Biological Components Research Articles

Conservation Agricultural Practices Increase Soil Fungal Diversity and Network Complexity in a 13-Year-Duration Conservation Agriculture System in the Loess Plateau of China

Agricultural practices can affect the diversity and community structure of soil fungi. This study investigates the impact of long-term agricultural practices on soil fungal diversity in the Loess Plateau of northwestern China. Different tillage practices have been implemented for 13 years, and their impact on soil fungi is assessed using high-throughput Illumina Sequencing. This study found a total of 2071 fungal Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), and these were assigned to 25 different phyla, 372 families, and 496 genera. The fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycota (52.1%), followed by Zygomycota (14.3%) and Basidiomycota (9.0%). In general, the soil exhibited higher fungal community abundance, richness, and diversity in winter than in summer. Notably, no-tillage or stubble retention resulted in greater diversity than conventional tillage, with no-tillage combined with stubble retention resulting in the highest fungal richness, diversity, and network complexity in both summer and winter. These findings indicate that no-tillage with stubble retention is beneficial for biological soil components, which favors the establishment of abundant and diverse soil fungal communities in the Loess Plateau of China. The present study expands the knowledge of fungal communities in agro-ecosystems and the long-term ecosystem benefits of tillage practices.

Investigation of Persistent Photoconductivity of Gallium Nitride Semiconductor and Differentiation of Primary Neural Stem Cells.

A gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor is one of the most promising materials integrated into biomedical devices to play the roles of connecting, monitoring, and manipulating the activity of biological components, due to its excellent photoelectric properties, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. In this work, it was found that the photogenerated free charge carriers of the GaN substrate, as an exogenous stimulus, served to promote neural stem cells (NSCs) to differentiate into neurons. This was observed through the systematic investigation of the effect of the persistent photoconductivity (PPC) of GaN on the differentiation of primary NSCs from the embryonic rat cerebral cortex. NSCs were directly cultured on the GaN surface with and without ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, with a control sample consisting of tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) medium. Through optical microscopy, the morphology showed a greater number of neurons with the branching structures of axons and dendrites on GaN with UV irradiation. The immunocytochemical results demonstrated that GaN with UV irradiation could promote the NSCs to differentiate into neurons. Western blot analysis showed that GaN with UV irradiation significantly upregulated the expression of two neuron-related markers, βIII-tubulin (Tuj-1) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), suggesting that neurite formation and the proliferation of NSCs during differentiation were enhanced by GaN with UV irradiation. Finally, the results of the Kelvin probe force microscope (KPFM) experiments showed that the NSCs cultured on GaN with UV irradiation displayed about 50 mV higher potential than those cultured on GaN without irradiation. The increase in cell membrane potential may have been due to the larger number of photogenerated free charges on the GaN surface with UV irradiation. These results could benefit topical research and the application of GaN as a biomedical material integrated into neural interface systems or other bioelectronic devices.

Influence of some environmental variables on the diversity and distribution of aquatic oligochaetes (Clitellata: Annelida) in the Nyong estuary (Atlantic coast, southern Cameroon)

Tropical estuarine ecosystems are subject to strong anthropogenic pressures, with the direct consequence of declining or lost biodiversity. An essential and little-known biological component of these estuarine ecosystems is the population of oligochaete annelids, which play an indispensable role in energy transfer and the biodegradation of organic and chemical compounds. This study sheds light on the diversity and structure of oligochaetes in the Nyong estuary under the influence of some abiotic parameters. Based on hydrobiological standard techniques, 1016 individuals grouped into 3 orders (Tubificida, Haplotaxida and Lumbriculida), 5 families (Naididae, Tubificidae, Haplotaxidae, Glossoscolecidae and Lumbriculidae) and 5 species were collected and identified. Alma nilotica, positively correlated with dissolved oxygen (P = 0.033; n = 72), was the most abundant species (464 individuals), followed by Tubifex tubifex (216 individuals), positively correlated with salinity (P = 0.029; n = 72), pH (P = 0.037; n = 72) and temperature (P = 0.044; n = 72) Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri and Rhynchemis sp. showed no particular affinity with the abiotic component considered in this study. The Shannon-Weaver's (H') and Pielou's evenness (J) indices coupled with the species richness of all surveyed stations (S1 to S12) showed a greater diversity of taxa only at station S12, located in the lower estuary, 1 km from the mouth; during the dry season. This study shows that the spatial dynamics of oligochaetes in the Nyong estuary are strongly influenced by abiotic parameters and seasonal cycles.

