Animal Tissues Research Articles

Хемилюминесцентные характеристики периферической крови при облучении in vitro в диапазоне доз 100–500 мГр

Abstract. Nowadays a lot of examinations are dedicated to determination of radiobiological effects under low doses of ionising radiation. It is known that ionising radiation in the cells of an organism increases generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The purpose of the work is to determine basic parameters of chemiluminescent kinetics of ROS in peripheral blood under in vitro radiation in the range of 100–500 mGy doses. The research will extend the knowledge of the impact degree of ionising radiation in low doses on organism tissue of farm animals. Scientific novelty is that the results of the research will allow to predict radiobiological effects of low doses in a multicellular organism. The research is included in practical and fundamental directions of radiobiology. Research methods. In vitro radiation of blood samples in the range of 100–500 mGy doses. The kinetics of generation of ROS is registered on 36-channel chemiluminometer 3604-PC. Results. The doses in the range of 100–300 mGy accelerated the time of the first peak of spontaneous and activated generation of radicals, under 500 mGy dose the formation of the first peak of spontaneous and activated generation of primary ROS decelerated. Under the impact of low absorbed doses maximum intensity of primary and secondary radicals generation decreased. The inhibition of primary radicals spontaneous production occurred under 100–300 mGy doses, the inhibition of antigen activated generation of primary ROS was under 400 mGy. The reduction of the amount of spontaneous secondary ROS was registered under 100 mGy dose. The decrease of antigen activated secondary radicals production occurred under 100–300 mGy doses. 500 mGy dose inhibited a reaction ability of blood cells to generate primary radicals. The external in vitro gamma radiation in the range of 100–500 mGy had a negative impact on peripheral blood cells showing an acceleration of chemiluminescent reaction as well as decrease of maximum intensity of the first peak of spontaneous and antigen activated primary and secondary radicals production. As a consequence, a decrease of the amount of primary and secondary radicals production was revealed.

The Use Of Augmented Reality (AR) Media To Enhance Student Motivation Learning

This study aims to increase student learning motivation using Augmented Reality (AR) media in the context of science learning. The research method used was collaborative classroom action research with research subjects consisting of XI MIPA 1 students at SMA Negeri 9 Bogor City. This study used learning motivation questionnaires as a measuring tool, with indicators that included confidence in self-ability, learning strategies that activate students, the meaning of science learning, achievement, and learning environment stimuli. Augmented Reality media was developed using the Halo AR application and applied to learning plant tissue structure and function material (KD 3.3 and 4.3) and animal tissue structure and function (KD 3.4 and 4.4). The results showed that the application of AR media in learning has succeeded in increasing the average learning motivation of students by 0.6 points, which increased from 2.41 to 3.01 in the 2nd action cycle. Based on the results of this collaborative classroom action research, it can be concluded that the use of Augmented Reality media is effective in increasing the learning motivation of students in class XI MIPA 1 at SMA Negeri 9 Kota Bogor. These results make an important contribution to developing innovative and more engaging learning strategies and can lay the foundation for developing broader technology-based education in the future.

Mercury bioaccumulation and its relationship with trophic biomarkers in a Mediterranean elasmobranch mesopredator

Human activity has led to increased concentrations of mercury (Hg) in the world's oceans. Mercury can bioaccumulate and biomagnify in animal tissues via trophic transfer, thus, becoming most pronounced in larger and older predators. Here, we measured Hg concentrations and their relationship with stable isotopes-based proxies of trophic level (δ13C and δ15N values) in multiple tissues of Mustelus spp. from the Mediterranean Sea. We found higher Hg concentrations in muscle than in liver and fin tissues. The relationship between Hg concentrations and δ15N values in muscle suggested repeated foraging for low trophic level and Hg-poor prey, and biomagnification of Hg at higher trophic levels. Seasonal variations in δ13C values could indicate shifts in primary production sources and/or in local prey availability. The HBVSe index suggested no risk to human health, however the safe meal limit recommendations are 4.5 and 2.2 portions per month for adults and children, respectively.

Tantalum Particles Promote M2 Macrophage Polarization and Regulate Local Bone Metabolism via Macrophage-Derived Exosomes Influencing the Fates of BMSCs.

