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Search Results (208)

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16 pages, 13113 KiB  
Article
Ambient Particulate Matter Exposure Impairs Gut Barrier Integrity and Disrupts Goblet Cell Function
by Wanhao Gao, Wang Lin, Miao Tian, Shilang Fan, Sabrina Edwards, Joanne Tran, Yuanjing Li and Xiaoquan Rao
Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 1825; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13081825 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 305
Abstract
Background: As a well-known environmental hazard, ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5, aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm) has been positively correlated with an increased risk of digestive system diseases, including appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastrointestinal cancer. Additionally, PM2.5 exposure [...] Read more.
Background: As a well-known environmental hazard, ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5, aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm) has been positively correlated with an increased risk of digestive system diseases, including appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastrointestinal cancer. Additionally, PM2.5 exposure has been shown to alter microbiota composition and diversity in human and animal models. However, its impact on goblet cells and gut mucus barrier integrity remains unclear. Methods: To address this, 8-week-old male and female interleukin-10 knockout (IL10−/−) mice, serving as a spontaneous colitis model, were exposed to concentrated ambient PM2.5 or filtered air (FA) in a whole-body exposure system for 17 weeks. Colon tissues from the PM2.5-exposed mice and LS174T goblet cells were analyzed using H&E staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and transcriptomic profiling. Results: The average PM2.5 concentration in the exposure chamber was 100.20 ± 13.79 µg/m3. PM2.5 exposure in the IL10−/− mice led to pronounced colon shortening, increased inflammatory infiltration, ragged villi brush borders, dense goblet cells with sparse enterocytes, and lipid droplet accumulation in mitochondria. Similar ultrastructure changes were exhibited in the LS174T goblet cells after PM2.5 exposure. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a predominantly upregulated gene expression spectrum, indicating an overall enhancement rather than suppression of metabolic activity after PM2.5 exposure. Integrated enrichment analyses, including GO, KEGG, and GSEA, showed enrichment in pathways related to oxidative stress, xenobiotic (exogenous compound) metabolism, and energy metabolism. METAFlux, a metabolic activity analysis, further substantiated that PM2.5 exposure induces a shift in cellular energy metabolism preference and disrupts redox homeostasis. Conclusions: The findings of exacerbated gut barrier impairment and goblet cell dysfunction following PM2.5 exposure provide new evidence of environmental factors contributing to colitis, highlighting new perspectives on its role in the pathogenesis of colitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Translational Medicine)
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14 pages, 9820 KiB  
Article
Zwitterionic Poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) Brushes Functionalized Threads for DNA Extraction from Complex Cell Lysates
by Xianlong Shi, Liang Wu, Ke Ning, Xinmei Li, Lingke Feng, Yirong Chen and Ling Yu
Sensors 2025, 25(12), 3651; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25123651 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 478
Abstract
Thread-based analytical devices are low-cost, portable, and easy to use, making them ideal for detecting various biomolecules like glucose and DNA with minimal sample requirements, while also offering environmental benefits through their biodegradability. This study explores the potential of zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) brushes [...] Read more.
Thread-based analytical devices are low-cost, portable, and easy to use, making them ideal for detecting various biomolecules like glucose and DNA with minimal sample requirements, while also offering environmental benefits through their biodegradability. This study explores the potential of zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) brushes modified cotton thread (PSBMA@threads) as an innovative substitute for DNA solid-phase extraction. The PSBMA polymer brushes were synthesized on cotton threads via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). The usability of the PSBMA@threads for DNA extraction from cell lysates containing cell debris, proteins, and detergents was evaluated. Characterization using SEM, FTIR, and EDS confirmed the successful functionalization with PSBMA polymer brushes. The antifouling properties of PSBMA@threads, including resistance to non-specific protein adsorption and underwater oil repellency, were assessed. The results demonstrated selective DNA capture from protein and lipid-rich lysates. Optimized extraction parameters improved DNA yield, enabling efficient extraction from tumor cells, which successfully underwent PCR amplification. Comparative experiments with commercial silica membrane-based columns revealed that PSBMA@threads exhibited comparable DNA extraction capability. The PSBMA@threads maintained extraction capability after six months of ambient storage, highlighting its stability and cost-effectiveness for nucleic acid isolation in analytical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biosensors Section 2025)
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25 pages, 3875 KiB  
Article
Characteristics and Functions of Different Intestinal Segments in Juvenile Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili)
by Kunfeng Zhu, Mouyan Jiang, Mengyao Yan, Yang Huang, Tonglin Yang and Chunhua Zhu
Animals 2025, 15(11), 1672; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15111672 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 531
Abstract
The greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili), a key species in marine aquaculture, relies heavily on its intestine for nutrient absorption and immune function. However, the structural and functional specialization of its intestinal segments remains poorly understood. In this study, we divided the [...] Read more.
The greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili), a key species in marine aquaculture, relies heavily on its intestine for nutrient absorption and immune function. However, the structural and functional specialization of its intestinal segments remains poorly understood. In this study, we divided the intestine of S. dumerili into foregut, midgut, and hindgut, and conducted a multi-omics analysis integrating histological staining (H&E/AB-PAS), digestive enzyme assays, transcriptome sequencing, and 16S rRNA microbiota profiling to characterize structural, functional, molecular, and microbial differences across intestinal segments. Histological examinations revealed that brush border microvillus length, muscle layer thickness, and folding height were significantly greater in the foregut and hindgut compared to the midgut, while mucus and goblet cell density was higher in the foregut and midgut. Digestive enzyme assays showed that lipase activity peaked in the foregut, α-amylase in the midgut, and protease in the midgut and hindgut. Alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities were highest in the foregut and midgut. Immune-related enzyme activities (SOD (Superoxide dismutase), GSH-Px (Glutathione peroxidase), T-AOC (Total Antioxidant Capacity)) were elevated and MDA levels were lower in the midgut, indicating its role as the primary immune site. Transcriptome analysis identified segment-specific expression of nutrient transporters, such as slc6a19b (hindgut, protein), apoa1b (foregut, lipid), and slc37a4 (midgut, carbohydrate). Microbiome analysis revealed Ruminococcus dominance in the foregut (lipid digestion) and Prevotella, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus enrichment in the midgut (carbohydrate metabolism and immunity). These findings highlight functional zonation in S. dumerili: the foregut specializes in lipid digestion, the midgut in carbohydrate metabolism and immunity, and the hindgut in protein digestion. This study provides foundational insights for optimizing aquaculture practices and advancing research in nutrition, immunology, and disease modeling in S. dumerili. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Omics in Economic Aquatic Animals)
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17 pages, 4988 KiB  
Article
Porous Carbon Derived from Pumpkin Tissue as an Efficient Bioanode Toward Wastewater Treatment in Microbial Fuel Cells
by Jiaxin Liu, Xue Yan, Qiang Ding, Jiwu Xiang, Zuna Wei, Qian Yang, Kangwei Xie, Bo Cheng and Xiaoying Xie
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4758; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114758 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 337
Abstract
A novel three-dimensional porous biocarbon electrode with exceptional biocompatibility was synthesized via a facile approach using pumpkin as the precursor. The obtained pumpkin-derived biocarbon features a highly porous architecture and serves as an efficient biocarbon electrode (denoted as PBE) in a microbial fuel [...] Read more.
