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Influence of Three Laser Wavelengths with Different Power Densities on the Mitochondrial Activity of Human Gingival Fibroblasts in Cell Culture
Phototherapy plays a key role in wound healing and tissue regeneration. The use of lasers has the potential to become an effective and minimally invasive treatment in periodontal and peri-implant disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of three laser wavelengths with the combination of parameters such as power density and energy density on human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) in vitro culture. Isolated cells were seeded in 96-well plates with culture medium (DMEM, Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). After 24 h cells were irradiated (1064, 980 and 635 nm, various energy density value). After 24, 48 and 72 h, cells were evaluated for viability. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test. We found the best outcomes for hGFs irradiated with laser 1064 nm for all combinations of power output (50/400/1000 mW) and energy dose (3/25/64 J/cm2) after 48 h and 72 h compared with control group. Cell viability increase ranged from 0.6× (3 J/cm2, 50 mW) to 1.3× (64 J/cm2, 1000 mW). Our findings indicate that the appropriate use of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) can increase the proliferation rate of cultured cells. The use of LLLI can be extremely useful in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
No wonder, it is a hybrid. Natural hybridization between Jacobaea vulgaris and J. erucifolia revealed by molecular marker systems and its potential ecological impact
AbstractProgressive changes in the environment are related to modifications of the habitat. Introducing exotic species, and interbreeding between species can lead to processes that in the case of rare species or small populations threatens their integrity. Given the declining trends of many populations due to increased hybridization, early recognition of hybrids becomes important in conservation management. Natural hybridization is prevalent in Jacobaea. There are many naturally occurring interspecific hybrids in this genus, including those between Jacobaea vulgaris and its relatives. Although Jacobaea erucifolia and J. vulgaris often co‐occur and are considered closely related, apart from the few reports of German botanists on the existence of such hybrids, there is no information on research confirming hybridization between them. Morphologically intermediate individuals, found in the sympatric distributions of J. vulgaris and J. erucifolia, were hypothesized to be their hybrids. Two molecular marker systems (nuclear and chloroplast DNA markers) were employed to test this hypothesis and characterize putative hybrids. Nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequencing results and taxon‐specific amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fragment distribution analysis confirmed the hybrid nature of all 25 putative hybrids. The AFLP patterns of most hybrids demonstrated a closer relationship to J. erucifolia, suggesting frequent backcrossing. Moreover, they showed that several individuals previously described as pure were probably also of hybrid origin, backcrosses to J. erucifolia and J. vulgaris. This study provides the first molecular confirmation that natural hybrids between J. vulgaris and J. erucifolia occur in Poland. Hybridization appeared to be bidirectional but asymmetrical with J. vulgaris as the usual maternal parent.
Frequency and Nuisance Level of Adverse Events in Individuals Receiving Homologous and Heterologous COVID-19 Booster Vaccine
This study aimed to compare the occurrence and nuisance of adverse events following administration of each COVID-19 vaccine dose between two groups: individuals given three doses of mRNA vaccine (homologous group, 3 × mRNA, n = 252) and those given two doses of adenoviral vector vaccine further boosted with mRNA vaccine (heterologous group, 2 × AZ + 1 × mRNA, n = 205). Although the studied groups differed significantly in the frequency and number of side effects after the first and second vaccine dose, no relevant differences were seen following the booster administration. Arm pain and fatigue were the most common effects, regardless of the vaccination group and vaccine dose. In the homologous group, female sex, lower BMI, and no history of regular influenza vaccination were associated with a higher frequency of side effects of a booster dose. In the heterologous group, the history of COVID-19 was associated with an increased number of side effects seen after a booster. In both groups, the number of side effects related to the first and second dose correlated with the number observed after administration of a booster dose. Individuals receiving a homologous booster reported a higher nuisance of side effects than the heterologous group. It was similar to the level reported after the second dose in both groups. The use of pharmaceuticals to counteract the side effects was more frequent after a first dose in the 2 × AZ + 1 × mRNA group, but higher after second dose in individuals receiving the 3 × mRNA vaccination scheme. The frequency of pharmaceutical use after a booster dose was similar in both groups (approx. 60%). Paracetamol was most frequently chosen, regardless of the group and vaccine dose. In addition, the vast majority of participants (93%) declared to accept future doses of the COVID-19 vaccine if their administration would be recommended. This study provides an overview of the response to homologous and heterologous mRNA vaccine booster dose that may be valuable in shaping accurate and honest communication with vaccinated individuals, especially in those regions which are yet to pursue booster strategies.
