Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kim Sarah Koeck, Sahar Salehi, Martin Humenik, Thomas Scheibel
Summary: This study focuses on achieving good mechanical stability of collagen fibers through self-assembly during wet-spinning without the need for additional crosslinkers. The produced collagen fibers show fibril alignment and a unique D-band pattern, and are processed into hierarchical assemblies using textile-engineering techniques. These assemblies serve as excellent substrates for muscle microtissue formation, particularly at the muscle-tendon-junction (MTJ) where myoblasts and fibroblasts are co-cultured to develop an MTJ-model.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Venkat Ayyalasomayajula, Bjorn Skallerud
Summary: The study provides data on the microstructure of tracheal components and their influence on tissue's mechanical response. It shows that the tracheal components have different fiber structures and mechanical responses, with the cartilage being the stiffest component and the adventitia and mucosa/submucosa displaying high degree of anisotropy.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Venkat Ayyalasomayajula, Bjorn Skallerud
Summary: This study investigated the microstructure characteristics of different components of the trachea and their roles in tissue mechanical response. It found the anisotropic nature of tissue components and provided insights for predicting the tracheal overall mechanical response.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Miguel Arriaga, Daniel N. Arteaga, Dimitrios Fafalis, Michelle Yu, Xun Wang, Karen E. Kasza, Anil K. Lalwani, Jeffrey W. Kysar
Summary: The Round Window Membrane (RWM) is the only non-osseous barrier between the middle and inner ear spaces, making it an ideal portal for medical access to the cochlea. Understanding the structure and mechanical response of the RWM is crucial for optimizing the design of surgical tools. Confocal and 2-photon microscopy can be used to measure RWM geometry and connective fiber orientation and dispersion.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Min Dong, Lu Zhang, Pei Wu, Lin Feng, Weidan Jiang, Yang Liu, Shengyao Kuang, Shuwei Li, Haifeng Mi, Ling Tang, Xiaoqiu Zhou
Summary: Appropriate levels of dietary protein promoted the growth of sub-adult grass carp and improved muscle hardness by promoting muscle fiber growth, enhancing collagen synthesis, and suppressing collagen degradation. The dietary protein requirements of sub-adult grass carp were determined to be 26.21% and 24.85% based on growth performance and muscle hardness analyses.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariano Colon-Caraballo, Nicole Lee, Shanmugasundaram Nallasamy, Kristin Myers, David Hudson, Renato Iozzo, Mala Mahendroo
Summary: This study evaluated the relationship between collagen and elastic fiber structure and function in the cervix of mice. The results show that small-leucine rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) play a crucial role in regulating extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in the cervix. Loss of SLRPs leads to structural defects in collagen and elastic fibers and affects the function of the cervix.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Monique da Silva Dias Babinski, Lucas Alves Sarmento Pires, Albino Fonseca Junior, Jorge Henrique Martins Manaia, Marcio Antonio Babinski
Summary: The structural components of the vaginal wall change with age, leading to a higher prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse in older women. Smooth muscle density decreases while collagen and elastic fibers increase in the vaginal wall mucosa as women age. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse in relation to the aging process.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Cristina Cavinato, Minghao Chen, Dar Weiss, Maria Jesus Ruiz-Rodriguez, Martin A. Schwartz, Jay D. Humphrey
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene leading to Marfan syndrome and thoracic aortic aneurysms, using mouse models to show that as the condition worsens, elastic fiber defects, collagen fiber remodeling, and cell reorganization increase progressively.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Rebecca Howell, Alice Tang, Jacqui Allen, Mekibib Altaye, Milan Amin, Semirra Bayan, Peter Belafsky, Brian Cervenka, Brad DeSilva, Greg Dion, Dale Ekbom, Aaron Friedman, Mark Fritz, John Paul Giliberto, Elizabeth Guardiani, Jeffrey Harmon, Jan L. Kasperbauer, Sid Khosla, Brandon Kim, Maggie Kuhn, Paul Kwak, Yue Ma, Lyndsay Madden, Laura Matrka, Ross Mayerhoff, Cyrus Piraka, Clark Rosen, Meredith E. Tabangin, Shaun A. Wahab, Keith Wilson, S. Carter Wright, Vyvy Young, Sonia Yuen, Gregory N. Postma
Summary: The study aimed to assess the role of barium esophagram (BAS) in diagnosing patients with Killian Jamieson diverticula (KJD). The results showed that BAS had high specificity and negative predictive value, and there were significant differences in symptom scores between preoperative and postoperative KJD patients.