In this study, the regulatory role and mechanisms of tantalum (Ta) particles in the bone tissue microenvironment are explored. Ta particle deposition occurs in both clinical samples and animal tissues following porous Ta implantation. Unlike titanium (Ti) particles promoting M1 macrophage (Mϕ) polarization, Ta particles regulating calcium signaling pathways and promoting M2 Mϕ polarization. Ta-induced M2 Mϕ enhances bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation through exosomes (Exo) by upregulating miR-378a-3p/miR-221-5p and downregulating miR-155-5p/miR-212-5p. Ta particles suppress the pro-inflammatory and bone resorption effects of Ti particles in vivo and in vitro. In a rat femoral condyle bone defect model, artificial bone loaded with Ta particles promotes endogenous Mϕ polarization toward M2 differentiation at the defect site, accelerating bone repair. In conclusion, Ta particles modulate Mϕ polarization toward M2 and influence BMSCs osteogenic capacity through Exo secreted by M2 Mϕ, providing insights for potential bone repair applications.

Impact of Washing and Fermentation on the Concentration of Pesticide Residues in Nigerian Staple Foods By IJISRT

The use of pesticides in agriculture is linked to accumulation of toxic compounds in the soil, in food, and its accumulation in animal and human tissues. Pesticide residues are deposits of pesticides that remain on or in agricultural produce after harvest or during storage. This work examined the effects various processing steps on the levels of methoxychlor, dieldrin, p,p’-DDE and α- chlordane residues in common staples; maize, rice, beans and cassava. The treatments administered included cold water washing, hot water washing, and fermentation for 3 and 5 days. The Quick, Effective, Cheap, Easy, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) technique was adopted for extraction of pesticide residues while gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used for quantification of the residues in the samples. The processing steps applied had various effects on the level of residues ranging from - 149% to 100% reduction in level of pesticide; in rice processing, washing with hot water had the greatest impact in reducing methoxychlor (55.5-97.1%) and α- chlordane (95.5%). Fermentation for 5 days had the greatest impact in reducing methoxychlor residue from cassava (13.6-26.3%), while fermentation of maize for 3 or 5 days had similar impact in reduction of the level of methoxychlor (35.5-79.5% and 39.1-78.4% respectively) and α-chlordane (100% and 100% respectively). Hot water washing of beans was most effective in eliminating methoxychlor (98.4%), p,p’-DDE (100%), α-chlordane (100%) and dieldrin (100%). Reduction in hazard index was also observed with processing, as a result of reduction in amount of pesticide going into the diet.

Abstract 2215: Effects of a high-fiber, high-fruit and -vegetable, low-fat dietary intervention on rectal tissue bacteria

Abstract Introduction. Emerging evidence suggests that the bacteria residing in colon and rectal tissue are plausibly associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Prior studies investigated the effects of dietary interventions on the fecal microbiome but few assessed colorectal tissue microbiome endpoints. We investigated the effects of a high-fiber, high-fruit and -vegetable, low-fat dietary intervention on the rectal tissue microbiome in the Polyp Prevention Trial (PPT). Methods. PPT is a 4-year randomized clinical trial, with specific goals including consuming: 1) ≥ 18g of fiber per 1,000 kcal/day; 2) ≥ 3.5 servings of fruits and vegetables per 1,000 kcal/day; and 3) <20% of kcal/day from fat. We extracted DNA from rectal biopsies using the AutoGen Animal Tissue DNA Extraction Kit and sequenced the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the bacteria in biopsies collected at baseline and the end of years 1 and 4 (N=233 in intervention arm and N=222 in control arm). We estimated effects of the intervention on rarefied alpha diversity and a priori-selected presence and relative abundance (presented as percentages summing to 100) of 10 bacteria most strongly historically associated with CRC presence using repeated-measures linear mixed-effects models. We also explored intervention effects on presence/abundance of all bacteria (with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing) and stratified the analysis among intervention arm participants who adhered to 75% of the dietary goals (super compliers) over the 4 years (N=48) and comparable participants in the control arm (N=64). Results. The intervention did not statistically significantly modify rectal tissue alpha diversity. Compared to the control arm, relative abundance of a priori-selected Porphyromonas (absolute difference-in-difference (DiD) at T1 vs. T0 = -0.24 and T4 vs. T0 = -0.12; P=0.004) and Prevotella (absolute DiD at T1 vs. T0 = -0.40 and at T4 vs. T0 = -0.32; P=0.01) were more strongly decreased in the intervention arm. Other bacteria selected for exploratory analyses were not statistically significantly modified by the intervention after accounting for multiple testing. Among super compliers and comparable control arm participants, the findings were similarly weak. Conclusion. Overall, our findings did not strongly support that a high-fiber, -fruit, and -vegetable, and low-fat diet intervention influences rectal tissue microbiome diversity nor the abundance of most bacteria, except for two oral-originating bacteria that were previously associated with CRC presence. It is possible that dietary exposures over longer periods of time (than 4 years) may more strongly influence the tissue microbiome. Future intervention studies, including tissue samples collected throughout the colon and rectum among larger, diverse study populations for longer periods of time are warranted to inform potential primary prevention strategies for CRC. Citation Format: Doratha Armenthus Byrd, Maria Gomez, Stephanie Hogue, Ana Ortega-Villa, Yunhu Wan, Andrew Warner, Bin Zhu, Casey Dagnall, Kristine Jones, Belynda Hicks, Paul Albert, Gwen Murphy, Rashmi Sinha, Emily Vogtmann. Effects of a high-fiber, high-fruit and -vegetable, low-fat dietary intervention on rectal tissue bacteria [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2215.