Effects of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) on glioblastoma cells (U -118 MG)
Quercetin-Fortified Animal Forage from Onion Waste: A Zero-Waste Approach to Bioactive Feed Development
There is a high demand for the development of new carriers for pharmaceutical forms for human, veterinary, and animal-feeding use. One of the solutions might be bioactive compound-loading pellets for animal forage. The aim of the work was to assess the physical and sensory properties of forage with the addition of onion peel and off-spec onions as a source of quercetin. The feed was prepared using an expanding process (thermal–mechanical expanding process). Quercetin content was evaluated in raw onion and in final-product feed mixture samples (before and after expanding, and pelleting). The obtained feed was subjected to sensory analysis, testing for expanded pellet uniformity, water absorption index (WAI), the angle of a slide, and antioxidant activity. The results confirmed a high recovery of the quercetin after the expanding process (approximately 80%), and a significantly reduced intensity of onion odor, which was confirmed compared to the non-expanded onion, which is beneficial. Furthermore, digital and optical microscopy were applied for structure analysis. Microscopic imaging results confirmed that the onion structures were visible in the whole length of feed material and analyzed cross-sections. The results can be an introduction to further research on developing products that use the expanding and pelleting process to exploit the peel and off-spec onions, as well as other waste raw materials.
Nauka, dydaktyka i administracja, ale nie tylko... społeczność akademicka Uniwersytetu Przyrodniczego w Poznaniu wobec pandemii COVID-19
Kryzys wywołany przez pandemię COVID-19 rzucił ludzkości nowe wyzwania o wymiarze globalnym oraz lokalnym. Tym samym instytucje, w tym również te szkolnictwa wyższego, podjęły radykalne kroki mające na celu spowolnienie procesu rozprzestrzeniania się wirusa SARS-CoV-2, by dać badaczom więcej czasu na opracowanie metod leczenia i zapobiegania chorobie COVID-19. Dynamicznie zmieniająca się sytuacja epidemiczna zmusiła nas do wytyczenia nowych ścieżek w zarządzaniu istotnymi elementami życia, w tym nauką oraz nauczaniem. Ta nowa rzeczywistość wymogła na wielu uczelniach wyższych inne niż wcześniej podejście do nauczania, w szczególności w odniesieniu do cyfryzacji i wspomaganego cyfrowo uczenia się i nauczania, otwartej nauki, badań, zapewniania jakości, autonomii uczelni, finansowania i zaangażowania obywatelskiego. Oddajemy w Państwa ręce monografię Uniwersytet w czasach pandemii, powstałej na kanwie konferencji naukowo-technicznej pt. „Uniwersytet w czasach pandemii: nauka, dydaktyka, administracja”, zorganizowanej w grudniu 2022 roku. Była to druga edycja tego wydarzenia, które miało na celu szeroko rozumianą wymianę doświadczeń i wskazanie nowych obszarów badawczych związanych z pandemią. Chcieliśmy zachęcić do dyskusji nad aktualnymi w tamtym pandemicznym czasie zagadnieniami naukowymi w kraju i na świecie. Choć główny nurt naszych zainteresowań dotyczył tematyki związanej z pandemią COVID-19, nie ograniczaliśmy naszych prelegentów i uczestników wyłącznie do tej sfery. Pandemia COVID-19 zainicjowała bowiem wiele zmian w podejmowanej tematyce badawczej, nad czym również dyskutowano podczas konferencji. Podobne podejście przyjęliśmyw tej monografii. W opracowaniu znajdują się zatem rozdziały dotyczące aspektów zdrowia publicznego, dydaktyki oraz badań naukowych prowadzonych w okresie pandemii.
Czy badania prowadzone w Katedrze Biochemii i Biotechnologii pozwolą na identyfikację nowych czynników ryzyka choroby Alzheimera i chorób sercowo-naczyniowych?
Evolution of CRISPR/Cas Systems for Precise Genome Editing
The bacteria-derived CRISPR/Cas (an acronym for regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein) system is currently the most widely used, versatile, and convenient tool for genome engineering. CRISPR/Cas-based technologies have been applied to disease modeling, gene therapies, transcriptional modulation, and diagnostics. Nevertheless, some challenges remain, such as the risk of immunological reactions or off-target effects. To overcome these problems, many new methods and CRISPR/Cas-based tools have been developed. In this review, we describe the current classification of CRISPR systems and new precise genome-editing technologies, summarize the latest applications of this technique in several fields of research, and, finally, discuss CRISPR/Cas system limitations, ethical issues, and challenges.
