scholarly journals Neurosensory Prosthetics: An Integral Neuromodulation Part of Bioelectronic Device

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ifeoma Ezeokafor ◽  
Archana Upadhya ◽  
Saritha Shetty
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Spinal Nerve ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Thought Processes ◽  
New Era ◽  
Diagnostic Agents ◽  
Bioelectronic Device

Bioelectronic medicines (BEMs) constitute a branch of bioelectronic devices (BEDs), which are a class of therapeutics that combine neuroscience with molecular biology, immunology, and engineering technologies. Thus, BEMs are the culmination of thought processes of scientists of varied fields and herald a new era in the treatment of chronic diseases. BEMs work on the principle of neuromodulation of nerve stimulation. Examples of BEMs based on neuromodulation are those that modify neural circuits through deep brain stimulation, vagal nerve stimulation, spinal nerve stimulation, and retinal and auditory implants. BEDs may also serve as diagnostic tools by mimicking human sensory systems. Two examples of in vitro BEDs used as diagnostic agents in biomedical applications based on in vivo neurosensory circuits are the bioelectronic nose and bioelectronic tongue. The review discusses the ever-growing application of BEDs to a wide variety of health conditions and practices to improve the quality of life.

Animal Models and Alternatives in the Quality Control of Vaccines: Are In Vitro Methods or In Vivo Methods the Scientific Equivalent of the Emperor's New Clothes?

1995 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-73
Author(s):  
Coenraad Hendriksen ◽  
Johan van der Gun
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
In Vitro Test ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Inactivated Vaccines ◽  
Vitro Test

In the quality control of vaccine batches, the potency testing of inactivated vaccines is one of the areas requiring very large numbers of animals, which usually suffer significant distress as a result of the experimental procedures employed. This article deals with the potency testing of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, two vaccines which are used extensively throughout the world. The relevance of the potency test prescribed by the European Pharmacopoeia monographs is questioned. The validity of the potency test as a model for the human response, the ability of the test to be standardised, and the relevance of the test in relation to the quality of the product are discussed. It is concluded that the potency test has only limited predictive value for the antitoxin responses to be expected in recipients of these toxoids. An alternative approach for estimating the potency of toxoid batches is discussed, in which a distinction is made between estimation of the immunogenic potency of the first few batches obtained from a seed lot and monitoring the consistency of the quality of subsequent batches. The use of animals is limited to the first few batches. Monitoring the consistency of the quality of subsequent batches is based on in vitro test methods. Factors which hamper the introduction and acceptance of the alternative approach are considered. Finally, proposals are made for replacement, reduction and/or refinement (the Three Rs) in the use of animals in the routine potency testing of toxoids.

scholarly journals Tyrosol-Enriched Tomatoes by Diffusion across the Fruit Peel from a Chitosan Coating: A Proposal of Functional Food

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 335
Author(s):  
Silvia Tampucci ◽  
Antonella Castagna ◽  
Daniela Monti ◽  
Clementina Manera ◽  
Giuseppe Saccomanni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tomato Fruit ◽  
Storage Period ◽  
Food Matrix ◽  
Fruit Peel ◽  
Fresh Food ◽  
In Vitro Permeation ◽  
Active Transfer

Chitosan is receiving increasing attention from the food industry for being a biodegradable, non-toxic, antimicrobial biopolymer able to extend the shelf life of, and preserve the quality of, fresh food. However, few studies have investigated the ability of chitosan-based coatings to allow the diffusion of bioactive compounds into the food matrix to improve its nutraceutical quality. This research is aimed at testing whether a hydrophilic molecule (tyrosol) could diffuse from the chitosan-tyrosol coating and cross the tomato peel. To this end, in vitro permeation tests using excised tomato peel and an in vivo application of chitosan-tyrosol coating on tomato fruit, followed by tyrosol quantification in intact fruit, peel and flesh during a seven-day storage at room temperature, were performed. Both approaches demonstrated the ability of tyrosol to permeate across the fruit peel. Along with a decreased tyrosol content in the peel, its concentration within the flesh was increased, indicating an active transfer of tyrosol into this tissue. This finding, together with the maintenance of constant tyrosol levels during the seven-day storage period, is very promising for the use of chitosan formulations to produce functional tomato fruit.

scholarly journals In vitro characteristics and in vivo platelet quality of whole blood treated with riboflavin and UVA / UVB light and stored for 24 hours at room temperature

Transfusion ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 61 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Turid Helen Felli Lunde ◽  
Lindsay Hartson ◽  
Shawn Lawrence Bailey ◽  
Tor Audun Hervig
Keyword(s):  
Whole Blood ◽  
Room Temperature

scholarly journals Persistence of intramyocardially transplanted murine induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes from different developmental stages

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Peinkofer ◽  
Martina Maass ◽  
Kurt Pfannkuche ◽  
Agapios Sachinidis ◽  
Stephan Baldus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Developmental Stage ◽  
Pluripotent Stem Cell ◽  
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell ◽  
Induced Pluripotent