A gender perspective on diet, microbiome, and sex hormone interplay in cardiovascular disease.

A unique interplay between body and environment embeds and reflects host-microbiome interactions that contribute to sex-differential disease susceptibility, symptomatology, and treatment outcomes. These differences derive from individual biological factors, such as sex hormone action, sex-divergent immune processes, X-linked gene dosage effects, and epigenetics, as well as from their interaction across the lifespan. The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as a moderator of several body systems that are thus impacted by its function and composition. In humans, biological sex components further interact with gender-specific exposures such as dietary preferences, stressors, and life experiences to form a complex whole, requiring innovative methodologies to disentangle. Here, we summarize current knowledge of the interactions among sex hormones, gut microbiota, immune system, and vascular health and their relevance for sex-differential epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases. We outline clinical implications, identify knowledge gaps, and place emphasis on required future studies to address these gaps. In addition, we provide an overview of the caveats associated with conducting cardiovascular research that require consideration of sex/gender differences. While previous work has inspected several of these components separately, here we call attention to further translational utility of a combined perspective from cardiovascular translational research, gender medicine, and microbiome systems biology.

Tailor-made green composts with suppressive properties against tracheofusariosis of wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia): Useful option for sustainable circular horticulture

Intensive cultivation systems of wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) are threatened by the outbreak of tracheofusariosis caused by the soil-borne fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. raphani. The disease is difficult to eradicate by curative methods due to the endophytic progression of the pathogen. Suppressive composts can help to prevent this adversity by providing organic matter carrying chemical and biological components that can directly and/or indirectly interfere with the plant-pathogen system. In this study, a collection of seven promising composts from different selected green feedstocks were investigated for their suppressive properties towards wild rocket Fusarium wilting. In planta assays identified two composts, obtained from olive tree pruning + plant and tomato residues, and from olive waste + straw + wool residues, with the highest levels of suppressiveness, influenced by both application dose and plant development stage. These active composts showed overlapping 13C NMR profiles as in vivo suppressiveness, being positively correlated with the organic aliphatic alkyl, O-Aryl and carboxyl C fractions and subsequently with the hydrophobic index and alkyl ratio, and negatively with the lignin ratio. On the contrary, although biotic compost components showed antifungal effects, biological properties did not correlate with in planta wilting suppression. Consistently, reflectance spectroscopy in the Vis-NIR-SWIR highlighted the clustering of samples depending on their feedstock and chemical composition. The results allow the hypothesis of a plant-mediated suppression mechanism. The composting of crop residues improves the circularity of horticulture and makes it possible to produce, from selected matrices, tailored compost towards the sustainable cultivation of wild rocket.

Ecological Structure of Macrobenthic Invertebrates of the Benin River, Southern Nigeria, Before the Seaport Development Project

Macrobenthic invertebrates are major components of aquatic ecosystems. Because of their partial or sessile motion, they can be used to assess water quality status. The Benin River is a beehive of human activity, and with the development of the proposed seaport along its course, its physical, chemical, and biological components may be affected. The need to document macrobenthic invertebrates before the seaport development prompted this study. Four stations were selected between Ajoki and a section opposite Young Town, employing both kick sampling and Ekman grab techniques. Seasonal influence on the distribution and abundance of macrobenthic invertebrates was observed. In total, 3,267 macrobenthic invertebrates were collected during the sampling period. The highest number of taxa (35) were recorded in Station 1, and the highest number of individuals (1,103) was in Station 3. The dominant macrobenthic invertebrate group was Decapoda (76.61%); Diptera (6.15%) and Ephemeroptera (4.62%), others constituted the remaining 12.62%. There was a positive correlation between the family Diaptomidae and the physicochemical parameters, except for heavy metals.

