.50 - 5.10 mg/dL), albumin 3.7 g/dL (3.5 - 5. 0 g/dL). She denied any history of neck surgery, radiation or trauma and personal or family history of autoimmune or calcium disorders. Her calcium levels were normal over the past 4 years. She denied symptoms of hypocalcemia prior to presentation and reported leg cramps and finger numbness in the ED. Further work-up revealed PTH 13 pg/mL (15 - 65 pg/mL), 25-OH vitamin D 16 ng/mL (30 - 80 ng/mL), Mg 1.2 mg/dL (1.4 - 2.5 mg/dL), phosphorus 4.9 mg/dL (2.3 - 4.5 mg/dL), bicarbonate 26 mmol/L (22 - 32 mmol/L). Patient was started on Ca (IV and PO), Mg, and vitamin D replacement. PTH reassessment on days 6, 14, and 19 showed persistently low/inappropriately normal PTH (22, 14, and 8 pg/mL respectively) despite normalization of magnesium levels. Patient was discharged on Ca, Mg, and vitamin D supplementation with follow-up in Endocrinology clinic for further evaluation of her hypoparathyroidism progression.

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a hypersensitive immune reaction and widespread inflammation. Emerging evidence suggests that this cytokine-mediated reaction and hypoxia associated with COVID-19 can affect the parathyroid glands, resulting in impaired PTH secretion. Furthermore, direct parathyroid tissue invasion and destruction by means of entry via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors has also been proposed [2]. Hypocalcemia in our patient could be multifactorial, however we believe that COVID-19 induced HPT was the leading mechanism. We hope that further research explores this hypothesis and elucidates the underlying pathophysiology. References: [1] Martha JW, Pranata R. Hypocalcemia is associated with severe COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2021 Jan-Feb;15(1): 337-342. [2] Abobaker A, Alzwi A. The effect of COVID-19 on parathyroid glands. J Infect Public Health. 2021;14(6): 724-725.

Presentation: No date and time listed

Various types of electrochemical biosensors for leukemia detection and therapeutic approaches

Leukemia often initiates following dysfunctions in hematopoietic stem cells lineages. Various types of leukemia, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type 1 (HTLV-1) can thus call for different diagnosis and treatment options. One of the most important subjects in leukemia is the early detection of the disease for effective therapeutic purposes. In this respect, biosensors detecting the molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as analytes are called genosensors or DNA biosensors. Electrochemical sensors, as the most significant approach, also involve reacting of chemical solutions with sensors to generate electrical signals proportional to analyte concentrations. Biosensors can further help detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease. Moreover, electrochemical biosensors, developed based on various nanomaterials (NMs), can increase sensitivity to the detection of leukemia-related genes, e.g., BCR/ABL as a fusion gene and promyelocytic leukemia/retinoic acid receptor alpha (PML/RARα). Therefore, the present review reflects on previous studies recruiting different NMs for leukemia detection.

The emerging role of microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids in immunometabolism

The accumulating evidence revealed that microbiota plays a significant function in training, function, and the induction of host immunity. Once this interaction (immune system-microbiota) works correctly, it enables the production of protective responses against pathogens and keeps the regulatory pathways essential for maintaining tolerance to innocent antigens. This concept of immunity and metabolic activity redefines the realm of immunometabolism, paving the way for innovative therapeutic interventions to modulate immune cells through immune metabolic alterations. A body of evidence suggests that microbiota-derived metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, acetate, and propionate, play a key role in immune balance. SCFAs act on many cell types to regulate various vital biological processes, including host metabolism, intestinal function, and the immune system. Such SCFAs generated by gut bacteria also impact immunity, cellular function, and immune cell fate. This is a new concept of immune metabolism, and better knowledge about how lifestyle affects intestinal immunometabolism is crucial for preventing and treating disease. In this review article, we explicitly focus on the function of SCFAs in the metabolism of immune cells, especially macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells (DCs), B cells, T (Th) helper cells, and cytotoxic T cells (CTLs).

Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cell in regenerative medicine: a narrative review

The multipotency property of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has attained worldwide consideration because of their immense potential for immunomodulation and their therapeutic function in tissue regeneration. MSCs can migrate to tissue injury areas to contribute to immune modulation, secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines and hide themselves from the immune system. Certainly, various investigations have revealed anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, reconstruction, and wound healing potentials of MSCs in many in vitro and in vivo models. Moreover, current progresses in the field of MSCs biology have facilitated the progress of particular guidelines and quality control approaches, which eventually lead to clinical application of MSCs. In this literature, we provided a brief overview of immunoregulatory characteristics and immunosuppressive activities of MSCs. In addition, we discussed the enhancement, utilization, and therapeutic responses of MSCs in neural, liver, kidney, bone, heart diseases, and wound healing.

Effect of Plyometric Jump Training on Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review With Multilevel Meta-Analysis

Objective: To examine the effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy in healthy individuals.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to September 2021.

Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The main overall finding (44 effect sizes across 15 clusters median = 2, range = 1–15 effects per cluster) indicated that plyometric jump training had small to moderate effects [standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.47 (95% CIs = 0.23–0.71); p < 0.001] on skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Subgroup analyses for training experience revealed trivial to large effects in non-athletes [SMD = 0.55 (95% CIs = 0.18–0.93); p = 0.007] and trivial to moderate effects in athletes [SMD = 0.33 (95% CIs = 0.16–0.51); p = 0.001]. Regarding muscle groups, results showed moderate effects for the knee extensors [SMD = 0.72 (95% CIs = 0.66–0.78), p < 0.001] and equivocal effects for the plantar flexors [SMD = 0.65 (95% CIs = −0.25–1.55); p = 0.143]. As to the assessment methods of skeletal muscle hypertrophy, findings indicated trivial to small effects for prediction equations [SMD = 0.29 (95% CIs = 0.16–0.42); p < 0.001] and moderate-to-large effects for ultrasound imaging [SMD = 0.74 (95% CIs = 0.59–0.89); p < 0.001]. Meta-regression analysis indicated that the weekly session frequency moderates the effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, with a higher weekly session frequency inducing larger hypertrophic gains [β = 0.3233 (95% CIs = 0.2041–0.4425); p < 0.001]. We found no clear evidence that age, sex, total training period, single session duration, or the number of jumps per week moderate the effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy [β = −0.0133 to 0.0433 (95% CIs = −0.0387 to 0.1215); p = 0.101–0.751].

Conclusion: Plyometric jump training can induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy, regardless of age and sex. There is evidence for relatively larger effects in non-athletes compared with athletes. Further, the weekly session frequency seems to moderate the effect of plyometric jump training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, whereby more frequent weekly plyometric jump training sessions elicit larger hypertrophic adaptations.

Cancer combination therapies by angiogenesis inhibitors; a comprehensive review

Abnormal vasculature is one of the most conspicuous traits of tumor tissue, largely contributing to tumor immune evasion. The deregulation mainly arises from the potentiated pro-angiogenic factors secretion and can also target immune cells' biological events, such as migration and activation. Owing to this fact, angiogenesis blockade therapy was established to fight cancer by eliminating the nutrient and oxygen supply to the malignant cells by impairing the vascular network. Given the dominant role of vascular-endothelium growth factor (VEGF) in the angiogenesis process, the well-known anti-angiogenic agents mainly depend on the targeting of its actions. However, cancer cells mainly show resistance to anti-angiogenic agents by several mechanisms, and also potentiated local invasiveness and also distant metastasis have been observed following their administration. Herein, we will focus on clinical developments of angiogenesis blockade therapy, more particular, in combination with other conventional treatments, such as immunotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and also cancer vaccines. Video abstract.

Shining the light on clinical application of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in autoimmune diseases

The autoimmune diseases are associated with the host immune system, chronic inflammation, and immune reaction against self-antigens, which leads to the injury and failure of several tissues. The onset of autoimmune diseases is related to unbalanced immune homeostasis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells which have capability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types that exert a critical role in immunomodulation and regenerative therapy. Under the certain condition in vitro, MSCs are able to differentiate into multiple lineage such as osteoblasts, adipocytes, and neuron-like cells. Consequently, MSCs have a valuable application in cell treatment. Accordingly, in this review we present the last observations of researches on different MSCs and their efficiency and feasibility in the clinical treatment of several autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune liver disease, and Sjogren’s syndrome.

The Potential Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Derived Exosomes for Orthopedic Diseases Treatment

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are conditions that can affect muscles, bones, and joints. These disorders are very painful and severely limit patients' mobility and are more common in the elderly. MSCs are multipotent stem cells isolated from embryonic (such as the umbilical cord) and mature sources (such as adipose tissue and bone marrow). These cells can differentiate into various cells such as osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, NP-like cells, Etc. Due to MSC characteristics such as immunomodulatory properties, ability to migrate to the site of injury, recruitment of cells involved in repair, production of growth factors, and large amount production of extracellular vesicles, these cells have been used in many regenerative-related medicine studies. Also, MSCs produce different types of EVs, such as exosomes, to the extracellular environment. Exosomes reflect MSCs' characteristics and do not have cell therapy-associated problems because they are cell-free. These vesicles carry proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids to the host cell and change their function. This review focuses on MSCs and MSCs exosomes' role in repairing dense connective tissues such as tendons, cartilage, invertebrate disc, bone fracture, and osteoporosis treatment.

Allergic Reaction of the Body to Drugs Used in Dental Practice

The article examines allergic reactions of the body to drugs used in dental practice. The authors note that adverse or allergic reactions of medicines to the human body are possible with any medications that are prescribed or administered in a dental office. Although most of the pharmacological agents used today have a favorable profile and they are relatively safe, a modern specialist should be aware of potential adverse reactions that may occur and one should be ready to cope with any complications. Adverse or allergic reactions are possible when working with drugs such as local anesthetics, sedatives, analgesics and antibiotics, for this reason, it is necessary to study the possible reactions of the patient's body to them when administering such drugs to reduce the negative impact on the body. In general, the pharmacological arsenal of a practicing dentist is relatively safe today. However, a prudent clinician should be aware of potential adverse reactions that may occur as a result of taking medications, and be confident in the treatment of such complications.

