Search Results (970)

This study used Camellia pyxidiacea var. rubituberculata as the rootstock and the improved cultivar Camellia oleifera ‘Qianyou 2’ as the scion for heterografting (CO group), with homografting (using C. pyxidiacea var. rubituberculata as both rootstock and scion) as the control. The physiological and metabolic changes during graft healing were investigated by measuring enzyme activities, targeted analysis of endogenous hormones, and non-targeted metabolomics via LC-MS/MS. The results indicate that, compared to homologous grafting, an integrated response pattern characterized by “defense prioritization and growth suppression” was observed in heterologous grafting combinations. At the hormonal level, heterografting significantly inhibited growth-promoting hormones (e.g., zeatin riboside), while defense-related hormones (salicylic acid SA, jasmonic acid JA) and their metabolite, capsidiol, were continuously accumulated and upregulated. At the metabolic pathway level, phenylpropanoid metabolism was redirected: the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) was suppressed, shifting synthesis toward soluble defense compounds like coumarins. Enzymatically, the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) were significantly enhanced in the mid-to-late stages of healing, promoting the oxidative crosslinking of phenolic compounds and the formation of lignin-related physical barriers. Thus, these three mutually corroborating levels—hormonal signaling, dynamic enzyme activities, and global metabolic networks—collectively point to a healing mode characterized by defense prioritization and growth suppression. This study provides theoretical guidance for the grafting utilization of C. pyxidiacea var. rubituberculata. Full article

Background: Complex wounds present significant reconstructive challenges owing to impaired healing, infections, and tissue loss. Skin grafting remains a widely used reconstructive technique; however, outcome data from the Gulf region are limited to a few studies. This study aimed to evaluate early graft outcomes and complications following skin graft reconstruction for complex wounds at a tertiary hospital. Methods: A retrospective, hospital-based study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), including all patients who underwent split-thickness or full-thickness skin grafting between 2023 and 2025. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and wound-related data were collected. The main outcomes were graft take on postoperative days 5–7, time to complete re-epithelialization, and the occurrence of postoperative complications. Results: A total of 50 patients were included; 72% were males, with a median age of 45.5 years. Diabetes mellitus was present in 34% of patients. Trauma (28%) and infection/necrotizing causes (22%) were the most common etiologies of wounds. Complete graft take (>90%) was achieved in 90% of the patients, whereas 10% had partial graft take. The median time to complete re-epithelialization was 13 days. Complications were infrequent and minor, including postoperative infection (8%), hypertrophic scar formation (6%), and wound dehiscence (2%). No significant differences in healing time were observed between the diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Conclusions: In this descriptive institutional cohort, a combined protocol of wound-bed preparation, skin graft reconstruction, and postoperative NPWT-assisted stabilization was associated with favorable early graft take and fewer complications. These findings should be interpreted cautiously because of wound heterogeneity, unavailable wound size measurements, and limited subgroup sizes. Larger prospective studies are needed to evaluate the predictors of graft success. Full article

Impaired endothelial function, excessive oxidative stress, and persistent bacterial infection collectively contribute to delayed healing of diabetic chronic wounds. Methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced metabolic stress is a critical driver of endothelial injury; however, effective multifunctional strategies capable of restoring vascular function and maintaining cellular homeostasis remain limited. In this study, the endothelial protective potential of an amphibian-derived Bowman–Birk inhibitor (BBI)-type peptide, OSTI-1872, and its rationally designed structural analogues were investigated using an MGO-induced injury model in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Among the tested peptides, the optimised analogue OSTI-2337 exhibited superior protective activity. OSTI-2337 markedly attenuated MGO-induced oxidative stress, restored nitric oxide bioavailability, enhanced VEGF expression, promoted endothelial migration and tube formation, and reduced oxidative DNA damage. Mechanistically, these effects were associated with coordinated regulation of MGO detoxification and redox homeostasis, as evidenced by enhanced GLO1 expression and modulation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/Nrf2 axis, accompanied by increased expression of downstream antioxidant proteins HO-1 and NQO1. In addition, OSTI-1872 and OSTI-2337 displayed antibacterial activity against representative bacterial strains, suggesting their potential advantages for complex diabetic wound environments. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that structural optimisation significantly enhances the biological activity of amphibian BBI-type peptides and identify OSTI-2337 as a multifunctional peptide candidate capable of integrating endothelial protection, MGO detoxification, redox regulation, and antibacterial activity for the management of diabetes-associated vascular injury and chronic wound complications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) lacking therapies that directly promote mucosal healing, an important clinical endpoint and therapeutic goal for achieving remission and improved long-term outcomes. Epithelial restitution is a key component of effective mucosal healing. EPICERTIN, a novel biotherapeutic candidate, has previously demonstrated epithelial repair activity in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis models and enhanced epithelial cell viability in human IBD colon explants. To further substantiate its therapeutic efficacy in a UC-relevant context, we evaluated EPICERTIN in acute oxazolone (OXA)-induced colitis in BALB/c mice, a model reflecting the adaptive immune-driven inflammation and histopathologic characteristics of human UC. Methods: Orally administered EPICERTIN, at escalating doses (0.3 µg, 3 µg, and 30 µg), was assessed for therapeutic efficacy in male and female mice through body weight, Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores, and histopathology. Wound healing and immune impacts were examined using qRT-PCR, Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC), and Cytometry by Time of Flight (CyTOF) in male mice. Results: EPICERTIN effectively mitigated acute OXA-induced colitis. The 3 µg dose provided the greatest benefit, improving body weight recovery and reducing DAI and histopathological damage scores. Treatment reduced Il1b while increasing Cdh1 expression, accompanied by higher levels of epithelial markers (pan-cytokeratin (PanCK), E-cadherin, epithelial cell adhesion marker (EpCAM)) and decreased fibrotic markers (collagen type I, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin). Moreover, EPICERTIN reduced inflammatory lymphoid and myeloid cells while increasing γδ T cells in the colon lamina propria. Conclusions: Collectively, these results demonstrate that EPICERTIN promotes epithelial restitution, suppresses inflammation, and supports mucosal healing, substantiating its therapeutic potential for UC. Full article

Phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase type 2 alpha (PIP4K2A) is a key oncogenic driver that regulates the PI5P/PIP2 axis to promote metastatic migration in breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of a crude extract from Tamarix aphylla against breast cancer progression and identify its primary active constituents. The crude extract was initially evaluated against MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 breast cancer cell lines using wound healing assays. Bioassay-guided isolation and screening were deployed to isolate individual components, and the most potent lead compound was structurally characterized using preparative HPLC and FTIR. To analyze its interaction with PIP4K2A, in silico molecular docking, MM/GBSA calculations, and 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations were conducted. In vitro validation was subsequently performed via dose-dependent cytotoxicity assays, scratch assays, single-cell tracking, and RT-qPCR expression analysis. Quercetin was identified as the most potent lead inhibitor against PIP4K2A. Computational modeling revealed that quercetin binds tightly within the PIP4K2A ATP-binding pocket, yielding a superior binding affinity of −10.77 kcal/mol and enhanced thermodynamic stability (ΔGMM/GBSA = −42.6 ± 2.1 kcal/mol) compared to the native ligand (ΔG MM/GBSA = −23.3 ± 1.8 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed an induced-fit structural transition that locked the complex into an ultra-stable conformation within a deep global energy minimum basin (−10.8 kcal/mol). In vitro assays demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with aggressive triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells exhibiting higher sensitivity (IC₅₀ = 82.23 µg/mL) than luminal MCF7 cells (IC₅₀ = 97.14 µg/mL). Furthermore, scratch and single-cell tracking assays showed a profound suppression of migration speed and wound closure (reduced to ~40%), while RT-qPCR revealed a near-complete transcriptional knockdown of PIP4K2A mRNA expression (down to 0.025-fold). Collectively, these findings elucidate a unique dual-action mechanism for Tamarix aphylla-derived quercetin—characterized by both direct competitive enzymatic inhibition and downstream transcriptional silencing—positioning it as a promising therapeutic scaffold for targeted anti-metastatic breast cancer interventions. Full article

Black women faced disproportionate social, emotional, and structural burdens during the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice, yet their mental health experiences remain underexamined. This study explores how Black women understood, navigated, and coped with these intersecting crises. Seven Black women in North Carolina participated in a seven-session virtual photovoice study, including four photo discussion sessions. Participants generated four photo assignments, took photos, and discussed them using the SHOWeD framework. Recorded discussions were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis and Sort and Sift, Think and Shift, with participants supporting theme development. Narratives revealed multi-level mental health impacts: at the individual level, caregiving overload, compounded grief, and constant vigilance; at the interpersonal level, invisibility, racial misreading, and everyday racism that intensified distress and made help-seeking itself a labor of confronting providers’ biases; at the community level, trauma from witnessing racial violence and pandemic loss; and structural factors such as inequity, food insecurity, and policing as primary drivers of mental health strain. Participants employed healing as resistance through faith, nature, sister circles, and culturally concordant care. Black women’s mental health during the dual pandemics is inseparable from structural racism and gendered labor; healing is individual and collective, and crisis preparedness requires system-level change driven by Black communities. Full article