Evaluation of biopsychosocial model for pain management in postoral cancer therapy patients

Background. Approximately 50 % of cancer patients have pain in their daily lives, which is multifaceted sensation goes beyond basic biochemical signal of pain. Oral mucositis is one of the negative consequences with intense pain, discomfort, challenges in speaking and eating. These components collectively influence patient's total quality of life across mental, biological, social aspects. Biopsychosocial model (BPS) is an effective technique for understanding and addressing conceptualization and treatment of pain in cancer patients. The aim of this study is to assess efficacy of the BPS in managing post-cancer distress and potential to improve quality of life for individuals with cancer. Material and Methods. This study evaluated 30 cancer patients who completed radiotherapy and were referred from cancer hospital. The examination encompasses three distinct categories: biological, psychological, and social components. The biological aspect was documented based on mucosal lesions and VAS scores for individuals; followed by photo-biomodulation was given. Palliative care was provided in psychological aspect through implementation of exercise, meditation, music therapy. The social component encompasses community engagement, social activities, counseling services for family members. Patients were categorized into 3 groups – A, B, C. All three components were carefully evaluated and one-month follow-up was done. Results. The outcome derived from statistical analysis of the data collected from groups A, B, and C. When group A was compared to group B, there was 46 % increase in quality of life. When group C was compared to group A, 65 % of patients exhibited favorable quality of life. The average VAS score of patients decreased from 9.2 to 4.5 after Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), demonstrating gradual decrease in discomfort. P value showed statistically significant (<0.05). Conclusion. Healthcare providers can enhance their treatment efficiency, addressing root cause of illness, and enhance overall well-being by incorporating BPS into their practice. Addressing the various elements of biological, psychological, and social factors would have beneficial effect on overall quality of life.

A Detailed Sedimentological Analysis of Colour Lake, Axel Heiberg Island, Nunavut

This research project examines sediments in Colour Lake, a non-glacial lake on Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian High Arctic. Analyzing the mineralogical composition, structural morphology and deposition patterns of the accumulated lake sediments provides information about the depositional environment and can serve as proxies for past environmental conditions. Work focused primarily on a 53 cm long sediment core collected in 2019. The objectives were: (1) to document distinct sediment units and interpret their depositional history by high resolution image analysis and microscopic observations in thin sections; (2) to identify schwertmannite, an iron oxyhydroxy-sulfate mineral within the sediments using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray fluorescence (XRF); (3) to determine this mineral’s relationship with siliciclastic deposits; and (4) to establish sediment chronology by 210Pb and 137Cs dating. Data was organized into pollen charts, incorporating images, scans, sediment stratigraphy, and grain size distributions to better understand sediment layers and their positions within the core. Thirteen lithozones were identified based on observed variations in the core, differing in terms of mud and clay lens distribution, the presence of schwertmannite, lamination patterns (graded or non-graded detrital laminations), the occurrence of biological components, and detrital mineral grain sizes. A recurring lithozone featuring non-graded, amorphous clay with schwertmannite, typically overlying either graded or reverse-graded mud, was observed throughout the core. While the mechanisms responsible for sediment deposition have not been fully explored, they are suspected to be related to hyperpycnal flows and slumping events. An Intervaled Sediment Extruder (ISE) was developed for precise sediment extrusion from a core collected in July for 210Pb and 137Cs dating, which will constrain sedimentation rates and correlate depositional events with past environmental conditions. Future work will focus on linking sediment structures to climatic events, identifying annually laminated layers (varves), and completing dating analyses to better understand past climate variations.

