Opportunities For Regeneration Research Articles

Global potential for natural regeneration in deforested tropical regions.

Extensive forest restoration is a key strategy to meet nature-based sustainable development goals and provide multiple social and environmental benefits1. Yet achieving forest restoration at scale requires cost-effective methods2. Tree planting in degraded landscapes is a popular but costly forest restoration method that often results in less biodiverse forests when compared to natural regeneration techniques under similar conditions3. Here we assess the current spatial distribution of pantropical natural forest (from 2000 to 2016) and use this to present a model of the potential for natural regeneration across tropical forested countries and biomes at a spatial resolution of 30 m. We estimate that an area of 215 million hectares-an area greater than the entire country of Mexico-has potential for natural forest regeneration, representing an above-ground carbon sequestration potential of 23.4 Gt C (range, 21.1-25.7 Gt) over 30 years. Five countries (Brazil, Indonesia, China, Mexico and Colombia) account for 52% of this estimated potential, showcasing the need for targeting restoration initiatives that leverage natural regeneration potential. Our results facilitate broader equitable decision-making processes that capitalize on the widespread opportunity for natural regeneration to help achieve national and global environmental agendas.

Molecular mechanisms of EGCG-CSH/n-HA/CMC in promoting osteogenic differentiation and macrophage polarization

2.This research investigates the impact of the EGCG-CSH/n-HA/CMC composite material on bone defect repair, emphasizing its influence on macrophage polarization and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Comprehensive evaluations of the composite’s physical and chemical characteristics were performed. BMSC response to the material was tested in vitro for proliferation, migration, and osteogenic potential. An SD rat model was employed for in vivo assessments of bone repair efficacy. Both transcriptional and proteomic analyses were utilized to delineate the mechanisms influencing macrophage behavior and stem cell differentiation. The material maintained excellent structural integrity and significantly promoted BMSC functions critical to bone healing. In vivo results confirmed accelerated bone repair, and molecular analysis highlighted the role of macrophage M2 polarization, particularly through changes in the SIRPA gene and protein expression. EGCG-CSH/n-HA/CMC plays a significant role in enhancing bone repair, with implications for macrophage and BMSC function. Our findings suggest that targeting SIRPA may offer new therapeutic opportunities for bone regeneration.

Recent Advances in Catalytic Compounds Developed by Thermal Treatment of (Zr-Based) Metal–Organic Frameworks

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been the subject of extensive scientific investigation in the last three decades and, currently, they make up one of the types of compounds most studied for their potential application in a wide range of distinct catalytic processes. Pristine MOF compounds provide several intriguing benefits for catalytic applications, including large interior surface areas and high densities of active sites; high catalytic reaction rates per volume; post-synthesis modifications with complementary catalytic groups; and the ability for multiple functional groups to catalyze the reaction. For most large-scale catalytic applications, including those in fuel processing, gas emission reduction, and chemical synthesis, pristine MOFs often show limited stabilities and opportunities for regeneration at high temperatures. As a result, the real applications of MOFs in these technologies are likely to be constrained, and a controlled thermal modification to prepare MOF-derivative compounds has been applied to induce crystalline structural changes and increase the structural stability of the MOFs, enhancing their potential applicability in more severe catalytic processes. Recent advances concerning the use of this strategy to boost the catalytic potential of MOF-derivative compounds, particularly for stable Zr-based MOFs, are outlined in this short review article.

Single-cell transcriptomics reveals neural stem cell trans-differentiation and cell subpopulations in whole heart decellularized extracellular matrix.

The whole heart decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) has become a promising scaffold material for cardiac tissue engineering. Our previous research has shown that the whole heart acellular matrix possesses the memory function regulating neural stem cells (NSCs) trans-differentiating to cardiac lineage cells. However, the cell subpopulations and phenotypes in the trans-differentiation of NSCs have not been clearly identified. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing and identified 2,765 cells in the recellularized heart with NSCs revealing the cellular diversity of cardiac and neural lineage, confirming NSCs were capable of trans-differentiating into the cardiac lineage while maintaining the original ability to differentiate into the neural lineage. Notably, the trans-differentiated heart-like cells have dual signatures of neuroectoderm and cardiac mesoderm. This study unveils an in-depth mechanism underlying the trans-differentiation of NSCs and provides a new opportunity and theoretical basis for cardiac regeneration.