An overview of animal tissue decellularization techniques and clinical applications

There is a persistent an urgent need to solve tissue and organ donor shortage issues. Decellularized tissues represent a promising alternative to other biologic and synthetic treatments that have been developed, since they aim to retain native tissue characteristics that would help in the regenerative processes such as prolifera-tion, cellular adhesion, and the presence of growth factors, while minimizing the chances of an unwanted host immune response. In the present review, we describe the most common methodologies for decellularization pro-cesses, as well as the clinical applications of these biomaterials.

Multiphysics analysis of a high-intensity ultrasound system applied to a three-layer animal tissue

High-intensity ultrasound systems for medical therapy must be carefully designed, implemented, and applied to avoid tissue damage or injury considering stimulation and relaxation time, frequency, and intensity of ultrasound. Based on these concerns and considering a test three-layer animal tissue consisting of skin, muscle, and bone, we determined the frequency and intensity at which ultrasound effectively stimulates the test animal tissues. In addition, from these ultrasound frequencies and intensities, and taking care the critical temperature recommended to preserve the integrity of the human tissue and avoid any tissue injury, we determine the stimulation and relaxation times. For this purpose, we performed a multiphysics simulation that describes the spatial and temporal dynamics of the thermoacoustic effect of ultrasound applied to test animal tissues. To practically demonstrate this ultrasound behavior, we perform an experimental setup based on an electronic HITU device designed and implemented to freely adjust the ultrasound intensity and frequency, as well as the stimulation time of the test animal tissues. Finally, we conclude that, depending on the test tissue, an ultrasound therapy system should allow the selection of the intensity and frequency of applied ultrasound, as well as the stimulation time to avoid tissue injury, which can be considered by health ministries around the world.

THE EFFECT OF A POLYPROPYLENE IMPLANT TREATED WITH THYROTHRICIN ON THE HYPOGASTRIC TISSUES OF THE ABDOMINAL WALL IN RATS

Introduction. The study of tissue reactions to the placement of polymeric materials (polypropylene mesh), used for the treatment of hernias, remains relevant. The paper examines the hypothesis regarding the existence of certain differences in tissue reactions to polypropylene implants without and with treatment of the latter with an antimicrobial agent. Objective of this study is to investigate the reaction of the tissues of the peritoneum and the muscle-aponeurotic layer of the abdominal wall to a polypropylene implant treated with thyrothricin, used for the treatment of complicated variants of inguinal hernias.
 Materials and methods. Experimental studies were conducted on laboratory sexually mature male Wistar rats. Experimental animals made up 4 groups of 5 animals each. The 1st group included control animals (intact). In the rats of the 2nd group, a defect of the abdominal wall of the hypogastric region was surgically modeled. In the animals of the 3rd experimental group, after modeling the defect of the abdominal wall, a polypropylene mesh implant was placed between the peritoneum and the inner leaf of the aponeurosis of the rectus abdominis muscles. The 4th experimental group consisted of animals in which the polypropylene implant was additionally treated with a thyrothricin solution.
 Results. During the experimental study, the integration of tissue elements of the peritoneal walls and the muscle-aponeurotic layer of the abdominal wall with the material of polypropylene meshes was revealed. Active processes of collagenogenesis were observed in the boundary zones and the area of integration with the implant, as well as pronounced manifestations of vascularization of the newly formed connective tissue. The morphological features of the connective tissue formed in the area and around intact implants and meshes treated with thyrothricin did not significantly differ from each other, but significantly prevailed over the condition of the tissues in intact animals. No particular difference between the above-mentioned changes in the tissues of animals of the 3rd and 4th groups was found.
 Conclusion. The obtained results indicate positive biocompatibility of body tissues and polypropylene implants. There is no negative effect of polypropylene nets treated with thyrothricin on body tissues and their regenerative potential.

