Scar among Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccinated Children Presenting to an Immunisation Clinic at a Tertiary Hospital in Nepal: An Observational Study

Introduction: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination is associated with the development of scarring at the vaccination site in most children within 12 weeks of vaccination. However, due to various factors, some children do not develop scars. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of scar failure and the differences in clinical characteristics between scar-positive and scar-negative children. Methods: This observational cross-section study was conducted between 12 September 2022 and 15 April 2024 on children attending a vaccination clinic at a tertiary care hospital for 12 or 15-month vaccination. A purposive sampling method was used, and 386 children were enrolled in the study. During medical history, information was collected on Bacillus Clamettte-Guérin vaccination, child and maternal clinical profiles, and hospitalisations for respiratory tract infections in children. Results: Among 386 infants, prevalence of BCG scar was 341 (88.34%; 95% CI: 91.81%-91.37%). Vaccination was confirmed in 94.82% by history and card. The median scar size was 4mm (IQR: 2,5 mm) transversely and 3 mm (IQR: 2,5) vertically. Thirty-two (8.30%) infants required hospital admission for respiratory infections; none received anti-tubercular treatment. Conclusions: The BCG scar formation was higher compare to the scar failure. The scar failure was comparable to other studies

The effect of glioma extracellular matrix components on tumor cell migration

Thesis (M.S.)-- Wichita State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Biological SciencesAggressive primary brain tumors starting from glial cells in the central nervous system are called gliomas. With collagen and hyaluronic acid as main components, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is vital in controlling tumor cell behavior. While hyaluronic acid offers a hydrated, elastic environment and signals by CD44 and RHAMM receptors to promote cytoskeletal reorganization, proliferation, and invasion, collagen acts as a structural scaffold and influences signaling pathways via integrin-mediated interactions. On collagen, hyaluronic acid, and collagen-hyaluronic acid composite substrates, this work examined the migratory and proliferative responses of U87 glioma cells and primary glioma cells. Results revealed that glioma cells show higher migration speed and proliferation rate on collagen-coated surfaces compared with hyaluronan coated surface. Combining hyaluronic acid with collagen produced an intermediary phenotype. High doses of ascorbic acid were investigated in relation to glioma cell behavior. As an antioxidant, ascorbic acid worked at low dosages to lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, so promoting cell survival. High concentrations, however, had a prooxidant effect that caused cytotoxicity, interfered with mitochondrial function, and resulted in death. These results have important consequences for the design of anti-glioma treatments since they imply that aiming at ECM-cell interactions or changing ECM stiffness and composition could lower tumor invasiveness

The interaction of matrix components and cells regulates the cellular and molecular process of glioma cells

Presented to the 21st Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 11, 2025.Research completed in the Department of Biological Sciences, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.INTRODUCTION: The production of fibrous proteins such as collagens in glioma extracellular matrix (ECM) increase compared with normal brain. The increased collagen type I and type IV alter the brain microenvironment and result in the change of glioma cell motility. Studies suggested that the increased collagen level in matrix altered the mechanical properties of the brain ECM and the increase of matrix stiffness may increase the glioma cell migration and invasion. The direct evidence is lacking on how collagen and hyaluronic acid in ECM affect glioma cell migration and proliferation. PURPOSE: In this work, we report the migration and cell cycle for glioma cells grown on collagen, or hyaluronic acid substrates. METHODS: Glioblastoma cells were grown on different substrates and labeled with Rhodamine Phalloidin to study the cell morphology. Flowcytometry was performed to study the cell cycle on different substrates. Time-lapse microscopy was used to study tumor cell motility. RESULTS: Our research found the different migration speeds of glioma cells on different substrates. Collagen surface promoted tumor cell migration. The tumor cells showed elongated shape on collagen substrate. Different glioma cell line showed different cell cycle behavior in the cell culture. CONCLUSION: Our study showed the impact of extracellular matrix components on cell proliferation and motility.Graduate School, Academic Affairs, University Librarie

From Intentional Awareness to Environmental Action: The Relationship Between Mindfulness and Pro-Environmental Behaviors

Mindfulness is defined as the ‘awareness that arises through paying attention to the present moment, on purpose, non-judgmentally’. Despite ample empirical evidence of its efficacy in inducing positive behavior change, almost no work has investigated the viability of using mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to promote pro-environmental behavior. Some recent studies have demonstrated consistent correlational relationships between mindfulness levels and pro-environmental attitudes (e.g., connectedness to nature), intentions, and some pro-environmental behaviors (e.g., recycling, “green” purchasing decisions), but no past work has explicitly examined mindfulness in the context of energy saving behaviors. Results from both quantitative and qualitative research conducted as part of this project add to existing evidence of a link between engagement in mindfulness practices and pro-environmental engagement, including, but not limited to, household energy use behaviors. Results from a couple of quantitative studies that were a part of this project show that dispositional facets Observe and Non-React were significant predictors of self-reported household energy behaviors, along with frequent engagement with mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises. The results from the qualitative study present mindfulness to be a complex, multidimensional concept that is understood and experienced differently by different people. Unlike usually value-neutral academic and corporate conceptualizations, long-term practitioners who engage with the concept report their practice to have strong ethical dimensions. Engagement with mindfulness as a practice impacts practitioners' perceived connectedness to nature and supports their environmental behaviors. The study provides conceptual models that attempt to explain the relationship between mindfulness practice, connectedness to nature, and pro-environmental behaviors. Results from these studies suggest the possibility that mindfulness-based interventions could provide a novel approach to improving environmental behaviors though further research is needed to determine whether this is indeed the case. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.Master of Science (M.S.

