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Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex P.C. Silva, a red macroalga, is a commercial source of carrageenan, a widely used polysaccharide compound important in the food and pharmaceutical industries, in nanotechnology, and in pharmacological applications. Carrageenan is found mainly in the cell wall and in the intercellular matrix. This is the first study to propose the characterization of carrageenans in vitro, using the auto-fluorescence properties of the alga treated with different polyamines: putrescine, spermidine, and spermine. This study suggests a four-phase cultivation sequence for seaweed farmers to enhance and assess the potential carrageenan yield of their crops. In phase 1, seedlings were treated with each of the polyamines. Explants were subsequently transferred through two additional culture phases before being planted on the sea farms in phase 4 and then harvested after 60 days for analysis. Images from transverse sections of 11 representative cultured K. alvarezii samples were obtained at 561 nm excitation wavelength for both the cell center and the cell wall of each sample. Spectral data were also analyzed using the spectral phasor algorithm of SimFCS developed at the Laboratory for Fluorescence Dynamics (www.lfd.uci.edu). We report on the identification of several spectral fluorescence emission fingerprints from different auto-fluorescence compounds spatially mapped using this technique. These fingerprints have the potential to improve strain selection of explants for enhanced carrageenan yield in seaweed farming operations as well as to enable wholesale pricing to correspond with crop quality.

BackgroundTumor heterogeneity poses major clinical challenges in high-grade gliomas (HGGs). Quantitative radiomic analysis with spatial tumor habitat clustering represents an innovative, non-invasive approach to represent and quantify tumor microenvironment heterogeneity. To date, habitat imaging has been applied mainly on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), although virtually extendible to any imaging modality, including advanced MRI techniques such as perfusion and diffusion MRI as well as positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate an innovative PET and MRI approach for assessing hypoxia, perfusion, and tissue diffusion in HGGs and derive a combined map for clustering of intra-tumor heterogeneity.Materials and MethodsSeventeen patients harboring HGGs underwent a pre-operative acquisition of MR perfusion (PWI), Diffusion (dMRI) and 18F-labeled fluoroazomycinarabinoside (18F-FAZA) PET imaging to evaluate tumor vascularization, cellularity, and hypoxia, respectively. Tumor volumes were segmented on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T1 post-contrast images, and voxel-wise clustering of each quantitative imaging map identified eight combined PET and physiologic MRI habitats. Habitats’ spatial distribution, quantitative features and histopathological characteristics were analyzed.ResultsA highly reproducible distribution pattern of the clusters was observed among different cases, particularly with respect to morphological landmarks as the necrotic core, contrast-enhancing vital tumor, and peritumoral infiltration and edema, providing valuable supplementary information to conventional imaging. A preliminary analysis, performed on stereotactic bioptic samples where exact intracranial coordinates were available, identified a reliable correlation between the expected microenvironment of the different spatial habitats and the actual histopathological features. A trend toward a higher representation of the most aggressive clusters in WHO (World Health Organization) grade IV compared to WHO III was observed.ConclusionPreliminary findings demonstrated high reproducibility of the PET and MRI hypoxia, perfusion, and tissue diffusion spatial habitat maps and correlation with disease-specific histopathological features.