Evaluation of Relationship Between C-Reactive Protein, Leukocyte Count and Platelet Indices in Dogs with Leukocytosis

A complete blood count and acute-phase protein analyses are the laboratory tests that are used in veterinary medicine practice. Leukocytes, also known as white blood cells (WBCs), are the primary biological components of inflammatory and immunological responses. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a powerful predictor of inflammation and/or infection in veterinary medicine. Starting at that point, the investigation of the alterations and relationship between WBC count, platelet indices, and blood serum CRP levels in dogs with leukocytosis was the aim of this study. A total of 135 bloodwork records, from January 2018 to December 2022, of dogs were analyzed. The inflammatory panel of complete blood count data, including WBC, PLT, MPV, PDW, PCT, and MPV/PLT, and CRP levels in blood serum chemistry analyses were investigated. The inflammatory panel of complete blood count data was categorized according to CRP levels in blood serum chemistry analyses. There was no significant difference in platelet indices according to the blood serum levels of CRP in the dogs’ bloodwork records. The WBC count in dogs with an equal or above 10 mg/dL CRP level was significantly higher than the other levels of CRP. A moderately positive correlation was detected between CRP and WBC in the bloodwork of all dogs, undivided according to inflammatory status, and of dogs with an inflammatory status. Consequently, in veterinary clinical practice, C-reactive protein measures in dogs may be more applicable in cases where an important rise in WBC over the cut-off value is observed in the complete blood count, commonly used to diagnose inflammatory or infectious status.

Enhancing human well-being through cognitive and affective pathways linking landscape sensation to cultural ecosystem services

ContextLandscape sensation is essential for the delivery of cultural ecosystem services (CESs), yet the pathways through which these services are delivered remain inadequately understood. Exploring how people obtain CESs from landscapes facilitates better understanding of the tradeoffs and synergies between ecosystem services and landscape sustainability.ObjectivesThis study aimed to elucidate the sensory pathways that links landscape attributes to CESs, focusing on the roles of cognitive and affective experiences.MethodsWe analyzed social media comments for the measurement scale of cognition. We employed partial least squares structural equation modeling to integrate sensation, cognition, affect, and satisfaction, using questionnaire data (n = 503).ResultsCognitive comprehensions and affective responses play a crucial role in interpreting CESs while sensory experiences do not directly determine people’s satisfaction with CESs. The effective pathways are achieved through the sole mediator of cognition or by serial mediators of cognition and affect. Of the two mediators, cognition has a more profound mediating effect than affect.ConclusionsBoth physical and biological components, such as landscape sensory attributes, as well as cognitive and affective responses, influence human-nature interactions. These components should be considered when promoting the sustainability of human-dominated landscapes.

Pig-derived ECM-SIS provides a novel matrix gel for tumor modeling

The absence of effective extracellular matrix to mimic the natural tumor microenvironment remains a significant obstacle in cancer research. Matrigel, abundant in various biological matrix components, is limited in its application due to its high cost. This has prompted researchers to explore alternative matrix substitutes. Here, we have investigated the effects of the extracellular matrix derived from pig small intestinal submucosa (ECM-SIS) in xenograft tumor modeling. Our results showed that the pig-derived ECM-SIS effectively promotes the establishment of xenograft tumor models, with a tumor formation rate comparable to that of Matrigel. Furthermore, we showed that the pig-derived ECM-SIS exhibited lower immune rejection and fewer infiltrating macrophages than Matrigel. Gene sequencing analysis demonstrated only a 0.5% difference in genes between pig-derived ECM-SIS and Matrigel during the process of tumor tissue formation. These differentially expressed genes primarily participate in cellular processes, biological regulation, and metabolic processes. These findings emphasize the potential of pig-derived ECM-SIS as a cost-effective option for tumor modeling in cancer research.