Building Block of Job Satisfaction in the Employees of Bank and Financial Institutions in Nepal

The study aims at analyzing the determinants of job satisfaction in bank employees of Kathmandu valley, Nepal. The research has adopted analytical research design. The Exploratory Factor Analysis has been conducted to analyze the factor influencing job satisfaction of junior level bank employees in Kathmandu valley. The 31 usable sample sizes have been taken for the study purpose. The study found most significant factor as job security, years of experience, social status and financial status. The study concludes that the job security, experience and salary ad allowance are the building block of job satisfaction for junior level bank employees in Kathmandu valley.</jats:p

Interaction of matrix components and cells regulating cellular and molecular processes of glioma cells

Click on the DOI link to access this article at the publishers website (may not be free).The aberrant production of extracellular matrix (ECM) in gliomas results in aggressive tumor invasion. Hyaluronic acid (HA) and increased collagen production in the glioma matrix regulate tumor cell proliferation and migration. However, the regulatory effect of these molecules on glioma cells remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the cell migration, proliferation, and transcriptome of glioma cells on collagen and HA substrates to understand the regulation of cellular processes. We found that both U87 and primary glioma cells showed a higher proliferation level on a collagen substrate compared with a hyaluronate substrate in an AlamarBlue® assay. U87 and primary glioma cells showed higher migration velocity on collagen substrate compared with hyaluronate substrate, a substrate of mixed collagen and hyaluronate, and collagen gels. The pathways enriched among genes up-regulated on collagen substrate versus hyaluronate substrate include focal adhesion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, ECM-receptor interaction, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, which are involved in the regulation of cell migration. The up-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) include integrin receptors, ECM molecules such as collagen types I, IV, and VI, fibronectin, and laminins, as well as signaling pathway molecules AKT3, RAC2, PIP5K1C, PIP4K2A, and PIK3R2. We also observed the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) genes and components of the glycosaminoglycan degradation pathway in glioma cells on the collagen matrix compared with those on HA matrix. This study reveals the effect of collagen and HA on glioma cells at the transcriptional level and contributes to the understanding of potential targets for therapy

Significant progress in stem cell treatment for alzheimer's disease

Click on the DOI link to access this article at the publishers website (may not be free).Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a significant health problem and the most common cause of dementia. The crucial pathological change of AD is the deposition of beta-amyloid (ßA) in the extracellular matrix in the central nervous system and the intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in neurons. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress result in neuron death and, therefore, cause a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The removal of toxic deposits and the replacement of lost neurons have been the target of AD therapy. However, the current drug treatment of AD using cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists has achieved limited clinical outcomes. Stem cell therapy for AD has attracted significant attention because stem cells can potentially replace neuron loss and reduce inflammation in the neural tissue. In this chapter, we will review the advancements in the investigation of stem cells for AD treatment at tissue, cellular, and molecular levels. © 2025 Karina Petkova, Prabriti Neupane, Sarah Schmitt, Nischal Neupane, Rajprasad Loganathan, Li Yao. All rights reserved

Significant progress in stem cell treatment for Alzheimer's disease: A critical review

This handbook comprehensively explores various facets of stem cells and their secretome in the field of regenerative medicine, covering topics such as the biology, characteristics, and applications of mesenchymal and non-mesenchymal stem cells in diverse medical contexts. It delves into their potential for treatment of radiation injuries, diabetes, aging-related diseases, osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease, and oral surgery. Furthermore, it investigates the potential of neuronal stem cells for neural repair, myoblast implants for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and immunotherapy using non-genetically modified natural killer cells. The book also uncovers the possibilities of botanical leads for stem cell therapy, explores the role of stem cells in promoting healthy aging, and sheds light on their complex interplay with cancer, particularly in gliomas and gynecologic cancers. Additionally, it reviews the use of stem cell-derived insoluble factors, focusing on extracellular vesicles as therapeutic agents in dentistry, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. The chapters discuss the potential of engineering mesenchymal stem cells secretome for bone regeneration and treating intracerebral hemorrhage. Towards the end, the book elucidates cell-free scaffolding for tissue engineering, adult stem cells' disease tropism, and the evolving strategies in regenerative medicine. It is intended for researchers, professionals, and academicians in the fields of regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, and medical biotechnology