Trackless Trams: An Emerging Transformative Opportunity

Trackless trams are a Chinese innovation that provide net zero opportunities, which are also transformative for cities. They have not yet been used outside China. They are battery-based vehicles with sensors that guide them down roads and have rail-like ride quality with potential to carry the equivalent of six lanes of traffic. This means they can enable net zero transformative potential for reducing car dependence while creating urban regeneration opportunities around stations, thus enabling other social and economic benefits for a city. The personal and research story is outlined of how urban leaders, developers and finance groups, are now discovering how trackless trams can be applied to their cities. Issues are being raised that need answers, but the immediate appeal of a new technology that can compete with cars and help provide a net zero transport solution is real. Significant steps forward in certifying this innovative vehicle are happening in 2023 and ongoing policy discussions are starting to resolve how best to demonstrate the technology so it becomes transformative. The opportunity is suggested to create a new model in cities on how to integrate such transit with urban regeneration in net zero corridors, using procurement with partnerships between private investment and public agencies.

Renewable Energy Community: an eco-social urban regeneration opportunity for PH districts

The paper presents the intermediate results of the design experimentation of a Public Housing development in which the Renewable Energy Community model is an opportunity for energy transition but also for the needs of social inclusion and collaboration, which characterise the complex conditions of contemporary housing. Demonstrating the transcalar and multifunctional effectiveness of RECs incentivises their implementation, especially when a complex demanding framework is confronted with limitedly available resources. Hence, through a systemic approach, simulative methods and impact indicators, the extent of the contribution offered by the REC model was verified not only in terms of decarbonisation and climate neutrality but as an opportunity for eco-social regeneration.

Ionic liquids-mediated recovery of metals from spent batteries

Tremendous efforts are being made toward electrification of the transport sector. Accordingly, next-generation recycling technologies to tackle the large volumes of spent batteries must be urgently innovated. Herein, ionic liquids and the promising ionometallurgy that can overcome some issues of traditional recycling methods are discussed. Ionic liquids-mediated recovery of metals from spent batteries represents a sustainable strategy, featured with new fundamental chemistries. The opportunities for regeneration and reuse of ionic liquids are promising toward a cost-levelized recycling process. The unique chemical environment of ionic liquids also allows the development of coupled electrochemical procedures and upcycling. Future development requires the assessment of continuous operation and holistic process efficiency, technoeconomic and environmental aspects.

Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles promote nucleus pulposus cell anabolism in an in vitro 3D alginate-bead culture model.

Intradiscal transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has emerged as a promising therapy for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the hostile microenvironment of the intervertebral disc (IVD) may compromise the survival of implanted cells. Interestingly, studies reported that paracrine factors, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by MSCs, may regenerate the IVD. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of Wharton's Jelly MSC (WJ-MSC)-derived EVs on human nucleus pulposus cells (hNPCs) using an in vitro 3D alginate-bead culture model. After EV isolation and characterization, hNPCs isolated from surgical specimens were encapsulated in alginate beads and treated with 10, 50, and 100 μg/mL WJ-MSC-EVs. Cell proliferation and viability were assessed by flow cytometry and live/dead staining. Nitrite and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content was evaluated through Griess and 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue assays. hNPCs in alginate beads were paraffin-embedded and stained for histological analysis (hematoxylin-eosin and Alcian blue) to assess extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. Gene expression levels of catabolic (MMP1, MMP13, ADAMTS5, IL6, NOS2), anabolic (ACAN), and hNPC marker (SOX9, KRT19) genes were analyzed through qPCR. Collagen type I and type II content was assessed with Western blot analysis. Treatment with WJ-MSC-EVs resulted in an increase in cell content and a decrease in cell death in degenerated hNPCs. Nitrite production was drastically reduced by EV treatment compared to the control. Furthermore, proteoglycan content was enhanced and confirmed by Alcian blue histological staining. EV stimulation attenuated ECM degradation and inflammation by suppressing catabolic and inflammatory gene expression levels. Additionally, NPC phenotypic marker genes were also maintained by the EV treatment. WJ-MSC-derived EVs ameliorated hNPC growth and viability, and attenuated ECM degradation and oxidative stress, offering new opportunities for IVD regeneration as an attractive alternative strategy to cell therapy, which may be jeopardized by the harsh microenvironment of the IVD.