Review
Cell Biology
Joshua J. A. Poole, Leila B. Mostaco-Guidolin
Summary: Biological tissues are not only composed of cells, but also contain a substantial volume of extracellular space filled with an intricate network of macromolecules known as the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM serves as the scaffolding for tissues and organs, playing a crucial role in maintaining their structural and functional integrity. Understanding the interaction between cells and their structural microenvironment is essential for comprehending normal tissue formation and processes involved in chronic fibrotic diseases.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Alexis Ouellette, Mala Mahendroo, Shanmugasundaram Nallasamy
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the remodeling and hormonal regulation of collagen and elastin fibers in the myometrium during pregnancy. The results showed that the gene and protein expressions of collagen and elastin were induced early in pregnancy and were differentially regulated by progesterone and estrogen. Additionally, imaging analysis revealed structural reorganization of collagen and elastin fibers during pregnancy.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Di Wu, Jiangtao Zhou, Yang Shen, Cristina Lupo, Qiyao Sun, Tonghui Jin, Shana J. Sturla, Hongshan Liang, Raffaele Mezzenga
Summary: A novel soft hydrogel scaffold was successfully constructed by incorporating polyphenol modules with lysozyme amyloid fibrils. This hydrogel not only showed good biocompatibility, but also exhibited superior cell adhesion efficiency, promoting cell proliferation and spreading. This study is significant for the design and development of future biomaterials.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Divya Cyril, Amelia Giugni, Saie Sunil Bangar, Melika Mirzaeipoueinak, Dipika Shrivastav, Mirit Sharabi, Joanne L. Tipper, Javad Tavakoli
Summary: Despite 40 years of extensive research efforts, there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding the characteristics of elastic fibers in the intervertebral disc (IVD). Current in-vitro models do not accurately represent the complex biological IVD tissue, and the role of elastic fibers has been overlooked in the development of tissue-engineered scaffolds and computational models. This review paper provides a comprehensive study of the structural, biological, and biomechanical properties of IVD elastic fibers, and offers insights for future investigations in this field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rodrigo Barbosa M. de Souza, Renan Barbosa Lemes, Orestes N. Foresto-Neto, Luara Lucena V. Cassiano, Dieter R. Reinhardt, Keith R. Meek, Ivan Hong Jun R. Koh, Philip R. Lewis, Lygia R. Pereira
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the kidney in the mg Delta(lpn)-mouse model of Marfan syndrome (MFS). The results showed that affected animals had a significant reduction in glomerulus, glomerulus-capillary, and urinary space, as well as a significant reduction in fibrillin-1 and fibronectin in the glomerulus. The structural and hemodynamic changes of the kidney indicated the presence of kidney remodeling and vascular resistance in this MFS model, which are associated with hypertension and may worsen the cardiovascular phenotype in MFS.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mengxiao Chen, Zhe Wang, Kaiwei Li, Xiandi Wang, Lei Wei
Summary: Elastic and stretchable functional fibers have unique advantages and have shown significant progress in various interdisciplinary applications, indicating great potential for innovative ideas in related research fields.
ADVANCED FIBER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Anangelica R. Virgens, Heliana F. O. Goes, Gabriel C. de Carvalho, Anna Julia Pietrobon, Anna Claudia C. C. Branco, Yasmim A. L. Ramos, Naiura V. Pereira, Raquel L. Orfali, Valeria Aoki, Luiz Fernando F. da Silva, Mirian N. Sotto, Vitor M. S. dos Reis, Maria N. Sato
Summary: The study showed alterations of dendrocytes, macrophages, and T cells in the skin of patients with MCI/MI ACD, especially an accumulation of M2 macrophages and CD4+ T cells around vascular areas. Additionally, abundant expression of IL-4 protein was observed in these areas. In the ACD group, an upregulation of IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA expression, a mild increase in IFNG mRNA levels were detected, indicating involvement of M2 macrophages and Th2 cells in the immunopathogenesis of MCI/MI ACD.
EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Andrology
Amaro N. Duarte-Neto, Thiago A. Teixeira, Elia G. Caldini, Cristina T. Kanamura, Michele S. Gomes-Gouvea, Angela B. G. dos Santos, Renata A. A. Monteiro, Joao R. R. Pinho, Thais Mauad, Luiz F. F. da Silva, Paulo H. N. Saldiva, Marisa Dolhnikoff, Katia R. M. Leite, Jorge Hallak
Summary: Pathological findings in testes from fatal COVID-19 cases showed a combination of orchitis, vascular changes, basal membrane thickening, Leydig and Sertoli cell scarcity, and reduced spermatogenesis associated with local SARS-CoV-2 infection, which may impair hormonal function and fertility in men.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Amanda Zarpellon, Bruno F. Matuck, Marisa Dolhnikoff, Amaro N. Duarte-Neto, Gilvan Maia, Sara C. Gomes, Daniel I. Sendyk, Suzana C. O. M. Souza, Thais Mauad, Paulo H. N. Saldiva, Paulo H. Braz-Silva, Luiz F. F. da Silva
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Maria da Graca Morais Martin, Vitor Ribeiro Paes, Ellison Fernando Cardoso, Carlos Eduardo Borges Passos Neto, Cristina Takami Kanamura, Claudia da Costa Leite, Maria Concepcion Garcia Otaduy, Renata Aparecida de Almeida Monteiro, Thais Mauad, Luiz Fernando Ferraz da Silva, Luiz Henrique Martins Castro, Paulo Hilario Nascimento Saldiva, Marisa Dolhnikoff, Amaro Nunes Duarte-Neto
Summary: This study investigated brain abnormalities in deceased COVID-19 patients using minimally invasive autopsy. Imaging findings and histological analysis revealed various pathological changes in the brain, including infarcts, hemorrhages, and neuronal degeneration, suggesting the involvement of SARS-CoV-2 in brain damage.
INSIGHTS INTO IMAGING
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Carmen Diva Saldiva de Andre, Ana Luiza Bierrenbach, Lucia Pereira Barroso, Paulo Afonso de Andre, Lisie Tocci Justo, Luiz Alberto Amador Pereira, Mauro T. Taniguchi, Catia Martinez Minto, Pedro Losco Takecian, Leonardo Tadashi Kamaura, Joao Eduardo Ferreira, Riley H. Hazard, Deirdre Mclaughlin, Ian Riley, Alan D. Lopez, Ana Maria de Oliveira Ramos, Maria de Fatima Marinho de Souza, Elisabeth Barboza Franca, Paulo Hilario Nascimento Saldiva, Luiz Fernando Ferraz da Silva
Summary: Reliable mortality data is crucial for public health policies. However, the quality of cause of death information varies across regions in Brazil. Verbal autopsy is an alternative method to improve mortality data. This study evaluated the performance of an adapted verbal autopsy questionnaire in identifying the underlying causes of non-forensic deaths in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Raghed Almamlouk, Tarek Kashour, Sawsan Obeidat, Melanie C. Bois, Joseph J. Maleszewski, Osama A. Omrani, Rana Tleyjeh, Elie Berbari, Zaher Chakhachiro, Bassel Zein-Sabatto, Dana Gerberi, Imad M. Tleyjeh, Alberto E. Paniz Mondolfi, Aloke Finn, Amaro Nunes Duarte-Neto, Amy Rapkiewicz, Andrea Frustaci, Arthur-Atilla Keresztesi, Brian Hanley, Bruno Maerkl, Christelle Lardi, Clare Bryce, Diana Lindner, Diego Aguiar, Dirk Westermann, Edana Stroberg, Eric J. Duval, Esther Youd, Gaetano Pietro Bulfamante, Isabelle Salmon, Johann Auer, Klaus Hirschbuehl, Lara Absil, Lisa M. Barton, Luiz Fernando Ferraz da Silva, Luiza Moore, Marisa Dolhnikoff, Martin Lammens, Michael Osborn, Myriam Remmelink, Paulo Hilario Nascimento Saldiva, Philippe G. Jorens, Randall Craver, Renata Aparecida de Almeida Monteiro, Roberto Scendoni, Sanjay Mukhopadhyay, Tadaki Suzuki, Thais Mauad, Tony Fracasso, Zachary Grimes
Summary: This systematic review aims to understand the cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 by pooling data from autopsy studies. The results show a high prevalence of acute and chronic cardiac pathologies in COVID-19 patients, as well as the susceptibility of the myocardium to SARS-CoV-2, with a low prevalence of myocarditis.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia de Souza Xavier Costa, Gabriel Ribeiro Junior, Adair Aparecida dos Santos Alemany, Luciano Belotti, Marcela Frota Cavalcante, Susan Ribeiro, Mariana Matera Veras, Esper Georges Kallas, Paulo Hilario Nascimento Saldiva, Marisa Dolhnikoff, Luiz Fernando Ferraz da Silva