A novel three-dimensional porous biocarbon electrode with exceptional biocompatibility was synthesized via a facile approach using pumpkin as the precursor. The obtained pumpkin-derived biocarbon features a highly porous architecture and serves as an efficient biocarbon electrode (denoted as PBE) in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). This PBE could form robust biofilms to facilitate the adhesion of electroactive bacteria. When used in the treatment of real wastewater, the assembled PBE-MFC achieves a remarkable power density of 231 mW/m2, much higher than the control (carbon brush—MFC, 164 mW/m2) under the identical conditions. This result may be attributed to the upregulation of flagellar assembly pathways and bacterial secretion systems in the electroactive bacteria (e.g., Hydrogenophaga, Desulfovibrio, Thiobacillus, Rhodanobacter) at the anode of the PBE-MFC. The increased abundance of nitrifying bacteria (e.g., Hyphomicrobium, Sulfurimonas, Aequorivita) and organic matter-degrading bacteria (e.g., Lysobacter) in the PBE-MFC also contributed to its exceptional wastewater treatment efficiency. With its outstanding biocompatibility, cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and ease of fabrication, the PBE-MFC displays great potential for application in the field of high-performance and economic wastewater treatment. Full article
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9 pages, 204 KiB  
Article
The Early Detection of Malignant Transformation of Potentially Malignant Disorders: Oral Lichen Planus
by Camilla Lüdecke, Heinrich Neumann and Torsten W. Remmerbach
Cancers 2025, 17(9), 1489; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17091489 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 692
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of close clinical surveillance intervals combined with oral brush biopsies to enable the early detection of malignant transformations in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) performed in our oral medicine clinic. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of close clinical surveillance intervals combined with oral brush biopsies to enable the early detection of malignant transformations in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) performed in our oral medicine clinic. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on 414 patients suffering from OLP, based on pre-established clinical and histopathological criteria, who received long-term follow-up between 1993–2022 (ranging from 6 months to 22.2 years). Results: A total of 297 patients were included in this study. Four people developed an oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) during the observation period. Patients with close follow-up intervals were detected at early stages (two cases showed histologically SIN III and one patient was classified as having a pT1N0M0 tumour). One case was dropped in the consultation hour during the COVID19 pandemic and appeared again two years later, staged as a pT3N1M0 tumour based on an OLP. Three of the cases were clinically doubtful, which led to brush biopsies. Afterwards, additional DNA-image cytometry was performed, in which all the specimens of brush biopsies showed aneuploidy as a marker for malignancy, regarding both stem line and single cell aneuploidy. Conclusions: A careful surveillance programme consisting of check-ups every 3–4 months, oral brush biopsies, and static DNA image cytometry in cytologically diagnosed doubtful or suspicious cases assures the early detection of malignant transformation in the cancer’s early intraepithelial and microinvasive stages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Cavity Cancer)
23 pages, 2986 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Mechanical Load as a Trigger for Growth and Proliferation in Porcine Epithelial Cells
by Stefan Kahlert, Constanze Nossol, Marcus Krüger, Sascha Kopp, Daniela Grimm, Simon L. Wuest and Hermann-Josef Rothkötter
Biomolecules 2025, 15(3), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15030455 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 621
Abstract
The impact of gravity is a basic force determining our existence on Earth. Changes in orientation with respect to the gravity vector trigger alternating mechanical forces on organisms, organs, and cells. In the intestines of mammals, epithelial cells are continuously exposed to changed [...] Read more.
The impact of gravity is a basic force determining our existence on Earth. Changes in orientation with respect to the gravity vector trigger alternating mechanical forces on organisms, organs, and cells. In the intestines of mammals, epithelial cells are continuously exposed to changed orientations to gravity. In this study, we employed dynamic cultivation systems to mimic the load changes and the resulting mechanical forces. The morphological and functional response of non-cancer-derived porcine epithelial cell lines IPEC-1 and IPEC-J2 was analyzed. We found that dynamic growth conditions affect morphology in the enterocyte model IPEC-1 but not in IPEC-J2. Changes in IPEC-1 were accompanied by modifications of the distribution and structure of the F-actin cytoskeleton rather than the amount. The structure of the apical brush border and the tight junction system seemed to be largely unaffected; however, a robust decrease in transepithelial resistance was found in IPEC-1 and partially in IPEC-J2. We further detected an increase in Ki67, pointing towards accelerated proliferation. In line with this finding, we detected a doubling of cellular mitochondrial respiration, which was not linked to a general increase in the respiratory chain capacity. Dynamic cultivation of confluent epithelial cell layers did not evoke signs of senescence. In summary, we identified the mechanical load cycle as a relevant parameter for the modulation of the morphological structure and physiological behaviour of intestinal epithelial cells. Full article
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9 pages, 5541 KiB  
Article
Uniform Molecular Alignment on Ag-Doped Nickel Oxide Films
by Dong Wook Lee, Tae-Hyun Kim, Young Kwon Kim and Dae-Shik Seo
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(6), 449; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15060449 - 15 Mar 2025
Viewed by 632
Abstract
This study presents the uniform alignment of liquid crystal (LC) molecules on silver (Ag)-doped nickel oxide (NiO) films. The films were fabricated using a solution brush coating process, with Ag doping concentrations of 0, 10, and 20 wt%. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the [...] Read more.