In situ self-assembled organoid for osteochondral tissue regeneration with dual functional units

The regeneration of hierarchical osteochondral units is challenging due to difficulties in inducing spatial, directional and controllable differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into cartilage and bone compartments. Emerging organoid technology offers new opportunities for osteochondral regeneration. In this study, we developed gelatin-based microcryogels customized using hyaluronic acid (HA) and hydroxyapatite (HYP), respectively for inducing cartilage and bone regeneration (denoted as CH-Microcryogels and OS-Microcryogels) through in vivo self-assembly into osteochondral organoids. The customized microcryogels showed good cytocompatibility and induced chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, while also demonstrating the ability to self-assemble into osteochondral organoids with no delamination in the biphasic cartilage-bone structure. Analysis by mRNA-seq showed that CH-Microcryogels promoted chondrogenic differentiation and inhibited inflammation, while OS-Microcryogels facilitated osteogenic differentiation and suppressed the immune response, by regulating specific signaling pathways. Finally, the in vivo engraftment of pre-differentiated customized microcryogels into canine osteochondral defects resulted in the spontaneous assembly of an osteochondral unit, inducing simultaneous regeneration of both articular cartilage and subchondral bone. In conclusion, this novel approach for generating self-assembling osteochondral organoids utilizing tailor-made microcryogels presents a highly promising avenue for advancing the field of tissue engineering.

WITHDRAWN: Rare plexiform neurofibroma of the scrotum — A case report

IntroductionIntrascrotal neurofibromas are tumors that grow from the nerves surrounding the scrotum and are extremely rare among benign extratesticular tumors. Although the possibility of malignant transformation of the tumor is extremely low, the patient will experience progressively worsening scrotal discomfort, so diagnostic and surgical evaluation is imperative. We found a young male suffering from this disease, and the case report is organized as follows, in order to deepen the understanding of this rare plexiform neurofibroma of the scrotum. Case presentationA 16-year-old young man was found to have a gradually enlarged right scrotum tumor 3 years ago, and gradually developed a feeling of swollen scrotum. Finally, the tumor was completely resected. The postoperative pathological results showed plexiform neurofibroma in the scrotum. The follow-up review was conducted for 5 months. No recurrence was seen. DiscussionScrotal plexiform neurofibroma is an infrequent variant of neurofibromatosis type 1. It results from the proliferation of parts of the peripheral nervous system and can lead to impairment of function, deformity, pain. Currently, surgical resection is the treatment of choice for patients with scrotal plexiform neurofibromas due to the massive growth, tumor invasion, and opportunity for postoperative regeneration. ConclusionScrotal plexiform neurofibroma is a very rare benign tumor with a very low risk of malignant transformation. It should be differentiated from other tumors in the scrotum. Preoperative biopsy and intraoperative quick frozen section are helpful for diagnosis. The final diagnosis depends on pathological examination. Recognition of this rare disease is of great significance to young men, given the good outcomes that can be achieved after complete tumor resection.

Temporary use of urban vacant spaces: A pro-poor land use strategy in the Global South

ABSTRACT This paper examines temporary use of urban vacant spaces (UVS) as everyday activity by disparate groups of entrepreneurs largely in the informal sector of the urban economy. It extends the academic discussions of temporary use as a component of the development processes of cities in developing countries rather as opportunity for urban regeneration and innovative urbanism in the Global North. Using Benin City as a case study, the paper employs snowball sampling and semi-structured interviews of participant temporary users to explain the grassroots mobilization of UVS for temporary use within the context of the opportunities, vulnerabilities, and precarities associated with the use of vacant spaces. The paper revealed that temporary use of UVS in Benin City is dominated by informal economic activities. Availability of vacant spaces enables temporary use to thrive. The everyday use of vacant spaces challenges the powers of formal place-making decision-makers who decide whether temporary use of UVS can be accepted, not accepted, or tolerated. The paper recommends that space users should be at the center of temporary use research and policy debates, and tactical urbanism should be adopted as the new urban planning paradigm rather than the bulldozer approach to urban renovation in the developing countries.

Prolonged Normothermic Machine Perfusion: Buying More Time for Liver Graft Assessment and Repair.

Prolonged Normothermic Machine Perfusion: Buying More Time for Liver Graft Assessment and Repair.

Subjective experiences in retirement adjustment : Qualitative results from Switzerland

Previous research on retirement adjustment has been dominated by quantitative studies on the development of different indicators for adjustment success. In contrast, there is alack of qualitative studies examining the subjective experiences of retirees in their adjustment process to the new life phase. The article deals with the subjective adjustment experiences of persons whose regular retirement was about 1 year ago. It focuses on experienced habituation requirements and subjectively relevant factors of life satisfaction. The findings are based on qualitative interview data from amore comprehensive mixed methods study conducted between 2019 and 2022 in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. In the course of the study, 25 semi-structured interviews were carried out and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Entering the new life phase was predominately experienced positively, which was mainly associated with again in freedom and opportunities for regeneration; however, the time after retirement also entailed habituation requirements in different areas of life. Life satisfaction increased compared to the initial survey before retirement and was associated with various beneficial and critical factors, ranging from personal characteristics to social developments. Retirement itself is not necessarily acritical experience but can be accompanied by other critical events. Asatisfactory life 1 year after retirement is linked to multiple factors. Among these, resources play an essential role.