Prime editing guide RNA design is more complex than for standard CRISPR-based nucleases or base editors. Here the authors present PrimeDesign and PrimeVar for the rapid and simplified design of pegRNA and ngRNA combinations.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. While the systemic implications of OSA are well documented, the dental consequences are less frequently discussed yet equally significant. This review aims to elucidate the oral health impacts of OSA, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary care. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across several databases to identify studies examining the relationship between OSA and various oral health parameters. The review included observational studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews published in English up to January 2024. Results: OSA was significantly associated with heightened risks of bruxism, dry mouth, periodontal disease, temporomandibular joint disorders, palatal and dental changes, and alterations in taste sensation. Mouth breathing associated with OSA was a critical factor in exacerbating xerostomia and dental caries. Furthermore, the systemic inflammation induced by OSA appeared to correlate with the severity of periodontal disease. Patients using oral appliance therapy for OSA also showed notable changes in dental occlusion and required ongoing dental monitoring. Conclusions: The findings underscore the bidirectional relationship between OSA and oral health, highlighting the need for dental professionals to be integral participants in the management of OSA. Early dental evaluation and intervention can contribute to the overall health and quality of life of individuals with OSA. The review advocates for the development of clinical guidelines to facilitate the early identification and management of OSA-related oral health issues within dental practice and encourages a collaborative approach to patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: this prospective study investigated the correlation between the oral bacterial microflora and the microflora found in voice prostheses (VPs) among 20 patients who had undergone laryngectomy. The aim was to explore the associations between the microflora's presence and the malfunction of VPs, along with the association between the predominant microorganism and the longevity of VPs. Methods: the research process included gathering medical histories, conducting ENT examinations, replacing VPs, and performing check-ups every four months for a period of 15.5 months. Additionally, microbiological examinations, blood tests, and voice change surveys were conducted. Results: a correlation between the microflora isolated from VPs and that from oral rinses was demonstrated in a large percentage of patients who experienced a loss of prosthetic functional efficiency. The correlation analysis between the type of microorganism and the lifespan of VPs showed a non-significant Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.043, p = 0.678). Conclusions: there is no significant linear correlation between the predominant microorganism and the average lifespan of VPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To describe high-resolution brain vessel wall MRI (VW-MRI) patterns and morphological brain findings in central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis patients. Methods: Fourteen patients with confirmed CNS Vasculitis from two tertiary centers underwent VW-MRI using a 3T scanner. The images were reviewed by two neuroradiologists to assess vessel wall enhancement characteristics and locations. Results: Fourteen patients were included (six females; average age 48 ± 19 years). Diagnoses included primary CNS vasculitis (PCNSV) in six patients and secondary CNS vasculitis (SCNSV) in eight, half of which were infection-related. Thirteen patients showed vessel wall enhancement, which was intense in eleven patients (84.6%) and concentric in twelve (92.3%), affecting the anterior circulation in nine patients (69.2%), posterior in two patients (15.4%), and both circulations in two patients (15.4%). The enhancement patterns were similar across different CNS vasculitis types. DWI changes corresponded with areas of vessel wall enhancement in 77% of patients. Conclusions: CNS vasculitis is often associated with intense, concentric vessel wall enhancement in VW-MRI, especially in the anterior circulation. The consistent presence of DWI alterations in affected territories suggests a possible link to microembolization or hypoperfusion. These imaging findings complement parenchymal brain MRI and MRA/DSA data, potentially increasing the possibility of a clinical diagnosis of CNS vasculitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) serve as a potential cell-based therapy for degenerative disease. They provide immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, multipotent differentiation potential and are harvested with no ethical concern. It is unknown whether MSCs collected from different areas of the human umbilical cord elicit more favorable effects than others. Three MSC populations were harvested from various regions of the human umbilical cord: cord lining (CL-MSCs), perivascular region (PV-MSCs), and Wharton's jelly (WJ-MSCs). Mesenchymal markers (CD90 and CD73) were expressed by all three cell populations. Stemness marker (OCT4), endothelial cell adhesion molecular marker (CD146), and monocyte-macrophage marker (CD14) were expressed by WJ-MSCs, PV-MSCs, and CL-MSCs, respectively. Stroke presents with oxygen and glucose deprivation and leads to dysfunctional mitochondria and consequently cell death. Targeting the restoration of mitochondrial function in the stroke brain through mitochondrial transfer may be effective in treating stroke. In vitro exposure to ambient and OGD conditions resulted in CL-MSCs number decreasing the least post-OGD/R exposure, and PV-MSCs exhibiting the greatest mitochondrial activity. All three hUC-MSC populations presented similar metabolic activity and survival in normal and pathologic environments. These characteristics indicate hUC-MSCs potential as a potent therapeutic in regenerative medicine.

Local breeds represent an underestimated resource in terms not only of their important cultural and economical role in marginal areas, but also because they often own a potential genetic pool well adapted to extreme conditions. This fact is of increasing interest, especially when considering climate global challenges where peculiar and uncommon traits could be advantageous. In this study, we genotyped 24 individuals belonging to the small residual Pagliarola sheep population using the OvineSNP50K array, in order to compare its genomic architecture with other 21 Italian local breeds. Moreover, we performed the fixation index (FST) outlier analysis to identify genes most differentiated between Pagliarola and Merino-derived Italian breeds. All population genetic analyses highlighted that Pagliarola breed represents a distinct genetic unit showing a genetic relationship with Merino-derived breeds underlying the close cultural connection between these breeds related to transhumance. However, Pagliarola breed resulted to be divided into two different sub-populations, named Pagliarola 1 (PAG-1) and Pagliarola 2 (PAG-2). Genetic diversity indices and inbreeding estimated from runs of homozygosity (FROH) indicated that while PAG-1 showed among the highest values, PAG-2 turned out strongly inbred, probably as a consequence of a founder effect. The FST outlier analysis identified the 5 most differentiated single nucleotide polymorphisms, two of which mapping within known genes (MACF1 and GLIS1) reported to be linked to feed efficiency and local adaption. All these information strongly suggest that proper conservation measures should be implemented in order to recover the Pagliarola population and its fundamental local products.HIGHLIGHTS All population genetic analyses highlighted that Pagliarola breed represent a distinct genetic unit, and clusters with the Merino-derived Italian breeds. The breed resulted to be divided into two different sub-populations. For the two Pagliarola sub-populations, the genetic diversity indices suggest a very different genetic makeup. Results from the Bayesian approach identified two know genes (MACF1and GLIS1) related to feed efficiency in livestock species and local adaptation. The information generated in this study strongly suggests that proper conservation measures should be implemented in order to recover the Pagliarola population.