Homer proteins (Homer1–3) are scaffold proteins that mediate protein–protein interactions in signal transduction; however, the role of Homer3 in breast cancer (BC), particularly triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), remains poorly defined. Here, we investigated the clinical relevance and functional significance of Homer3 in BC and TNBC. Publicly available datasets from TCGA and GEO were analyzed to evaluate associations between Homer3 expression and patient outcomes using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Pathway enrichment analysis and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were performed to identify signaling programs associated with Homer3 co-expressed genes. Functional roles were examined using stable TNBC cell lines with Homer3 knockdown or overexpression, followed by assays for cell proliferation, clonogenic growth, migration, invasion, and wound healing. We found that Homer3 expression was elevated in breast tumors compared with normal tissues and was associated with poor prognosis in both BC and TNBC. Homer3 expression was higher in TNBC than in non-TNBC subtypes and negatively correlated with estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression. Functionally, Homer3 depletion suppressed TNBC cell proliferation, clonogenic capacity, migration, invasion, and wound healing, whereas Homer3 overexpression produced reciprocal effects. Pathway analyses revealed that Homer3 co-expressed genes were enriched in cell cycle-related pathways and Hallmark MYC signaling, which were associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Consistently, Homer3 knockdown selectively reduced key proliferative cell-cycle regulators. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that Homer3 is associated with aggressive phenotypes and MYC- and cell cycle-linked proliferative programs in breast cancer, particularly in TNBC. Survival analyses are presented as exploratory findings, supporting the biological relevance of Homer3 in TNBC. These findings suggest that Homer3 may represent a potential therapeutic vulnerability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic lower extremity ulcers are a major cause of morbidity in older adults. However, real-world data on clinical characteristics, microbiological findings, treatment patterns, and outcomes in older adults remain limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and factors associated with healing in older adult patients with chronic lower extremity ulcers. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients aged ≥65 years with chronic lower extremity ulcers treated at a tertiary dermatology center between January 2016 and March 2025. Demographic, clinical, microbiological, treatment, and outcome data were collected from medical records. Factors associated with healing outcomes were evaluated using regression analyses. Results: A total of 191 patients were included. Venous ulcers were the most common ulcer subtype (37.2%), followed by diabetic ulcers (19.4%). Wound cultures were positive in 48.2% of patients, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequently isolated organism. Complete healing was achieved in 18.8% of patients, while 29.6% experienced partial healing. Peripheral arterial disease (adjusted OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.09–0.64) and greater ulcer depth (adjusted OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.20–0.91) were independently associated with a lower likelihood of complete healing. Greater ulcer depth and positive wound cultures were independently associated with non-healing. Peripheral arterial disease and greater ulcer depth were also associated with delayed healing. Conclusions: Chronic lower extremity ulcers in older adults are associated with poor healing outcomes. Peripheral arterial disease, ulcer depth, and wound infection emerged as key determinants of healing and may help identify patients requiring closer monitoring and multidisciplinary management. Full article

Background: Wound infections are common sequelae of wound treatment in horses. Secondary bacterial colonization with antimicrobial resistant microorganisms is of particular concern and is of crucial importance regarding the “One Health Concept”. Due to frequent antimicrobial resistance (AMR), conventional treatments often involve determining resistance and sensitivity using time-consuming antibiograms. Infections with multi-resistant pathogens are especially challenging. This case series presents studies of four horses evaluating the efficacy of Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Aerosol (CAP-A) as a standalone treatment for equine wound infections. Methods: A sampling unit of horses aged 5 weeks to 11 years presented with various infected wounds which were treated with CAP-A. Treatment was administered once daily for up to two months; each session consisted of 2 × 3 min nebulization cycles. Following 10 days of treatment, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was no longer culturally detectable, and advanced wound healing was observed. Microbiological samples were collected before and after the treatment period, and the antibiotic resistance of pathogens was determined. Photographs were used to document wound progression and healing process. Results: Antibiograms and microbiological examinations identified several multi-resistant bacteria in all horses. CAP-A treatment decreased microbial load of pathogenic flora and removed MRSA without the use of antibiotics. Conclusions: CAP-A therapy demonstrated promising results as a non-pharmacological treatment option for equine wound infections with multi-resistant bacteria such as MRSA and multi-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, achieving both clinical and microbiological improvement. Horses tolerated sessions without any signs of discomfort. Further research should be based on a clinical follow-up as part of a prospective study with a larger sample size and negative control to draw definite conclusions about the efficacy of the treatment. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major clinical challenge owing to its high mortality and limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for novel anticancer agents. Andrographolide (AGL), the principal bioactive compound isolated from the medicinal herb Andrographis paniculata, has demonstrated promising anticancer activity across multiple malignancies; however, its effects on CRC and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly elucidated. Here, we systematically evaluated the anti-CRC potential of AGL using both in vitro and in vivo models. AGL significantly inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 and HCT-116 CRC cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner, induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest, suppressed cell migration, and promoted apoptosis and necrosis as determined by CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, wound-healing assays, and YO-PRO-1/propidium iodide dual staining. Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of AGL-treated HT-29 cells revealed extensive gene and protein alterations enriched in pathways governing cell cycle control, apoptosis, and cancer-related signaling, and Western blotting confirmed the upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins and downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins. Importantly, AGL also significantly suppressed tumor growth in an HT-29 subcutaneous xenograft mouse model. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that AGL exerts potent anti-CRC activity primarily through the induction of G1-phase arrest and apoptosis, supporting its potential as a promising natural lead compound for the development of novel CRC therapeutics. Full article

