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Myocardial infarction (MI) is a critical global health issue and a leading cause of heart failure. Indeed, while neonatal mammals can regenerate cardiac tissue mainly through cardiomyocyte proliferation, this ability is lost shortly after birth, resulting in the adult heart's inability to regenerate after injury effectively. In adult mammals, the adverse cardiac remodelling, which compensates for the loss of cardiac cells, impairs cardiac function due to the non-contractile nature of fibrotic tissue. Moreover, the neovascularisation after MI is inadequate to restore blood flow to the infarcted myocardium. This review aims to synthesise the most recent insights into the molecular and cellular players involved in endogenous myocardial and vascular regeneration, facilitating the identification of mechanisms that could be targeted to trigger cardiac regeneration, reduce fibrosis, and improve functional recovery post-MI. Reprogramming adult cardiomyocytes to regain their proliferative potential, along with the modulation of target cells responsible for neovascularisation, represents promising therapeutic strategies. An updated overview of endogenous mechanisms that regulate both myocardial and coronary vasculature regeneration—including stem and progenitor cells, growth factors, cell cycle regulators, and key signalling pathways—could help identify new critical intervention points for therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Satellite cells are myogenic stem cells located between the muscle fiber membrane and the basement membrane. However, a comprehensive review of the aging mechanisms of satellite cells and their potential mitigation strategies is still lacking. This gap in knowledge hinders the effective guidance for current strategies aimed at attenuating skeletal muscle aging. OBJECTIVE: To review the mechanisms of satellite cell aging in skeletal muscle and the relevant strategies for mitigating this aging process. METHODS: Major databases were searched up to May 2023, including Web of Science, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data, and VIP. Chinese and English search terms included “skeletal muscle, satellite cells, aging, mechanism, and solution strategy”. After strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 78 articles were finally included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Satellite cells, situated between the muscle fiber membrane and basement membrane, possess proliferative and differentiative potential. They usually remain in a quiescent state but become activated in response to muscle tissue stimuli, participating in processes of repair and restoration of normal tissue structure. Aging leads to a reduction in satellite cell numbers, resulting in symptoms such as muscle weakness and decreased endurance. (2) Mechanisms of satellite cell aging primarily involve diminished regenerative capacity, perturbed niche interactions with changing ecology, agedependent loss, and heterogeneity changes. Reduced satellite cell numbers and activity due to aging lead to slower muscle regeneration and increased injury recovery time. Errors during differentiation may occur, resulting in decreased muscle quality and function deterioration. (3) Strategies for mitigating satellite cell aging encompass modulation of the receptor environment of intra-body satellite cells, peripheral interventions to promote satellite cell regeneration, construction of human muscle models, and exercise and nutritional interventions to induce satellite cell proliferation. These strategies hold promise in offering novel insights and methods for satellite cell regeneration and treatment of skeletal muscle diseases. (4) Future research should delve into the mechanisms of satellite cell aging, explore the interaction between satellite cells and their niches, investigate the relationship of satellite cells with the immune system and mitochondrial function, and develop human muscle models to enhance research depth and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolite,fly ash and coal gasification slag were used as raw materials to prepare a new type of phosphorus removal filler with low cost and high efficiency through artificial improvement, and its adsorption performance and regeneration ability were explored. The changes in the microstructure, elemental composition, and crystal structure of the filler phosphorus before and after adsorption was analyzed. The research results indicated that the main components of the filler were O, Si, Ca, Al, Fe, Mg, of which Ca had the highest mass fraction. The surface of the fillers became smooth and flat after adsorption, EDS and XRD analysis indicated that Ca played an important role in the adsorption process. Under the conditions of a phosphorus concentration of 50 mg/L and an adsorbent of 14 g/L, the new phosphorus removal filler achieved a phosphorus removal rate of 80%, and its adsorption performance was significantly improved compared with the raw materials. Under the environmental conditions of pH=1 and pH=13, the release rates of the fillers were 142.39% and 83.26% respectively. The desorption effect under acidic conditions was significantly better than that under alkaline conditions, indicating that strong acids/bases were beneficial for the release of phosphorus from the fillers. The experimental study on regeneration capacity showed that after four regenerations,the removal rate of phosphorus by the acidic regeneration filler was significantly lower than that by the alkaline regeneration filler. In practical applications of alkaline regeneration 1-2 times, the removal rate of phosphorus by the filler was over 60%, which had a high possibility of regeneration and reuse.