This study presents the uniform alignment of liquid crystal (LC) molecules on silver (Ag)-doped nickel oxide (NiO) films. The films were fabricated using a solution brush coating process, with Ag doping concentrations of 0, 10, and 20 wt%. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the successful formation of the films, while atomic force microscopy revealed nano/microgroove anisotropic structures, attributed to brush hair movement during coating. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the films’ amorphous nature. Optical transmittance measurements demonstrated their suitability for electronic display applications. Polarized optical microscopy verified uniform LC molecular alignment and effective optical control. The fabricated LC cells exhibited increased LC polar anchoring energy, improving device stability. The polar anchoring energy increased by 1159.02% after Ag doping. Additionally, reduced residual charge was observed, suggesting minimized image sticking. These findings indicate that Ag-doped NiO films are a promising alternative for LC alignment layers in functional LC systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices)
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16 pages, 1043 KiB  
Article
Relationship Between Subclinical Mastitis Occurrence and Pathogen Prevalence in Two Different Automatic Milking Systems
by Karise Fernanda Nogara, Marcos Busanello and Maity Zopollatto
Animals 2025, 15(6), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15060776 - 9 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1249
Abstract
This study compared two types of automatic milking systems (AMSs) and their relationship with epidemiological indices of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and prevalence of mastitis-causing pathogens. Conducted between 2020 and 2023 on a dairy farm in Vacaria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, this study [...] Read more.
This study compared two types of automatic milking systems (AMSs) and their relationship with epidemiological indices of subclinical mastitis (SCM) and prevalence of mastitis-causing pathogens. Conducted between 2020 and 2023 on a dairy farm in Vacaria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, this study analyzed data from 464 lactating cows housed in compost-bedded pack barns (CBPBs) and milked by eight AMS units: four from DeLaval (which utilizes teat cup for teat cleaning) and four from Lely (which utilizes brushes for teat cleaning). SCM incidence, prevalence, percentage of chronic, and cured cows were determined using somatic cell counts (SCCs) and microbiological cultures. Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Chi-square test to evaluate SCM indices and pathogen associations with AMSs. No significant difference was observed in SCM prevalence (p = 0.3371), percentage of chronic (p = 0.3590) and cured cows (p = 0.4038), SCC (p = 0.1290), and total bacterial count (TBC) (p = 0.8750) between AMS types. However, the SCM incidence was higher in the Lely (14.7%) than in the DeLaval AMS (9.1%) (p = 0.0032). The Chi-square results revealed that the Lely AMS was associated with major pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, whereas DeLaval showed associations with minor environmental and contagious pathogens, particularly non-aureus Staphylococci. The findings indicate a relationship between AMS-cleaning systems and pathogen spread, suggesting that Lely AMS may contribute to more aggressive infections due to its cleaning system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cattle)
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27 pages, 3394 KiB  
Article
Subcutaneous Injection and Brush Application of Ovalbumin–Aluminum Salt Solution Induces Dermatitis-like Changes in Mice
by Gabriel Siquier-Dameto, Ainhoa Iguaran-Pérez, Javier Gimeno-Beltrán, Gilberto Bellia, Andrea Maria Giori, Pere Boadas-Vaello and Enrique Verdú
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(5), 1701; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051701 - 3 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1284
Abstract
Background: Intraperitoneal sensitization combined with topical and/or epicutaneous treatment using an ovalbumin (OVA)–aluminum salt solution (OVA-AL) represents a model for inducing atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the combination of sensitization with subcutaneous treatment and cutaneous application of OVA-AL via a brush has not been [...] Read more.
