Search Results (4,109)

Focal chondral defects of the knee are a common cause of pain and functional limitation in active individuals and may predispose to early degenerative joint changes. Given the limited regenerative capacity of hyaline cartilage, biologically based surgical strategies have emerged to promote tissue repair and restore joint function. This narrative review critically examines current treatment approaches that rely on autologous cell sources and scaffold-supported regeneration. Particular emphasis is placed on techniques that stimulate endogenous repair or support chondrocyte-based tissue restoration through the use of autologous biomaterial constructs. The influence of lesion morphology, joint biomechanics, and patient-specific variables on treatment selection is discussed in detail, focusing on the differences between tibiofemoral and patellofemoral involvement. Biologically driven approaches have shown promising mid- to long-term outcomes in selected patients, and are increasingly favoured over traditional methods in specific clinical scenarios. However, the literature remains limited by heterogeneity in study design, follow-up duration, and outcome measures. This review aims to provide an evidence-based, morphology-informed framework to support the clinical decision-making process in the management of knee cartilage defects. Full article

Corneal diseases are among the leading causes of blindness worldwide and the standard treatment is the transplantation of corneal donor tissue. Treatment for cornea-related visual impairment and blindness is, however, often constrained by the global shortage of suitable donor grafts. To alleviate the shortage of corneal donor tissue, new treatment options have been explored in the last decade. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which has revolutionized regenerative medicine, offers immense potential for corneal repair and regeneration. Using iPSCs can provide a renewable source for generating various corneal cell types, including corneal epithelial cells, stromal keratocytes, and corneal endothelial cells. To document the recent progress towards the clinical application of iPSC-derived corneal cells, this review summarizes the latest advancements in iPSC-derived corneal cell therapies, ranging from differentiation protocols and preclinical studies to the first clinical trials, and discusses the challenges for successful translation to the clinic. Full article

Agave species are plants with great economic value and multiple possibilities of use as ornamentals, medicinal plants, and fibers, as well as being significant sources of bioethanol. However, their long life cycles hinder their conventional breeding. Therefore, biotechnology tools are the most effective means for clonal propagation and genetic improvement. In vitro micropropagation of A. sisalana via axillary shoot proliferation from bulbil explants was attained using Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with cytokinins (CKs), such as 6-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin (KIN), or thidiazuron (TDZ). The optimum significant shoot proliferation (14.67 shoots/explant) was achieved on 1.0 mg L⁻¹ TDZ. The carry-over effect of CKs on subsequent rooting could be detected. Control and KIN treatments could enhance the rooting of shoots on shoot proliferation media. The regenerated plantlets were acclimatized directly with 100% survival. To mitigate this carry-over effect, that causes hindering further root growth and development, and promote healthy growth of roots, subculturing shoots onto a CK-free medium is a recommended practice. The shoots induced on all BA treatments, and TDZ at 0.5 and 1.0 mg L⁻¹ could be rooted after two subcultures on CK-free medium, then they were acclimatized with 100% survival. However, the higher concentrations of TDZ inhibited in vitro rooting even after two subcultures on CK-free medium, and the acclimatization percentage was reduced by increasing the TDZ concentration recorded from 10 to 0%. Full article

Background/Objectives: Scars are formed from trauma to the dermis and more specifically during the wound-healing phase. Skin needling is a technique used in scar therapy which stimulates the skin to regenerate. The aim of this study was to objectively and subjectively evaluate the degree of scar reduction after skin needling treatments based on visible changes using specialized measuring devices—ultrasound, Courage & Khazaka, and standardized questionnaires. Methods: Six patients were enrolled. Participants were given a series of three skin needling treatments. Before and after the treatment, the participants were examined for selected skin parameters with the help of specialized measuring devices such as Courage & Khazaka and skin ultrasound. Skin firmness and elasticity and MEP and HEP skin echogenicity were taken into account. Each patient completed POSAS questionnaires on satisfaction, pain, and adverse effects. Results: Based on the results of the POSAS questionnaire, a significant improvement in patients’ scar evaluation was observed after the treatment. Patients reported the most noticeable improvements in parameters such as color (p = 0.035), stiffness (p = 0.009), thickness (p = 0.041), and irregularity (0.007). An improvement in scar elasticity was observed in all subjects after treatment. Conclusions: Skin needling treatment combined with the skin needling technique and post-treatment skincare is an effective method of scar therapy, and the risk of side effects or complications after a series of treatments is low. Full article