Copyright of Industrial Water Treatment is the property of CNOOC Tianjin Chemical Research & Design Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Many pediatric urology conditions affect putatively normal tissues or appear too commonly to be based solely on specific DNA mutations. Understanding epigenetic mechanisms in pediatric urology, therefore, has many implications that can impact cell and tissue responses to settings, such as environmental and hormonal influences on urethral development, uropathogenic infections, obstructive stimuli, all of which originate externally or extracellularly. Indeed, the cell's response to external stimuli is often mediated epigenetically. In this commentary, we highlight work on the critical role that epigenetic machinery, such as DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), Enhancer of Zeste Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Subunit (EZH2), and others play in regulating gene expression and cellular functions in three urological contexts. Animal and cellular constructs were used to model clinical pediatric uropathology. The hypertrophy, trabeculation, and fibrosis of the chronically obstructed bladder was explored using smooth muscle cell models employing disorganised vs. normal extracellular matrix (ECM), as well as a new animal model of chronic obstructive bladder disease (COBD) which retains its pathologic features even after bladder de-obstruction. Cell models from human and murine hypospadias or genital tubercles (GT) were used to illustrate developmental responses and epigenetic dependency of key developmental genes. Finally, using bladder urothelial and organoid culture systems, we examined activity of epigenetic machinery in response to non uropathogenic vs. uropathogenic E.coli (UPEC). DNMT and EZH2 expression and function were interrogated in these model systems. Disordered ECM exerted a principal mitogenic and epigenetic role for on bladder smooth muscle both in vitro and in CODB in vivo. Key genes, e.g., BDNF and KCNB2 were under epigenetic regulation in actively evolving obstruction and COBD, though each condition showed distinct epigenetic responses. In models of hypospadias, estrogen strongly dysregulated WNT and Hox expression, which was normalized by epigenetic inhibition. Finally, DNA methylation machinery in the urothelium showed specific activation when challenged by uropathogenic E.coli. Similarly, UPEC induces hypermethylation and downregulation of the growth suppressor p16INK4A. Moreover, host cells exposed to UPEC produced secreted factors inducing epigenetic responses transmissible from one affected cell to another without ongoing bacterial presence. Microenvironmental influences altered epigenetic activity in the three described urologic contexts. Considering that many obstructed bladders continue to display abnormal architecture and dysfunction despite relief of obstruction similar to after resection of posterior valves or BPH, the epigenetic mechanisms described highlight novel approaches for understanding the underlying smooth muscle myopathy of this crucial clinical problem. Similarly, there is evidence for an epigenetic basis of xenoestrogen on development of hypospadias, and UTI-induced pan-urothelial alteration of epigenetic marks and propensity for subsequent (recurrent) UTI. The impact of mechanical, hormonal, infectious triggers on genitourinary epigenetic machinery activity invite novel avenues for targeting epigenetic modifications associated with these non-cancer diseases in urology. This includes the use of deactivated CRISPR-based technologies for precise epigenome targeting and editing. Overall, we underscore the importance of understanding epigenetic regulation in pediatric urology for the development of innovative therapeutic and management strategies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental regeneration benefits from improving the features of dental derived stem cells. Gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser had a significant role in modification of cell behavior in different cell lines and culture conditions. Hence, exploring its mechanism and effect on dental derived stem cells would benefit prospective regenerative dental therapies. Objectives: To assess the impact of photo biomodulation by Low-Level-Laser on isolated Dental Pulp derived Stem Cells and Periodontal Ligament derived Stem Cells regarding their proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Methods: Isolated DPSCs and PDLSCs from impacted third molars were subjected to Gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser for 12 sec and 3.6 J/cm2. The proliferative capacity was evaluated via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl),2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) Assay and Trypan blue stain. Cell osteogenic differentiation potentials were assessed by alkaline phosphatase assay and alizarin red stain, polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify Nuclear factor Kappa gene expression. Results: DPSCs subjected to laser bio-stimulation showed the best results regarding cell viability (MTT) and osteogenic differentiation (ALP assay), and calcium deposition at 3 intervals (3, 7, 14 days), meanwhile, PDLSCs subjected to laser bio-stimulation showed better result than control but less than DPSCs. While NF-KB gene expression was proven to be approximately comparable for both groups. Generally, the Photo-bio modulated groups showed better results than their control groups. Conclusion: Low-level laser bio-stimulation (LLL) therapy improves DPSC and PDLSC osteogenic differentiation and proliferation via the activation of the NF-KB pathway. Also, the DPSCs outperformed PDLSCs in terms of performance. Clinical significance: These results can be beneficial information and a reference database for more research in tissue engineering, dental therapy, and regeneration.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the end stage of severe lung diseases, in which the lung parenchyma is replaced by fibrous scar tissue. The result is a remarkable reduction in pulmonary compliance, which may lead to respiratory failure and even death. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most prevalent form of PF, with no reasonable etiology. However, some factors are believed to be behind the etiology of PF, including prolonged administration of several medications (e.g., bleomycin and amiodarone), environmental contaminant exposure (e.g., gases, asbestos, and silica), and certain systemic diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus). Despite significant developments in the diagnostic approach to PF in the last few years, efforts to find more effective treatments remain challenging. With their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties, stem cells may provide a promising approach for treating a broad spectrum of fibrotic conditions. However, they may lose their biological functions after long-term in vitro culture or exposure to harsh in vivo situations. To overcome these limitations, numerous modification techniques, such as genetic modification, preconditioning, and optimization of cultivation methods for stem cell therapy, have been adopted. Herein, we summarize the previous investigations that have been designed to assess the effects of stem cell preconditioning or genetic modification on the regenerative capacity of stem cells in PF.

