Article
Oncology
Shiqi Xiang, Zixuan Lin, Meagan J. J. Makarcyzk, Kanyakorn Riewruja, Yiqian Zhang, Xiurui Zhang, Zhong Li, Karen L. Clark, Eileen Li, Silvia Liu, Tingjun Hao, Madalyn R. R. Fritch, Peter G. G. Alexander, Hang Lin
Summary: This study elucidates the difference between hiMPCs and hMSCs in response to TGF beta and presents a robust method for obtaining low hypertrophy hiMPCs-derived cartilage. The results also indicate the importance of activating both Smad2/3 and Smad1/5 in the initiation of chondrogenesis.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emilia Manole, Cristina Niculite, Ioana Maria Lambrescu, Gisela Gaina, Octavian Ioghen, Laura Cristina Ceafalan, Mihail Eugen Hinescu
Summary: Macrophages play a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and repair, displaying heterogeneity in response to environmental cues. Their diverse functions as M1 and M2 phenotypes contribute to tissue damage and wound healing, emphasizing the importance of understanding their intervention in stem cell behavior and niche regulation for developing novel therapeutic strategies in different diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julian O. Kimura, Marcela Bolanos, Lorenzo Ricci, Mansi Srivastava
Summary: This study reveals the cellular mechanism and molecular trajectory for the formation of adult pluripotent stem cells (aPSCs) during embryonic development. By utilizing lineage tracing and single-cell transcriptome profiling, the researchers identified a molecular trajectory for neoblast formation and showed that aPSCs derive from one lineage instead of multiple tissue-specific lineages.
Article
Developmental Biology
Andrea L. Bredemeyer, Junedh M. Amrute, Andrew L. Koenig, Rachel A. Idol, Li He, Stephanie A. Luff, Carissa Dege, Jamison M. Leid, Joel D. Schilling, J. Travis Hinson, Mary C. Dinauer, Christopher M. Sturgeon, Kory J. Lavine
Summary: Tissue-resident macrophages play a crucial role in organ homeostasis, tissue repair, remodeling, and regeneration. Researchers have developed a system to generate macrophages that resemble tissue-resident or monocyte-derived subsets, allowing for the study of their function and potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dorota Katarzynska-Banasik, Malgorzata Grzesiak, Kinga Kowalik, Andrzej Sechman
Summary: The study found that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can impact chicken ovarian steroidogenesis, depending on exposure time, follicle type, and development stage, potentially leading to changes in selection processes. Additionally, AgNPs may affect thyroid hormone metabolism through different sizes, which could influence energy homeostasis in target cells.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Jiaxi Liu, Jinfang Gao, Zixie Liang, Chong Gao, Qing Niu, Fengping Wu, Liyun Zhang
Summary: This review discusses the characteristics of MSCs, their interaction with the microenvironment, and the importance of the microenvironment in maintaining cell function and disease progression.
STEM CELL RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zain Siddiqui, Amanda M. Acevedo-Jake, Alexandra Griffith, Nurten Kadincesme, Kinga Dabek, Dana Hindi, Ka Kyung Kim, Yoshifumi Kobayashi, Emi Shimizu, Vivek Kumar
Summary: Pulp capping and dental pulp regeneration are evolving techniques to regenerate pulp tissue and maintain tooth vitality, with various methods and materials being used in regenerative endodontics.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sangil Min, David Cleveland, In Kap Ko, Ji Hyun Kim, Hee Jo Yang, Anthony Atala, James J. Yoo
Summary: By incorporating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) into the vascular scaffold, improved angiogenic capability was achieved, promoting vascularization, reducing apoptosis of implanted cells, and forming hybrid renal tubule-like structures.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Feiyu Cai, Wenjiao Chen, Ruomei Zhao, Yi Liu
Summary: This paper provides an academic review of the therapeutic effects of adipose-derived stem cell-EXOs (ADSC-EXOs) in diabetic wound healing. As cell-free therapy, exosomes (EXOs) contain proteins and growth factors that can promote wound healing and mitigate potential risks associated with stem cell therapy.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David J. J. Glass
Summary: Senescent cells in skeletal muscle promote inflammation and hinder regeneration, potentially causing harmful changes in aged muscle.