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), i.e., adult stem cells with immunomodulatory and secretory properties, contribute to tissue growth and regeneration, including healing processes. Some metal nanoparticles (NPs) are known to exhibit antimicrobial activity and may further potentiate tissue healing. We studied the effect of Ag, CuO, and ZnO NPs after in vitro exposure of mouse MSCs at the transcriptional level in order to reveal the potential toxicity as well as modulation of other processes that may modify the activity of MSCs. mRNA–miRNA interactions were further investigated to explore the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. All the tested NPs mediated immunomodulatory effects on MSCs, generation of extracellular vesicles, inhibition of osteogenesis, and enhancement of adipogenesis. Ag NPs exhibited the most pronounced response; they impacted the expression of the highest number of mRNAs, including those encoding interferon-γ-stimulated genes and genes involved in drug metabolism/cytochrome P450 activity, suggesting a response to the potential toxicity of Ag NPs (oxidative stress). Highly interacting MiR-126 was upregulated by all NPs, while downregulation of MiR-92a was observed after the ZnO NP treatment only, and both effects might be associated with the improvement of MSCs’ healing potency. Overall, our results demonstrate positive effects of NPs on MSCs, although increased oxidative stress caused by Ag NPs may limit the therapeutical potential of the combined MSC+NP treatment. Full article

Background: Accumulating evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection results in long-term multiorgan complications, with the kidney being a primary target. This study aimed to characterize the long-term transcriptomic changes in the kidney following coronavirus infection using a murine model of MHV-1-induced SARS-like illness and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of SPIKENET (SPK). Methods: A/J mice were infected with MHV-1. Renal tissues were collected and subjected to immunofluorescence analysis and Next Generation RNA Sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes associated with acute and chronic infection. Bioinformatic analyses, including PCA, volcano plots, and GO/KEGG pathway enrichment, were performed. A separate cohort received SPK treatment, and comparative transcriptomic profiling was conducted. Gene expression profile was further confirmed using real-time PCR. Results: Acute infection showed the upregulation of genes involved in inflammation and fibrosis. Long-term MHV-1 infection led to the sustained upregulation of genes involved in muscle regeneration, cytoskeletal remodeling, and fibrotic responses. Notably, both expression and variability of SLC22 and SLC22A8, key proximal tubule transporters, were reduced, suggesting a loss of segment-specific identity. Further, SLC12A1, a critical regulator of sodium reabsorption and blood pressure, was downregulated and is associated with the onset of polyuria and hydronephrosis. SLC transporters exhibited expression patterns consistent with tubular dysfunction and inflammation. These findings suggest aberrant activation of myogenic pathways and structural proteins in renal tissues, consistent with a pro-fibrotic phenotype. In contrast, SPK treatment reversed the expression of most genes, thereby restoring the gene profiles to those observed in control mice. Conclusions: MHV-1-induced long COVID is associated with persistent transcriptional reprogramming in the kidney, indicative of chronic inflammation, cytoskeletal dysregulation, and fibrogenesis. SPK demonstrates robust therapeutic potential by normalizing these molecular signatures and preventing long-term renal damage. These findings underscore the relevance of the MHV-1 model and support further investigation of SPK as a candidate therapy for COVID-19-associated renal sequelae. Full article

Background: Severe damage to one side of the brain often leads to adverse consequences and can also cause widespread changes throughout the brain, especially in the contralateral area. Studying molecular changes in the contralateral cerebral hemisphere, especially with regard to genetic regulation, can help discover potential treatment strategies to promote recovery after severe brain trauma on one side. Methods: In our study, the right motor cortex was surgically removed to simulate severe unilateral brain injury, and changes in glial cells and synaptic structure in the contralateral cortex were subsequently assessed through immunohistological, morphological, and Western blot analyses. We conducted transcriptomic studies to explore changes in gene expression levels associated with the inflammatory response. Results: Seven days after corticotomy, levels of reactive astrocytes and hypertrophic microglia increased significantly in the experimental group, while synapsin-1 and PSD-95 levels in the contralateral motor cortex increased. These molecular changes are associated with structural changes, including destruction of dendritic structures and the encapsulation of astrocytes by synapses. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis showed a significant increase in gene pathways involved in inflammatory responses, synaptic activity, and nerve fiber regeneration in the contralateral cortex after corticorectomy. Key transcription factors such as NF-κB1, Rela, STAT3 and Jun were identified as potential regulators of these contralateral changes. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) confirmed that the mRNA expression levels of Cacna1c, Tgfb1 and Slc2a1 genes related to STAT3, JUN, and NF-κB regulation significantly increased in the contralateral cortex of the experimental group. Conclusions: After unilateral brain damage occurs, changes in the contralateral cerebral hemisphere are closely related to processes involving inflammation and synaptic function. Full article

