BackgroundStatins are lipid-lowering agents that also exhibit pleiotropic effects in decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation. There have been several published studies reporting the use of statins in the treatment of asthma patients, but their results are not consistent. The aim of this study is to determine whether statins are beneficial for asthma administration, and explore the potential covariables that may affect their clinical effectiveness.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials from inception to September 2012. Randomized controlled trials (RCT), retrospective studies and controlled clinical trials which reported the use of statins in the treatment of asthma patients were eligible. Quality evaluation was conducted for RCT using Jadad criteria.ResultsA total of 18 articles were included. In our study, we found no conclusive evidence to demonstrate that statins could enhance the lung function in asthmatics, although, they may reduce airway inflammation. Additionally, the results were not consistent across studies with respect to symptoms, quality of life, maintenance medication, asthma hospitalization/emergency department (ED) visits.ConclusionsStatins may reduce airway inflammation in asthmatics, without having a significant effect on lung function. Further large sample and multicenter clinical trials are needed to confirm this and to see if there are more responsive phenotypes of asthma.
Aim: Bone mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (Exos) have been shown to exert therapeutic effects in spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, we aimed to apply bioengineering approaches to promote Exo retention and their sustained release for SCI repair. Materials & methods: 3D gelatin methacrylate hydrogel (GelMA) was used as a transplanted Exo delivery system (GelMA-Exos). The viability, proliferation, and differentiation of neural stem cells cultured on hydrogel were assessed. Further, GelMA-Exos was injected into the damaged lesions to assess its repair potential. Results: GelMA hydrogel enhanced the retention of Exos, which promoted the neuronal differentiation and extension in vitro. Furthermore, GelMA-Exos promoted neurogenesis and attenuated glial scars in the damaged lesions. Conclusion: The injectable Exo-loaded 3D hydrogel induced neurological functional recovery post SCI.
It is well-established that treating articular cartilage injuries is clinically challenging since they lack blood arteries, nerves, and lymphoid tissue. Recent studies have revealed that bone marrow stem cell-derived exosomes (BMSCs-Exos) exert significant chondroprotective effects through paracrine secretions, and hydrogel-based materials can synergize the exosomes through sustained release. Therefore, this research aims to synthesize an ECM (extracellular matrix)-mimicking gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel modified by gelatin combined with BMSCs-derived exosomes to repair cartilage damage. We first isolated and characterized exosomes from BMSCs supernatant and then loaded the exosomes into GelMA hydrogel to investigate cartilage repair effects in in vitro and in vivo experiments. The outcomes showed that the GelMA hydrogel has good biocompatibility with a 3D (three-dimensional) porous structure, exhibiting good carrier characteristics for exosomes. Furthermore, BMSCs-Exos had a significant effect on promoting chondrocyte ECM production and chondrocyte proliferation, and the GelMA hydrogel could enhance this effect through a sustained-release effect. Similarly, in vivo experiments showed that GelMA-Exos promoted cartilage regeneration in rat joint defects and the synthesis of related cartilage matrix proteins.
Based on a panel survey filled by seventh grade students, who studied in Shaxi Middle School located in Shaxi, Yunnan, China, after completing a semester of Online English Peer Tutoring Program, the research applied the data collected, including English Exam grades and background information, with Regression and Z-score to analyze the effectiveness of Private Tutoring. The analysis yields the following findings: private tutoring is effective for all students regardless of natural abilities and gender. By putting gender and mid-term exam grades into the regression, participants have an average of 2.161 percent points higher than non-participants. Also, male students benefit more from tutoring.
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