[Display omitted] Dental regeneration benefits from improving the features of dental derived stem cells. Gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser had a significant role in modification of cell behavior in different cell lines and culture conditions. Hence, exploring its mechanism and effect on dental derived stem cells would benefit prospective regenerative dental therapies. To assess the impact of photo biomodulation by Low-Level-Laser on isolated Dental Pulp derived Stem Cells and Periodontal Ligament derived Stem Cells regarding their proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Isolated DPSCs and PDLSCs from impacted third molars were subjected to Gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser for 12 sec and 3.6 J/cm2. The proliferative capacity was evaluated via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl),2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) Assay and Trypan blue stain. Cell osteogenic differentiation potentials were assessed by alkaline phosphatase assay and alizarin red stain, polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify Nuclear factor Kappa gene expression. DPSCs subjected to laser bio-stimulation showed the best results regarding cell viability (MTT) and osteogenic differentiation (ALP assay), and calcium deposition at 3 intervals (3, 7, 14 days), meanwhile, PDLSCs subjected to laser bio-stimulation showed better result than control but less than DPSCs. While NF-KB gene expression was proven to be approximately comparable for both groups. Generally, the Photo-bio modulated groups showed better results than their control groups. Low-level laser bio-stimulation (LLL) therapy improves DPSC and PDLSC osteogenic differentiation and proliferation via the activation of the NF-KB pathway. Also, the DPSCs outperformed PDLSCs in terms of performance. These results can be beneficial information and a reference database for more research in tissue engineering, dental therapy, and regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Therapeutic replacement of pancreatic endocrine β-cells is key to improving hyperglycaemia caused by insulin-dependent diabetes . Whilst the pool of ductal progenitors, which give rise to the endocrine cells, are active during development, neogenesis of islets is repressed in the human adult. Recent human donor studies have demonstrated the role of EZH2 inhibition in surgically isolated exocrine cells showing reactivation of insulin expression and the influence on the H3K27me3 barrier to β-cell regeneration. However, those studies fall short on defining the cell type active in transcriptional reactivation events. This study examines the role of the regenerative capacity of human pancreatic ductal cells when stimulated with pharmacological inhibitors of the EZH2 methyltransferase. Results Human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells were stimulated with the EZH2 inhibitors GSK-126, EPZ6438, and triptolide using a 2- and 7-day protocol to determine their influence on the expression of core endocrine development marker NGN3, as well as β-cell markers insulin, MAFA, and PDX1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies show a close correspondence of pharmacological EZH2 inhibition with reduced H3K27me3 content of the core genes, NGN3, MAFA and PDX1. Consistent with the reduction of H3K27me3 by pharmacological inhibition of EZH2, we observe measurable immunofluorescence staining of insulin protein and glucose-sensitive insulin response. Conclusion The results of this study serve as a proof of concept for a probable source of β-cell induction from pancreatic ductal cells that are capable of influencing insulin expression. Whilst pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 can stimulate secretion of detectable insulin from ductal progenitor cells, further studies are required to address mechanism and the identity of ductal progenitor cell targets to improve likely methods designed to reduce the burden of insulin-dependent diabetes.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the end stage of severe lung diseases, in which the lung parenchyma is replaced by fibrous scar tissue. The result is a remarkable reduction in pulmonary compliance, which may lead to respiratory failure and even death. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most prevalent form of PF, with no reasonable etiology. However, some factors are believed to be behind the etiology of PF, including prolonged administration of several medications (e.g., bleomycin and amiodarone), environmental contaminant exposure (e.g., gases, asbestos, and silica), and certain systemic diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus). Despite significant developments in the diagnostic approach to PF in the last few years, efforts to find more effective treatments remain challenging. With their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties, stem cells may provide a promising approach for treating a broad spectrum of fibrotic conditions. However, they may lose their biological functions after long-term in vitro culture or exposure to harsh in vivo situations. To overcome these limitations, numerous modification techniques, such as genetic modification, preconditioning, and optimization of cultivation methods for stem cell therapy, have been adopted. Herein, we summarize the previous investigations that have been designed to assess the effects of stem cell preconditioning or genetic modification on the regenerative capacity of stem cells in PF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xenopus young tadpoles regenerate a limb with the anteroposterior (AP) pattern, but metamorphosed froglets regenerate a hypomorphic limb after amputation. The key gene for AP patterning, shh , is expressed in a regenerating limb of the tadpole but not in that of the froglet. Genomic DNA in the shh limb-specific enhancer, MFCS1 (ZRS), is hypermethylated in froglets but hypomethylated in tadpoles: shh expression may be controlled by epigenetic regulation of MFCS1. Is MFCS1 specifically activated for regenerating the AP-patterned limb? We generated transgenic Xenopus laevis lines that visualize the MFCS1 enhancer activity with a GFP reporter. The transgenic tadpoles showed GFP expression in hoxd13- and shh- expressing domains of developing and regenerating limbs, whereas the froglets showed no GFP expression in the regenerating limbs despite having hoxd13 expression. Genome sequence analysis and co-transfection assays using cultured cells revealed that Hoxd13 can activate Xenopus MFCS1. These results suggest that MFCS1 activation correlates with regeneration of AP-patterned limbs and that re-activation of epigenetically inactivated MFCS1 would be crucial to confer the ability to non-regenerative animals for regenerating a properly patterned limb. [Display omitted] • In Xenopus, only young tadpoles regenerate a limb with the anteroposterior pattern. • shh is specifically expressed in a regenerating limb of the young tadpole. • The limb enhancer of shh, MFCS1, is activated in limb regeneration of Xenopus. • The MFCS1 activity correlates with regeneration capacity of a well-patterned limb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Therapeutic replacement of pancreatic endocrine β-cells is key to improving hyperglycaemia caused by insulin-dependent