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IntroductionAdvanced age is a primary risk factor for many chronic diseases and conditions; however, age-related immune dysregulation is not well understood. Animal models, particularly those that resemble human age-related physiological changes, are needed to better understand immunosenescence and to improve health outcomes. Here, we explore the utility of the olive baboon (Papio anubis) in studying age-related changes to the immune system and understanding mechanisms of immunosenescence.MethodsWe examined immune cell, inflammatory responses, cytokines, and cortisol levels using hematology and flow cytometry, mitogen stimulation, multiplex cytokine assay, and cortisol immunoassay.Results and DiscussionOur results reveal significant age effects on numerous immune and inflammatory responses. For instance, adult and aged monkeys exhibited significantly fewer monocytes than young monkeys. After stimulation with Con A and PWM (separately), we found that old baboons had higher INFγ expression compared to young baboons. Similarly, after stimulation with LPS and PWM (separately), we found that old baboons had higher TNFα expression compared to young baboons. These findings suggest that the olive baboon is a suitable model for biogerontology research, immune senescence, and development of vaccines. Though there are phenotypic and functional similarities between baboons and humans, specific differences exist in immune cell expression and immune function of lymphocytes that should be considered for better experimental outcomes in the development of therapeutics and restoring innate and adaptive immune function in aged individuals.

The Internet of Things (IoT) extends Internet connectivity to resource-constrained devices such as sensors and actuators. It is prone to several security threats and attacks, due to which defence mechanisms such as encryption, message authentication codes, authentication, etc., need to be employed. Several IoT scenarios require secure communication to and data acquisition from multiple devices, which constitute a “group”. Also, in dynamic IoT scenarios, devices join or leave a group from time to time, due to which the group keys, which are used for multicasting information within the group, need to be efficiently updated. We propose a novel scheme, based on factorial trees and the Chinese Remainder Theorem, for efficient Group Key Management. Our proposed scheme prevents malicious users from accessing information from a group and efficiently updates the group keys when devices join or leave a group, while guaranteeing forward and backward secrecy. We evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme via extensive mathematical analysis and numerical computations, and show that it outperforms schemes proposed in prior work in terms of the communication and computation costs incurred by IoT devices.

Abstract Background Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules expressed on B cells, monocytes and dendritic cells present processed peptides to CD4+ T cells as one of the mechanisms to combat infection and inflammation. Aim To study MHC II expression in a variety of nonhuman primate species, including New World (NWM) squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis), owl monkeys (Aotus nancymae), common marmosets (Callithrix spp.), and Old World (OWM) rhesus (Macaca mulatta), baboons (Papio anubis). Methods Two clones of cross‐reactive mouse anti‐human HLADR monoclonal antibodies (mAb) binding were analyzed by flow cytometry to evaluate MHC II expression on NHP immune cells, including T lymphocytes in whole blood (WB) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Results MHC class II antibody reactivity is seen with CD20+ B cells, CD14+ monocytes and CD3+ T lymphocytes. Specific reactivity with both clones was demonstrated in T lymphocytes: this reactivity was not inhibited by purified CD16 antibody but was completely inhibited when pre‐blocked with purified unconjugated MHC II antibody. Freshly prepared PBMC also showed reactivity with T lymphocytes without any stimulation. Interestingly, peripheral blood from rhesus macaques and olive baboons (OWM) showed no such T lymphocyte associated MHCII antibody reactivity. Discussion & Conclusion Our results from antibody (MHC II) reactivity clearly show the potential existence of constitutively expressed (with no stimulation) MHC II molecules on T lymphocytes in new world monkeys. These results suggest that additional study is warranted to evaluate the functional and evolutionary significance of these finding and to better understand MHC II expression on T lymphocytes in new world monkeys.

Nonhuman primates are an important experimental model for the development of targeted biological therapeutics because of their immunological closeness to humans. However, there are very few antibody reagents relevant for delineating the different immune cell subsets based on nonhuman primate antigens directly or with cross-reactivity to those in humans. Here, we report specific expression of HLA-DR, PD-1, and CD123 on different circulating immune cell subsets in the peripheral blood that included T cells (CD3+), T cells subsets (CD4+ and CD8+), B cells (CD20+), natural killer (NK) cells (CD3–CD16+), and natural killer T cells (CD3+CD16+) along with different monocyte subsets in squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). We established cross-reactivity of commercial mouse antihuman monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), with these various immune cell surface markers. These findings should aid further future comprehensive understanding of the immune parameters and identification of new biomarkers to significantly improve SQM as a model for biomedical studies.

Islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes management is hindered by the life-long need for immunosuppressive medications. Here, the authors report an islet encapsulation device with local anti-rejection drug release that achieves long-term diabetes reversal in male rats and reduces drug-related toxicity.

Biosynthesized Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are attracting interest due to their special biological applications as well as biologically active secondary metabolites from plants that aid in green synthesis. This study describes the easy, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and reliable production of AgNPs utilizing the aqueous leaf extract of Cordia sebestena (C. sebestena), as well as the antibacterial and fungal activities. The aqueous leaf extract of C. sebestena was used to biosynthesize AgNPs and served as a reducing and capping agent. The leaf extract reduces the silver cation after maintaining the pH of the solution at 10, and the extract's color changes noticeably. The reduction and formation of AgNPs have been investigated using a variety of techniques, including ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV–vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The UV-visible absorption spectra of these biosynthesized AgNPs reveals a sizable absorption peak at about 495 nm. SEM and TEM images show that bio-synthesised AgNPs come in a variety of shapes and sizes (AgNPs). The antimicrobial effects of synthesized nanomaterials were tested against bacterial and fungal species versus conventional medicines. The synthesized nanomaterials showed moderate inhibitions against bacterial and fungal pathogens.

The catalytic activities of fullerene are affected largely by different shapes and surface arrangements influencing catalyst activity and stability a lot. Surface structures of metal oxides (MOs) adsorbed on surfaces of C60-fullerene can show gas sensing properties. Greenhouse gases can be captured and stored on those surfaces. Adsorption of gases on the MOC60 complex is more effective than the direct adsorption of gases on fullerene only. The possibility of morphological structures has been considered in the paper for adsorption of gases like NO2, CO, CO2, N2O on the surface of MO-[60] fullerene. Cu2O, ZnO and NiO metal oxides (MOs) when exposed to [60] fullerene at different sites between rings, MOs occupy different positions. The formation of quasi- rings provides extra stability to the adsorbed molecules thereby helping towards the greener and cleaner environment. In this review we have summarized the more effective adsorption of gases on MO- C60 surface as compared to that of direct adsorption. The morphological changes in the structures are predicted furthermore.

