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The article examines the Russia / "Collective West" conflict since Vladimir Putin's Munich speech at 2007 to last Ukrainian crisis. Using classic conflict theories expounded by L. Coser, R. Dahrendorf, K. Boulding, L. Kriesberg, the author analyzes the tendency of the gradual prevalence of the conflict of values over the conflict of interests in Russia/"Collective West" relations. It opines that the irrationalization of the conflict makes non-realistic improvements to conflict that loses its previous ontological features, attachment to a geographical, cultural or political location, and the goals that it manifests acquire an existential character. The author concludes that only the return of the conflict to the basic state of the conflict of interests is able to connect peace initiatives with the real interests of all parties again.

Today the conflict nature of digital transformation became apparent. However, very limited study has been carried out on this issue. The aim of this study is today a theoretical basis for further studies. The authors systematize theoretical and practical material and made a critical selection of relevant conceptual tools focused on analyzing the interrelation of risk-reflections and conflict management strategies. Using risk-reflective and conflict logical approaches, the authors came to the conclusion that digital transformation can be perceived by social actors as a risk, and as a reflection of this reaction, may ignite social conflicts. It was inferred that the destructive risk reflection can be presented as an unrealistic conflict, in which real object is replaced by a false one and demonstrates an inadequate choice of response to threats and risks. Thus, the development of tools for such reflections and interventions allows transforming the response to threats towards strengthening the constructive component, therefore preventing violent unrealistic conflicts owing to risks.

Nature is the essential life-giving condition for the humans and their activity. And this fact as no other implies sustainable management of the natural potential in order to produce and meet human needs. Ever more increasing importance of the ecological relations and their transformation into the autonomous relations and, therefore the establishment of their impact on the other social relations and subsequent submission of the social relations to the ecological ones, turns into the irreversible process which means that the ecological relations demand their inclusion in the industrial and property relations. Nonetheless, this process of the ecological assimilation proceeds controversially. The battle over the environmental agenda does not subside and this is the evidence of the interdisciplinary conflict, subject matter of which is the state of the environment that is predetermined by the competitive modes of cooperation which are natural for the free-market economy. The containment of the industrial relations’ ecological assimilation process from the market and state accelerates consolidation of the general public in their resistance to this tendency which results in the reduction of the environmental risks and disasters as their logical manifestation.

Introduction: Administration of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into the joint cavity has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA) by releasing exosomes and anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, the therapeutic effect of these cells is limited by their rapid disappearance after administration. Thus, it is necessary to prolong cell survival in the joint cavity. This study aimed to investigate the potential application of ADSCs adhered to atelocollagen microspheres (AMSs) for cell therapy of knee OA. Methods: ADSCs were cultured for 2, 4, and 7 days in AMS suspension or adherent culture dishes. The supernatants were analyzed for IL-10 and exosome secretion via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Nanosight. The effect of AMS was compared with that of adherent-cultured ADSCs (2D-cultured ADSCs) using transcriptome analysis. Moreover, the solubility of AMS and viability of ADSCs were evaluated using synovial fluid (SF) from patients with knee OA. Results: Compared with 2D-cultured ADSCs, AMS-cultured ADSCs exhibited a significant increase in secretion of exosomes and IL-10, and the expression of several genes involved in extracellular matrix and immune regulation were altered. Furthermore, when AMS-cultured ADSCs were cultured in SF from knee OA patients to mimic the intra-articular environment, the SF dissolved the AMSs and released viable ADSCs. In addition, AMS-cultured ADSCs showed significantly higher long-term cell viability than 2D-cultured ADSCs. Conclusion: Increased survival of AMS-adhered ADSCs was observed in the intra-articular environment, and AMSs were found to gradually dissipate. These results suggest that AMS-adhered ADSCs are promising source for cell therapy of knee OA.

Study Design A post-hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study. Purpose This study aimed to identify factors at the time of injury associated with declining activities of daily living (ADLs) in the chronic phase of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) managed conservatively. Overview of Literature Although a conservative approach is the treatment of choice for OVFs, ADLs do not improve or eventually decrease in some cases. However, the risk factors for ADL decline after the occurrence of OVFs, particularly the difference between those with or without initial bed rest, are unknown. Methods A total of 224 consecutive patients with OVFs aged ≥65 years who received treatment within 2 weeks after the occurrence of injury were enrolled. The patients were followed up for 6 months thereafter. The criteria for evaluating the degree of independence were applied to evaluate ADLs. Multivariable analysis with a logistic regression model was performed to evaluate the risk factors for ADL decline. Results In total, 49/224 patients (21.9%) showed a decline in ADLs. Of these, 23/116 patients (19.8%) in the rest group and 26/108 patients (24.1%) in the no-rest group experienced a decline in ADLs. In the logistic regression analyses, a diffuse low signal on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (odds ratio, 5.78; 95% confidence interval, 2.09–16.0; p=0.0007) and vertebral instability (odds ratio, 3.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–11.4; p=0.0135) were identified as independent factors in the rest and no-rest groups, respectively. Conclusions In patients with acute OVFs, a diffuse low signal on T2-weighted MRI and severe vertebral instability were independently associated with ADL decline in patients treated with and without initial bed rest, respectively.