The article presents a comprehensive review of key issues and challenges related to enhancing the durability of hot forging tools. It discusses modern strategies aimed at increasing tool life, including modifications to tool materials, heat treatment, surface engineering, tool and die design, die geometry, tribological conditions, and lubrication. The review is based on extensive literature data, including recent publications and the authors’ own research, which has been implemented under industrial conditions at the modern forging facility in Forge Plant “Glinik” (Poland). The study introduces original design and technological solutions, such as an innovative concept for manufacturing forging dies from alloy structural steels with welded impressions, replacing traditional hot-work tool steel dies. It also proposes a zonal hardfacing approach, which involves applying welds with different chemical compositions to specific surface zones of the die impressions, selected according to the dominant wear mechanisms in each zone. General guidelines for selecting hardfacing material compositions are also provided. Additionally, the article presents technological processes for die production and regeneration. The importance and application of computer simulations of forging processes are emphasized, particularly in predicting wear mechanisms and intensity, as well as in optimizing tool and forging geometry. Full article

Dye residues from the textile industry constitute a critical wastewater problem. This study aimed to evaluate the removal capacity of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous media, using an adsorbent formulated from activated and sonicated nanoclay (NC) and microatomized Nostoc sphaericum (ANS). NC was obtained by acid treatment, followed by activation with 1 M NaCl and sonication, while ANS was obtained by microatomization in an aqueous medium. NC/ANS was mixed in a 4:1 weight ratio. The NC/ANS synergistic adsorbent was characterized by the point of zero charge (PZC), zeta potential (ζ), particle size, FTIR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). NC/ANS exhibited good colloidal stability, as determined by pH_PZC, particle size in the nanometer range, and heterogeneous morphology with functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amide), removing between 72.59 and 97.98% from an initial concentration of 10 ppm of MB, for doses of 20 to 30 mg/L of NC/ANS and pH of 5 to 8. Optimal adsorption conditions are achieved at pH 6.8 and 32.9 mg/L of adsorbent NC/ANS. It was observed that the pseudo-first-order (PFO) and pseudo-second-order (PSO) kinetic models best described the adsorption kinetics, indicating a predominance of the physisorption process, with adsorption capacity around 20 mg/g. Isotherm models and thermodynamic parameters of adsorption, ΔS, ΔH, and ΔG, revealed that the adsorption process is spontaneous, favorable, thermodynamically stable, and occurs at the monolayer level, with a regeneration capacity of 90.35 to 37.54% at the fifth cycle. The application of physical activation methods, such as sonication of the clay and microatomization of the algae, allows proposing a novel and alternative synergistic material from organic and inorganic sources that is environmentally friendly and promotes sustainability, with a high capacity to remove cationic dyes in wastewater. Full article

Background: Autologous fat grafting is increasingly used in daily clinical practice across various surgical fields, including the treatment of chronic wounds, scars, burns, and non-healing perianal fistulas. Recently, some studies have shown that non-enteric cutaneous fistulas can also benefit from adipose tissue injections, but the efficacy remains unclear. This study aims to systematically review the literature on fat grafting in the context of non-enteric cutaneous fistulas and to assess treatment outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive search of the PubMed/Medline database was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines up to January 2024 without restrictions on the time period or the language of publication. Results: Seven studies meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed, encompassing 13 patients with non-healing cutaneous fistulas treated with injections of autologous fat. The mean age of the patients was 58 ± 3 years, of which 85% had comorbidities. Fat grafting resulted in complete healing in 92% of the cases, with a mean fistula persistence of 158 days before treatment. Treatment protocols varied among patients, including preparation of the fistulous tract, fat processing techniques, and suturing of the fistulous orifice. Conclusions: The results highlight the potential of autologous fat grafting in promoting tissue regeneration and healing of non-enteric cutaneous fistulas. Standardized protocols are essential to confirm and optimize treatment efficacy and, eventually, improve patient outcomes. Further research with a larger sample size and standardization is needed to confirm fat graft efficacy. Full article

The use of Botulinum Neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) to treat peripheral neuropathic pain from nerve injury has garnered interest for its long-lasting effects and safety. This study examined the effects of IncobotulinumtoxinA (Inco/A), a BoNT/A variant without accessory proteins, on nerve regeneration in rats using the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. Inco/A was administered perineurally at two time points: on days 0 and 21 post CCI. Functional and histological assessments were conducted to evaluate the effect of Inco/A on nerve regeneration. Sciatic Functional Index (SFI) measurements and Compound Muscle Action Potential (CMAP) recordings were conducted at different time points following CCI. Inco/A-treated animals exhibited a 65% improved SFI and 22% reduction in CMAP onset latencies compared to the vehicle-treated group, suggesting accelerated functional nerve recovery. Tissue analysis revealed enhanced remyelination in Inco/A-treated animals and 60% reduction in CGRP and double S100β signal expression compared to controls. Strikingly, 30% reduced immune cell influx into the injury site was observed following Inco/A treatment, suggesting that its anti-inflammatory effect contributes to nerve regeneration. These findings show that two injections of Inco/A promote functional recovery by enhancing neuroregeneration and modulating inflammatory processes, supporting the hypothesis that Inco/A has a neuroprotective and restorative role in nerve injury conditions. Full article