The availability of current and accessible knowledge in Library and Information Science (LIS) is essential for librarians’ continuing professional development within a rapidly evolving information environment. This study evaluates the capacity of Greek academic library collections to support librarians’ professional learning through a multidimensional assessment of 8291 LIS bibliographic records from 17 academic libraries, complemented by data from the HEAL-Link consortium and the Quality Assurance Unit of Academic Libraries (QAUAL). The analysis examines the size of LIS collections, the distribution of publication dates, access to Journal Citation Reports (JCR)-indexed LIS journals, e-book availability, and the thematic composition of collections based on subject headings. The findings indicate that existing collections are limited in both scope and currency, thereby constraining their ability to adequately support librarians’ professional information needs. Although electronic resources partially compensate for deficiencies in print collections, significant gaps remain in access to the current professional literature. The study recommends strengthening collaborative collection development through HEAL-Link and systematically integrating Open Access resources. By combining multiple collection evaluation indicators, it provides an evidence-based framework for assessing academic library collections that support librarians’ lifelong learning and continuing professional development. Full article

Background: Regional heterogeneity of the macula and peripheral retinas contributes to the differences in retinal physiology, metabolic demand and susceptibility to macular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular oedema (DME) and Macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-choroid are increasingly recognised as mediators of extracellular communication and correlate with the molecular biological states of their tissue of origin. However, regional variation in EV composition in human RPE-Choroid tissues remains poorly characterised. Methods: Human macular and peripheral RPE-choroid explants from non-diseased donor eyes (n = 4) were cultured ex vivo using a transwell system. EV and EV-depleted conditioned media were collected by differential ultracentrifugation, respectively. EVs were characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Proteomic profiling was performed using LC-MS/MS followed by multivariate, pathway, and differential expression analyses. Results: TEM and NTA confirmed the presence of vesicle-like particles in a 119–140 nm size range, indicating small EVs in both regions. Proteomic analysis demonstrated a region-associated separation between the macular and peripheral samples in both EV proteome and EV-depleted soluble secretome datasets. GO enrichment analysis revealed that macular EV proteomes were enriched for wound healing, cell–substrate adhesion, and focal adhesion-related terms with a high abundance of integrin and annexin family members, whereas peripheral EV proteomes were enriched for retinoid- and vitamin-binding terms. In the EV-depleted soluble secretome, macular-enriched proteins were associated with actin binding and extracellular matrix-related terms, while peripheral-enriched proteins were correlated with RNA localisation and nuclear compartment terms. Comparative analysis identified EV-specific, secretome-specific, and shared extracellular protein pools. Several EV-specific markers and membrane proteins such as annexins and integrins, showed a relatively high enrichment in macular EV proteomes, whereas CD63 is more abundant in peripheral EV proteomes. In contrast, EV-depleted soluble secretome contains cytokine- and ligand-associated proteins, including MIF, SPP1, and IL6, which may suggest that EVs and soluble secreted proteins represent partially distinct extracellular signalling compartments. Conclusions: Human macular and peripheral RPE-choroid explants released secretory proteins in a regional differentiated manner, supported by PLS-DA and GO enrichment analyses of both EV proteomes and EV-depleted soluble secretome. Further analysis of the EV proteomes may show that such differences were also able to be reflected in protein categories such as EV-specific markers, mitochondrial and membrane proteins. These findings provide a foundation for future investigations into the role of EV-mediated communication in macular diseases and may support the development of region-specific extracellular biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Full article

