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Young bone marrow transplantation delays bone aging in old mice
Get PDFRecent discoveries have shown that systemic manipulations, such as parabiosis, blood exchange, and young plasma transfer, can counteract many hallmarks of aging. This rejuvenation effect has been attributed to circulatory factors produced by cells from both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic lineages. However, the specific involvement of bone marrow (BM) or hematopoietic cells in producing such factors and their effects on aging is still unclear. We developed a model of aged mice with transplanted young or old BM cells and assessed the impact on the aging process, specifically on energy metabolism and bone remodeling parameters. The donor BM cell engraftment in the aged mice was confirmed by flow cytometry using a transplanted cell-specific marker (green fluorescent protein). Energy metabolism was assessed using Oxymax indirect calorimetry system after 3 months of transplantation. Tibiae and L3-L4 vertebrae were analyzed using micro-CT, a three-point bending test and bone histomorphometry. Moreover, bone marrow proteome was assessed using proteomics, and blood serum/plasma was collected and analyzed using the Luminex assay. Our results showed that while the effect on energy metabolism was insignificant, rejuvenating the BM through young bone marrow transplantation reversed age-associated low bone mass traits in old mice. Specifically, young bone marrow transplantation improved bone trabecular microarchitecture both in tibiae and vertebrae of old mice and increased the number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts compared to old bone marrow transplantation. In conclusion, young bone marrow cells may represent a future therapeutic strategy for age-related diseases such as osteoporosis. The findings of this study provide important insights into our understanding of aging.This work was supported by operating grants from Le R\u00E9seau de recherche en sant\u00E9 buccodentaire et osseuse (RSBO) Fund # 75227. It was also supported by scholarship from McGill University , Faculty of Dentistry and Faculty of Medicine, PhD scholarships from the Fonds de recherche du Qu\u00E9bec - Sante (FRQS) and PhD scholarship from Le R\u00E9seau de recherche en sant\u00E9 buccodentaire et osseuse (RSBO)
Prognostic Models of Mortality Following First-Ever Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study
Get PDFBackground and Aims: There is a lack of population-based studies focusing on guideline-based prognostic models for stroke. This study aimed to develop and validate a prognostic model that predicts mortality following a first-ever acute ischemic stroke. Methods: The study included 899 adult patients (≥ 18 years) with confirmed diagnosis of first-ever acute ischemic stroke enrolled in the Malaysian National Stroke Registry (NSR) from January 2009 to December 2019. The primary outcome was mortality within 90 days post-stroke (266 events [29.6%]). The prognostic model was developed using logistic regression (75%, n = 674) and internally validated (25%, n = 225). Model performance was assessed using discrimination (area under the curve (AUC]) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test [HL]). Results: The final model includes factors associated with increased risk of mortality, such as age (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.06 [95% confidence interval, CI 1.03, 1.10; p < 0.001]), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score aOR 1.08 (95% CI 1.08, 1.13; p = 0.004), and diabetes aOR 2.29 (95% CI 1.20, 4.37; p = 0.012). The protective factors were antiplatelet within 48 h. aOR 0.40 (95% CI 0.19, 0.81; p = 0.01), dysphagia screening aOR 0.30 (95% CI 0.15, 0.61; p = 0.001), antiplatelets upon discharge aOR 0.17 (95% CI 0.08, 0.35; p < 0.001), lipid-lowering therapy aOR 0.37 (95% CI 0.17, 0.82; p = 0.01), stroke education aOR 0.02 (95% CI 0.01, 0.05; p < 0.001) and rehabilitation aOR 0.08 (95% CI 0.04, 0.16; p < 0.001). The model demonstrated excellent performance (discrimination [AUC = 0.94] and calibration [HL, X2 p = 0.63]). Conclusion: The study developed a validated prognostic model that excellently predicts mortality after a first-ever acute ischemic stroke with potential clinical utility in acute stroke care decision-making. The predictors could be valuable for creating risk calculators and aiding healthcare providers and patients in making well-informed clinical decisions during the stroke care process.This work was supported by the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, with reference number FRGS/1/2021/SKK06/USM/02/19. Qatar University Open Access publishing facilitated by the Qatar National Library, as part of the Wiley Qatar National Library agreement
In-vivo microwave-aided spectrofluorimetric characterization of teneligliptin-loaded solid dispersion adsorbate using quality by design approach