Background: Intraperitoneal sensitization combined with topical and/or epicutaneous treatment using an ovalbumin (OVA)–aluminum salt solution (OVA-AL) represents a model for inducing atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the combination of sensitization with subcutaneous treatment and cutaneous application of OVA-AL via a brush has not been explored as a method for inducing AD. Methods: Adult mice were subcutaneously injected with OVA-AL following sensitization on days 0, 7, and 14 and were treated with OVA-AL via brush application to the dorsal skin fortnightly until days 35 and 49. Concomitant alloknesis and skin changes were assessed. Mice of the Balb/c and ICR-CD1 strains were treated with OVA-AL until day 35, with only the ICR-CD1 strain continuing treatment until day 49. Control animals received saline. At 35 and 49 days, dorsal skin was harvested and processed for histological analysis. Results: Mice treated with OVA-AL developed dry skin, with no scratching or alloknesis. Histological examination of dorsal skin revealed an increase in mast cells and collagen deposition. Conclusions: Dermatitis-like symptoms were observed in mice treated with OVA-AL using this administration method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dermatology)
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12 pages, 1403 KiB  
Article
Skim Milk Culture of Lactobacillus johnsonii SBT0309 Increases Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase Activity and Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Interleukin-8 Production in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
by Michio Kawano, Toshinobu Arai and Toshihide Kabuki
Cells 2025, 14(5), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14050358 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 800
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is an enzyme expressed in the intestinal brush border, which may exert anti-inflammatory effects by detoxifying lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), thereby preventing metabolic disorders. Various food components have been reported to influence IAP activity. However, few studies have evaluated the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is an enzyme expressed in the intestinal brush border, which may exert anti-inflammatory effects by detoxifying lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), thereby preventing metabolic disorders. Various food components have been reported to influence IAP activity. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of fermented milk on IAP activity. In this study, we aimed to investigate fermented milk with high IAP-activating capacity and investigate its effect. Methods: We screened a skim milk culture (SC), a fermented milk model, using differentiated Caco-2 cells. We investigated the effect of SC on IAP activity and gene expression in the Drosophila midgut. Quantitative PCR and immunoblot assays were conducted to examine gene and protein levels. Results: Among the SC samples from different lactic acid bacteria or bifidobacteria, the SC of Lactobacillus johnsonii SBT0309 (LJ0309 SC) demonstrated a particularly strong capacity to activate IAP in Caco-2 cells, demonstrated by significantly increased IAP gene expression and protein levels in Caco-2 cells. Additionally, LJ0309 SC inhibited increased secretion of IL-8 in LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells. Finally, in Drosophila melanogaster fed LJ0309 SC, we observed an increase in both IAP activity and gene expression in the midgut. Conclusions: LJ0309 SC increased IAP activity and gene expression in both Caco-2 cells and the Drosophila midgut, and inhibited the inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells. Although further in vivo studies are required, LJ0309 SC might help to ameliorate LPS-induced inflammation and disease via IAP activation. Full article
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18 pages, 3544 KiB  
Article
MafB Transcription Factor Involved in IRD-Induced AKI (Acute Kidney Injury) Phenotype Attenuation and Inflammation Resolution
by Dhouha Daassi
DNA 2025, 5(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/dna5010005 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1107
Abstract
In this research, we induced acute kidney injury (AKI) by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), one of its main causes. Then, we assessed kidney dysfunction by CRE (creatinine)/BUN (serum blood urea nitrogen) levels and histological analysis. Surprisingly, kidney macrophages, initially not expressing MafB and c-Maf, [...] Read more.
In this research, we induced acute kidney injury (AKI) by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), one of its main causes. Then, we assessed kidney dysfunction by CRE (creatinine)/BUN (serum blood urea nitrogen) levels and histological analysis. Surprisingly, kidney macrophages, initially not expressing MafB and c-Maf, expressed both of them 48 h after bilateral ischemia renal disease (double IRD; dIRD), supporting their possible roles in the disease. We speculated that the M2 macrophages involved in AKI repair might be the source of MafB and c-Maf after injury and that these two transcription factors could have a significant role in the disease. Considering that IL-4/IL-13-induced M2a is the main contributor to AKI recovery and that MafB is upregulated under the effect of these two cytokines combined, we chose to focus on MafB analysis and aimed to examine its potential role in IRD. Previous studies have not examined the role of MafB in ischemic renal disease (IRD). In this study, we demonstrated a significant loss of brush borders, accumulation of intraluminal debris, and extensive damage to the anatomical structure of the MafBf/f::Lys-Cre mice kidneys compared to their littermates, MafBf/f, which are considered as a negative control in the entire paper. This was marked by the enlarged tubules, a significant decrease in mature macrophages (F4/80+ cells), and, therefore, worsening of the disease in the absence of MafB and delay/failure of the early signs of ischemia recovery. Importantly, these MafB cKO mice presented higher mortality, caused by the abrogation of the intraluminal debris clearance, and died after 48 h from IRD, suggesting the involvement of MafB in the signaling pathway of this pathology. Therefore, we found evidence that MafB attenuates IRD. Full article
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14 pages, 2389 KiB  
Review
Prof. George Whitesides’ Contributions to Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs): Advancing Biointerface Science and Beyond
by Tomohiro Hayashi
Chemistry 2025, 7(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemistry7010009 - 16 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2360
Abstract
Prof. George Whitesides’ pioneering contributions to the field of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have profoundly influenced biointerface science and beyond. This review explores the development of SAMs as highly organized molecular structures, focusing on their role in advancing surface science, biointerface research, and biomedical [...] Read more.
