This study investigated the effect of low level laser irradiation on primary cultures of adult human adipose derived stem cells (ADSC) using a 635-nm diode laser, at 5 J/cm(2) with a power output of 50.2 mW and a power density of 5.5 mW/cm(2). Cellular morphology did not appear to change after irradiation. Using the trypan blue exclusion test, the cellular viability of irradiated cells increased by 1% at 24 h and 1.6% at 48 h but was not statistically significant. However, the increase of cellular viability as measured by ATP luminescence was statistically significant at 48 h (p < 0.05). Proliferation of irradiated cells, measured by optical density, resulted in statistically significant increases in values compared to nonirradiated cells (p < 0.05) at both time points. Western blot analysis and immunocytochemical labeling indicated an increase in the expression of stem cell marker beta1-integrin after irradiation. These results indicate that 5 J/cm(2) of laser irradiation can positively affect human adipose stem cells by increasing cellular viability, proliferation, and expression of beta1-integrin.

The study investigated the effects of low-level laser radiation and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on adult adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) isolated from human adipose tissue. Isolated cells were cultured to semi-confluence, and the monolayers of ADSCs were exposed to low-level laser at 5 J/cm(2) using 636 nm diode laser. Cell viability and proliferation were monitored using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) luminescence and optical density at 0 h, 24 h and 48 h after irradiation. Application of low-level laser irradiation at 5 J/cm(2) on human ADSCs cultured with EGF increased the viability and proliferation of these cells. The results indicate that low-level laser irradiation in combination with EGF enhances the proliferation and maintenance of ADSCs in vitro.

Investment in SARS-CoV-2 sequencing in Africa over the past year has led to a major increase in the number of sequences generated, now exceeding 100,000 genomes, used to track the pandemic on the continent. Our results show an increase in the number of African countries able to sequence domestically, and highlight that local sequencing enables faster turnaround time and more regular routine surveillance. Despite limitations of low testing proportions, findings from this genomic surveillance study underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic and shed light on the distinct dispersal dynamics of Variants of Concern, particularly Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron, on the continent. Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve, while the continent faces many emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threats. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century.

Background Plasmodium falciparum malaria dominates throughout sub-Saharan Africa, but the prevalence of P. malariae, P. ovale spp., and P. vivax increasingly contribute to infection in countries which control malaria using P. falciparum-specific diagnostic and treatment strategies. Methods We performed qPCR on 2,987 dried blood spots from the 2015-2016 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey to identify the presence and distribution of non-falciparum infection. Bivariate models were used to determine species-specific associations with demographic and environmental risk factors. Results Non-falciparum infections had a broad spatial distribution. Weighted prevalence was 0.025 (SE: 0.004) for P. malariae, 0.097 (SE: 0.008) for P. ovale spp., and 0.001 (SE: 0.0005) for P. vivax. Most infections (85.6%) had low-density parasitemias ≤10 parasites/µL, and 66.7% of P. malariae, 34.6% of P. ovale spp., and 40.0% of P. vivax infections were co-infected with P. falciparum. Risk factors for P. malariae were like those known for P. falciparum, however, there were few risk factors recognized for P. ovale spp. and P. vivax, perhaps due to the potential for relapsing episodes. Conclusions The prevalence of any non-falciparum infection was 11.7%, with infections distributed across Malawi. Continued monitoring of Plasmodium spp. becomes critical as non-falciparum infections become important sources of ongoing transmission.