Addition of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Mesenchymal Stem Cell Sheets Improves Bone Formation at an Ectopic Site

To determine the effect of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) added to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) sheets on bone formation at an ectopic site. We isolated MSCs and ADSCs from the same rabbits. We then prepared MSC sheets for implantation with or without ADSCs subcutaneously in the backs of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. We assessed bone formation at eight weeks after implantation by micro-computed tomography and histological analysis. In osteogenic medium, MSCs grew to form multilayer sheets containing many calcium nodules. MSC sheets without ADSCs formed bone-like tissue; although neo-bone and cartilage-like tissues were sparse and unevenly distributed by eight weeks after implantation. In comparison, MSC sheets with ADSCs promoted better bone regeneration as evidenced by the greater density of bone, increased mineral deposition, obvious formation of blood vessels, large number of interconnected ossified trabeculae and woven bone structures, and greater bone volume/total volume within the composite constructs. Our results indicate that although sheets of only MSCs have the potential to form tissue engineered bone at an ectopic site, the addition of ADSCs can significantly increase the osteogenic potential of MSC sheets. Thus, the combination of MSC sheets with ADSCs may be regarded as a promising therapeutic strategy to stimulate bone regeneration

Pulmonary imaging manifestations and related research progress of lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare multisystem neoplastic disease and is primarily affected women of childbearing age and premenopausal women. LAM lesions involve the lungs [known as pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (PLAM)], kidneys [such as angiomyolipoma (AML)], and the lymphatic system (including lymphangioleiomyomas and chylous effusions). As the disease progresses, LAM disrupts lung tissue, alters lung structure, and leads to the development of lymphangioleiomyomas in the chest and abdominal lymphatic ducts. Early symptoms in LAM patients are mild, and clinical presentations lack specificity, making misdiagnosis common. Death can occur due to pulmonary function deterioration and recurrent pneumothorax. Currently, lung transplantation is considered the only effective treatment, although recurrence rates are relatively high. High-resolution computer tomography (HRCT) of the chest is a key diagnostic tool for LAM,which aid not only in the diagnosis but also in assessing the severity and prognosis of the condition. With the rapid development of medical imaging technology, particularly the use of photon counting detector CT (PCD-CT), which offers high resolution and noise reduction capabilities, significant improvements in image quality can be achieved. Compared to traditional CT scans, PCD-CT reduces radiation exposure by 35.7%, making it highly suitable for diagnosing and long-term monitoring of LAM

Behavioral intentions and perceived stress under isolated environment

Abstract Background Isolation is a special environment that will affect the mental health and behavior of individuals. The current study was to explore the relationship between behavior intention (BI) and perceived stress in isolated environment during Shanghai Omicron pandemic. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted between April 8 and 14, 2022. Three self‐reported questionnaires were used to evaluate quarantine duration, stress perception, and BI. A total of 1042 participants in Shanghai under quarantine at home were included by random sampling. Logistic regression and one‐way variance analysis were used to determine the risk factors related to BI. Results The finding implicated negative BI was more reported by the population of males, with lower educational background, with jobs, and youngers. A negative association existed between perceived stress and BI (B = −1.004, p = .003, OR = 0.367, 95% CI = .191–.703). The proportion of positive BI decreased with quarantined duration, whereas the negative BI seemed vibrate upward then downward. Conclusion There existed a significant effect of quarantined days on perceived stress with different BIs. High perceived stress was a risk factor of positive BI. This preliminary study has significance to understand the effect of compulsory measures on BI and for policies makers to take a psychosocial perspective to consider the effective pandemic intervention strategies