6-Hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline Demonstrates Neuroprotective Properties in Experimental Parkinson's Disease by Enhancing the Antioxidant System, Normalising Chaperone Activity and Suppressing Apoptosis.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease, whereby disturbances within the antioxidant defence system, increased aggregation of proteins, and activation of neuronal apoptosis all have a crucial role in the pathogenesis. In this context, exploring the neuroprotective capabilities of compounds that sustain the effectiveness of cellular defence systems in neurodegenerative disorders is worthwhile. During this study, we assessed how 6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (HTHQ), which has antioxidant properties, affects the functioning of the antioxidant system, the activity of NADPH-generating enzymes and chaperones, and the level of apoptotic processes in rats with rotenone-induced PD. Six groups of animals were formed for our experiment, each with 12 animals. These were: a control group, animals with rotenone-induced PD, rats with PD given HTHQ at a dose of 50mg/kg, rats with PD given HTHQ at a dose of 25mg/kg, animals with pathology who were administered a comparison drug rasagiline, and control animals who were administered HTHQ at a dose of 50mg/kg. The study results indicate that administering HTHQ led to a significant decrease in oxidative stress in PD rats. The enhanced redox status in animal tissues was linked with the recovery of antioxidant enzyme activities and NADPH-generating enzyme function, as well as an upsurge in the mRNA expression levels of antioxidant genes and factors Nrf2 and Foxo1. Administering HTHQ to rats with PD normalized the chaperone-like activity and mRNA levels of heat shock protein 70. Rats treated with the compound displayed lower apoptosis intensity when compared to animals with pathology. Therefore, owing to its antioxidant properties, HTHQ demonstrated a beneficial impact on the antioxidant system, resulting in decreased requirements for chaperone activation and the inhibition of apoptosis processes triggered in PD. HTHQ at a dose of 50mg/kg had a greater impact on the majority of the examined variables compared to rasagiline.

Seroepidemiological survey to cell culture rabies vaccines (CCRV) in Brazil

Rabies is a contagious viral disease that can be easily transmitted by the saliva and brain/nervous system tissues of the infected animals, causing severe and fatal encephalitis in both animals and humans. Vaccination campaigns are crucial to combat and prevent rabies's spread in dogs and humans. The Modified Fuenzalida & Palicios vaccines have been widely used since the 70s and have proven effective in producing a solid serological response. Since 2008, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has introduced a Cell Culture Rabies Vaccine (CCRV) for all dog mass vaccination campaigns in Brazil. However, to date, there is limited evidence on the immunologic response of dogs to this type of vaccine in field conditions. The present study evaluated the serological response in dogs vaccinated with CCRV from blood samples of 724 dogs using the Simplified Fluorescence Inhibition Microtest – SFIMT. Dogs with a titer equal to 0.5 IU/mL or above were considered seropositive. The results revealed that 59.12% (428/724) of all dogs tested and 48.49% (32/66) of primo-vaccinated animals were seropositive. The percentage of seronegative animals was higher than seropositive for animals that received a single dose during their life (p < 0.05). The opposite was observed in animals with five or more doses. The results of this study demonstrated that the CCRV vaccines elicit a satisfactory immunological response in field conditions and can constitute an essential population-level preventive strategy as part of annual canine rabies vaccination campaigns. Although its effectiveness has been studied, there is limited evidence of its immunological response in dogs under field conditions. This paper evaluates the serological response to CCRV in dogs vaccinated during mass vaccination campaigns from 2012 to 2017.