No full textThis study developed a microwave-aided spectrofluorimetric method for in-vivo characterizing teneligliptin-loaded solid dispersion adsorbate (TNG-SDA) using a quality by design approach. The microwave-aided chemical reaction was applied for derivatization of non-fluorescent teneligliptin with NBD-Cl (7-chloro-4-nitrobenzoxadiazole). TNG-SDA was prepared to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of teneligliptin, a BCS (Biopharmaceutical Classification System) class II drug. The method utilized environmentally friendly solvents and employed analytical quality by design principles for optimization. Critical method parameters were identified through failure mode impact analysis and optimized using response surface modelling. The fluorescence spectra of teneligliptin exhibited linearity across the concentration range of 50–250 ng/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9978. The developed method was found to be accurate, precise, robust, specific and sensitive for estimation of teneligliptin. The method was applied to evaluate in vitro dissolution, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic of TNG-SDA compared to commercial formulations. Results showed significant improvements in teneligliptin solubility and bioavailability with the developed SDA. The microwave-aided derivatized fluorescent product was characterized by mass spectrometry. The method demonstrated environmental sustainability, robustness, sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendliness when evaluated using white analytical chemistry approaches. It provided a sensitive and green alternative to existing hyphenated techniques for nanogram-level teneligliptin detection in pharmacokinetic studies.The authors of this publication would like to thank the director of Maliba Pharmacy College for providing the necessary facilities and equipment for this study. The authors extend their appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project number (RSPD2025R726), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Silicate-Solubilizing Bacterial Strain Staphylococcus ureilyticus MV-1 Associated with Grape Wine
No full textThis research aimed to isolate Staphylococcus ureilyticus MV-1 bacteria and evaluate their potential for soil application. These bacteria can solubilize silicate minerals up to 25 µg/mL in the first 10 h utilizing magnesium trisilicate as a silica source. This encourages plant development by generating plant hormones such as indole acetic acid (IAA). The IAA production peaked at 14 µg/mL after 48 h without further supplementation. Further, significant levels of micro- and macro-nutrient uptake were also recorded using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) in grapevine after treating it with MV-1 indicating the availability of nutrients to plants for proper growth and functioning. The results state that MV-1 had a synergistic effect on plant growth and soil fertility.The author Vinod Nandre (SPPU-PDF/ST/BL/2019/0013) sincerely acknowledged the financial support to Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU; formerly Pune University), Pune for providing the SPPU postdoctoral fellowship. The author Mithil Mahale would like to thank the University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, India for the UGC-NET Fellowship. We thank Varsha Agro-Industry, Tasgaon, India for providing the ICP-OES facility for our sample analysis
Sleep Quality and Its Predictors Among Pregnant Women in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textIntroduction: Pregnant women often report poor sleep quality and increased sleep disturbances, especially in the second and third trimesters. Studies showed inconsistent prevalence of poor sleep quality among pregnant women, with unclear predictive factors. Furthermore, physical, psychological, and socioeconomic factors may negatively affect sleep in pregnant women. Purpose: The study aims to explore sleep quality and to identify possible physical, psychological, and socioeconomic predictors of poor sleep quality among pregnant women. Patients and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2021 to January 2022. Pregnant women in their second and third trimesters were recruited during their regular visits to the gynecology and obstetrics clinics and hospitals in northern Jordan. Using convenience sampling, two hundred six participants completed questions about sociodemographics, pregnancy, and women’s health history using the interviewer-administered method. Additionally, participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Pregnant Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze sleep quality, and a multivariable linear regression model was used to identify significant predictors of the PSQI total score. Results: 206 pregnant women participated: 23.3% in the second trimester and 73.3% in the third, with a mean age of 30.6 years. 76.6% of pregnant women reported poor sleep quality (PSQI total score >5). The results showed that increased age (B= 0.125, 95% CI [0.042-0.208], p< 0.003), Low educational level (high school or lower vs higher education) (B= 1.097, 95% CI= [0.033–2.161], p= 0.043), having leg cramps (B= 1.578, 95% CI [0.627–2.529], p< 0.001), anemia during pregnancy (B= 1.311, 95% CI [0.131–2.492], p= 0.030), and increased anxiety (B= 0.355, 95% CI [0.258-0.452], p< 0.001) are significant predictors poor sleep quality. Conclusion: Poor sleep is highly prevalent among pregnant women due to factors such as age, education, anxiety, and medical conditions. Clinicians should consider this high prevalence and the possible associated factors in assessing and managing sleep quality to improve pregnant women’s health and quality of life.This study was funded by a research grant (grant number: 661/2020) from Jordan University of Science and Technology. Qatar University funded the publication of this article
مركز المواد المتقدمة: النشرة الإخبارية - العدد (8)
No full textالنشرة الإخبارية لمركز المواد المتقدمة (CAM) بجامعة قطر يسلط الضوء على الأنشطة البحثية المتنوعة والتي تمتدّ عبر جميع الكليات والأقسام، كما ترتبط أبحاث المواد في المركز تقريبًا بكل مجال من مجالات العلوم والهندسة