diabetes. Whilst the pool of ductal progenitors, which give rise to the endocrine cells, are active during development, neogenesis of islets is repressed in the human adult. Recent human donor studies have demonstrated the role of EZH2 inhibition in surgically isolated exocrine cells showing reactivation of insulin expression and the influence on the H3K27me3 barrier to β-cell regeneration. However, those studies fall short on defining the cell type active in transcriptional reactivation events. This study examines the role of the regenerative capacity of human pancreatic ductal cells when stimulated with pharmacological inhibitors of the EZH2 methyltransferase. Results: Human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells were stimulated with the EZH2 inhibitors GSK-126, EPZ6438, and triptolide using a 2- and 7-day protocol to determine their influence on the expression of core endocrine development marker NGN3, as well as β-cell markers insulin, MAFA, and PDX1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies show a close correspondence of pharmacological EZH2 inhibition with reduced H3K27me3 content of the core genes, NGN3, MAFA and PDX1. Consistent with the reduction of H3K27me3 by pharmacological inhibition of EZH2, we observe measurable immunofluorescence staining of insulin protein and glucose-sensitive insulin response. Conclusion: The results of this study serve as a proof of concept for a probable source of β-cell induction from pancreatic ductal cells that are capable of influencing insulin expression. Whilst pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 can stimulate secretion of detectable insulin from ductal progenitor cells, further studies are required to address mechanism and the identity of ductal progenitor cell targets to improve likely methods designed to reduce the burden of insulin-dependent diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin expansion is a useful method for harvesting extra tissue. However, the outcome is hardly predictable. Methods: A total of 158 patients with 277 expanded skin cases were reviewed and evaluated via photographs. The review and evaluation were conducted to determine the skin’s regenerative condition. The overall texture of the expanded skin, which was deemed good, fair, or poor, was evaluated. The occurrence of five indications of the limitation of skin regeneration (thinning, color change, stretch marks, varicose vessels, and skin lesions) during expansion was recorded. The correlation between the five indications and the overall texture was statistically analyzed. Results: Among the 277 retrospectively reviewed expansion cases, the occurrence rate of skin deterioration showed significant differences between the expansion sites (P

The effectiveness of plant genetic transformation is determined by the choice of genetic structures and their regulatory sequences that cause a high and stable expression level of heterologous genes. In this regard, the actual task of biotechnology is the use of highly effective plant promoters. The choice of promoter determines not only the level of the expression gene, but also the effectiveness of genetic transformation. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the influence of explant type and 5-deletion variants of the plant strong pro-SmAMP1 promoter, on the Agrobacterium -mediated transformation efficiency of potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. Udacha. To analyze the regenerative capacity of potato stem and leaf explants, AGL0 strain carrying constructs containing the 5-deletion variants of the promoter fragment of gene encoding antimicrobial peptide from Stellaria media L. ( pro-SmAMP1 ) was carried out. Four genetic constructs based on the plant expression vector pCAMBIA1381Z were used in this work, containing the selectable gene hptII and reporter gene uidA under different 5-deletion variants of the pro-SmAMP1 promoter (-442, -675, -732 and -1196 bp relative to the transcription initiation site); as well as two binary vectors based on the expression vector pCAMBIA1302 with 5-deletion pro-SmAMP1 promoter variants (-442 and -1196 bp), controlling the expression of gfp reporter gene. It was found that the effectiveness of Agrobacterium -mediated transformation depended on the type of genetic construction used, but not on the type of explant being cultivated. The insertion of the promoter region pro-SmAMP1 gene, hptII , as well as the absence of the bacterial Vir E gene was confirmed by PCR. Depending on the type of genetic construct, the transformation efficiency for the reporter gene varied from 2.0 to 7.2 %. The results are compared with previously conducted few studies, according to which the choice of promoter determines not only the expression level of marker genes, but also has a significant influence on the genetic transformation efficiency.

CRISPR/Cas9 is a unique technology that has enabled researchers to edit genomes. The current study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of genome editing in diploid and tetraploid potato varieties. The stem internodes of AGB and M6 plants (5–6 weeks old) were infected with Agrobacterium strain LBA4404, harboring CRISPR/Cas9 vector, expressing a particular guide RNA against vacuolar invertase; and Cas9 endonuclease. Both tetraploid and diploid potatoes showed encouraging regenerative response on selection media. The transformation efficiency of 11.7% was obtained in potatoes in this study, whereas an indel% was found to be 6 for diploid and 5 for tetraploid variety via Sanger sequencing data. The regenerated plantlets were shifted to culture tubes where M6 diploid variety needed indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for root development in comparison to tetraploid variety that rooted without IBA. All molecular analysis confirmed the integration of cassette and expression of Cas9 in primary transformants. Overall, the results concluded that the adopted transformation protocol regenerated plants with edited targeted genes that can be further used in an efficient potato breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial weeds like Cirsium arvense ensure their lifeform by their subterranean storage organs. Current control essentially relies on inversion tillage and herbicides (especially glyphosate). One alternative is the so-called “Kverneland Horizontal Root Cutter”. This machine fragments adventitious roots and cuts them off from belowground shoots and deep reaching root parts via horizontally arranged sheers, subsequently leading to a depletion of reserves. We conducted an experiment between September 2019 and September 2021 on a field carrying C. arvense but no crop. Treatments differed in terms of use frequency and working depth of the “Root Cutter”. Six cuts per year (twelve in total) reduced the number of shoots by approximately 75% and the aerial expansion of thistle patches by approximately 90%. Lower cut frequencies decreased aerial expansion but failed to reduce number of shoots. HPLC root carbohydrate measurements revealed an exhaustion of reserves by root cutting. Total sugars and inulin reduction increased with cutting frequency. Based on the presented results the “Kverneland horizontal root cutter” can serve as a possible replacement for ploughing for the purpose of combating perennial weeds like C. arvense.

