Band 5, Heft 1

Bone injuries and diseases are associated with profound changes in the biophysical properties of living bone tissues, particularly their electrical and mechanical properties. The biophysical properties of healthy bone are attributed to the complex network of interactions between its various cell types (i.e., osteocytes, osteoclast, immune cells and vascular endothelial cells) with the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) against the backdrop of a myriad of biomechanical and bioelectrical stimuli arising from daily physical activities. Understanding the pathophysiological changes in bone biophysical properties is critical to developing new therapeutic strategies and novel scaffold biomaterials for orthopedic surgery and tissue engineering, as well as provides a basis for the application of various biophysical stimuli as therapeutic agents to restore the physiological microenvironment of injured/diseased bone tissue, to facilitate its repair and regeneration. These include mechanical, electrical, magnetic, thermal and ultrasound stimuli, which will be critically examined in this review. A significant advantage of utilizing such biophysical stimuli to facilitate bone healing is that these may be applied non-invasively with minimal damage to surrounding tissues, unlike conventional orthopedic surgical procedures. Furthermore, the effects of such biophysical stimuli can be localized specifically at the bone defect site, unlike drugs or growth factors that tend to diffuse away after delivery, which may result in detrimental side effects at ectopic sites.

Our understanding of β-cell differentiation from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) is rapidly evolving. Although progress has been made, challenges remain, particularly in achieving glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are valuable due to their pluripotent ability. A fixed protocol targeting master regulatory genes initiates stem cells into pancreatic lineage commitment. Due to the observations that a single stem cell can differentiate into multiple cell types depending on various factors and conditions, non-linear differentiation pathways exist. Co-expression of key factors remains essential for successful β-cell differentiation. The mature β-cell marker MAFA plays a critical role in maintaining the differentiation state and preventing dedifferentiation. Recapitulating pancreatic islet clustering enhances physiological responses, offering potential avenues for diabetes treatment. On the other hand, several enhanced differentiation protocols from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have improved the functional insulin producing β-cells generated. These findings, with their potential to revolutionize diabetes treatment, highlight the complexity of β-cell differentiation and guide further advancements in regenerative medicine.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are paramount as the global community confronts the ramifications of climate alterations, especially its implications on population dynamics. Initial studies suggest an intricate relationship between environmental determinants and reproductive choices. This systematic review elucidates the complex interplay between climate-related challenges and observed global fertility rate variations. A comprehensive search and analysis of literature published in the last 10 years (2013–2023), available in the PubMed database, delineates the relationship between environmental changes and fertility patterns in both human and animal populations. The review highlighted significant effects of climatic fluctuations on reproductive health, manifested as either adaptive or maladaptive responses to environmental stressors. This relationship not only influences population trajectories but may also have complications for the SDGs, specifically those pertaining to health, well-being, and gender equality. The study emphasizes the importance of intertwining demographic insights with ecological considerations. A deeper understanding of the nexus between climate and fertility can augment strategies aimed at global sustainability. The synthesized evidence underscores the urgency for further research, which seeks to seamlessly incorporate eco-fertility perspectives into wider climate and sustainability discussions.

Chronic Mountain Sickness (CMS), characterized by increased red blood cells above average values traditionally attributed to chronic hypobaric hypoxia exposure, is being redefined in light of recent research and clinical experience. We propose a shift in perspective, viewing CMS not as a singular entity but as Poly-erythrocythemia (PEH), as the Hematocrit/Hemoglobin/Red Blood Cells (Ht/Hb/RBCs) increase constitutes a sign, not a disease reflecting a spectrum of oxygen transport alterations in multiple diseases in the chronic hypoxia environment in high-altitude populations. Drawing on over five decades of experience at the High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA) in Bolivia, we advocate for altitude-specific blood parameter norms and emphasize the importance of correct etiological diagnosis for effective management. This updated understanding not only aids in managing chronically hypoxemic patients at various altitudes but also offers valuable insights into global health challenges, including the recovery from COVID-19.

Long COVID, as currently defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other authorities, is a symptomatic condition that has been shown to affect an estimated 10 %–30 % of non-hospitalized patients after one infection. However, COVID-19 can also cause organ damage in individuals without symptoms, who would not fall under the current definition of Long COVID. This organ damage, whether symptomatic or not, can lead to various health impacts such as heart attacks and strokes. Given these observations, it is necessary to either expand the definition of Long COVID to include organ damage or recognize COVID-19-induced organ damage as a distinct condition affecting many symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals after COVID-19 infections. It is important to consider that many known adverse health outcomes, including heart conditions and cancers, can be asymptomatic until harm thresholds are reached. Many more medical conditions can be identified by testing than those that are recognized through reported symptoms. It is therefore important to similarly recognize that while Long COVID symptoms are associated with organ damage, there are many individuals that have organ damage without displaying recognized symptoms and to include this harm in the characterization of COVID-19 and in the monitoring of individuals after COVID-19 infections.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have shown great potential in clinical applications. However, the similarities and differences between these two cell types have not been fully elucidated. Recent advances in transcriptomic and metabolomic research have provided valuable insight into the characteristics and functions of ADSCs and BMSCs. In this perspective article, we review the key findings from these studies, including cellular heterogeneity as well as differences in metabolic and secretory properties. We discuss how these insights can help guide the selection of the most suitable cell source for the clinic, and the optimization of preconditioning strategies prior to clinical deployment. Furthermore, we analyze the current landscape of products and clinical trials involving ADSCs and BMSCs, highlighting their therapeutic potential. We propose that the integration of multi-omics datasets will be crucial for establishing a comprehensive understanding of ADSC and BMSC identity and potency, and the provision of quality-assured stem cell-derived products for the clinic.