In Vitro Evidence of Selective Pro-Apoptotic Action of the Pure Cannabidiol and Cannabidiol-Rich Extract
Plant cannabinoids, secondary metabolites of species belonging to the Cannabis genus, can mimic the endocannabinoids’ action and exert biological effects. Considering the contribution of the endocannabinoid system in cell cycle and apoptotic regulation, there is an interest in exploring the potential anti-cancer activities of natural and synthetic cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD), an abundant plant cannabinoid, reveals a low affinity to cannabinoid receptors and, contrary to various cannabinoids, lacks psychoactive action. Here, we present the in vitro assessment of the pro-apoptototic potential of CBD-rich extracts of Cannabis sativa L. (eCBD) compared to purified CBD (pCBD). As demonstrated, both eCBD and pCBD decreased the viability of breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 in a concentration-dependent fashion. Endoplasmic reticulum stress-related apoptosis and morphological changes were induced only in low-serum conditions. Moreover, the effects of eCDB and pCDB were also assessed in non-malignant cell lines (MCF-10A and PNT2) with no alterations of viability noted, ultimately suggesting a selective action of CBD in tumor cells. The results suggest the possible involvement of reactive oxygen species in the response mechanism to eCBD and pCBD, but no clear pattern was observed. We also demonstrated significant changes in gene expression involved in apoptosis and cell cycle control upon extract treatment. Altogether, our study shows the potential of eCBD and pCBD as novel pro-apoptototic agents that can be considered promising in future preclinical and clinical testing.
Genetically modified pigs with α1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout and beyond: a comprehensive review of xenotransplantation strategies
Xenotransplantation holds promise to eliminate the shortage of organs intended for humans in need. Pigs constitute the most suitable organ xenograft donor due to the fact that their organ anatomy physiological metabolism and immune system resemble those of humans. However, swine organs rapidly cause hyperacute rejection (HAR) and acute humoral xenograft rejection (AHXR) after transplantation. HAR and AHXR are caused by the presence of xenoreactive natural immunoglobulins directed toward a galactose alpha1-3-galactose (alpha-Gal) epitope on porcine vascular endothelium. In order to suppress both types of rejection, pigs with alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase gene knockout (GT-KO) and other genetic modifications (like simultaneous expression of the human complementary regulatory proteins) are intensively investigated. This review highlights the usefulness of GT-KO pig – derived organs such as kidney, heart, corneal, and lung in xenotransplantation. To obtain transgenic pigs researchers can use several techniques based on pronuclear and cytoplasmic microinjection, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), viral transduction of DNA and DNA transposable element -based technology, site specific nucleases and modifications of the CRISPR/Cas bacterial immune system. Some additional strategies like targeted immunosuppression or tolerance induction of B and T cells will be essential for sustained survival of xenografts. Although xenotransplantation with the use of pigs is a very rapidly evolving field, more research is needed to create perfectly compatible with the human immune system organs.
Morphological differences in populations of Jacobaea erucifolia: Genetic differentiation, phenotypic plasticity or ecotypes?
Accurate taxonomic classification is essential for effective conservation strategies, especially for rare and endangered species. Traditionally based on morphology, such classifications may be challenged by recent advances in molecular tools that reveal hidden genetic structure or lack thereof. Jacobaea erucifolia is a declining species in Poland, primarily threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and competition with invasive species. Although two subspecies—erucifolia and tenuifolia—have been identified in Poland based on leaf morphology and ecological preferences, the taxonomic status of these forms remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variation within ten Polish populations of J. erucifolia and assess whether the observed morphological differences correspond to genetic divergence. Based on morphology, four populations were classified as subsp. erucifolia and six as subsp. tenuifolia. Reference populations of confirmed subspecies tenuifolia were included from Slovakia, Hungary, and the Netherlands. Genetic analyses were conducted using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), chloroplast DNA restriction fragments (RFLP), cpDNA, and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA sequences. The results revealed a high level of admixture and no significant genetic differentiation among Polish populations, regardless of their initial morphological classification. All Polish populations formed a single genetic group, distinct from foreign tenuifolia samples, although no diagnostic genetic markers were identified to separate these two groups (subspecies) of J. erucifolia definitively. Moreover, sequence data showed no differences among all analyzed individuals, further challenging the validity of subspecies differentiation. These findings suggest that the morphological variation observed within Polish populations likely reflects phenotypic plasticity rather than subspecies-level divergence. Consequently, subspecies tenuifolia does not appear to occur in Poland, and observed differences between Polish populations and those from neighboring countries may represent ecotypic variation. Our study underscores the necessity of integrating genetic and morphological data when resolving taxonomic ambiguities, especially in the context of conservation planning. Future research involving broader geographic sampling and deeper analysis of hybridization patterns will help clarify the evolutionary history and and population dynamics of J. erucifolia.