The ability to regenerate tissues and organs following damage is not equally distributed across metazoans, and even highly related species can vary considerably in their regenerative capacity. Studies of animals with high regenerative potential have shown that factors expressed during normal development are often reactivated upon damage and required for successful regeneration. As such, regenerative potential may not be dictated by the presence or absence of the necessary genes, but whether such genes are appropriately activated following injury. The identification of damage-responsive enhancers that regulate regenerative gene expression in multiple species and tissues provides possible mechanistic insight into this phenomenon. Enhancers that are reused from developmental programs, and those that are potentially unique to regeneration, have been characterized individually and at a genome-wide scale. A better understanding of the regulatory events that, direct and in some cases limit, regenerative capacity is an important step in developing new methods to manipulate and augment regeneration, particularly in tissues that do not have this ability, including those of humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Die Ophthalmologie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ciência Florestal (01039954) is the property of Ciencia Florestal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: Despite improvements in health education and treatment, arterial hypertension remains a major health problem of increasing epidemiological importance. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the impact of regular yoga breathing exercises on blood pressure, work-related stress, and the prevalence of arterial hypertension in young police academy trainees with no existing comorbidities. Design: A single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Subjects: The study included 120 healthy trainees aged between 18 and 39 years who practiced weekly yoga exercises with an emphasis on breathing (prāṇāyāma) over an observation period of 6 months. Results: These regular exercises lowered the blood pressure of the participants by 1.34 mmHg (right arm, p = 0.007), increased their regenerative capacity (Recovery Experience Questionnaire [REQ] scale +2.77, p < 0.001) and resilience (Resilience Scale [RS] +4.6, p = 0.001), and concomitantly reduced the level of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS] -0.9, p < 0.001). In contrast, blood pressure in the control group had slightly increased over the study period by 0.1 mmHg (right arm, p < 0.001) and 1.0 mmHg (left arm, p = 0.03), and subjective scores had significantly worsened (REQ scale -3.4, p < 0.001; RS -2.29, p = 0.001; PSS +0.88, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results point to a significant correlation between blood pressure and both regenerative capacity and stress level. Thus, the study confirms the hypothesis that yoga exercises reduce perceived stress and exert positive effects on blood pressure. Clinical Trial Registration Number: DRKS00025921. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The “sempre-viva” species Comanthera mucugensis is endemic to the municipality of Mucugê, Bahia, Brazil, where it was widely exploited through extractivism to be commercialized as an ornamental, causing a drastic reduction of its population, so that it is now classified as endangered. Although its main area of occurrence is now protected for being within Chapada Diamantina National Park, the continued risks of inclement conditions and anthropic actions make it necessary to develop alternative methods for ex situ conservation of the species, such as in vitro conservation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test the effect of different concentrations of salts and sucrose on the in vitro conservation of Comanthera mucugensis. Two salts concentrations of the medium MS (½ and ¼) and two sucrose levels (7.5 and 15.0 g L-1) were tested, and the experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments. After 365 days, the survival, growth and regeneration of the conserved plants were analyzed, achieving up to 100% survival, reduced shoot growth and maintenance of regenerative capacity. Reduction of the concentration of salts and sucrose in the culture medium is indicated to conserve the plants in vitro for a period of one year.