CAR-NK Cell: A New Paradigm in Tumor Immunotherapy

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is greatly multifaceted and immune escape is an imperative attribute of tumors fostering tumor progression and metastasis. Based on reports, the restricted achievement attained by T cell immunotherapy reflects the prominence of emerging other innovative immunotherapeutics, in particular, natural killer (NK) cells-based treatments. Human NK cells act as the foremost innate immune effector cells against tumors and are vastly heterogeneous in the TME. Currently, there exists a rapidly evolving interest in the progress of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells for tumor immunotherapy. CAR-NK cells superiorities over CAR-T cells in terms of better safety (e.g., absence or minimal cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), engaging various mechanisms for stimulating cytotoxic function, and high feasibility for 'off-the-shelf' manufacturing. These effector cells could be modified to target various antigens, improve proliferation and persistence in vivo, upturn infiltration into tumors, and defeat resistant TME, which in turn, result in a desired anti-tumor response. More importantly, CAR-NK cells represent antigen receptors against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), thereby redirecting the effector NK cells and supporting tumor-related immunosurveillance. In the current review, we focus on recent progress in the therapeutic competence of CAR-NK cells in solid tumors and offer a concise summary of the present hurdles affecting therapeutic outcomes of CAR-NK cell-based tumor immunotherapies.

Effective Anesthesia during Various Manipulations in Maxillofacial Surgery and in Dental Practice: Overview of Medicines

In the practice of modern specialists of maxillofacial surgery and dentists, the use of local anesthetics is a necessary condition for comfortable medical manipulations. Accordingly, in order to achieve the medical goals, it is necessary to make a competent choice of anesthetic medicines. Most often, drugs that are used contain amides, the method of administration of which is blocking or infiltration anesthesia. The specialist should take into account that not all patients will always have the same effective response to a particular local anesthetic, for this reason, it is necessary to constantly update information about modern local anesthetics in order to apply them in medical practice. The aim of the work is to review the medicines used for local anesthesia both in the practice of dentists and maxillofacial surgeons when providing care for the patients over the age of 18.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell-derived exosomes in regenerative medicine and cancer; overview of development, challenges, and opportunities

Recently, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and their widespread biomedical applications have attracted great consideration from the scientific community around the world. However, reports have shown that the main populations of the transplanted MSCs are trapped in the liver, spleen, and lung upon administration, highlighting the importance of the development of cell-free therapies. Concerning rising evidence suggesting that the beneficial effects of MSC therapy are closely linked to MSC-released components, predominantly MSC-derived exosomes, the development of an MSC-based cell-free approach is of paramount importance. The exosomes are nano-sized (30100nm) lipid bilayer membrane vesicles, which are typically released by MSCs and are found in different body fluids. They include various bioactive molecules, such as messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNAs, proteins, and bioactive lipids, thus showing pronounced therapeutic competence for tissues recovery through the maintenance of their endogenous stem cells, the enhancement of regenerative phenotypic traits, inhibition of apoptosis concomitant with immune modulation, and stimulation of the angiogenesis. Conversely, the specific roles of MSC exosomes in the treatment of various tumors remain challenging. The development and clinical application of novel MSC-based cell-free strategies can be supported by better understanding their mechanisms, classifying the subpopulation of exosomes, enhancing the conditions of cell culture and isolation, and increasing the production of exosomes along with engineering exosomes to deliver drugs and therapeutic molecules to the target sites. In the current review, we deliver a brief overview of MSC-derived exosome biogenesis, composition, and isolation methods and discuss recent investigation regarding the therapeutic potential of MSC exosomes in regenerative medicine accompanied by their double-edged sword role in cancer.

Chemokine CXCL14; a double-edged sword in cancer development

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and imposes a substantial financial burden. Therefore, it is essential to develop cost-effective approaches to inhibit tumor growth and development. The imbalance of cytokines and chemokines play an important role among different mechanisms involved in cancer development. One of the strongly conserved chemokines that is constitutively expressed in skin epithelia is the chemokine CXCL14. As a member of the CXC subfamily of chemokines, CXCL14 is responsible for the infiltration of immune cells, maturation of dendritic cells, upregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I expression, and cell mobilization. Moreover, dysregulation of CXCL14 in several cancers has been identified by several studies. Depending on the type or origin of the tumor and components of the tumor microenvironment, CXCL14 plays a conflicting role in cancer. Although fibroblast-derived CXCL14 has a tumor-supportive role, epithelial-derived CXCL14 mainly inhibits tumor progression. Hence, this review will elucidate what is known on the mechanisms of CXCL14 and its therapeutic approaches in tumor treatment. CXCL14 is a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy.

P53 long noncoding RNA regulatory network in cancer development

The protein p53 as a transcription factor with strong tumor-suppressive activities is known to trigger apoptosis via multiple pathways and is directly involved in the recognition of DNA damage and DNA repair processes. P53 alteration is now recognized as a common event in the pathogenesis of many types of human malignancies. Deregulation of tumor suppressor p53 pathways plays an important role in the activation of cell proliferation or inactivation of apoptotic cell death during carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Mounting evidence indicates that the p53 status of tumors and also the regulatory functions of p53 may be relevant to the long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA)-dependent gene regulation programs. Besides coding genes, lncRNAs that do not encode for proteins are induced or suppressed by p53 transcriptional response and thus control cancer progression. LncRNAs also have emerged as key regulators that impinge on the p53 signaling network orchestrating global gene-expression profile. Studies have suggested that aberrant expression of lncRNAs as a molecular-genomic signature may play important roles in cancer biology. Accordingly, it is important to elucidate the mechanisms by which the crosstalk between lncRNAs and p53 occurs in the development of numerous cancers. Here, we review how several classes of lncRNAs and p53 pathways are linked together in controlling the cell cycle and apoptosis in various cancer cells in both human and mouse model systems.