DSCI: a database of synthetic biology components for innate immunity and cell engineering decision-making processes

Although significant progress of clinical strategy has been made in gene editing and cell engineering in immunotherapy, it is now apparent that design and modification in terms of complex signaling pathways and motifs on medical synthetic biology are still full of challenges. Innate immunity, the first line of host defense against pathogens, is critical for anti-pathogens immune response as well as regulating durable and protective T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses. Here, we introduce DSCI (Database of Synthetic Biology Components for Innate Immunity, https://dsci.renlab.cn/), a web-accessible and integrative database that provides better insights and strategies for innate immune signaling circuit design in biosynthesis. Users can interactively navigate comprehensive and carefully curated components resources that presented as visualized signaling motifs that participate in innate immunity. The current release of DSCI incorporates 1240 independent components and more than 4000 specific entries contextually annotated from public literature with experimental verification. The data integrated into DSCI includes the components of pathways, relationships between regulators, signal motifs based on regulatory cascades, and loop graphs, all of which have been comprehensively annotated to help guide modifications to gene circuits. With the support of DSCI, users can easily obtain guidance of gene circuits construction to make decision of cell engineering based on innate immunity. DSCI not only provides comprehensive and specialized resource on the biological components of innate immune synthesis, but also serves as a useful tool to offer modification or generation strategies for medical synthetic biology.

Validation of Active Compound of Terminalia catappa L. Extract and Its Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties by Regulating Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cellular Signaling Pathways.

As chronic inflammation and oxidative stress cause various diseases in the human body, this study aimed to develop functional materials to prevent inflammation and oxidative stress. This study investigated the biological function and components of Terminalia catappa L. extract prepared using its leaves and branches (TCE). TCE was determined using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Using RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages, inhibitory effects of the identified compounds on nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were analyzed. Therefore, α-punicalagin was selected as an active compound with the highest content (986.6 ± 68.4 μg/g) and physiological activity. TCE exhibited an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory markers, including NO, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and inflammatory cytokines without exerting cytotoxicity. Moreover, TCE prevented excessive ROS production mediated by LPS and upregulated hemeoxygenase-1 expression via the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Interestingly, TCE prevented LPS-induced mitochondrial membrane potential loss, mitochondrial ROS production, and dynamin-related protein 1 phosphorylation (serine 616), a marker of abnormal mitochondrial fission. Furthermore, TCE considerably repressed the activation of LPS-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Thus, TCE is a promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pharmaceutical or nutraceutical, as demonstrated via mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular signaling pathway regulation.

What's in It for Me? Contextualizing the Potential Clinical Impacts of Lecanemab, Donanemab, and Other Anti-β-amyloid Monoclonal Antibodies in Early Alzheimer's Disease.

A new era of disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD) arrived in 2021 following the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision to grant accelerated approval for aducanumab, an anti-β-amyloid (Aβ) monoclonal antibody designed to target Aβ aggregates, a biological component of AD. More recently, trial outcomes for lecanemab and donanemab, two additional antibodies of this drug class, have shown favorable and significant slowing of metrics for cognitive and functional decline. Lecanemab and donanemab have since received similar FDA approval to aducanumab in January 2023 and July 2024, respectively. Given that these therapies are a clearly emerging tool in the repertoire of clinicians treating AD and related dementias, a critical dialogue has been ongoing regarding the potential impacts and place for these therapies. Here, we seek to contextualize this debate by first considering factors involved in theoretically extrapolating current randomized control trial outcomes to estimate meaningful clinical impacts. In the process of this exercise, we outline a generally useful concept termed Summative Treatment-Associated Benefit measuring Long-term Efficacy/Effectiveness Area as a metric of summative benefits of treatment over the life course of an individual. Second, we consider current real-world factors, such as conditions of FDA approval and other points involved in clinical decision-making that will influence and/or temper the actual impacts of this drug class.