A qualitative comparison of 3D visualization in Xenopus laevis using a traditional method and a non-destructive method

Many tools are currently available to investigate and visualize soft and hard tissues in animals both in high-resolution and three dimensions. The most popular and traditional method is based on destructive histological techniques. However, these techniques have some specific limitations. In order to avoid those limitations, various non-destructive approaches have surfaced in the last decades. One of those is micro-CT-scanning. In the best conditions, resolution achieved in micro-CT currently approaches that of standard histological protocols. In addition to bone, soft tissues can also be made visible through micro-CT-scanning. However, discriminating between structures of the same tissue and among different tissue types remains a challenge. An alternative approach, which has not yet been explored to its full potential for comparative anatomy studies, is Orthogonal-Plane Fluorescence Optical Sectioning (OPFOS) microscopy or tomography, also known as (Laser) Light Sheet based Fluorescence Microscopy (LSFM). In this study, we compare OPFOS with light microscopy, applying those techniques to the model organism Xenopus laevis. The potential of both methods for discrimination between different types of tissues, as well as different structures of the same tissue type, is tested and illustrated. Since the histological sections provided a better resolution, adjacent structures of the same tissue type could be discerned more easily compared to our OPFOS images. However, we obtained a more naturally-shaped 3D model of the musculoskeletal system of Xenopus laevis with OPFOS. An overview of the advantages and disadvantages of both techniques is given and their applicability for a wider scope of biological research is discussed.

Open and Percutaneous Approaches Have Similar Biomechanical Results for Primary Midsubstance Achilles Tendon Repair: A Meta-analysis

PurposeTo evaluate the biomechanical properties of open versus percutaneous Achilles tendon repair. MethodsA systematic review of original research articles was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. To qualify for study inclusion, articles were required to be published in English, utilize a laboratory design using either human or animal tissue, and directly compare the biomechanical properties of open Achilles repair using a Krackow or Kessler technique versus percutaneous repair using either a locking or non-locking suture construct. The biomechanical outcomes evaluated were displacement (mm) and load to failure (N). ResultsTwelve studies met inclusion criteria, including 234 specimens (open: 97, percutaneous locking: 73; percutaneous non-locking: 64) that underwent primary mid-substance Achilles tendon repair. Pooled analysis demonstrated no statistically significant difference in displacement (p=0.240) or load to failure (p=0.912) between the open and percutaneous techniques. Among the percutaneous approaches, there was no difference in displacement (p=0.109) between the locking and non-locking tendon repair systems. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that both open and percutaneous techniques are biomechanically viable approaches for primary mid-substance Achilles tendon repair. Clinical RelevanceIn clinical studies, similar re-rupture rates have been observed after open or percutaneous Achilles tendon repair. It may be beneficial for surgeons to understand whether biomechanical differences exist between these repair techniques.

Synthesis of bioengineered heparin chemically and biologically similar to porcine-derived products and convertible to low MW heparin

Heparins have been invaluable therapeutic anticoagulant polysaccharides for over a century, whether used as unfractionated heparin or as low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) derivatives. However, heparin production by extraction from animal tissues presents multiple challenges, including the risk of adulteration, contamination, prion and viral impurities, limited supply, insecure supply chain, and significant batch-to-batch variability. The use of animal-derived heparin also raises ethical and religious concerns, as well as carries the risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases. Chemoenzymatic synthesis of animal-free heparin products would offer several advantages, including reliable and scalable production processes, improved purity and consistency, and the ability to produce heparin polysaccharides with molecular weight, structural, and functional properties equivalent to those of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) heparin, currently only sourced from porcine intestinal mucosa. We report a scalable process for the production of bioengineered heparin that is biologically and compositionally similar to USP heparin. This process relies on enzymes from the heparin biosynthetic pathway, immobilized on an inert support and requires a tailored N-sulfoheparosan with N-sulfo levels similar to those of porcine heparins. We also report the conversion of our bioengineered heparin into a LMWH that is biologically and compositionally similar to USP enoxaparin. Ultimately, we demonstrate major advances to a process to provide a potential clinical and sustainable alternative to porcine-derived heparin products.

Mechanism interpretation of Guhan Yangshengjing for protection against Alzheimer’s disease by network pharmacology and molecular docking