Aseptic loosening of total hip and knee joint replacements is the most common indication for revision surgery after primary hip and knee arthroplasty. Research suggests that exposure and uptake of wear by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and macrophages results in the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and local osteolysis, but also impaired cell viability and regenerative capacity of MSC. Therefore, this in vitro study compared the regenerative and differentiation capacity of MSC derived from patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (MSCprim) to MSC derived from patients undergoing revision surgery after aseptic loosening of total hip and knee joint implants (MSCrev). Regenerative capacity was examined by measuring the cumulative population doubling (CPD) in addition to the number of passages until cells stopped proliferating. Osteogenesis and adipogenesis in monolayer cultures were assessed using histological stainings. Furthermore, RT‐PCR was performed to evaluate the relative expression of osteogenic and adipogenic marker genes as well as the expression of markers for a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP). MSCrev possessed a limited regenerative capacity in comparison to MSCprim. Interestingly, MSCrev also showed an impaired osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation capacity compared to MSCprim and displayed a SASP early after isolation. Whether this is the cause or the consequence of the aseptic loosening of total joint implants remains unclear. Future research should focus on the identification of specific cell markers on MSCprim, which may influence complication rates such as aseptic loosening of total joint arthroplasty to further individualize and optimize total joint arthroplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "sempre-viva" species Comanthera mucugensis is endemic to the municipality of Mucugê, Bahia, Brazil, where it was widely exploited through extractivism to be commercialized as an ornamental, causing a drastic reduction of its population, so that it is now classified as endangered. Although its main area of occurrence is now protected for being within Chapada Diamantina National Park, the continued risks of inclement conditions and anthropic actions make it necessary to develop alternative methods for ex situ conservation of the species, such as in vitro conservation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test the effect of different concentrations of salts and sucrose on the in vitro conservation of Comanthera mucugensis. Two salts concentrations of the medium MS (½ and ?) and two sucrose levels (7.5 and 15.0 g L-1) were tested, and the experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments. After 365 days, the survival, growth and regeneration of the conserved plants were analyzed, achieving up to 100% survival, reduced shoot growth and maintenance of regenerative capacity. Reduction of the concentration of salts and sucrose in the culture medium is indicated to conserve the plants in vitro for a period of one year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The somatic regeneration of maize depends on its genotypes, so improving its variety with modern biotechnology is severely restricted. Locating the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with somatic regeneration is important for breeding elite inbred lines that undergo genetic transformations. Here, by crossing the high-regeneration inbred line H99 and non-regeneration inbred line Fr993, an F2 population and its F2:3 and F2:4 population families were constructed. Immature embryos from the family populations were subjected to tissue culture in two independent seasons to determine their embryogenic callus induction rates (EIRs), green callus rates (GCRs) and plantlet regeneration rates (PRRs). Genetic linkage maps were constructed for the F2 population to locate somatic regeneration QTLs. The results showed that variation in the EIR, GCR and PRR ranged from 0.00–99.33%, and their broad-sense heritabilities were 0.50, 0.52 and 0.53, respectively. The total genetic distance of the linkage maps constructed by the GenoBaits 10 K chip was 2319.50 cM, and twelve QTLs were associated with somatic regeneration traits, accounting for 3.90–14.06% of the phenotypic variation. Expression analysis revealed six candidate genes screened from the QTLs with distinct responses to induction culture in the parental lines, suggesting that they may impact commitment to somatic cell fate. These results provide a basis for the molecular breeding of maize varieties with high-frequency somatic regeneration.

In conditions of a sharp reduction in the stocks of traditional fuels, it is important to find new efficient and renewable carbon-neutral energy sources. One of the most promising sources of renewable energy is the biomass of woody plants, in particular the family Willow (Salicaceae Mirb.). Traditionally, Salicaceae plants are propagated by generative and vegetative methods. Microclonal propagation, in contrast to traditional methods of propagation, allows to obtain genetically homogeneous healthy planting material throughout the year. A significant number of biotechnological publications focus on the development of optimal protocols for plant reproduction of the Salicaceae family, the study of tissue morphogenetic potential and optimization of their growth. However, the authors note the individually determined regenerative ability of plant material in vitro, which depends on a number of factors. The purpose of the study is to analyze the results of biotechnological studies on obtaining high-quality planting material of plants of the family Salicaceae by tissue in vitro. For this purpose, we used the results of biotechnological studies of plant tissues of the family Salicaceae in vitro by foreign and domestic authors published in professional journals during 2010-2020. Research methods - analysis, comparison, synthesis, generalization. The analysis revealed that the sterilization regime of Salicaceae plant material depends on the type of explant, phenological phase and age of the donor plant. Step sterilization using mercury chloride, sodium hypochlorite and silver nitrate effectively neutralizes the exogenous biota of woody explants. The stage of active vegetation is the optimal period of isolation of explants. To obtain virus-free regenerating plants, it is advisable to use apical meristems, callus tissue - leaf blades, active regeneration - micro shoots. Stable regeneration system, its type, multiplication factor of Salicaceae plants are genetically determined. For the introduction of plants in vitro, active proliferation, rhizogenesis, mass microclonal propagation, it is advisable to use nutrient media according to WPM (McCown & Lloyd, 1981) and MS (Murashige & Skoog, 1962). For regeneration of plants by direct morphogenesis and activation of growth of available