Abstract Background Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM) are regarded as promising cell type for cardiac cell replacement therapy, but it is not known whether the developmental stage influences their persistence and functional integration in the host tissue, which are crucial for a long-term therapeutic benefit. To investigate this, we first tested the cell adhesion capability of murine iPSC-CM in vitro at three different time points during the differentiation process and then examined cell persistence and quality of electrical integration in the infarcted myocardium in vivo. Methods To test cell adhesion capabilities in vitro, iPSC-CM were seeded on fibronectin-coated cell culture dishes and decellularized ventricular extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds. After fixed periods of time, stably attached cells were quantified. For in vivo experiments, murine iPSC-CM expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein was injected into infarcted hearts of adult mice. After 6–7 days, viable ventricular tissue slices were prepared to enable action potential (AP) recordings in transplanted iPSC-CM and surrounding host cardiomyocytes. Afterwards, slices were lysed, and genomic DNA was prepared, which was then used for quantitative real-time PCR to evaluate grafted iPSC-CM count. Results The in vitro results indicated differences in cell adhesion capabilities between day 14, day 16, and day 18 iPSC-CM with day 14 iPSC-CM showing the largest number of attached cells on ECM scaffolds. After intramyocardial injection, day 14 iPSC-CM showed a significant higher cell count compared to day 16 iPSC-CM. AP measurements revealed no significant difference in the quality of electrical integration and only minor differences in AP properties between d14 and d16 iPSC-CM. Conclusion The results of the present study demonstrate that the developmental stage at the time of transplantation is crucial for the persistence of transplanted iPSC-CM. iPSC-CM at day 14 of differentiation showed the highest persistence after transplantation in vivo, which may be explained by a higher capability to adhere to the extracellular matrix.

scholarly journals Pharmacological Effects and Potential Clinical Usefulness of Polyphenols in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 450
Author(s):  
Kensuke Mitsunari ◽  
Yasuyoshi Miyata ◽  
Tomohiro Matsuo ◽  
Yuta Mukae ◽  
Asato Otsubo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Prostatic Hyperplasia ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Urinary Tract Symptoms ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Lower Urinary

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is arguably the most common benign disease among men. This disease is often associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men and significantly decreases the quality of life. Polyphenol consumption reportedly plays an important role in the prevention of many diseases, including BPH. In recent years, in addition to disease prevention, many studies have reported the efficacy and safety of polyphenol treatment against various pathological conditions in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, numerous studies have also revealed the molecular mechanisms of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of polyphenols. We believe that an improved understanding of the detailed pharmacological roles of polyphenol-induced activities at a molecular level is important for the prevention and treatment of BPH. Polyphenols are composed of many members, and their biological roles differ. In this review, we first provide information regarding the pathological roles of oxidative stress and inflammation in BPH. Next, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of polyphenols, including those of flavonoids and non-flavonoids, are discussed. Finally, we talk about the results and limitations of previous clinical trials that have used polyphenols in BPH, with particular focus on their molecular mechanisms of action.

In Vitro and In Vivo Degradation, Mechanical Properties, and Histocompatibility of Weft-Knitted Silk Mesh-Like Grafts

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 411-416
Author(s):  
Liang Tang ◽  
Si-Yu Zhao ◽  
Ya-Dong Yang ◽  
Geng Yang ◽  
Wen-Yuan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Simulated Body Fluid ◽  
Body Fluid ◽  
Degradation Rate ◽  
Maximum Load ◽  
Artificial Ligament ◽  
In Vivo Degradation

To investigate the degradation, mechanical properties, and histocompatibility of weft-knitted silk mesh-like grafts, we carried out the In Vitro and In Vivo silk grafts degradation assay. The In Vitro degradation experiment was performed by immersing the silk grafts in simulated body fluid for 1 year, and the results showed that the degradation rate of the silk mesh-like grafts was very slow, and there were few changes in the mechanical properties and quality of the silk mesh-like graft. In Vivo degradation assay was taken by implantation of the silk mesh-like grafts into the subcutaneous muscles of rabbits. At 3, 6, and 12 months postoperation, the rate of mass loss was 19.36%, 31.84%, and 58.77%, respectively, and the maximum load was 63.85%, 34.63%, and 10.76%, respectively of that prior to degradation. The results showed that the degradation rate of the silk graft and the loss of mechanical properties In Vivo were faster than the results obtained in the In Vitro experiments. In addition, there were no significant differences in secretion of serum IL-6 and TNF-α between the experimental and normal rabbits (P >0.05), suggesting no obvious inflammatory reaction. The findings suggest that the weft-knitted silk mesh-like grafts have good mechanical properties, histocompatibility, and In Vivo degradation rate, and therefore represent a candidate material for artificial ligament

The quality of platelet concentrates related to corrected count increment: linking in vitro to in vivo