Conducting polymer-based nanostructured materials for brain-machine interfaces.

As scientists discovered that raw neurological signals could translate into bioelectric information, brain-machine interfaces (BMI) for experimental and clinical studies have experienced massive growth. Developing suitable materials for bioelectronic devices to be used for real-time recording and data digitalizing has three important necessitates which should be covered. Biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, and having mechanical properties similar to soft brain tissue to decrease mechanical mismatch should be adopted for all materials. In this review, inorganic nanoparticles and intrinsically conducting polymers are discussed to impart electrical conductivity to systems, where soft materials such as hydrogels can offer reliable mechanical properties and a biocompatible substrate. Interpenetrating hydrogel networks offer more mechanical stability and provide a path for incorporating polymers with desired properties into one strong network. Promising fabrication methods, like electrospinning and additive manufacturing, allow scientists to customize designs for each application and reach the maximum potential for the system. In the near future, it is desired to fabricate biohybrid conducting polymer-based interfaces loaded with cells, giving the opportunity for simultaneous stimulation and regeneration. Developing multi-modal BMIs, Using artificial intelligence and machine learning to design advanced materials are among the future goals for this field. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease.

Live to Die Another Day: Regeneration in Diopatra aciculata Knox and Cameron, 1971 (Annelida: Onuphidae) Collected as Bait in Knysna Estuary, South Africa

Regeneration is critical for survivorship after injury, sublethal predation, and asexual reproduction; it allows individuals to recover, potentially enabling populations of bait species to overcome the effects of bait collection through incidental asexual reproduction. Opportunities for regeneration are created when worms break during collection (which happens more often than not) and are thrown back into the estuary. Additionally, the trade and movement of bait could result in the range expansion of invasive species. This study investigated bait collection habits of local fishermen and the in situ incidence of regeneration in the estuarine moonshine worm, Diopatra aciculata. The evidence shows that this species is capable of anterior and posterior regeneration. The disproportionately small percentage of worms that seem to be recovering from the degree of damage that may be inflicted during bait collection suggests that regeneration may not help worms to withstand the effects of bait collection. However, the continuous movement and discarding of even small numbers of bait in other estuaries can lead to range expansion through incremental build-up, forming new populations, if these fragments are large enough to regenerate.

What Can We Expect for the Development of Rural Areas in Europe?—Trends of the Last Decade and Their Opportunities for Rural Regeneration

Rural areas in Europe have been undergoing structural change for years, resulting in strong functional differentiation and fragmentation into prosperous and structurally weak areas. Rural areas are as diverse as the challenges they face. Not only various megatrends but also social, economic, technological, ecological, and political trends influence and shape the development of rural areas. In order to understand the problems and causes of the current development of rural areas, this paper provides a differentiated trend analysis for rural areas at the European level. A content analysis of more than 70 EU-funded project reports on rural areas and rural development is carried out. The aim is to identify trends and their drivers over the last decade and to summarize opportunities and challenges for successful rural regeneration. These external and overarching trends, particularly in the context of a sustainable transition, renewable energies, the emergence of new technologies and growing awareness of environmental impacts, offer rural areas more opportunities than ever before. The interplay between external incentives (e.g., European Union policies) and endogenous regional development (e.g., local actors) is crucial for the successful exploitation of these opportunities for rural regeneration.

3D bio-printed endometrial construct restores the full-thickness morphology and fertility of injured uterine endometrium.