meristems of an explant to apply the environment with cytokinins (BAP) (6-benzylaminopurine), kinetin, 2-iP (N-isopentenylaminopurine), for rhizogenesis - with auxins (NOC (α-naphthylacetic acid), IMC (3-indolylbutyric acid) and IOC (β-indolyl-3-acetic acid) Further research is aimed at optimizing the protocols of reproduction of individual genotypes of Salicaceae plants in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the goals of long term sustainability and survival were thoroughly studied in family firms' literature, to the best of our knowledge, rare studies had investigated the influence of values on the capacity of family firms to be resilient. In addition, this likely relationship is highly contingent on cultural and national contexts, as family values – on which family business values are dependent – are not the same across countries and World regions. These theoretical and empirical gaps motivated the present research which aims at investigating the probable influence of family firms' values on the resilience of these firms in the unique context of Tunisia. This qualitative research is based on a body of discourse collected from nine managers belonging to five Tunisian family businesses. Our research allowed us to highlight some key family business values in a new underexplored setting that is an oriental country with a culture driven by Islamic and Arab values. More importantly, our analysis shows that family values underlie both community and business values. Finally, our results underscore the importance of business values, community values and family values in the resilience of the firms studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Causal therapies for the auditory-pathway and inner-ear diseases are still not yet available for clinical application. Regenerative medicine approaches are discussed and examined as possible therapy options. Neural stem cells could play a role in the regeneration of the auditory pathway. In recent years, neural stem and progenitor cells have been identified in the cochlear nucleus, the second nucleus of the auditory pathway. The current investigation aimed to analyze cell maturation concerning cellular calcium activity. Cochlear nuclei from PND9 CD rats were microscopically dissected and propagated as neurospheres in free-floating cultures in stem-cell medium (Neurobasal, B27, GlutaMAX, EGF, bFGF). After 30 days, the dissociation and plating of these cells took place under withdrawal of the growth factors and the addition of retinoic acid, which induces neural cell differentiation. Calcium imaging analysis with BAPTA-1/Oregon Green was carried out at different times during the differentiation phase. In addition, the influence of different voltage-dependent calcium channels was analyzed through the targeted application of inhibitors of the L-, N-, R- and T-type calcium channels. For this purpose, comparative examinations were performed on CN NSCs, and primary CN neurons. As the cells differentiated, a significant increase in spontaneous neuronal calcium activity was demonstrated. In the differentiation stage, specific frequencies of the spontaneous calcium oscillations were measured in different regions of the individual cells. Initially, the highest frequency of spontaneous calcium oscillations was ascertainable in the maturing somata. Over time, these were overtaken by calcium oscillations in the axons and dendrites. Additionally, in the area of the growth cones, an increasing activity was determined. By inhibiting voltage-dependent calcium channels, their expression and function in the differentiation process were confirmed. A comparable pattern of maturation of these channels was found in CN NSCs and primary CN neurons. The present results show that neural stem cells of the rat cochlear nucleus differentiated not only morphologically but also functionally. Spontaneous calcium activities are of great relevance in terms of neurogenesis and integration into existing neuronal structures. These functional aspects of neurogenesis within the auditory pathway could serve as future targets for the exogenous control of neuronal regeneration.

Unlike past days menstrual blood has been considered as the rich source of self-rejuvenating stem cells. These cells can multiple rapidly and helps in various cosmetic and regenerative surgeries. They can easily be used same as that of stem cells derived from umbilical cord and bone marrow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sirtuins are highly conserved NAD+-dependent enzymes that are capable of removing a wide range of lipid lysine acyl-groups from protein substrates in a NAD+-dependent manner. These NAD+-dependent activities enable sirtuins to monitor cellular energy status and modulate gene transcription, genome stability, and energy metabolism in response to environmental signals. Consequently, sirtuins are important for cell survival, stress resistance, proliferation, and differentiation. In recent years, sirtuins are increasingly recognized as crucial regulators of stem cell biology in addition to their well-known roles in metabolism and aging. This review article highlights our current knowledge on sirtuins in stem cells, including their functions in pluripotent stem cells, embryogenesis, and development as well as their roles in adult stem cell maintenance, regeneration, and aging. Highlights As cellular metabolic and stress sensors, sirtuin family of NAD+-dependent deacylases are pivotal regulators of stem cell biology in addition to their well-known roles in metabolic diseases and aging. Despite their common dependence on cellular NAD+, different sirtuins display cell type-specific and/or stage-dependent impacts on stem cell biology in response to various environmental cues. Nuclear and cytosolic sirtuins modulate pluripotent stem cells and embryogenesis through regulation of pluripotency factors, metabolism, epigenetics, redox homeostasis, and cellular stress response. Sirtuins maintain self-renewal, quiescence, and regenerative capacity of adult stem cells and protect against adult stem cell depletion in response to stress and aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every year, millions of people develop scars due to skin injuries after trauma, surgery, or skin burns. From the beginning of wound healing development, scar hyperplasia, and prolonged healing time in wound healing have been severe problems. Based on the difference between adult and fetal wound healing processes, many promising therapies have been developed to decrease scar formation in skin wounds. Currently, there is no good or reliable therapy to cure or prevent scar formation. This work briefly reviews the engineering methods of scarless wound healing, focusing on regenerative biomaterials and different cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular components in regenerative wound healing to minimize skin damage cell types, and scar formation.