Self-assembled belt[12]pyridine nanotube for the adsorption and removal of anti-TB drugs from wastewater

Environmental safety is a major concern of today's world, and it has attracted the attention of the scientific research community. The environment gets contaminated due to various toxic drugs and pharmaceutical toxins coming from different sources. Therefore, removing these toxins is necessary for making the environment greener and safer. Nanomaterials are excellent candidates for adsorption and removal of harmful materials due to their unique properties. Herein we have studied self-assembled nanotube based on belt[12]pyridine (2-(12BPy)) as an adsorbent for the removal of antituberculosis drugs i.e. isoniazid (INZ) and pyrazinamide (PZA). The adsorption ability is studied by considering the adsorption energy (Eads), non-covalent interaction index analysis (NCI), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), energy decomposition analysis (EDA), charge transfer via natural bond orbital analysis (NBO) and electron localization function (ELF), and dipole moment. The results indicate strong adsorption of selected drugs with self-assembled nanotube without altering the electronic properties. Recovery time of the complexes is also calculated to understand the regeneration of the nanotube. Results also demonstrate that van der Waals forces are major contributor in the adsorption of drug molecules within the nanotube. Our results indicate that belt[12]pyridine (2-(12BPy)) nanotube can be used as an adsorbent for the removal of toxic drug molecules from the environment. This research will benefit the scientists working in the field of new sensors for biological components and materials.

Stable isotope spatial patterns for the Southwest Atlantic Ocean towards polar waters

Mapping stable isotope gradients (isoscapes) has become a powerful tool to understand and forecast the status and variability of marine ecosystems at different levels of ecological organization. To differentiate five marine areas from the Southwest Atlantic Ocean towards oceanic and polar waters, a key foraging area for many marine consumers, we built isoscapes at different spatial scales using carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values of phytoplankton, zooplankton and particulate organic matter in sediment. We analyzed the isotopic variability between marine areas in relation with oceanographic parameters (e.g. temperature, salinity) and geographical sampling site data (e.g. latitude, longitude). We collected samples during 6 oceanographic surveys conducted in spring and autumn between 2014 and 2019 at the Beagle Channel, the Atlantic coast of Tierra del Fuego and Burdwood Bank. We included also published isotopic data of zooplankton from two other oceanic areas (the Polar Frontal Zone and Polar Antarctic Peninsula waters) to construct large-scale isoscapes. We found that the marine areas analyzed have substantially different δ13C and δ15N baselines; some differences exist between spring and autumn but the general pattern of isotopic variability remains similar. Combining different biological components and spatial scale analysis, isotopic variability was found to be related to variables such as seawater temperature, depth, chlorophyll and nutrients. The generated data will enhance the efficacy of isoscapes in long-term monitoring initiatives that documents alterations in attributes and features across marine expanses. This is particularly pertinent to areas under legal protection, such as the oceanic Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) established in Argentine waters.

Microbial assessment of the ecological linkage between a red tide of Karenia brevis and bottom water anoxia off the coast of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island, Florida

Coastal ecosystem management necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological components and their interplay with socio-economic activities. Red tides of Karenia brevis reoccur almost annually on the West Florida Shelf and cause significant human and environmental health problems that often result in negative economic impacts. It is crucial that we understand the processes and dynamics of both phytoplankton and microbial communities as conditions necessary for the formation of hypoxia and anoxia in the coastal ecosystem. With the aim of identifying key microbial communities responsible for anoxia, we investigated the 2017–2018 Karenia bloom. Various water quality parameters, phytoplankton, and microbial community compositions were studied at eight sites on the West Florida Shelf. K. brevis densities were highest at the site of the plume of the Caloosahatchee River. At the site with the highest K. brevis abundance (6.3 ×106 cells/L), dissolved oxygen (DO) was supersaturated (303 %) at the surface, and the chlorophyll a concentration was 118 µg/L. The highest bacterial cell count (9.0 ×106 cells/mL) and the lowest bacterial diversity were also observed at this site. The bacterial community determined by high-throughput amplicon sequencing at this bloom site was unique and dominated by Bacteroidetes, which occupied 65 % of the relative abundance of the microbial community. The bottom water was generally hypoxic (mean ± SD: 0.98 ± 1.13 mg/L), with select stations having DO as low as 0.06 mg/L (anoxic). The anoxic bottom water harbored unique microbial taxa that were associated with the low oxygen conditions. Significant negative correlations were found between DO and the relative abundance of Deltaproteobacteria, Firmicutes, Spirochaetes, and unclassified Proteobacteria. Our investigation lays the groundwork for subsequent studies delving into the responses of phytoplankton and microbial communities to disturbances caused by Karenia blooms, as well as future strategies for mitigation and ecosystem restoration.

