Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Decentralized identifiers based IoT data trusted collection
Bioelectric stimulation outperforms brain derived neurotrophic factor in promoting neuronal maturation
Abstract Neuronal differentiation and maturation are crucial for developing research models and therapeutic applications. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a widely used biochemical stimulus for promoting neuronal maturation. However, the broad effects of biochemical stimuli on multiple cellular functions limit their applicability in both in vitro models and clinical settings. Electrical stimulation (ES) offers a promising physical method to control cell fate and function, but it is hampered by lack of standard and optimised protocols. In this study, we demonstrate that ES outperforms BDNF in promoting neuronal maturation in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y. Additionally, we address the question regarding which ES parameters regulate biological responses. The neuronal differentiation and maturation of SH-SY5Y cells were tested under several pulsed ES regimes. We identified accumulated charge and effective electric field time as novel criteria for determining optimal ES regimes. ES parameters were obtained using electrochemical characterisation and equivalent circuit modelling. Our findings show that neuronal maturation in SH-SY5Y cells correlates with the amount of accumulated charge during ES. Higher charge accumulation (~ 50 mC/h) significantly promotes extensive neurite outgrowth and ramification, and enhances the expression of synaptophysin, yielding effects exceeding those of BDNF. In contrast, fewer charge injection to the culture (~ 0.1 mC/h) minimally induces maturation but significantly increases cell proliferation. Moreover, ES altered the concentration and protein cargo of secreted extracellular vesicles (EV). ES with large enough accumulated charge significantly enriched EV proteome associated with neural development and function. These results demonstrate that each ES regime induces distinct cellular responses. Increased accumulated charge facilitates the development of complex neuronal morphologies and axonal ramification, outperforming exogenous neurotrophic factors. Controlled ES methods are immediately applicable in creating mature neuronal cultures in vitro with minimal chemical intervention.
Epidemiologic trends and characteristics of cancer-related emergency department visits of older patients living with cancer in South Korea
Banana fibre-reinforced diatomaceous earth slurry treatment of recycled aggregate for enhanced structural concrete performance
PRKD2 as a novel target for targeting the diabetes–osteoporosis nexus
Emerging burden of post-cancer therapy complications on unplanned hospitalisation and costs among Australian cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study over 14 years
Investigating the vascular structure of the conjunctiva in patients using spherical mini-scleral contact lenses utilizing OCT-A imaging
A daily rhythm of cell proliferation in a songbird brain
Modification of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles for antibiotic detection
Epidemiological trends and predictions of urinary tract infections in the global burden of disease study 2021
Selective epithelial expression of KRASG12D in the Oncopig pancreas drives ductal proliferation and desmoplasia that is accompanied by an immune response
The influence of temperature, seepage and stress on the area and category of wellbore instability
Optical memory and counter using a graphene based hybrid plasmonic temporal integrator
Laboratory and field assays indicate that a widespread no-see-um, Culicoides furens (Poey) is susceptible to permethrin
Design and experiment of air-suction drum-type seedling seeder for irregular-shaped vegetable seeds
Mechanistic insights into PROS1 inhibition of bladder cancer progression and angiogenesis via the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway
Understanding the impact of plasma functionalized MWCNTs on the structure, physicochemical and mechanical properties of PEMA
Abstract In this study, plasma functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes, f-MWCNTs, were incorporated into a poly(ethyl methacrylate), PEMA, polymer matrix at different wt.% (0.005, 0.01, and 0.02 wt.%) to prepare nanocomposite films using the traditional solution casting method. The XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, TGA, mechanical analysis and UV–Vis spectroscopy techniques were employed to investigate the effects of the wt.% of f-MWCNTs on the structure, spectroscopic and other physiochemical properties of the synthesized films. XRD analysis showed a monotonic change in the PEMA structure upon incorporation of f-MWCNTs at different wt.%. The XPS results showed an increase of oxygen-based functional groups C-O and O-C-O on the PEMA/f-MWCNTs/ composite films compared to pure PEMA. Raman spectroscopy results consistent with the XRD and XPS findings, confirming the homogeneous distribution of f-MWCNTs in the PEMA matrix. Thermal stability of f-MWCNTs/PEMA improved as the f-MWCNTs content increased. Optical studies showed a reduction in the bandgap energy as the f-MWCNTs content increased, accompanied by significant improvements in optical properties such as refractive index (n), extinction coefficient (k), dielectric constants (ε′ and ε″), and optical conductivity (σopt). Mechanical testing revealed enhancements in breaking strength, Young’s modulus, yield stress, and elongation at break with increasing f-MWCNTs concentrations. Furthermore, the AC electrical conductivity of the films also improved, demonstrating better charge transport capabilities. These synergistic enhancements in optical, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties make PEMA/f-MWCNTs nanocomposites promising candidates for advanced applications, including optoelectronic devices, optical components, and conductive packaging materials.
Effect of Bio MTA plus & ProRoot MTA pulp capping materials on the regenerative properties of human dental pulp stem cells
Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the biological properties of hDPSCs exposed to Bio MTA+ & ProRoot MTA pulp capping materials on the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were isolated from impacted third molars. Extracts of Bio MTA + and ProRoot MTA were prepared at a 1:1 ratio. The effects of the extracts on hDPSCs cytotoxicity and proliferation were assessed via a CCK-8 assay. Annexin V expression was investigated to assess the effects of both materials on the induction of apoptosis. The effects of ProRoot MTA and Bio MTA + extraction media on the stemness properties of hDPSCs were assessed via real-time quantitative PCR, and the expression of odontogenic markers (RUNX2, DMP1 & DSSP) was analyzed via RT‒PCR Alizarin Red staining. Cells exposed to Bio MTA + had the greatest degree of proliferation. The results of Annexin V staining indicated that Bio MTA + caused the least amount of apoptosis. RUNX2, DMP1 and DSSP were highly expressed by Bio MTA + and indicated successful odontogenic differentiation. Compared with ProRoot MTA, Bio MTA + exhibited an exceptional level of cytocompatibility, as well as advantageous bioactivities, including the preservation of stemness and an increase in the proliferation capacity of hDPSCs. In addition, it demonstrated favorable bioactive properties by stimulating odontogenic differentiation. Bio MTA + offers significant advantages in terms of biocompatibility, bioactivity, and regenerative potential, making it an excellent choice for procedures aimed at preserving or regenerating dental pulp tissue. However, additional research is required to address the lack of in vivo validation, as replicating physiological conditions is crucial for accurately assessing clinical outcomes and comparing them with results obtained from in vitro experiments.