Hypospadias Reconstruction Training: Development of an Ex-Vivo Model for Objective Evaluation of Surgical Skills
No full textObjectiveTo objectively evaluate technical skill acquisition in hypospadias repair procedures during surgical training using noninvasive wearable sensor technology. MethodsWe combined subjective video evaluations with objective electromyography (EMG) measurements in a hands-on hypospadias training course. Surgeons wore wireless EMG and accelerometer sensors on their dominant hand while performing tasks on ex-vivo cadaveric calf penises. The study focused on 4 skills as follows: urethral mobilization, dorsal inlay graft harvest/implantation, meatal-based flap urethroplasty, and dorsal plication. Machine learning techniques analyzed muscle activation patterns and attributes for assessing surgical precision. ResultsThe course included 18 participants (10 female, 8 males; average age 40.18 ± 8.46 years) categorized as novice (n = 10, 5 years). Video evaluations did not reveal significant differences due to short-term training. However, EMG measurements showed significant reductions in average EMG power, total time, dominant frequency, and cumulative muscle workload after training. Additionally, the mean power spectral density of the EMG signal decreased notably post-training. ConclusionThis study presents a structured approach for hypospadias training and highlights the effectiveness of wearable sensor technology for objective skill assessment. While video evaluations did not detect significant changes, EMG data provided measurable differences in skill acquisition, suggesting that wearable sensors could enhance objective evaluations of surgical proficiency in residency programs
EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OMEGA-3 PUFA ENCAPSULATED NANOPARTICLES FOR ENHANCED ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY
No full textOmega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ɷ3-PUFAs) offer strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but their clinical use is limited by instability, oxidation sensitivity, and low bioavailability. This study develops NanoMIL-89 functionalized with ω-3 PUFAs (Nano-ω3-PUFAs) to enhance stability, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity. Characterization via SEM, TEM, XRD, EDX, and FTIR confirmed the crystalline hexagonal structure of NanoMIL-89. Functionalization improved biocompatibility, with no cytotoxicity observed in endothelial cells, fibroblasts, or macrophages. At 100 μg/mL, Nano-ω3-PUFAs significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose- and cell-type-dependent manner. They effectively inhibited Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis) more than Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and fungi (Candida albicans), suggesting a membrane-structure-dependent action, but still had weak inhibition. These findings highlight Nano-ω3-PUFAs as a promising anti-inflammatory and antifungal agent with potential applications in wound healing and drug delivery. Future research should focus on in vivo studies and mechanistic insights
Health Pulse : World Cancer Day
No full textWorld Cancer Day is celebrated on February 4th every year as a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control, with support from the United Nations
Validation of the emergency surgery score’s predictive accuracy for postoperative outcomes and ICU admissions in MENA vs. non-MENA emergency surgery patients
No full textBackground: The Emergency Surgery Score (ESS) has demonstrated strong predictive value for morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival outcomes. However, its applicability and validity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remain understudied. This research seeks to validate ESS's ability to predict postoperative outcomes, including 30-day mortality, complications, and ICU admissions, among patients undergoing emergency laparotomies (EL). Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 230 EL cases from 2017 to 2021. ESS scores were calculated for each patient, and its predictive accuracy was compared with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification using c-statistic methodology. We also compared postoperative outcomes between MENA and non-MENA cohorts to assess potential regional variations in ESS performance. Results: Out of 230 patients, 118 were from MENA and 112 from non-MENA regions. Sepsis was the most common diagnosis (69.6%). ICU admission was recorded in 63.4% of cases, and the 30-day mortality rate was 13.91%. ESS scores did not differ significantly between MENA and non-MENA patients (median: 7.5 vs. 7; P = 0.45). ESS outperformed ASA in predicting postoperative outcomes: complications (c-statistic: 0.79 vs. 0.73), ICU admissions (0.81 vs. 0.76), and mortality (0.86 vs. 0.78). Optimal ESS cutoffs for complications, ICU need, and mortality were 6, 8, and 10, respectively. ESS performed similarly across both MENA and non-MENA populations in predicting mortality, complications, and ICU admissions. Conclusion: The ESS is a superior tool compared to ASA for predicting postoperative outcomes in emergency surgical patients, and it is applicable to diverse populations, including those from the MENA region. ESS enhances preoperative risk stratification, informs counseling decisions, and supports quality benchmarking across different healthcare settings. Future studies should address potential biases, including selection and information bias, and further explore ESS's role in different cultural contexts.Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library