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to concentrated PM2.5 on LPS-induced lung injury onset. The results showed that there is an interaction between LPS nebulization and PM2.5 exposure, differently modulating the inflammatory response.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Douglas William Cirino, Leandro Reverberi Tambosi, Thais Mauad, Simone Rodrigues de Freitas, Jean Paul Metzger
Summary: The spatial distribution and type of green areas have different effects on human health. Land sharing configuration is beneficial for preventing cardiovascular diseases, while land sparing and arboreal vegetation are relevant to reduce hospitalizations by lower respiratory diseases. Forests, on the other hand, are associated with increased rates of hospitalization by respiratory allergies causes. Therefore, a balanced distribution of green areas in urban spaces can create healthier environments.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Susana Morimoto, Joao Luiz Azevedo Rosin, Bruno Fernandes M. Matuck, Gabriella Schroter, Maria Fernanda Setubal Destro Rodrigues, Karen M. Ramalho, Daniela Procida Raggio, Maria Stella Moreira, Luiz Fernando Ferraz da Silva
Summary: This article reports a proposal for efficient oral decontamination using antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 through a case series. The viral load in the oral cavity was found to decrease immediately or one hour after the use of aPDT, highlighting the potential of this method in minimizing microorganism load.
PHOTODIAGNOSIS AND PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Daniela Souza Farias-Itao, Carlos Augusto Pasqualucci, Renato Araujo de Andrade, Luiz Fernando Ferraz da Silva, Maristella Yahagi-Estevam, Silvia Helena Gelas Lage, Renata Elaine Paraizo Leite, Alexandre Brincalepe Campo, Claudia Kimie Suemoto
Summary: This study found that there is a correlation between the types of macrophages in the perivascular adipose tissue and the components of atherosclerosis. M1 macrophages are associated with an increased risk of coronary thrombosis and are related to plaque progression and destabilization, while M2 macrophages are associated with plaque size, calcification, necrotic content, and a decrease in the number of vasa vasorum in the adventitia layer.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fernanda Crunfli, Victor C. Carregari, Flavio P. Veras, Lucas S. Silva, Mateus Henrique Nogueira, Andre Saraiva Leao Marcelo Antunes, Pedro Henrique Vendramini, Aline Gazzola Fragnani Valenca, Caroline Brandao-Teles, Giuliana da Silva Zuccoli, Guilherme Reis-de-Oliveira, Licia C. Silva-Costa, Veronica Monteiro Saia-Cereda, Bradley J. Smith, Ana Campos Codo, Gabriela F. de Souza, Stefanie P. Muraro, Pierina Lorencini Parise, Daniel A. Toledo-Teixeira, Icaro Maia Santos de Castro, Bruno Marcel Melo, Glaucia M. Almeida, Egidi Mayara Silva Firmino, Isadora Marques Paiva, Bruna Manuella Souza Silva, Rafaela Mano Guimaraes, Niele D. Mendes, Raissa L. Ludwig, Gabriel P. Ruiz, Thiago L. Knittel, Gustavo G. Davanzo, Jaqueline Aline Gerhardt, Patricia Brito Rodrigues, Julia Forato, Mariene Ribeiro Amorim, Natalia S. Brunetti, Matheus Cavalheiro Martini, Maira Nilson Benatti, Sabrina S. Batah, Li Siyuan, Rafael B. Joao, Italo K. Aventurato, Mariana Rabelo de Brito, Maria J. Mendes, Beatriz A. da Costa, Marina K. M. Alvim, Jose Roberto da Silva Junior, Livia L. Damiao, Ieda Maria P. de Sousa, Elessandra D. da Rocha, Solange M. Goncalves, Luiz H. Lopes da Silva, Vanessa Bettini, Brunno M. Campos, Guilherme Ludwig, Lucas Alves Tavares, Marjorie Cornejo