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGuhan Yangshengjing (GHYSJ) is an effective prescription for delaying progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) based on the ancient Chinese medical classics excavated from Mawangdui Han Tomb. Comprising a combination of eleven traditional Chinese herbs, the precise protective mechanism through which GHYSJ acts on AD progression remains unclear and has significant implications for the development of new drugs to treat AD. Aim of the studyTo investigate the mechanism of GHYSJ in the treatment of AD through network pharmacology and validate the results through in vitro experiments. Materials and methodsChemical composition-target-pathway network and protein-protein interaction network were constructed by network pharmacology to predict the potential targets of GHYSJ for the treatment of AD. The interaction relationship between active ingredients and targets was verified by molecular docking and molecular force. Furthermore, the chemical constituents of GHYSJ were analyzed by LC-MS and HPLC, the effects of GHYSJ on animal tissues were analyzed by H&E staining. An Aβ-induced SH-SY5Y cellular model was established to validate the core pathways and targets predicted by network pharmacology and molecular docking. ResultsThe results of the network pharmacology analysis revealed a total of 155 bioactive compounds capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and interacting with 677 targets, among which 293 targets specifically associated with AD, which mainly participated in and regulated the amyloid aggregation pathway and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby treating AD. In addition, molecular docking analysis revealed a robust binding affinity between the principal bioactive constituents of GHYSJ and crucial targets implicated in AD. Our findings were further substantiated by in vitro experiments, which demonstrated that Liquiritigenin and Ginsenosides Rh4, crucial constituents of GHYSJ, as well as GHYSJ pharmaceutic serum, exhibited a significant down-regulation of BACE1 expression in Aβ-induced damaged SH-SY5Y cells. This study provides valuable data and theoretical underpinning for the potential therapeutic application of GHYSJ in the treatment of AD and secondary development of GHYSJ prescription. ConclusionThrough network pharmacology, molecular docking, LC-MS, and cellular experiments, GHYSJ was initially confirmed to delay the progression of AD by regulating the expression of BACE1 in Amyloid aggregation pathway. Our observations provided valuable data and theoretical underpinning for the potential therapeutic application of GHYSJ in the treatment of AD.

Somatic mutations in aging and disease.

Time always leaves its mark, and our genome is no exception. Mutations in the genome of somatic cells were first hypothesized to be the cause of aging in the 1950s, shortly after the molecular structure of DNA had been described. Somatic mutation theories of aging are based on the fact that mutations in DNA as the ultimate template for all cellular functions are irreversible. However, it took until the 1990s to develop the methods to test if DNA mutations accumulate with age in different organs and tissues and estimate the severity of the problem. By now, numerous studies have documented the accumulation of somatic mutations with age in normal cells and tissues of mice, humans, and other animals, showing clock-like mutational signatures that provide information on the underlying causes of the mutations. In this review, we will first briefly discuss the recent advances in next-generation sequencing that now allow quantitative analysis of somatic mutations. Second, we will provide evidence that the mutation rate differs between cell types, with a focus on differences between germline and somatic mutation rate. Third, we will discuss somatic mutational signatures as measures of aging, environmental exposure, and activities of DNA repair processes. Fourth, we will explain the concept of clonally amplified somatic mutations, with a focus on clonal hematopoiesis. Fifth, we will briefly discuss somatic mutations in the transcriptome and in our other genome, i.e., the genome of mitochondria. We will end with a brief discussion of a possible causal contribution of somatic mutations to the aging process.

Reversibly Sticking Metals and Graphite to Hydrogels and Tissues.

We have discovered that hard, electrical conductors (e.g., metals or graphite) can be adhered to soft, aqueous materials (e.g., hydrogels, fruit, or animal tissue) without the use of an adhesive. The adhesion is induced by a low DC electric field. As an example, when 5 V DC is applied to graphite slabs spanning a tall cylindrical gel of acrylamide (AAm), a strong adhesion develops between the anode (+) and the gel in about 3 min. This adhesion endures after the field is removed, and we term it as hard-soft electroadhesion or EA[HS]. Depending on the material, adhesion occurs at the anode (+), cathode (-), or both electrodes. In many cases, EA[HS] can be reversed by reapplying the field with reversed polarity. Adhesion via EA[HS] to AAm gels follows the electrochemical series: e.g., it occurs with copper, lead, and tin but not nickel, iron, or zinc. We show that EA[HS] arises via electrochemical reactions that generate chemical bonds between the electrode and the polymers in the gel. EA[HS] can create new hybrid materials, thus enabling applications in robotics, energy storage, and biomedical implants. Interestingly, EA[HS] can even be achieved underwater, where typical adhesives cannot be used.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus: From Genomic Insights to Control Strategies

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a life-threatening arthropod-borne virus transmitted by tick bites or contact with blood or tissues of viraemic individuals and animals. CCHFV continues its existence in a broad region with sporadic cases or outbreaks. CCHFV infection is observed frequently as an asymptomatic, but sudden severe disease characterised by haemorrhagic can occur. Diagnostic methods employ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Although ribavirin has been recommended in treatment besides supportive therapy approaches, no antiviral or vaccine for CCHF is currently approved. This review demonstrates general knowledge of CCHFV, summarising its molecular biology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, epidemiology, sustaining and transmission, treatment and prevention strategies, including vaccine candidates.

