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Objective: To investigate the mechanism of ultrasound microbubbles (UTMB) promoting stem cells homing to fibrotic liver. Methods: Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were divided into 5 groups with or without ultrasound microbubbles and continuously irradiated with ultrasound conditions of frequency 1 MHZ and output power 0.6 W/cm2 for different times, and then injected into a mouse model of liver fibrosis through the tail vein with or without ultrasound microbubbles, with sound intensity. The effect of ultrasound microbubbles on MSC expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and homing fibrotic liver was evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM), western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. Results: The level of CXCR4 expression was significantly higher in the ultrasound microbubble group than in the non-intervention group (P < 0.05), and the number of MSC and the rate of CXCR4 receptor positivity in the ultrasound microbubble-treated liver tissues were significantly higher than in the non-intervention group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Ultrasonic microbubbles can promote the expression of CXCR4 on the surface of MSCs, thus improving the homing rate of MSCs in fibrotic liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the burgeoning growth of the livestock and aquaculture industries, antibiotic residues in treated wastewater have become a serious ecological threat. Traditional biological wastewater treatment technologies—while effective for removing conventional pollutants, such as organic carbon, ammonia and phosphate—struggle to eliminate emerging contaminants, notably antibiotics. Recently, the use of microalgae has emerged as a sustainable and promising approach for the removal of antibiotics due to their non-target status, rapid growth and carbon recovery capabilities. This review aims to analyse the current state of antibiotic removal from wastewater using algae–bacteria symbiosis systems and provide valuable recommendations for the development of livestock/aquaculture wastewater treatment technologies. It (1) summarises the biological removal mechanisms of typical antibiotics, including bioadsorption, bioaccumulation, biodegradation and co-metabolism; (2) discusses the roles of intracellular regulation, involving extracellular polymeric substances, pigments, antioxidant enzyme systems, signalling molecules and metabolic pathways; (3) analyses the role of treatment facilities in facilitating algae–bacteria symbiosis, such as sequencing batch reactors, stabilisation ponds, membrane bioreactors and bioelectrochemical systems; and (4) provides insights into bottlenecks and potential solutions. This review offers valuable information on the mechanisms and strategies involved in the removal of antibiotics from livestock/aquaculture wastewater through the symbiosis of microalgae and bacteria. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effect and short‐term efficacy and long‐term prognosis of decompensated liver cirrhosis patients caused by hepatitis B after a double transplantation with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs). Methods: Fifty inpatients were recruited and given the same medical treatments, receiving hUCMSCs injection intravenously. Fifty‐three patients (Group B) matched for age, sex, and baseline alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, total bilirubin, prothrombin time, and model for end‐stage liver disease score and Child–Pugh classification, acted as the control group. Results: Interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels markedly decreased, and interleukin‐10 level apparently increased in Group A at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. Transforming growth factor beta in Group A increased more remarkably at 2 weeks after treatment. T4 cells and Treg cells in Group A were apparently higher than those in Group B at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, and T8 cells and B cells were significantly lower than those in Group B. Aspartate aminotransferase levels in Group A were dramatically declining at 8 and 12 weeks after treatment. Levels of albumin, total bilirubin, and prothrombin time in Group A were apparently improved from 4 to 12 weeks after treatment. The improvements in model for end‐stage liver disease and Child–Pugh scores in Group A were notably superior to those in Group B from 4 to 36 weeks after treatment. There were no remarkable differences in the incidence of developing liver failure throughout the follow‐up period, but the mortality rate of Group A was lower than that of Group B. Conclusion: This therapeutic method may be an appropriate choice for patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]