Prof. George Whitesides’ pioneering contributions to the field of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have profoundly influenced biointerface science and beyond. This review explores the development of SAMs as highly organized molecular structures, focusing on their role in advancing surface science, biointerface research, and biomedical applications. Prof. Whitesides’ systematic investigations into the effects of SAMs’ terminal group chemistries on protein adsorption and cell behavior culminated in formulating “Whitesides’ Rules”, which provide essential guidelines for designing bioinert surfaces. These principles have driven innovations in anti-fouling coatings for medical devices, diagnostics, and other biotechnological applications. We also discuss the critical role of interfacial water in SAM bioinertness, with studies demonstrating its function as a physical barrier preventing protein and cell adhesion. Furthermore, this review highlights how data science and machine learning have expanded the scope of SAM research, enabling predictive models for bioinert surface design. Remarkably, Whitesides’ Rules have proven applicable not only to SAMs but also to polymer-brush films, illustrating their broad relevance. Prof. Whitesides’ work provides a framework for interdisciplinary advancements in material science, bioengineering, and beyond. The enduring legacy of his contributions continues to inspire innovative approaches to addressing challenges in biomedicine and biotechnology. Full article
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17 pages, 2473 KiB  
Article
The Regulatory Role of Pancreatic Enzymes in the Maintenance of Small Intestinal Structure and Enterocyte Turnover with Special Reference to Alpha Amylase
by Kamil Zaworski, Piotr Wychowański, Dominika Szkopek, Jarosław Woliński, Janine Donaldson, Stefan Pierzynowski and Kateryna Pierzynowska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(1), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26010249 - 30 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1300
Abstract
The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of porcine pancreatic enzymes (Creon® pancrelipase) in comparison to microbial-derived alpha amylase (MD amylase) on the small intestine wall structure, mucosal glycogen accumulation, and enterocyte turnover. The impact of enzyme supplementation on [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of porcine pancreatic enzymes (Creon® pancrelipase) in comparison to microbial-derived alpha amylase (MD amylase) on the small intestine wall structure, mucosal glycogen accumulation, and enterocyte turnover. The impact of enzyme supplementation on the small intestine was explored in 18 pigs with surgically induced exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Four healthy pigs served as the control group. EPI led to reduced villus length, crypt depth, and thickness of the mucosa and muscularis layers compared to those of healthy pigs. All these changes appeared to be reversible after enzyme supplementation. Brush border thickness was decreased in EPI and increased with both enzyme preparations, with MD amylase treatment leading to the highest values in the proximal jejunum. No EPI-induced changes were observed in the goblet cell (GC) population, but significant increases in GC number and area were observed following MD amylase treatment. Glycogen accumulation within the duodenal mucosa was significantly increased in EPI pigs. EPI was also shown to significantly increase apoptotic activity and decrease proliferative activity in comparison to healthy animals, while both enzyme preparations resulted in the complete recovery of both proliferative and apoptotic activity in all investigated intestinal segments. Creon® influenced the morphology of the small intestine. However, supplementation of exogenous microbial amylase alone also affected gut morphology in a similar way to that of the complex host pancreatic enzymes offered orally. These data indicate that in addition to their role in digestion of nutrients in EPI, intraluminal pancreatic enzymes, especially amylase, contribute to gut health through maintenance of the intestinal wall architecture and physiological enterocyte turnover. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bioactives and Nutraceuticals)
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18 pages, 6054 KiB  
Article
Revealing Long-Range Order in Brush-like Graft Copolymers Through In Situ Measurements of X-Ray Scattering During Deformation
by Akmal Z. Umarov, Evgeniia A. Nikitina, Alexey A. Piryazev, Ioannis Moutsios, Martin Rosenthal, Andrey O. Kurbatov, Yulia D. Gordievskaya, Elena Yu. Kramarenko, Erfan Dashtimoghadam, Mitchell R. Maw, Sergei S. Sheiko and Dimitri A. Ivanov
Polymers 2024, 16(23), 3309; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233309 - 27 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1059
Abstract
Brush-like graft copolymers (A-g-B), in which linear A-blocks are randomly grafted onto the backbone of a brush-like B-block, exhibit intense strain-stiffening and high mechanical strength on par with load-bearing biological tissues such as skin and blood vessels. To elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying this [...] Read more.