The regenerative capacity of the embryonic callus, a complex quantitative trait, is one of the main limiting factors for maize transformation. This trait was decomposed into five traits, namely, green callus rate (GCR), callus differentiating rate (CDR), callus plantlet number (CPN), callus rooting rate (CRR), and callus browning rate (CBR). To dissect the genetic foundation of maize transformation, in this study multi-locus genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for the five traits were performed in a population of 144 inbred lines genotyped with 43,427 SNPs. Using the phenotypic values in three environments and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values, as a result, a total of 127, 56, 160, and 130 significant quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) were identified by mrMLM, FASTmrEMMA, ISIS EM-BLASSO, and pLARmEB, respectively. Of these QTNs, 63 QTNs were commonly detected, including 15 across multiple environments and 58 across multiple methods. Allele distribution analysis showed that the proportion of superior alleles for 36 QTNs was

The regenerative capacity of the embryonic callus, a complex quantitative trait, is one of the main limiting factors for maize transformation. This trait was decomposed into five traits, namely, green callus rate (GCR), callus differentiating rate (CDR), callus plantlet number (CPN), callus rooting rate (CRR), and callus browning rate (CBR). To dissect the genetic foundation of maize transformation, in this study multi-locus genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for the five traits were performed in a population of 144 inbred lines genotyped with 43,427 SNPs. Using the phenotypic values in three environments and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values, as a result, a total of 127, 56, 160, and 130 significant quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) were identified by mrMLM, FASTmrEMMA, ISIS EM-BLASSO, and pLARmEB, respectively. Of these QTNs, 63 QTNs were commonly detected, including 15 across multiple environments and 58 across multiple methods. Allele distribution analysis showed that the proportion of superior alleles for 36 QTNs was <50% in 31 elite inbred lines. Meanwhile, these superior alleles had obviously additive effect on the regenerative capacity. This indicates that the regenerative capacity-related traits can be improved by proper integration of the superior alleles using marker-assisted selection. Moreover, a total of 40 candidate genes were found based on these common QTNs. Some annotated genes were previously reported to relate with auxin transport, cell fate, seed germination, or embryo development, especially, GRMZM2G108933 (WOX2) was found to promote maize transgenic embryonic callus regeneration. These identified candidate genes will contribute to a further understanding of the genetic foundation of maize embryonic callus regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several authors identified polychaetes as a group of marine invertebrates that respond rapidly to anthropogenic stressors. Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated that environmental pollution lead to the impoverishment of benthic communities with species replacement and biodiversity loss, but very few studies have investigated biochemical and physiological alterations that species undergo in response to Arsenic (As) exposure. Therefore, the present study assessed the toxicity induced in the polychaete Diopatra neapolitana after a long-term (28 days) exposure to different As concentrations (0.0, 0.05, 0.25 and 1.25 mg/L). For this biochemical and physiological alterations were evaluated. Biochemical analysis included the measurement of different biomarkers such as glutathione S-transferase (GST), lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were assessed in order to evaluate oxidative stress. Physiological analyzes included the observation of polychaetes regenerative capacity and the quantification of organisms total protein (PROT) and glycogen (GLY) content. The results obtained allowed to confirm the suitability of these biomarkers to identify the toxicity caused by As and moreover revealed that D. neapolitana is a good bioindicator of As pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Aim:Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) describes the paradox of additional tissue injury caused by reperfusion. The aim of this survey was to investigate the mRNA expression of genes exerting their inflammatory and regenerative reaction in a porcine model of I/R and extended hepatectomy. Material and methods:Twelve pigs were used, weighing 30–35 kg in average, which were allocated in two groups: the I/R group with eight pigs and the sham-operated (control) one with four pigs. The I/R group underwent portacaval anastomosis and Pringle maneuver followed by extended hepatectomy. The hepatoduodenal ligament was occluded for 150 min and the liver remnant was reperfused for 24 hours. Blood samples were steadily received throughout the surgical procedure, where hepatic biopsies were taken for pathological evaluation. Animals were sacrificed in 24 hours after the onset of reperfusion. Results:Between the two groups, statistically significant differences were noticed in serum values of AST, ALT, ALP, and total bilirubin in the early and late phase of reperfusion. The mRNA expression of iNOS, IL-1b, and TGF-a did not increase significantly in the I/R group. Conversely, the mRNA modification of IL-6, STAT-3, and E-selectin demonstrated significantly increased expression in I/R animals. Conclusions:In the present survey, a new I/R swine model was proposed and specific parameters were analyzed, revealing differences between the study groups. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The toxicity induced in non-target organisms by pharmaceutical drugs has been the focus of several studies. In the aquatic environment, most of the studies have been devoted to fish and bivalves, while little is known on the impacts induced in polychaetes. The present study evaluated the impacts of carbamazepine and caffeine on the regenerative capacity of Diopatra neapolitana , a polychaete species with high ecological and economic relevance. Under laboratory controlled conditions polychaetes were exposed, during 28 days, to carbamazepine (Ctl-0.0; 0.3; 3.0; 6.0; 9.0 μg/L) and caffeine (Ctl-0.0; 0.5; 3.0; 18.0 μg/L). During the experiment, at days 11, 18, 25, 32, 39 and 46 after amputation, for each specimen, the percentage of the body width regenerated was determined and the number of new segments was counted. The regenerative capacity was assessed considering the number of days needed to achieve full regeneration and the total number of new segments. The obtained results revealed that with the increase of drugs concentrations organisms regenerated less new segments and took longer to completely regenerate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with the increase in aging of our population, the proportion of older patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is on the rise as a result of the accumulation of comorbidities as well as biological processes associated with aging. Older patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) comprise an increasing proportion of patients with CKD/ESRD as well. In this review, we will discuss biological processes of aging that predispose patients to AKI and CKD. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global biogeochemical cycles are recognised as extremely important processes operating within the Earth's (geo)biosphere. However, there are currently few methods available through which we can understand and communicate humanity's dependence on these cycles. This paper presents a novel method, based on input–output analysis, for deriving a suite of indicators describing the level at which the global economy, through its transformation of useful resources (i.e. raw materials) into residuals (i.e. wastes, pollutants, emissions), is appropriating biogeochemical processes. Furthermore, significant insight into the scale of the global economic system is gained by comparing the rate of human appropriation of biogeochemical cycling with that of the biosphere's regenerative capacity. In order to calculate these indicators, we create a new concept of ‘ecotime’, defined as the average biogeochemical cycling time available for matter held within differing types of environmental commodities (e.g. carbon dioxide, plants, fossil fuels) to reach biogeochemical processes under consideration. Resources used by the global economy generally have long ecotimes, while the residuals produced by economic activities generally have short ecotimes. Applying our method to an extensive database encompassing the key biogeochemical cycles, it is found that humans are placing significant pressure on these cycles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]