Bioconjugates for Cancer Prevention: Opportunities for Impact.

Cancer prevention encompasses both screening strategies to find cancers early when they are likely to be most treatable and prevention and interception strategies to reduce the risk of developing cancers. Bioconjugates, here defined broadly as materials and molecules that have synthetic and biological components, have roles to play across the cancer-prevention spectrum. In particular, bioconjugates may be developed as affordable, accessible, and effective screening strategies or as novel vaccines and drugs to reduce one's risk of developing cancers. Developmental programs are available for taking novel technologies and evaluating them for clinical use in cancer screening and prevention. While a variety of different challenges exist in implementing cancer-prevention interventions, a thoughtful approach to bioconjugates could improve the delivery and acceptability of the interventions.

Microfluidic systems for modeling digestive cancer: a review of recent progress.

Purpose. This review aims to highlight current improvements in microfluidic devices designed for digestive cancer simulation. The review emphasizes the use of multicellular 3D tissue engineering models to understand the complicated biology of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer progression. The purpose is to develop oncology research and improve digestive cancer patients' lives.Methods. This review analyzes recent research on microfluidic devices for mimicking digestive cancer. It uses tissue-engineered microfluidic devices, notably organs on a chip (OOC), to simulate human organ function in the lab. Cell cultivation on modern three-dimensional hydrogel platforms allows precise geometry, biological components, and physiological qualities. The review analyzes novel methodologies, key findings, and technical progress to explain this field's advances.Results. This study discusses current advances in microfluidic devices for mimicking digestive cancer. Micro physiological systems with multicellular 3D tissue engineering models are emphasized. These systems capture complex biochemical gradients, niche variables, and dynamic cell-cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). These models reveal stomach cancer biology and progression by duplicating the TME. Recent discoveries and technology advances have improved our understanding of gut cancer biology, as shown in the review.Conclusion. Microfluidic systems play a crucial role in modeling digestive cancer and furthering oncology research. These platforms could transform drug development and treatment by revealing the complex biology of the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression. The review provides a complete summary of recent advances and suggests future research for field professionals. The review's major goal is to further medical research and improve digestive cancer patients' lives.

In vitro osteogenesis of hMSCs on collagen membranes embedded within LEGO®-inspired 3D printed PCL constructs for mandibular bone repair

The field of bone tissue engineering aims to develop an effective and aesthetical bone graft substitute capable of repairing large mandibular defects. However, graft failure resulting from necrosis and insufficient integration with native tissue due to lack of oxygen and nutrient transportation remains a concern. To overcome these drawbacks, this study aims to develop a 3D printed polycaprolactone layered construct with a LEGO®-inspired interlocking mechanism enabling spatial distribution of biological components. To highlight itsin vitroosteogenic potential, human mesenchymal stromal cells are cultured onto Bio-Gide®Compressed collagen (Col) membranes, which are embedded within the layered construct for 28 d. The osteogenic response is assessed through the measurement of proliferation, relevant markers for osteogenesis including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, expression of transcriptional genes (SP7, RUNX2/SOX9) as well matrix-related genes (COL1A1, ALPL IBSP, SPP1), osteoprotegerin secretion.In vitroosteogenic differentiation results showed increased levels of these osteogenic markers, indicating the layered construct's potential to support osteogenesis. In this study, a novel workflow of 3D printing a patient-specific LEGO®-inspired layered construct that can spatially deliver biological elements was successfully demonstrated. These layered constructs have the potential to be employed as a bone tissue engineering strategy, with particular focus on the repair of large mandibular defects.