Review
Cell Biology
Chinnavuth Vatanashevanopakorn, Thanutchaporn Sartyoungkul
Summary: Hair follicles are involved in a variety of functions and their formation and cycling require interaction between different cell types. Despite extensive research, generating functional human hair follicles for clinical use remains a challenge. Human pluripotent stem cells offer a promising unlimited cell source for generating hair follicle cells. This review discusses hair follicle morphogenesis, different cell sources for regeneration, and potential strategies using induced pluripotent stem cells for hair follicle bioengineering. Challenges and perspectives for using bioengineered hair follicles in treating hair loss disorders are also discussed.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juliane D. Glaeser, Xianchao Bao, Giselle Kaneda, Pablo Avalos, Phillip Behrens, Khosrowdad Salehi, Xiaoyu Da, Angel Chen, Chloe Castaneda, Pawel Nakielski, Wensen Jiang, Wafa Tawackoli, Dmitriy Sheyn
Summary: Cranial bone loss is a clinical challenge for craniofacial reconstruction. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) which show potential for bone regeneration. Overexpression of BMP6 in iPSC-derived cells via neural crest or mesoderm, embedded in 3D printable bio-ink, can generate viable bone graft alternatives for cranial reconstruction.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jin Liu, Lingfang Li, Jianlin Zhu, Lingfeng Luo, Yuchen Li, Chenyun Zhang, Wenchang Zhang
Summary: Cadmium (Cd) can interrupt the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into ovarian granulosa cells, and this effect may involve epigenetic mechanisms.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Deepa Bhartiya, Nitu Jha, Anish Tripathi, Ashish Tripathi
Summary: The concept of dedifferentiation and reprogramming of mature somatic cells shows promise in the battle against tissue damage, cancer, and aging. However, clinical applications remain challenging due to various factors such as instability, tumorigenicity, immunogenicity, and heterogeneity. The potential of very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) in addressing these issues is examined, as they have been found to replace diseased tissue, ensure regeneration, and differentiate into adult counterparts.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Risani Mukhopadhyay, Navya B. Prabhu, Shama Prasada Kabekkodu, Padmalatha S. Rai
Summary: This review analyzes the effects of BPA on polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and finds that BPA can disrupt the expression of important genes involved in pathways and endocrine regulation, leading to the clinical manifestations of PCOS.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Andrian Yang, Dimuthu Alankarage, Hartmut Cuny, Eddie K. K. Ip, Moran Almog, Jessica Lu, Debjani Das, Annabelle Enriquez, Justin O. Szot, David T. Humphreys, Gillian M. Blue, Joshua W. K. Ho, David S. Winlaw, Sally L. Dunwoodie, Eleni Giannoulatou
CIRCULATION-GENOMIC AND PRECISION MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Mengyang Wang, Jiajing Wang, Xiuling Zhang, Songshan Chai, Yuankun Cai, Xuan Dai, Bangkun Yang, Wen Liu, Taojunjin Lu, Zhimin Mei, Zhixin Zheng, YiXuan Zhou, Jingyi Yang, Lei Shen, Jingwei Zhao, Joshua Ho, Meng Cai, Jincao Chen, Nanxiang Xiong
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of inferior petrosal veins (IPVs) on operational exploration and analyzed the related anatomical features. The study found that IPVs significantly impacted surgical exposure, with considerable variations in diameters and draining points. IPVs near the glossopharyngeal nerve were often sacrificed for a better view of the operation field. It is feasible to maintain IPVs with a diameter > 1 mm.
FRONTIERS IN SURGERY
(2022)
Letter
Biophysics
Joshua W. K. Ho, Xi Chen, Mu He, Yuanhua Huang, Jessica C. Mar, David J. H. Shih, Angela R. Wu
BIOPHYSICAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Kui Kai Lau, Preeti D. Virwani, Gordon Qian, Matthew S. S. Hsu, Tommy K. K. T. S. Pijarnvanit, Carman Nga-Man Cheung, Yick Hin Chow, Lok Kan Tang, Yiu-Hei Tse, Jia-Wen Xian, Shirley Sau-Wing Lam, Crystal Lee, Chelsea C. W. Lo, Roxanna K. C. Liu, Tsi Lok Ho, Bak Yue Chow, Kin Sum Leung, Hing Wai Tsang, Emily Kwun Kwan Lo, Keith T. S. Tung, Patrick Ip, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung, Jimmy Chun Yu Louie, Hani El-Nezami, Joshua W. K. Ho
Article
Microbiology
Preeti Dinesh Virwani, Lin Cai, Patrick Ka Kit Yeung, Gordon Qian, Yingxian Chen, Lei Zhou, Jason Wing Hon Wong, Yu Wang, Joshua Wing Kei Ho, Kui Kai Lau, Pei-Yuan Qian, Sookja Kim Chung
Summary: Epac2(-/)(-) mice exhibit gut dysbiosis under physiological conditions, and WD feeding leads to gut microbiome imbalance in mice regardless of genotype; Epac1(-/)(-) mice show more severe inflammation and insulin resistance after WD feeding.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuliangzi Sun, Woo Jun Shim, Sophie Shen, Enakshi Sinniah, Duy Pham, Zezhuo Su, Dalia Mizikovsky, Melanie D. White, Joshua W. K. Ho, Quan Nguyen, Mikael Boden, Nathan J. Palpant
Summary: This article introduces a method called TRIAGE-Cluster that utilizes genome-wide epigenetic data to identify genes that delineate cell diversity in scRNA-seq data. By integrating repressive chromatin patterns with weighted density estimation, TRIAGE-Cluster determines cell type clusters in a 2D UMAP space. The article also presents TRIAGE-ParseR, a machine learning method that evaluates gene expression rank lists to define gene groups governing the identity and function of cell types.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lingling Wang, Haobin Yao, Daniel C. Morgan, Kam Shing Lau, Suet Yi Leung, Joshua W. K. Ho, Wai K. Leung