Knowledge and risky behaviors of Kabul city butchers regarding Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

Abstract Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease with high morbidity and case fatality rates (CFR) in humans, especially among the high-risk groups, including butchers. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Kabul City to determine the knowledge gaps and risky behaviors of Kabul City’s butchers about CCHF. Data were collected from 123 butchers by structured interview using a pre-designed questionnaire. The finding of the present study revealed that of the total CCHF cases in the butchers, their family members, and co-workers, 37.9% died. Nearly half of the butchers (45.0%) experienced splashing of animal blood on their faces, while 70.1% of them had cut their hands with a knife during their occupation life. In addition, 27.0% of the respondents held the knife in their mouth while dressing the animal carcasses, and 27.3% of the butchers consumed raw liver. Hand washing and PPE application were practiced by 94.3% and 22.8% of the respondents, respectively. About 92% of the respondents had heard about CCHF, and 67.4% of the participants had good knowledge about CCHF. The knowledge level of the respondents (poor or good) was statistically related to their age, history of blood splash in the face and eyes of the butchers, holding work knives in the mouth, blowing the skin of animals, hand washing with soap and water, and slaughter places ( p &lt; 0.05). A medium correlation between education and total knowledge of the butchers was observed (r = 0.3; p &lt; 0.05). It is necessary to change such high-risk behaviors by continually coordinating awareness campaigns through mass media, workshops, and informative leaflet distribution to improve knowledge. One Health impact statement CCHF is a multifaceted zoonotic disease where tick bites, direct contact with the tissue, secretions, and body fluids of the infected animals and humans, and consumption of raw milk, meat, and liver of infected animals are the main transmission methods of the disease to humans. Although livestock including cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and ostrich are the main reservoirs of the virus, they are infected in subclinical form, and humans are the only hosts where fatal clinical disease develops. Since the CCHF virus circulates in nature between tick-vertebrates-ticks, the only method that can effectively control and prevent the disease in humans is by using a targeted One Health approach between the human, veterinary, and environmental health sectors. Meanwhile, it has been proven that public awareness campaigns through the use of mass media, community leaders, and integrated workshops are the most effective tools to prevent the transmission of the CCHF virus from infected animals and ticks to humans.

Dapagliflozin prevents kidney podocytes pyroptosis via miR-155-5p/HO-1/NLRP3 axis modulation

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a significant clinical microvascular complication associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), and end-stage diabetes giving rise to kidney failure is developing into the major etiological factor of chronic kidney failure. Dapagliflozin is reported to limit podocyte damage in DM, which has proven to protect against renal failure. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that pyroptosis is associated with DM progression. Nevertheless, whether pyroptosis causes DN and the underlying molecular pathways remain obscure. In this study, we aimed to explore the antipyroptotic attributes of dapagliflozin and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of kidney damage in diabetes. In vivo, experiments were conducted in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic mice, which were administered dapagliflozin via gavage for 6 weeks. Subsequently, the specific organizational characteristics and expression of pyroptosis-related genes were evaluated. Intragastric dapagliflozin administration markedly reduced renal tissue injury. Meanwhile, dapagliflozin also attenuated the expression level of pyroptosis associated genes, including ASC, cleaved Caspase-1, GSDMD N-termini, NLRP3, IL-18, and IL-1β in renal tissue of dapagliflozin-treated animals. Similar antipyroptotic effects were observed in palmitic acid (PA)-treated mouse podocytes. We also found that heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) enhanced the protection of mouse podocyte clone 5 cells (MPC5). Moreover, miR-155-5p inhibition increased pyroptosis in PA-treated MPC5 cells, suggesting that miR-155-5p acts as an endogenous stimulator that increases HO-1 expression and reduces pyroptosis. Hence, our findings imply that dapagliflozin inhibits podocyte pyroptosis via the miR-155-5p/HO-1/NLRP3 axis in DM. Furthermore, dapagliflozin substitution may be regarded as an effective strategy for preventing pyroptosis in the kidney, including a therapeutic option for treating pyroptosis-related DN.