Cannabis use is prevalent among LGBTQ+ youth and is often framed within deficit-oriented models emphasizing risk and mental health vulnerability. This study moves beyond these perspectives by examining how LGBTQ+ youth understand and mobilize cannabis use in relation to mental health, gender, and sexuality. Guided by queer theory and an ethics of care, and grounded in a community-based participatory approach, this photovoice study was conducted in collaboration with three LGBTQ+ youth peer researchers who contributed to data collection, analysis, and interpretation. A total of 46 LGBTQ+ youth (aged 15–24) in Quebec, Canada, generated photographs and narratives exploring their motivations and experiences of cannabis use, which were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings highlight cannabis use as a situated and relational practice embedded in three intersecting processes: reconfiguring thought, enacting identity, and practicing care. Cannabis was mobilized to facilitate introspection, support identity exploration, and affirmation, and foster relational and collective forms of healing, while also producing ambivalent effects, including disorientation and emotional numbing. By centering youth perspectives, these findings challenge harm-focused framings and underscore the need for more nuanced, youth-informed and strengths-based approaches to LGBTQ+ youth well-being. Full article

Glycans attached to host glycoproteins play an important role in regulating oral microbial colonization and maintaining community balance. Our previous studies revealed that children exhibit lower levels of α2-3 sialylated glycan structures (SAα2-3Gal) than adults, raising the possibility that this age-associated glycan deficiency contributes to the heightened cariogenicity of Streptococcus mutans. In this study, sialylated glycoproteins (Sia-GP) and corresponding desialylated controls (DeSia-GP and α2,3-DeSia-GP) were prepared from bovine milk-derived glycoproteins to investigate the functional contribution of SAα2-3Gal. Their effects on S. mutans were evaluated by assessing bacterial growth, acid production, biofilm formation and extracellular polysaccharide synthesis, while a human oral keratinocytes (HOK cells) infection model was used to examine epithelial cell viability, wound healing, and infection-associated inflammatory responses. The results showed that Sia-GP exerted only a transient inhibitory effect on early bacterial growth without affecting final biomass, but significantly attenuated acidogenic activity, biofilm formation, and extracellular polysaccharides production in a concentration-dependent manner. These inhibitory effects were markedly attenuated following removal of α2-3-linked sialic acids, demonstrating the essential role of SAα2-3Gal. In addition, Sia-GP alleviated S. mutans-induced cellular damage in HOK cells by improving cell viability, colony formation, and migration, while suppressing infection-associated inflammatory signaling. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that SAα2-3Gal effectively limits multiple virulence traits of S. mutans and attenuates S. mutans-induced damage in oral epithelial cells. This study provides mechanistic insights into glycan-mediated regulation of host–microbe interactions and suggests that the naturally low abundance of SAα2-3Gal in children may increase their susceptibility to S. mutans infection and caries development. Full article

Probiotic strains with multifunctional skin-beneficial properties represent promising candidates for next-generation cosmetic ingredients. In this study, a systematic stepwise screening strategy was applied to an in-house bacterial library comprising 302 isolates to identify candidates with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound-healing, and skin barrier-supportive activities. From this library, 33 strains were selected based on preliminary assessments and subjected to comprehensive in vitro evaluation. Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays confirmed the safety of all selected strains in RAW264.7 macrophages and HaCaT keratinocytes. Several strains exhibited strong DPPH radical scavenging activity and significantly inhibited nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Among the selected candidates, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus DM073 demonstrated the most potent anti-inflammatory activity, whereas Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DM043 exhibited the greatest wound-healing capacity. All five selected strains displayed antimicrobial activity against Cutibacterium acnes. Furthermore, selected strains, particularly Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DM175 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius DM079, enhanced the expression of skin barrier-related genes, including zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin (OCLN), claudin-1 (Cla-1), and filaggrin (FLG), and partially restored their expression under TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced inflammatory conditions. Selected strains also reduced the expression of inflammatory chemokines in stimulated keratinocytes. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the selected probiotic strains possess complementary multifunctional activities associated with skin health. In particular, DM073 exhibited superior anti-inflammatory activity, DM043 showed strong wound-healing potential, and DM175 demonstrated remarkable skin barrier-supportive effects. These strain-specific properties support their potential application in the development of probiotic-derived postbiotic cosmetic ingredients for skin soothing, barrier reinforcement, skin recovery, and microbiome-friendly skincare formulations. Further studies are warranted to evaluate their efficacy and safety in advanced skin models and clinical cosmetic applications. Full article