Any closer to successful therapy of multiple myeloma? CAR-T cell is a good reason for optimism

Despite many recent advances on cancer novel therapies, researchers have yet a long way to cure cancer. They have to deal with tough challenges before they can reach success. Nonetheless, it seems that recently developed immunotherapy-based therapy approaches such as adoptive cell transfer (ACT) have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy against various kinds of tumors even the cancers in the blood (liquid cancers). The hematological (liquid) cancers are hard to be targeted by usual cancer therapies, for they do not form localized solid tumors. Until recently, two types of ACTs have been developed and introduced; tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells which the latter is the subject of our discussion. It is interesting about engineered CAR-T cells that they are genetically endowed with unique cancer-specific characteristics, so they can use the potency of the host immune system to fight against either solid or liquid cancers. Multiple myeloma (MM) or simply referred to as myeloma is a type of hematological malignancy that affects the plasma cells. The cancerous plasma cells produce immunoglobulins (antibodies) uncontrollably which consequently damage the tissues and organs and break the immune system function. Although the last few years have seen significant progressions in the treatment of MM, still a complete remission remains unconvincing. MM is a medically challenging and stubborn disease with a disappointingly low rate of survival rate. When comparing the three most occurring blood cancers (i.e., lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma), myeloma has the lowest 5-year survival rate (around 40%). A low survival rate indicates a high mortality rate with difficulty in treatment. Therefore, novel CAR-T cell-based therapies or combination therapies along with CAT-T cells may bring new hope for multiple myeloma patients. CAR-T cell therapy has a high potential to improve the remission success rate in patients with MM. To date, many preclinical and clinical trial studies have been conducted to investigate the ability and capacity of CAR T cells in targeting the antigens on myeloma cells. Despite the problems and obstacles, CAR-T cell experiments in MM patients revealed a robust therapeutic potential. However, several factors might be considered during CAR-T cell therapy for better response and reduced side effects. Also, incorporating the CAT-T cell method into a combinational treatment schedule may be a promising approach. In this paper, with a greater emphasis on CAR-T cell application in the treatment of MM, we will discuss and introduce CAR-T cell's history and functions, their limitations, and the solutions to defeat the limitations and different types of modifications on CAR-T cells.

Improvement of Biomedical Structural Polymers by Synthetic Biology Methods

Materials that have a biological origin find many applications in both Biomedicine and other Sciences. However, the properties of these materials are difficult to change, since natural biosynthetic mechanisms are difficult to explain, simulate, or adjust. Thus, many materials of biological origin are isolated from natural tissues or their substitutes are produced recombinantly, and then modified in the process of experimental application. A major shift in this paradigm is caused by the emerging field of synthetic biology, which introduces innovations in the "tool kit" of methods for tuning biomolecules and biosynthetic mechanisms. Relative to materials, this led to higher product titers due to reprogrammed natural biosynthesis and allowed the development of new materials by combining the desired domains. Here we can focus on recent applications of synthetic biology to bio-derived ribosomal and non-ribosomal polymer materials for biomedical applications. It is also interesting to describe modern methods that will affect the production and design of biomaterials in the near future. Continuous innovation at the intersection of synthetic biology and materials science promises to usher in a new era of biomaterial design and synthesis.

Computational design of a new multi-epitope vaccine using immunoinformatics approach against mastitis disease

Mastitis disease causes significant economic losses in dairy farms by reducing milk production, increasing production costs, and reducing milk quality. Streptococcus agalactiae continues to be a major cause of mastitis in dairy cattle. To date, there has been no approved multi-epitope vaccine against this pathogen in the market. In the present study, an efficient multi-epitope vaccine against S. agalactiae, the causative agent of mastitis, was designed using various immonoinformtics approaches. Potential epitopes were selected from Sip protein to improve vaccine immunogenicity. The designed vaccine is more antigenic in nature. Then, linkers and profilin adjuvant were added to enhance the immunity of vaccines. The designed vaccine was evaluated in terms of molecular weight, PI, immunogenicity, Toxicity, and allergenicity. Prediction of three-dimensional (3 D) structure of multi-epitope vaccine, followed by refinement and validation, was conducted to obtain a high-quality 3 D structure of the designed multi-epitope vaccine. The designed vaccine was then subjected to molecular docking with Toll-like receptor 11 (TLR11) receptor to evaluate its binding efficiency followed by dynamic simulation for stable interaction. In silico cloning approach was carried out to improve the expression of the vaccine construct. These analyses indicate that the designed multi-epitope vaccine may produce particular immune responses against S. agalactiae and may be further helpful to control mastitis after in vitro and in vivo immunological assays.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells as a valuable source for the treatment of immune-mediated disorders