The increasing use of immune suppressive monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of organ transplant recipients and patients with oncologic, neurological, and autoimmune diseases can lead to serious morbidity and mortality from the reactivation of viral agents that persist in humans. The squirrel monkey polyomaviruses are naturally found in Bolivian squirrel monkeys (SQM) and may be a useful model for the study of polyomavirus-associated pathogenesis and experimental treatment and prevention strategies. Two diverse groups of squirrel monkeys were given, a single dose of an anti-B cell antibody (rituximab) resulting in complete depletion of B cells (CD20+), while an anti-CD8 monoclonal antibody (7 pt-3F9) resulted in a transient depletion of CD8+ lymphocytes compared with control animals (group with no infusion with either of the monoclonal antibodies). The animals remained clinically healthy, with no pathological symptoms suggesting that the intensity and/or duration of immune suppression were inadequate to trigger pathogenic reactivation of the latent polyoma and herpes viruses. We observed a transient reduction in circulating plasma cytokines, IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-12 reduced JC and BK viral protein-specific proliferative responses in both the CD8 and CD20 depletion groups. This study clearly elucidates the consequences of the use of depletion monoclonal antibodies in immune suppression modalities in the treatment of human malignancies and during transplantation, and SQM acts as a good model in the selection of dosage at which activation of latent viruses is at a minimum, with no pathological consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activities and climate change increasingly threaten wetlands worldwide, yet their hydrochemical properties and water quality are often inadequately studied. This research focused on the Ghodaghodi Lake Complex (GLC) and associated lakes in Nepal, a Ramsar-listed site known for its biodiversity and ecological significance. The study was conducted to assess seasonal water quality, investigate the factors influencing hydrochemistry, and assess the lakes' suitability for irrigation. Forty-nine water samples were collected from the GLC in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Nineteen physicochemical parameters, such as dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), and major ions (calcium 'Ca2+', magnesium 'Mg2+', and bicarbonate 'HCO3−'), were analyzed using standard on-site and laboratory methods. Statistical methods, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), T-tests, and hydrochemical diagrams, e.g., Piper, were adopted to explore spatial and seasonal variations in water quality, revealing significant fluctuations in key hydrochemical indicators. Results showed marked seasonal differences, with pre-monsoon TDS levels averaging 143.1 mg/L compared to 78.9 mg/L post-monsoon, underscoring evaporation and dilution effects. The hydrochemical analysis identified Ca2+-HCO3− as the dominant water type, highlighting the influence of carbonate weathering on GLC's water composition. Gibbs, mixing, and Piper diagram analysis supported these findings, confirming the predominance of HCO3−, with Ca2+ and Mg2+ as the main cations. Additionally, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) values were consistently below 1, confirming excellent irrigation quality. These findings provided critical data for policymakers and stakeholders, supporting sustainable wetland management and aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals relevant to environmental conservation, i.e., clean water and life on land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on a geometric counterpart of Steinberg’s tensor product formula for simple representations of a connected reductive algebraic group Ǧ over a field of positive characteristic proved in [AR3], and following an idea of Arkhipov–Bezrukavnikov–Braverman– Gaitsgory–Mirković, we define and initiate the study of some categories of perverse sheaves on the affine Grassmannian of the Langlands dual group to Ǧ that should provide geometric models for blocks of representations of the Frobenius kernel Ǧ1 of Ǧ . In particular, we show that these categories admit enough projective and injective objects, which are closely related to some tilting perverse sheaves, and that they are highest weight categories in an appropriate generalized sense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules expressed on B cells, monocytes and dendritic cells present processed peptides to CD4+ T cells as one of the mechanisms to combat infection and inflammation. Aim: To study MHC II expression in a variety of nonhuman primate species, including New World (NWM) squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis), owl monkeys (Aotus nancymae), common marmosets (Callithrix spp.), and Old World (OWM) rhesus (Macaca mulatta), baboons (Papio anubis). Methods: Two clones of cross‐reactive mouse anti‐human HLADR monoclonal antibodies (mAb) binding were analyzed by flow cytometry to evaluate MHC II expression on NHP immune cells, including T lymphocytes in whole blood (WB) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Results: MHC class II antibody reactivity is seen with CD20+ B cells, CD14+ monocytes and CD3+ T lymphocytes. Specific reactivity with both clones was demonstrated in T lymphocytes: this reactivity was not inhibited by purified CD16 antibody but was completely inhibited when pre‐blocked with purified unconjugated MHC II antibody. Freshly prepared PBMC also showed reactivity with T lymphocytes without any stimulation. Interestingly, peripheral blood from rhesus macaques and olive baboons (OWM) showed no such T lymphocyte associated MHCII antibody reactivity. Discussion & Conclusion: Our results from antibody (MHC II) reactivity clearly show the potential existence of constitutively expressed (with no stimulation) MHC II molecules on T lymphocytes in new world monkeys. These results suggest that additional study is warranted to evaluate the functional and evolutionary significance of these finding and to better understand MHC II expression on T lymphocytes in new world monkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective Cohort Objective: This study utilized a large national database to compare two-year revision rates, in addition to complications and costs, of hybrid surgery (HS) compared to two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods: This study used the PearlDiver Mariner dataset selecting for patients aged 18 and older who had at least 90-day active longitudinal follow-up who underwent two-level ACDF or two-level Hybrid surgery (single level ACDF and single level CDA). Patients with prior spinal trauma, infection, cancer, or posterior fusion were excluded. Primary outcomes measures were 90-day major and minor medical complications, ED visits, readmissions, as well as two-year revisions. Patients were also assessed for postoperative dysphagia, incidental durotomy, vascular injury, 90-day surgical site, and implant complications. Additionally, hospitalization and postoperative costs were evaluated. Results: There were 4570 two-level ACDF surgeries and 888 hybrid surgeries. After matching the cohorts, no statistical differences in demographics were found. There were no differences in reoperation rates at all measured time points nor 2-year complications. HS had a lower incidence of major (1.6% vs 3.1%, P =.003) and minor complications (3.0% vs 4.6%, P =.009) than ACDF. 90-day readmission was lower in the HS cohort (2.8% vs 4.2%), P =.024. HS was associated with reduced hospitalization costs -$2614 (-$3916 to -$904, P <.001). 3516 patients had ACDF, and 699 had HS with at least 2 years of follow-up. Conclusion: Hybrid surgery is a safe and effective surgical treatment for cervical disease in appropriately selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis C is associated with increased adverse events following surgery. The goals of this study were therefore to evaluate postoperative outcomes in patients with hepatitis C following ankle arthrodesis. Materials and Methods: A review of Medicare patients was performed to identify patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis. Patients were then divided into those with a preoperative history of hepatitis C and those who did not and were matched using propensity scores. Outcomes of interest were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: A diagnosis of hepatitis C was associated with a significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction, emergency department visits, and readmission within 90 days following surgery. In addition, hepatitis C is associated with an increased length of stay, cost of hospitalization, and total hospital charge. Conclusions: A diagnosis of hepatitis C was associated with a significant increase in hospital resource utilization during the initial inpatient stay and the immediate post-discharge period. Level of Evidence: III [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]