Brush-like graft copolymers (A-g-B), in which linear A-blocks are randomly grafted onto the backbone of a brush-like B-block, exhibit intense strain-stiffening and high mechanical strength on par with load-bearing biological tissues such as skin and blood vessels. To elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying this tissue-mimetic behavior, in situ synchrotron X-ray scattering was measured during uniaxial stretching of bottlebrush- and comb-like graft copolymers with varying densities of poly(dimethyl siloxane) and poly(isobutylene) side chains. In an undeformed state, these copolymers revealed a single interference peak corresponding to the average spacing between the domains of linear A-blocks arranged in a disordered, liquid-like configuration. Under uniaxial stretching, the emergence of a distinct four-spot pattern in the small-angle region indicated the development of long-range order within the material. According to the affine deformation of a cubic lattice, the four-spot pattern’s interference maxima correspond to 110 reflections upon stretching along the [111] axis of the body-centered unit cell. The experimental findings were corroborated by computer simulations of dissipative particle dynamics that confirmed the formation of a bcc domain structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Progress in Polymer Applications)
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12 pages, 4290 KiB  
Article
The Catheter Flushing Method Shows a Similar Diagnostic Yield to the Conventional Method in Brushing Cytology for Biliary Strictures
by Sung Ill Jang, Ji Hae Nahm, See Young Lee, Seok Jeong, Tae Hoon Lee, Dong Uk Kim, Chang-Il Kwon, Jae Hee Cho and Min Je Sung
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(22), 6741; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13226741 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1336
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Endobiliary brushing is usually performed in the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures; however, in this setting, brush cytology is limited by a low diagnostic yield and sensitivity. Here, we compared the catheter flushing method (CFM) with the conventional cytologic method (CCM) [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Endobiliary brushing is usually performed in the diagnosis of indeterminate biliary strictures; however, in this setting, brush cytology is limited by a low diagnostic yield and sensitivity. Here, we compared the catheter flushing method (CFM) with the conventional cytologic method (CCM) in terms of cellularity and diagnostic performance. Methods: Endobiliary brushings were obtained during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) from patients with biliary strictures enrolled at six tertiary hospitals. Additionally, the CFM was performed after brushing. Using liquid-based cytologic preparations of samples, we assessed the diagnostic performance of the CCM using Pap staining and the CFM using methionyl-transfer RNA synthetase 1 (MARS1) immunofluorescence staining. Results: From a total of 399 patients (malignant, 253; benign, 146), 374 CCM samples and 361 CFM samples contained adequate cells, with no significant difference in diagnostic yield (93.7% vs. 90.5%, respectively; p = 0.088). The sensitivity of the CFM (90.3%) was significantly higher than that of the CCM (75.1%; p < 0.001), with no significant difference in accuracy between methods (81.2% vs. 82.6%, respectively; p = 0.608). Conclusions: The diagnostic yield of the CFM was comparable to that of the CCM. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of the CFM was comparable to that of the CCM. These findings indicate that the CFM could be an additional brush cytology method for sample collection in patients with indeterminate biliary strictures. Incorporating both the CCM and CFM might be expected to improve the diagnostic yield of brush cytology in the biliary strictures. Further prospective comparative studies between the CCM and CFM using the same staining method are needed to validate these findings. Full article
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