Pontelli, Rosa Maria Mendes Viana, Ronaldo B. Martins, Andre Schwambach Vieira, Jose Carlos Alves-Filho, Eurico Arruda, Guilherme Gozzoli Podolsky-Gondim, Marcelo Volpon Santos, Luciano Neder, Andre Damasio, Stevens Rehen, Marco Aurelio Ramirez Vinolo, Carolina Demarchi Munhoz, Paulo Louzada-Junior, Rene Donizeti Oliveira, Fernando Q. Cunha, Helder I. Nakaya, Thais Mauad, Amaro Nunes Duarte-Neto, Luiz Fernando Ferraz da Silva, Marisa Dolhnikoff, Paulo Hilario Nascimento Saldiva, Alessandro S. Farias, Fernando Cendes, Pedro Manoel M. Moraes-Vieira, Alexandre T. Fabro, Adriano Sebollela, Jose L. Proenca-Modena, Clarissa L. Yasuda, Marcelo A. Mori, Thiago M. Cunha, Daniel Martins-de-Souza
Summary: Research indicates that neuropsychiatric dysfunction can occur in individuals with mild COVID-19 infections, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect astrocytes in the brain, leading to neuronal death or dysfunction.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Bruno Fernandes Matuck, Luiz Fernando Ferraz da Silva, Blake M. Warner, Kevin Matthew Byrd
Summary: The use of autopsies in oral health care is limited, but it has the potential to play a significant role in understanding oral-systemic health. Research autopsies utilizing minimally invasive techniques can provide valuable insights for precision oral medicine. Collaboration between autopsy centers and researchers can enhance our understanding of the oral and craniofacial complex as part of the whole body.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Virology
Anna Claudia Calvielli Castelo Branco, Emily Araujo De Oliveira, Natalli Zanete Pereira, Ricardo Wesley Alberca, Amaro Nunes Duarte-Neto, Luiz Fernando Ferraz Da Silva, Fernanda Guedes Luiz, Naiura Vieira Pereira, Mirian Nacagami Sotto, Naiara Naiana Dejani, Patricia Helen Carvalho Rondo, Elyzabeth Avvad-Portari, Zilton Farias Meira De Vasconcelos, Alberto Jose da Silva Duarte, Tamiris Azamor, Maria Notomi Sato
Summary: The incidence of obesity is increasing worldwide, particularly in women, and this can affect pregnancy outcomes. During this period, viral infections pose a risk to the mother, placenta, and fetus. The Zika virus outbreak in Brazil has resulted in the congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) and devastating consequences such as microcephaly in newborns. This study examines the impact of maternal overweight/obesity on the expression of antiviral factors in the placental tissue of Zika-infected mothers.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Piotr Sklepkiewicz, Barbara Dymek, Michal Mlacki, Agnieszka Zagozdzon, Magdalena Salamon, Anna Maria Siwinska, Marcin Piotr Mazurkiewicz, Natalia de Souza Xavier Costa, Marzena Mazur, Thais Mauad, Adam Golebiowski, Karolina Dzwonek, Jakub Golab, Zbigniew Zaslona
Summary: Chitotriosidase (CHIT1) is an enzyme that regulates macrophages and their role in asthma development was investigated. The expression of CHIT1 was examined in lung tissues of individuals with severe, uncontrolled, steroid-naive asthma, and a chitinase inhibitor called OATD-01 was tested in a mouse model of chronic asthma. The results showed that inhibiting CHIT1 had beneficial effects, reducing inflammation and airway remodeling in asthma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Joao Carlos Geber-Junior, Renata Aparecida de Almeida Monteiro, Joao Wilson Pedro da Rocha, Edson Luiz Tarsia Duarte, Elizabete Nicodemo, Olavo Munhoz, Edison Ferreira de Paiva, Thais Mauad, Luiz Fernando Ferraz da Silva, Paulo Hilario Nascimento Saldiva, Marisa Dolhnikoff, Amaro Nunes Duarte-Neto
Summary: A 25-year-old female patient from China, who had recently traveled to rural areas in Southeastern Brazil, was diagnosed post-mortem with Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), leading to respiratory failure and death.
REVISTA DO INSTITUTO DE MEDICINA TROPICAL DE SAO PAULO
(2023)