Over recent years, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and their potential biomedical applications have received much attention from the global scientific community in an increasing manner. Firstly, MSCs were successfully isolated from human bone marrow (BM), but in the next steps, they were also extracted from other sources, mostly from the umbilical cord (UC) and adipose tissue (AT). The International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) has suggested minimum criteria to identify and characterize MSCs as follows: plastic adherence, surface expression of CD73, D90, CD105 in the lack of expression of CD14, CD34, CD45, and human leucocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR), and also the capability to differentiate to multiple cell types including adipocyte, chondrocyte, or osteoblast in vitro depends on culture conditions. However, these distinct properties, including self-renewability, multipotency, and easy accessibility are just one side of the coin; another side is their huge secretome which is comprised of hundreds of mediators, cytokines, and signaling molecules and can effectively modulate the inflammatory responses and control the infiltration process that finally leads to a regulated tissue repair/healing or regeneration process. MSC-mediated immunomodulation is a direct result of a harmonic synergy of MSC-released signaling molecules (i.e., mediators, cytokines, and chemokines), the reaction of immune cells and other target cells to those molecules, and also feedback in the MSC-molecule-target cell axis. These features make MSCs a respectable and eligible therapeutic candidate to be evaluated in immune-mediated disorders, such as graft versus host diseases (GVHD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Crohn's disease (CD), and osteoarthritis (OA), and even in immune-dysregulating infectious diseases such as the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This paper discussed the therapeutic applications of MSC secretome and its biomedical aspects related to immune-mediated conditions. Sources for MSC extraction, their migration and homing properties, therapeutic molecules released by MSCs, and the pathways and molecular mechanisms possibly involved in the exceptional immunoregulatory competence of MSCs were discussed. Besides, the novel discoveries and recent findings on immunomodulatory plasticity of MSCs, clinical applications, and the methods required for their use as an effective therapeutic option in patients with immune-mediated/immune-dysregulating diseases were highlighted.

Taphonomic experiments imply a possible link between the evolution of multicellularity and the fossilization potential of soft-bodied organisms

The reliability of evolutionary reconstructions based on the fossil record critically depends on our knowledge of the factors affecting the fossilization of soft-bodied organisms. Despite considerable research effort, these factors are still poorly understood. In order to elucidate the main prerequisites for the preservation of soft-bodied organisms, we conducted long-term (1-5 years) taphonomic experiments with the model crustacean Artemia salina buried in five different sediments. The subsequent analysis of the carcasses and sediments revealed that, in our experimental settings, better preservation was associated with the fast deposition of aluminum and silicon on organic tissues. Other elements such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, which can also accumulate quickly on the carcasses, appear to be much less efficient in preventing decay. Next, we asked if the carcasses of uni- and multicellular organisms differ in their ability to accumulate aluminum ions on their surface. The experiments with the flagellate Euglena gracilis and the sponge Spongilla lacustris showed that aluminum ions are more readily deposited onto a multicellular body. This was further confirmed by the experiments with uni- and multicellular stages of the social ameba Dictyostelium discoideum. The results lead us to speculate that the evolution of cell adhesion molecules, which provide efficient cell-cell and cell-substrate binding, probably can explain the rich fossil record of soft-bodied animals, the comparatively poor fossil record of nonskeletal unicellular eukaryotes, and the explosive emergence of the Cambrian diversity of soft-bodied fossils.

Bioelectronic Implants and Their Role in Modern Medicine

Humanity turned to medicines millions of years ago, when medicinal plants were used for healing. In the century before last, a significant contribution to medicine was made by various fields of science; in particular, here one can name a device that has long been used to deliver medicine to the body – a syringe. Today, the use of injections of drugs of biological origin is a common practice for the treatment of chronic diseases, but the injection procedure itself is often associated with painful perceptions, and the field of injection is limited. Modern advanced therapies are genetic, electronic and cellular therapies that can meet the needs of caregivers, as well as the patients themselves. It is well known that digital processes in healthcare are currently undergoing intensive development, and in this context, innovative bioelectronic devices are being used to implement new strategies for personalized injection therapy. This paper examines aspects of the development of innovative methods of drug delivery to the patient's body, such as optogenetic therapy, optogenetic methods, and genetic therapy. For these purposes, bioelectronic implants are used today, in which electronics and optogenetics interact with the help of light, transmitting a certain induction signal to each other. By controlling the synthetic optogenetic pathway in the cell, drugs can be delivered to a particular organ within a clearly limited space or time. Present technology is revolutionary in medicine, as it can replace a traditional syringe, increasing the accuracy of dosage and time of drug administration, while reducing the involvement of the human factor to a minimum. The technology under consideration also acts as minimally invasive, which minimizes the patient's discomfort when taking medications.

The ACE-2 in COVID-19: Foe or Friend?

COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading outbreak globally. Emerging evidence demonstrates that older individuals and people with underlying metabolic conditions of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality. The SARS-CoV-2 infects humans through the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE-2) receptor. The ACE-2 receptor is a part of the dual system renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) consisting of ACE-Ang-II-AT1R axis and ACE-2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis. In metabolic disorders and with increased age, it is known that there is an upregulation of ACE-Ang-II-AT1R axis with a downregulation of ACE-2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis. The activated ACE-Ang-II-AT1R axis leads to pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic effects in respiratory system, vascular dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, nephropathy, and insulin secretory defects with increased insulin resistance. On the other hand, the ACE-2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis has anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects on the respiratory system and anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and protective effects on vascular function, protects against myocardial fibrosis, nephropathy, pancreatitis, and insulin resistance. In effect, the balance between these two axes may determine the prognosis. The already strained ACE-2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas in metabolic disorders is further stressed due to the use of the ACE-2 by the virus for entry, which affects the prognosis in terms of respiratory compromise. Further evidence needs to be gathered on whether modulation of the renin angiotensin system would be advantageous due to upregulation of Mas activation or harmful due to the concomitant ACE-2 receptor upregulation in the acute management of COVID-19.

Stratification in binary colloidal polymer films: experiment and simulations

When films are deposited from mixtures of colloidal particles of two different sizes, a diverse range of functional structures can result. One structure of particular interest is a stratified film in which the top surface layer has a composition different than in the interior. Here, we explore the conditions under which a stratified layer of small particles develops spontaneously in a colloidal film that is cast from a binary mixture of small and large polymer particles that are suspended in water. A recent model, which considers the cross-interaction between the large and small particles (Zhou et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 2017, 118, 108002), predicts that stratification will develop from dilute binary mixtures when the particle size ratio (α), initial volume fraction of small particles (ϕ_S), and Péclet number are high. In experiments and Langevin dynamics simulations, we systematically vary α and ϕ_S in both dilute and concentrated suspensions. We find that stratified films develop when ϕ_S is increased, which is in agreement with the model. In dilute suspensions, there is reasonable agreement between the experiments and the Zhou et al.

MODEL

In concentrated suspensions, stratification occurs in experiments only for the higher size ratio α = 7. Simulations using a high Péclet number, additionally find stratification with α = 2, when ϕ_S is high enough. Our results provide a quantitative understanding of the conditions under which stratified colloidal films assemble. Our research has relevance for the design of coatings with targeted optical and mechanical properties at their surface.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis in the adult population within the commonwealth of independent states: rationale and design of the CORE study

Background

Main treatable Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs) like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Bronchial Asthma (BA) and Allergic Rhinitis (AR) are underdiagnosed and undertreated worldwide. CORE study was aimed to assess the point prevalence of COPD, BA and AR in the adult population of major cities of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries – Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine based on study questionnaires and/or spirometry, and to document risk factors, characterize the COPD, BA and AR population to provide a clearer “epidemiological data”.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional, population-based epidemiological study conducted from 2013 to 2015 with two-stage cluster geographical randomization. Interviewers conducted face-to-face visits at respondent’s household after informed consent and eligibility assessment including interviews, anthropometry, spirometry (with bronchodilator test) and completion of disease-specific questionnaires.

Results

Two thousand eight hundred forty-two respondents (Ukraine: 964 from Ukraine; 945 from Kazakhstan; 933 Azerbaijan) were enrolled. Mean age was 40–42 years and males were 37%–42% across three countries. In Kazakhstan 62.8% were Asians, but in Ukraine and in Azerbaijan 99.7% and 100.0%, respectively, were Caucasians. Manual labourers constituted 40.5% in Ukraine, 22.8% in Kazakhstan and 22.0% in Azerbaijan, while office workers were 16.1%, 31.6% and 36.8% respectively. 51.3% respondents in Ukraine, 64.9% in Kazakhstan and 69.7% in Azerbaijan were married.

Conclusion

CORE study collected information that can be supportive for health policy decision makers in allocating healthcare resources in order to improve diagnosis and management of CRDs. The detailed findings will be described in future publications.

Trial registration

Study Protocol Summary is disclosed at GlaxoSmithKline Clinical Study Register on Jun 06, 2013, study ID 116757.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12890-017-0471-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Heart rate variability in workers of various professions in contrasting seasons of the year

OBJECTIVES

It is known that professional occupation affects the heart rate variability (HRV). However, most studies have not taken into account seasonal features of the HRV. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the HRV differences in winter and in summer in the case of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM) workers and scientific workers from the Komi Science Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The short-term HRV was examined for 13 EMERCOM workers and 13 scientific workers. The data was collected in winter (December) and summer (July) for the same groups of workers. The time domain and frequency domain HRV analyses were performed. The EMERCOM workers had more contact with the external environment than the scientific workers.

RESULTS

The two-way analysis of variance with repeated observations on a single factor has shown that "Season" and interaction of two factors "Season" and "Profession" significantly influenced the HRV among volunteers. The "Profession" factor did not influence the HRV parameters (except for the heart rate in winter, p = 0.042). Seasonal changes in the HRV parameters were not significant in the case of scientific workers. In contrast, the EMERCOM workers showed significantly decreased parameters of parasympathetic activity (the root-mean-square of successive differences in RR intervals, percentage of consecutive RR intervals differing by > 50 ms and the relative value high frequency power, p = 0.001, p = 0.014 and p = 0.009, respectively) and increased parameters of sympathetic activity (the stress index and ratio of low-frequency power to high-frequency power, p = 0.012 and p = 0.006, respectively) in winter as compared to summer.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study indicate that, unlike the scientific workers, the EMERCOM workers showed significant changes in the HRV in contrasting seasons (winter and summer). A season of a year should be considered when assessing the HRV among workers of various professions. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(5):793-800.