Transfusion ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 697-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anno Saris ◽  
Aukje L. Kreuger ◽  
Anja Brinke ◽  
Jean Louis H. Kerkhoffs ◽  
Rutger A. Middelburg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Concentrates ◽  
Corrected Count Increment

scholarly journals Use of Tannin-Containing Plants as Antimicrobials Influencing the Animal Health

2022 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-40
Author(s):  
Mohammed M Dakheel ◽  
Afnan A Al-Mnaser ◽  
Jessica Quijada ◽  
Martin J Woodward ◽  
Caroline Rymer
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Quality ◽  
Condensed Tannins ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Degree Of Polymerization ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Animal Feeding ◽  
The Subject

The antimicrobial effects of diverse tannin-containing plants, particularly condensed tannins (CTs) produced from various plants, are the subject of this study. CT components can be determined using CT-specific procedures such the HCl-Butanol Acetone assay, Thiolysis reaction, and HPLC/MS analysis. These methods indicate CT contents, including mean degree of polymerization, the procyanidins and prodelphinidins ratio (PC/PD%), the isomers of trans- and cis-, and CT concentration. Tannin-containing plants possess antibacterial action, which can be attributed to their protein linkage technique, and tannin-type variations, particularly CTs extract and their PC/PD%. The effects of CT components on the development of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have been documented for their relative PC/PD%; this is regarded to be a key predictor of tannin characteristics in terms of antimicrobials. In conclusion, tannins, more specific CT compositions, have significant impacts on in vivo trials of animal productions and utilization of metabolites and fermentation in vitro experiments. These findings need further investigations to fully understand how CT-types act on animal feeding in terms of enhanced nutritional quality of animal diets, which may have implications for human and animal health.

scholarly journals CRISPR Gene-Editing Models Geared Toward Therapy for Hereditary and Developmental Neurological Disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Poh Kuan Wong ◽  
Fook Choe Cheah ◽  
Saiful Effendi Syafruddin ◽  
M. Aiman Mohtar ◽  
Norazrina Azmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Gene Editing ◽  
Fragile X ◽  
Genetic Diseases ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Short Palindromic Repeat

Hereditary or developmental neurological disorders (HNDs or DNDs) affect the quality of life and contribute to the high mortality rates among neonates. Most HNDs are incurable, and the search for new and effective treatments is hampered by challenges peculiar to the human brain, which is guarded by the near-impervious blood-brain barrier. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR), a gene-editing tool repurposed from bacterial defense systems against viruses, has been touted by some as a panacea for genetic diseases. CRISPR has expedited the research into HNDs, enabling the generation of in vitro and in vivo models to simulate the changes in human physiology caused by genetic variation. In this review, we describe the basic principles and workings of CRISPR and the modifications that have been made to broaden its applications. Then, we review important CRISPR-based studies that have opened new doors to the treatment of HNDs such as fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome. We also discuss how CRISPR can be used to generate research models to examine the effects of genetic variation and caffeine therapy on the developing brain. Several drawbacks of CRISPR may preclude its use at the clinics, particularly the vulnerability of neuronal cells to the adverse effect of gene editing, and the inefficiency of CRISPR delivery into the brain. In concluding the review, we offer some suggestions for enhancing the gene-editing efficacy of CRISPR and how it may be morphed into safe and effective therapy for HNDs and other brain disorders.

scholarly journals Application of Volatilome Analysis to the Diagnosis of Mycobacteria Infection in Livestock

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Rodríguez-Hernández ◽  
Vicente Rodríguez-Estévez ◽  
Lourdes Arce ◽  
Jaime Gómez-Laguna
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Targeted Analysis ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
And Control

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are small molecular mass metabolites which compose the volatilome, whose analysis has been widely employed in different areas. This innovative approach has emerged in research as a diagnostic alternative to different diseases in human and veterinary medicine, which still present constraints regarding analytical and diagnostic sensitivity. Such is the case of the infection by mycobacteria responsible for tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in livestock. Although eradication and control programs have been partly managed with success in many countries worldwide, the often low sensitivity of the current diagnostic techniques against Mycobacterium bovis (as well as other mycobacteria from Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis together with other hurdles such as low mycobacteria loads in samples, a tedious process of microbiological culture, inhibition by many variables, or intermittent shedding of the mycobacteria highlight the importance of evaluating new techniques that open different options and complement the diagnostic paradigm. In this sense, volatilome analysis stands as a potential option because it fulfills part of the mycobacterial diagnosis requirements. The aim of the present review is to compile the information related to the diagnosis of tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in livestock through the analysis of VOCs by using different biological matrices. The analytical techniques used for the evaluation of VOCs are discussed focusing on the advantages and drawbacks offered compared with the routine diagnostic tools. In addition, the differences described in the literature among in vivo and in vitro assays, natural and experimental infections, and the use of specific VOCs (targeted analysis) and complete VOC pattern (non-targeted analysis) are highlighted. This review emphasizes how this methodology could be useful in the problematic diagnosis of tuberculosis and paratuberculosis in livestock and poses challenges to be addressed in future research.

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