Summary: The study finds that antibiotic treatment for Helicobacter pylori leads to transient alteration in gut microbiota and significantly alters the previously less known gut virome community. Recurrent treatment further leads to lower virus community diversity and altered virus-bacteria interactions, compared with treatment naive patients.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abraham Ka-chung Wai, Teddy Tai-loy Lee, Sunny Ching-long Chan, Crystal Ying Chan, Edmond Tsz-fung Yip, Luke Yik-fung Luk, Joshua Wing-kei Ho, Kevin Wang-leong So, Omar Wai-kiu Tsui, Man-lok Lam, Shi-yeow Lee, Tafu Yamamoto, Chak-kwan Tong, Man-sing Wong, Eliza Lai-yi Wong, Timothy Hudson Rainer
Summary: This study evaluates the association between antivirals and various clinical outcomes in high-risk COVID-19 patients during an Omicron outbreak. The use of Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir or Molnupiravir was associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality, respiratory mortality, and sepsis incidence compared to no antiviral use. These findings suggest the potential benefits of antiviral treatment in COVID-19 patients.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ian C. H. Lee, Sergey Tumanov, Jason W. H. Wong, Roland Stocker, Joshua W. K. Ho
Summary: Mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomic and lipidomic approaches are widely used in biomedical research. A sample extraction method called Multi-ABLE has been developed for concurrent generation of proteomic, metabolomic, and lipidomic data. However, there is a lack of a unified bioinformatics pipeline for processing and analysis of these data. A new R pipeline called MultiABLER is presented here as a unified and simple upstream processing and analysis pipeline for metabolomics and lipidomics datasets.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qianyun Li, Lingyun Zhao, Ching Long Chan, Yilin Zhang, See Wai Tong, Xiaodan Zhang, Joshua Wing Kei Ho, Yaqing Jiao, Timothy Hudson Rainer
Summary: This study evaluated the potential of blood biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ischemic stroke and identified potential biomarkers and biological pathways for further investigation. The study generated two shortlists of biomarkers and identified five key biological processes associated with ischemic stroke, providing valuable insights for better understanding and diagnosing this condition.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kevin M. Elias, Nicholas W. Ng, Kh U. Dam, Ankrish Milne, Emily R. Disler, Alison Gockley, Nicole Holub, Maya L. Seshan, George M. Church, Elizabeth S. Ginsburg, Raymond M. Anchan
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) transplantation for the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in a mouse model, as it successfully reversed the endocrine and reproductive issues caused by POI.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xinyi Lin, Chuen Chau, Kun Ma, Yuanhua Huang, Joshua W. K. Ho
Summary: The paper introduces a statistical model and an R package called DCATS for conducting differential composition analysis in single cell omic data analysis, addressing the challenges related to flexible experimental designs and uncertainty in cell type assignment. The empirical evaluation shows that DCATS consistently maintains high sensitivity and specificity compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shichao Ma, Xiunan Fang, Yu Yao, Jianfu Li, Daniel C. Morgan, Yongyan Xia, Crystal S. M. Kwok, Michelle C. K. Lo, Dickson M. D. Siu, Kevin K. Tsia, Andrian Yang, Joshua W. K. Ho
Summary: StarmapVis is a convenient web application that provides an interactive downstream analysis of single-cell expression or spatial transcriptomic data. It offers visualization tools from multiple angles to display clustering information and connectivity networks among coordinates. The tool also has a unique feature of automated animation of camera view and provides a useful animated transition between two-dimensional spatial omic data and three-dimensional single cell coordinates.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Abraham Ka -Chung Wai, Crystal Ying Chan, Annie Wai-Ling Cheung, Kailu Wang, Sunny Ching -Long Chan, Teddy Tai -Loy Lee, Luke Yik-Fung Luk, Edmond Tsz-Fung Yip, Joshua Wing-Kei Ho, Omar Wai-Kiu Tsui, Kelly Wing -Yin Cheung, Shiyeow Lee, Chak-kwan Tong, Tafu Yamamoto, Timothy Hudson, Eliza Lai-Yi Wong
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of Molnupiravir and Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in reducing mortality in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. The study found that the use of these antiviral drugs in high-risk patients in Hong Kong was associated with reduced all-cause mortality and significant cost savings.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chun Hon Lau, Ken Hung-On Yu, Tsz Fung Yip, Luke Yik Fung Luk, Abraham Ka Chung Wai, Tin-Yan Sit, Janet Yuen-Ha Wong, Joshua Wing Kei Ho
Summary: The management of chronic wounds, such as pressure injury, in elderly patients is increasingly important. Classification of pressure injury stages is crucial for wound care planning, but expertise in staging is often lacking in residential care home settings. This paper summarizes the development of smartphone or tablet-based applications for wound assessment and introduces a new app that uses deep learning to detect and classify pressure injury wounds in real-time. The app achieved an overall prediction accuracy of 63.2% in a validation set and demonstrated high specificity but varying sensitivity for different stages of pressure injury.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
(2022)