Critical peripheral ischemia precipitated by severe episode of Raynaud's phenomenon in a patient with aPL-positive systemic lupus erythematosus, upon high titer anti-RNP seroconversion

A 35-year-old female with long standing aPL-positive lupus without history of thromboembolic events, who has developed critical peripheral ischemia (CPI) is described. An episode of severe Raynaud's phenomenon rapidly progressed to an extensive digit-threatening ischemia, involving bilateral hands and feet. She was successfully treated with corticosteroids, anticoagulation, iloprost, sildenafil, and nifedipine. Her serological studies were remarkable for the emergence of high titer anti-RNP seroconversion and an increase in aPL titer, suggesting that these autoantibodies played a role in the pathogenesis of CPI. It is important to note that such observation should herald this potentially devastating complication of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Evaluation of Cellulase Preparations for Hydrolysis of Hardwood Substrates

Seven cellulase preparations from Penicillium and Trichoderma spp. were evaluated for their ability to hydrolyze the cellulose fraction of hardwoods (yellow poplar and red maple) pretreated by organosolv extraction, as well as model cellulosic substrates such as filter paper. There was no significant correlation among hydrolytic performance on pretreated hardwood, based on glucose release, and filter paper activity. However, performance on pretreated hardwood showed significant correlations to the levels of endogenous beta-glucosidase and xylanase activities in the cellulase preparation. Accordingly, differences in performance were reduced or eliminated following supplementation with a crude beta-glucosidase preparation containing both activities. These results complement a previous investigation using softwoods pretreated by either organosolv extraction or steam explosion. Cellulase preparations that performed best on hardwood also showed superior performance on the softwood substrates.

Prevalence of skin test reactions to natural rubber latex in hospital personnel in Russia and eastern Europe

BACKGROUND

Allergic reactions to natural rubber latex have increased during the past 10 years, especially in many health care workers (HCWs) who have high exposure to latex allergens. The prevalence of skin test reactions to natural rubber latex in Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and eastern Europe is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of skin test reactivity to natural rubber latex in a population of HCWs exposed to latex.

METHODS

Nine hundred one HCWs regularly exposed to latex were evaluated using an allergy history questionnaire. Subjects were tested for latex allergy by titrated skin prick test with a biologically standardized latex extract. The diagnosis of latex allergy was defined by the presence of clinical symptoms when exposed to latex along with a positive skin prick test to latex.

RESULTS

Forty-nine (5.4%) HCWs were skin test-positive to latex. Seventeen (1.9%) HCWs were classified as latex-allergic based upon positive skin tests to latex associated with allergy symptoms with exposure. Seven of 901 HCWs had experienced anaphylactic reactions to latex. The most frequently reported symptom related to latex exposure was contact urticaria.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of latex allergy among HCWs in Russia, the CIS, and adjacent eastern European countries is considerably less than reported in HCWs exposed to latex in western Europe and the United States. The low prevalence of latex allergy in Russia and the CIS suggests that lessened exposure to natural latex powdered gloves may diminish the prevalence of latex sensitization in HCWs in Russia and the CIS.

Using the PROGRESS transport spacecraft in structure of the International Space Station for realization of scientific experiments under microgravity conditions

The problem is considered of using the PROGRESS transport spacecraft, which will deliver the payload on the ISS, as a free flying platform for realization of space experiments. For maintenance of the ISS 5-6 PROGRESS flights per year are planned. Usually after delivery of the payload the PROGRESS undocks from the ISS and burns down in the Earth atmosphere. However, the operating conditions of its onboard systems allow to prolong operation and to make free flight near to the station and repeatedly to be docked to it. It is offered to use this possibility for performing experiments on Material Science.

Assessment of IgE allergen specificity among latex-allergic health care workers: review of IgE-binding components of various latex extracts

BACKGROUND

Allergic reactions to natural rubber latex have increased during the past 10 years, especially in many health care workers who have high exposure to latex allergens both by direct skin contact and by inhalation of latex particles from powdered gloves. Development of satisfactory diagnostic methods to verify the presence of latex allergy in health care workers requires characterization of the immunoreactive proteins in latex products and identification of specific IgE antibodies in sensitized patients. A number of different latex preparations are now available for in vitro evaluations.

OBJECTIVES

Utilizing different in vitro methods, this study examines IgE sensitization to components of latex in a selected population of hospital employees, employing a raw natural latex glove extract and various commercial latex extracts.

METHODS

Two hundred hospital employees exposed to latex were evaluated using an allergy history questionnaire. To further identify sensitized patients, two different specific IgE tests and leukocyte histamine release tests were performed using a panel of latex extracts obtained from different manufacturers. Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) profiles were obtained. Sera from 34 subjects suspected to be latex-sensitized were IgE immunoblotted to assess the presence of IgE antibodies directed toward specific latex proteins.