Background: Human dental pulp-derived stem cells (hDPSCs) have emerged as a promising source for adult stem cell-based regenerative medicine. Stage-specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA3) is a cell surface marker associated with Multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells, a subpopulation of human bone marrow-derived stem cells (hBMSCs), known for their potent regenerative potential and safety profile. In this study, we investigated the influence of the prolonged culture period and the number of culture passages on the regenerative capacity of hDPSCs and explored the association between SSEA3 expression and their regenerative abilities. Methods: hDPSCs were isolated and cultured for up to 20 passages. Cell proliferation, migration, and osteogenic, adipogenic and neurogenic differentiation potential were assessed at passages 5, 10, and 20. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were employed to analyze SSEA3 expression. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on SSEA3-positive and SSEA3-negative hDPSCs to identify differentially expressed genes and associated pathways. Results: Our findings demonstrated a progressive decline in hDPSCs proliferation and migration capacity with increasing passage number. Conversely, cell size exhibited a positive correlation with passage number. Early passage hDPSCs displayed superior osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential. Notably, SSEA3 expression exhibited a significant negative correlation with passage numbers, reflecting the observed decline in differentiation capacity. RNA-seq analysis revealed distinct transcriptional profiles between SSEA3-positive and SSEA3-negative hDPSCs. SSEA3-positive cells displayed upregulation of genes associated with ectodermal differentiation and downregulation of genes involved in cell adhesion. Conclusions: This study elucidates the impact of passaging on hDPSC behavior and suggests SSEA3 as a valuable biomarker for evaluating stemness and regenerative potential. SSEA3-positive hDPSCs, functionally analogous to Muse cells, represent a promising cell population for developing targeted regenerative therapies with potentially improved clinical outcomes.

Chronic wounds represent a significant global burden, afflicting millions with debilitating complications. Despite standard care, impaired healing persists due to factors like persistent inflammation and impaired tissue regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer an innovative regenerative medicine approach, delivering stem cell-derived therapeutic cargo in engineered nanoscale delivery systems. This review examines pioneering bioengineering strategies to engineer MSC-EVs into precision nanotherapeutics for chronic wounds. Emerging technologies like CRISPR gene editing, microfluidic manufacturing, and biomimetic delivery systems are highlighted for their potential to enhance MSC-EV targeting, optimize therapeutic cargo enrichment, and ensure consistent clinical-grade production. However, key hurdles remain, including batch variability, rigorous safety assessment for potential tumorigenicity, immunogenicity, and biodistribution profiling. Crucially, collaborative frameworks harmonizing regulatory science with bioengineering and patient advocacy hold the key to expediting global clinical translation. By overcoming these challenges, engineered MSC-EVs could catalyze a new era of off-the-shelf regenerative therapies, restoring hope and healing for millions afflicted by non-healing wounds.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is characterized by exaggerated orthostatic tachycardia in the absence of orthostatic hypotension. The pathophysiology of POTS may involve hypovolemia, autonomic neuropathy, a hyperadrenergic state, and cardiovascular deconditioning, any of which can co-occur in the same patient. Furthermore, there is growing evidence of the role of autoimmunity in a subset of POTS cases. In recent years, investigators have described an increased rate of autoimmune comorbidities as evidenced by the finding of several types of neural receptor autoantibody and non-specific autoimmune marker in patients with POTS. In particular, the association of the disease with several types of anti-G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) antibodies and POTS has frequently been noted. A previous study reported that autoantibodies to muscarinic AChRs may play an important role in POTS with persistent, gastrointestinal symptoms. To date, POTS is recognized as one of the sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its frequency and pathogenesis are still largely unknown. Multiple autoantibody types occur in COVID-related, autonomic disorders, suggesting the presence of autoimmune pathology in these disorders. Herein, we review the association of anti-GPCR autoantibodies with disorders of the autonomic nervous system, in particular POTS, and provide a new perspective for understanding POTS-related autoimmunity.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) has limited treatment options for regaining function. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) show promise owing to their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, promote nerve cell survival, and modulate inflammation. This review explores ADSC therapy for SCI, focusing on its potential for improving function, preclinical and early clinical trial progress, challenges, and future directions.Preclinical studies have demonstrated ADSC transplantation's effectiveness in promoting functional recovery, reducing cavity formation, and enhancing nerve regrowth and myelin repair. To improve ADSC efficacy, strategies including genetic modification and combination with rehabilitation are being explored. Early clinical trials have shown safety and feasibility, with some suggesting motor and sensory function improvements.Challenges remain for clinical translation, including optimizing cell survival and delivery, determining dosing, addressing tumor formation risks, and establishing standardized protocols. Future research should focus on overcoming these challenges and exploring the potential for combining ADSC therapy with other treatments, including rehabilitation and medication.

Background: Thoracoabdominal periprocedural occlusion/reperfusion injury of the spinal cord (SCII/R) can lead to devastating paraplegia, underscoring the critical need for effective interventions. However, our knowledge of optimal medical strategies and their efficacy remains limited. Preclinical investigations have shown promise in harnessing adult stem cells, including pluripotent and multipotent stem cells such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to address SCII/R by enhancing neuro-inflammation, axonal growth, and myelination. Particularly, growth factors derived from adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADSCs) have been proposed to facilitate recovery. Despite advancements, achieving complete recovery remains a formidable challenge. Therefore, gaining a more profound insight into the role of ADSCs in alleviating SCII/R-induced paraplegia, including optimizing the delivery systems for therapies, is imperative. Materials and methods: In this study, we assessed the impact of subpial allogeneic rat adipose tissue-derived MSCs (rADSCs) transplantation on paraplegia using a rat SCII/R model induced by ephemeral aortic occlusion, known as the Taira-Marsala model. rADSCs were isolated from adipose tissue of male Sprague-Dawley rats, cultured, characterized, and cryopreserved. One week following the induction of paraplegia, rADSCs (n = 6) or physiological saline (n = 6) were transplanted. Hind limb motor function was evaluated before treatment and at 3-, 7-, and 14-days post-treatment using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scoring system. Results: The rADSC-treated group demonstrated a significant improvement in hind limb motor function compared to the saline-treated group (p