Severe damage to the uterine endometrium, which results in scar formation and endometrial dysfunction, eventually leads to infertility or pregnancy-related complications. No effective therapeutic treatment is currently available for such injuries owing to the structural complexity, internal environment, and function of the uterus. Three-dimensional (3D) bio-printing to engineer biomimetic structural constructs provides a unique opportunity for tissue regeneration. Herein, using 3D extrusion-based bioprinting (EBB), we constructed a bilayer endometrial construct (EC) based on a sodium alginate-hyaluronic acid (Alg-HA) hydrogel for functional regeneration of the endometrium. The upper layer of the 3D bio-printed EC is a monolayer of endometrial epithelial cells (EECs), while the lower layer has a grid-like microstructure loaded with endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). In a partial full-thickness uterine excision rat model, our bilayer EC not only restored the morphology and structure of the endometrial wall (including organized luminal/ glandular epithelium, stroma, vasculature and the smooth muscle layer), but also significantly improved the reproductive outcome in the surgical area after implantation (75%, 12/16, p<0.01). Therefore, repair of the uterine endometrium using the developed 3D bio-printed bilayer EC may represent an effective regenerative treatment for severe endometrial injury. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Achieving structural and functional recovery of the endometrium following severe injury is still a challenge. Here, we designed a 3D bio-printed endometrial construct (EC) to mimic the native bilayer structure and cellular components of the endometrium. The bio-printed EC consists of a dense upper layer with endometrial epithelial cells and a lower layer with endometrial stromal cells. In particular, the 3D bio-printed EC significantly improved the reproductive outcome in the surgical area (75%, 12/16) compared to that of the cell-loaded non-printed group (12.5%, 2/16). This study demonstrates that a biomimetic bilayer construct can facilitate endometrial repair and regeneration. Therefore, an endometrial cells-loaded 3D-bioprinted EC is a promising therapeutic option for patients suffering from severe endometrial damage.

Adapting ecosystem restoration for sustainable development in a changing world

Adapting ecosystem restoration for sustainable development in a changing world

Маркетинг можливостей як сучасна концепція розвитку суб’єктів господарювання в умовах глобальних викликів

The dynamic and global changes have led to the evolution of marketing as a modern theory of the firm’s behavior at the market along with the business philosophy. Taking into account the new challenges, the conception of marketing of opportunities, based on a new approach to business thinking, has been proposed and characterized. As a result of the changes that are taking place, a completely new reality is being formed, so the uncertainty is growing even more, fears and stupor are emerging, and the reaction of business is slowing down due to lack of experience and the misapprehension of how to proceed. Taking into account the inability of traditional management practices to solve business problems in new circumstances, a new model of business thinking has been formed, which provides for the speed of reaction to events and awareness of changes; optimism and a bold look into the future; inspiration and search for new opportunities; readiness and initiation of changes, proactivity of actions. Such a model is able to provide opportunities for regeneration and further development of the business, strengthen its resilience in any difficulties and further changes. In the context of marketing of opportunities, the transformation of the main principle of marketing «customer orientation» into «customer-centricity», and then into personification and individual approach is substantiated. Marketing is considered as an activity to create consumer value for the formation of a new customer experience to better meet individual needs, requests, interests, expectations of consumers, and solution of their life problems. The priority is the transition from standard solutions expected from the market to breakthrough ones, which in the near future are able to provide competitive advantages that go beyond the existing patterns and stereotypes, and are distinguished by tangible and obvious novelty. The conception of marketing of opportunities is aimed at creating a new or significantly updated, most importantly – unique product, service, brand in accordance with new consumer demands, challenges and achievements, able to provide leadership and business development prospects now and in the near future.

Gelatin Methacryloyl Granular Hydrogel Scaffolds: High-throughput Microgel Fabrication, Lyophilization, Chemical Assembly, and 3D Bioprinting.

The emergence of granular hydrogel scaffolds (GHS), fabricated via assembling hydrogel microparticles (HMPs), has enabled microporous scaffold formation in situ. Unlike conventional bulk hydrogels, interconnected microscale pores in GHS facilitate degradation-independent cell infiltration as well as oxygen, nutrient, and cellular byproduct transfer. Methacryloyl-modified gelatin (GelMA), a (photo)chemically crosslinkable, protein-based biopolymer containing cell adhesive and biodegradable moieties, has widely been used as a cell-responsive/instructive biomaterial. Converting bulk GelMA to GHSmay open a plethora of opportunities for tissue engineering and regeneration. In this article, we demonstrate the procedures of high-throughput GelMA microgel fabrication, conversion to resuspendable dry microgels (micro-aerogels), GHS formation via the chemical assembly of microgels, and granular bioink fabrication for extrusion bioprinting. We show how a sequential physicochemical treatment via cooling and photocrosslinking enables the formation of mechanically robust GHS.When light is inaccessible (e.g., during deep tissue injection), individually crosslinked GelMA HMPs may be bioorthogonally assembled via enzymatic crosslinking using transglutaminases. Finally, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting of microporous GHSat low HMP packing density is demonstrated via the interfacial self-assembly of heterogeneously charged nanoparticles.