RESULTS

Thirty-four participants (17%) were considered sensitized to latex by a positive clinical history in conjunction with positive specific IgE tests (18 individuals) and/or positive histamine release tests (26 individuals). Significant extract differences in both the histamine release response profile and the frequency of positive test results were noted in the histamine release test. Significant individual differences in patients' latex epitope-specificity were found by IgE immunoblotting, substantiated by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide profiles revealing differences in protein band patterns among the various extracts. The IgE immunoblots indicated that the majority of patients reacted to proteins with molecular weights of 14, 21, 30 to 35, and 42 kD; the 30 to 35 kD protein being predominant. Seven subjects (22%) of the 34 considered to be latex-sensitized did not reveal binding of specific IgE in immunoblots. One latex extract (Stallergene) with the widest IgE-reacting protein repertoire identified the majority of subjects (63%) as latex sensitive by leukocyte histamine release and also provided the best quantitative histamine release test results.

CONCLUSION

Only by testing with a combination of latex extracts were all sensitized individuals identified. This study demonstrates that currently several in vitro methods may be necessary to detect IgE sensitization to latex. Latex extracts to be employed in future skin tests must contain a wide epitope repertoire of IgE-binding proteins to identify all latex-sensitized individuals.

A founder mutation in the GK1 gene is responsible for galactokinase deficiency in Roma (Gypsies)

Galactokinase deficiency is an inborn error in the first step of galactose metabolism. Its major clinical manifestation is the development of cataracts in the first weeks of life. It has also been suggested that carriers of the deficiency are predisposed to presenile cataracts developing at age 20-50 years. Newborn screening data suggest that the gene frequency is very low worldwide but is higher among the Roma in Europe. Since the cloning of the galactokinase gene (GK1) in 1995, only two disease-causing mutations, both confined to single families, have been identified. Here we present the results of a study of six affected Romani families from Bulgaria, where index patients with galactokinase deficiency have been detected by the mass screening. Genetic linkage mapping placed the disease locus on 17q, and haplotype analysis revealed a small conserved region of homozygosity. Using radiation hybrid mapping, we have shown that GK1 is located in this region. The founder Romani mutation identified in this study is a single nucleotide substitution in GK1 resulting in the replacement of the conserved proline residue at amino acid position 28 with threonine (P28T). The P28T carrier rate in this endogamous population is approximately 5%, suggesting that the mutation may be an important cause of early childhood blindness in countries with a sizeable Roma minority.

The problem of asthma in the Ukraine

Although health statistics in Ukraine are difficult to obtain, there does appear to be an increase in the occurrence of asthma. Overall reporting of asthma is less frequent than in Western Europe, perhaps due to insufficient diagnostic capabilities at the present time. Asthma therapy in the Ukraine tends toward the use of theophylline and beta 2-agonists, rather than inhaled corticosteroids. Asthma morbidity differs in various regions of Ukraine, perhaps as a consequence of increased environmental exposure in some areas.

The effects of fructose-1,6-diphosphate on the isolated rabbit heart

The effects of 0.1-100 mgm of fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FDP) were observed on the inotropic and chronotropic activity of the isolated, perfused rabbit heart, using a modified Langendorff technique. The preparations were treated with bolus injections of 0.1-100 mgm of FDP in gradually increasing concentrations following their recovery from previous injections. FDP produced a biphasic inotropic response with an initial decrease in contractility followed by an increase. The largest increases in contractility were observed at concentrations below 25 mgm while the greatest decreases occurred at the higher doses. The average maximal increase in contractility was 136.5 +/- 24% at an average dose of 1.53 +/- 0.6 mgm FDP. The average maximal decrease in the inotropic activity was 69 +/- 3% which was observed at an average dose of 92 +/- 8 mgm FDP. Recovery of the contractile activity following the observed effects of FDP was greater than or equal to pretreatment levels at all concentrations except 0.5 and 100 mgm FDP. The basal tone or tension of some hearts, especially after high doses of FDP, increased with some of these preparations contracting into a hard, putty-colored knot. FDP was also observed to exert an anti-arrhythmic effect on arrhythmic hearts. A negative chronotropic response was noted at all concentrations of FDP while a positive chronotropic response was observed only at the 0.1 mgm dose of FDP. The average increases and decreases in heart rate were 65 +/- 18 and 37 +/- 7%, respectively, at average respective doses of 9 +/- 6 and 40 +/- 15 mgm FDP. These data indicate that FDP exerts biphasic inotropic and chronotropic effects as well as an anti-arrhythmic effect on the isolated myocardium. They also indicate that FDP is toxic at higher cumulative doses.

Hyperbaric oxygen after circulatory arrest: modification of postischemic encephalopathy

Cats were subjected to circulatory arrest of 5 minutes duration by occlusion of the ascending aorta and the superior and inferior venae cavae. After perfusion was re-established by release of the occluding clamps, one group of animals was placed in a hyperbaric chamber and ventilated with oxygen at 1.5 atmospheres absolute pressure for 2.5 hours. Control animals were ventilated with oxygen at ambient atmospheric pressure. The time for electroencephalographic recovery was significantly shortened (P = 0.002) and the cerebrospinal fluid lactate change (2.5-hour value minus the preclamp value) was reduced (P = 0.008) in the animals receiving hyperbaric oxygen. The data indicate that hyperbaric oxygen administered after global cerebral ischemia modifies favorably both postischemic functional impairment and metabolic derangement. Possible mechanisms for the modification of postischemic encephalopathy are discussed.