Diabetes mellitus, both type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D), has become the epidemic of the century and a major public health concern given its rising prevalence and the increasing adoption of a sedentary lifestyle globally. This multifaceted disease is characterized by impaired pancreatic beta cell function and insulin resistance (IR) in peripheral organs, namely the liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. Additional insulin target tissues, including cardiomyocytes and neuronal cells, are also affected. The advent of stem cell research has opened new avenues for tackling this disease, particularly through the regeneration of insulin target cells and the establishment of disease models for further investigation. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a valuable resource for generating specialized cell types, such as hepatocytes, myocytes, adipocytes, cardiomyocytes, and neuronal cells, with diverse applications ranging from drug screening to disease modeling and, importantly, treating IR in T2D. This review aims to elucidate the significant applications of iPSC-derived insulin target cells in studying the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and T2D. Furthermore, recent differentiation strategies, protocols, signaling pathways, growth factors, and advancements in this field of therapeutic research for each specific iPSC-derived cell type are discussed. Full article

Cacao genotypes propagation through plant tissue culture represents a strategic approach for establishing a core collection of elite plants to be used as a donor material source, necessary for increasing new planting areas of cacao. This study aimed to evaluate somatic embryo regeneration in ten native fine-aroma cacao genotypes (INDES-06, INDES-11, INDES-14, INDES-32, INDES-52, INDES-53, INDES-63, INDES-64, INDES-66, INDES-70) from the INDES-CES germplasm collection, under in vitro conditions using culture medium supplemented with different concentrations of Thidiazuron (0, 10, and 20 nM). Our results showed an average of 20 and 100% of callogenesis in all genotypes evaluated, but the callus development did not appear after early stages of its induction; however, primary somatic embryos were observed after 42 days after TDZ treatment in the INDES-52, INDES-53, INDES-64, INDES-66, INDES-70 genotypes. The INDES-52 genotype was more responsive to under 20 nM of TDZ, generating an average of 17 embryos per explant. This study contributes to the adaptation and establishment of a protocol for somatic embryo regeneration of fine-flavor cacao genotypes. Full article

Burn injuries are complex and require effective wound management strategies. Traditional treatments, such as dermal templates, are limited by simplified extracellular matrix (ECM) composition (e.g., collagen-elastin or collagen-glycosaminoglycan), sheet-based formats, and frequent use of animal-derived materials. These limitations can reduce wound conformity, biocompatibility, and integration with host tissue. Functional hydrogels are being explored as alternatives due to properties such as high water content, biodegradability, adhesiveness, antimicrobial activity, and support for angiogenesis. Unlike standard templates, hydrogels can adapt to irregular wound shapes as in burn wounds and reach deeper tissue layers, supporting moisture retention, cell migration, and controlled drug delivery. These features may improve the wound environment and support healing in burns of varying severity. This review outlines recent developments in functional hydrogel technologies and compares them to current clinical treatments for burn care. Emphasis is placed on the structural and biological features that influence performance, including material composition, bioactivity, and integration capacity. Through an exploration of key mechanisms of action and clinical applications, this review highlights the benefits and challenges associated with hydrogel technology, providing insights into its future role in burn care. Full article

Heavy metal contamination in natural waters and soils poses a significant environmental challenge, necessitating efficient and sustainable water treatment solutions. This study presents the computational design of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films functionalized with iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles (NPs) for enhanced water purification applications. Composite materials containing 5%, 10%, and 15% were synthesized and characterized in terms of adsorption efficiency, surface morphology, and reusability. Advanced molecular modeling using BIOVIA Pipeline was employed to investigate charge distribution, functional group behaviour, and atomic-scale interactions between polymer chains and metal ions. The computational results revealed structure–property relationships crucial for optimizing adsorption performance and understanding geochemically driven interaction mechanisms. The LDPE/Fe₃O₄ composites demonstrated significant removal efficiency of Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions, along with favourable mechanical properties and regeneration potential. These findings highlight the synergistic role of mineral–polymer interfaces in water remediation, presenting a scalable approach to designing multifunctional polymeric materials for environmental applications. This study contributes to the growing field of polymer-based adsorbents, reinforcing their value in sustainable water treatment technologies and environmental protection efforts. Full article