How electricity can heal wounds faster

 Chronic wounds are a major health problem for diabetic patients and the elderly—in extreme cases they can even lead to amputation. Using electric stimulation, researchers in a project at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the University of Freiburg, Germany, have developed a method that speeds up the healing process, making wounds heal three times faster.

For most people, a small wound does not lead to any serious complications, but many common diagnoses make wound healing far more difficult. People with diabetes, spinal injuries or poor blood circulation have impaired wound healing ability. This means a greater risk of infection and chronic wounds—which in the long run can lead to such serious consequences as amputation.

Now a group of researchers at Chalmers and the University of Freiburg have developed a method using electric stimulation to speed up the healing process. The study, "Bioelectronic microfluidic wound healing: a platform for investigating direct current stimulation of injured cell collectives," was published in the journal Lab on a Chip.

"Chronic wounds are a huge societal problem that we don't hear a lot about. Our discovery of a method that may heal wounds up to three times faster can be a game changer for diabetic and elderly people, among others, who often suffer greatly from wounds that won't heal," says Maria Asplund, Associate Professor of Bioelectronics at Chalmers University of Technology and head of research on the project.

Electric guidance of cells for faster healing

The researchers worked from an old hypothesis that electric stimulation of damaged skin can be used to heal wounds. The idea is that skin cells are electrotactic, which means that they directionally "migrate" in electric fields. This means that if an electric field is placed in a petri dish with skin cells, the cells stop moving randomly and start moving in the same direction.

The researchers investigated how this principle can be used to electrically guide the cells in order to make wounds heal faster. Using a tiny engineered chip, the researchers were able to compare wound healing in artificial skin, stimulating one wound with electricity and letting one heal without electricity. The differences were striking.

"We were able to show that the old hypothesis about electric stimulation can be used to make wounds heal significantly faster. In order to study exactly how this works for wounds, we developed a kind of biochip on which we cultured skin cells, which we then made tiny wounds in. Then we stimulated one wound with an electric field, which clearly led to it healing three times as fast as the wound that healed without electric stimulation," Maria Asplund says.

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Credit: Lab on a Chip (2023). DOI: 10.1039/D2LC01045C

Hope for diabetes patients

In the study, the researchers also focused on wound healing in connection with diabetes, a growing health problem worldwide. One in 11 adults today has some form of diabetes according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation.

"We've looked at diabetes models of wounds and investigated whether our method could be effective even in those cases. We saw that when we mimic diabetes in the cells, the wounds on the chip heal very slowly. However, with electric stimulation we can increase the speed of healing so that the diabetes-affected cells almost correspond to healthy skin cells," Asplund says.

Individualized treatment is the next step

The Chalmers researchers recently received a large grant which will allow them to continue their research in the field, and in the long run enable the development of wound healing products for consumers on the market. Similar products have come out before, but more basic research is required to develop effective products that generate enough electric field strength and stimulate in the right way for each individual. This is where Asplund and her colleagues come into the picture.

"We are now looking at how different skin cells interact during stimulation, to take a step closer to a realistic wound. We want to develop a concept to be able to 'scan' wounds and adapt the stimulation based on the individual wound. We are convinced that this is the key to effectively helping individuals with slow-healing wounds in the future," Asplund says.

More information: Sebastian Shaner et al, Bioelectronic microfluidic wound healing: a platform for investigating direct current stimulation of injured cell collectives, Lab on a Chip (2023). DOI: 10.1039/D2LC01045C

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-04-electricity-wounds-faster.html

Mechanisms behind chronic UTIs found

 Published in Nature Microbiology, a study in mice finds that the microbial basis for urinary tract infections can include localized epigenetic alterations that make additional infections more likely.

Previous urinary tract infections (UTIs) are known to predispose patients to future infections, but the mechanisms behind the recurrences are not well understood. Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis followed up on their previous research, which found differential epithelial cellular changes after UTIs in mice bladders, leading to different outcomes.

The current study, "Uropathogenic Escherichia coli infection-induced epithelial trained immunity impacts urinary tract disease outcome," compared urothelial stem cell (USC) lines isolated from mice with a history of either resolved or chronic uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) infection, and found epigenetic changes, including differences in chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation and histone modification. A News & Views article on the research was published in the same journal issue.

One clue the researchers followed was that previous infection results in urothelial stem cell changes that persist over many generations of cell culture, indicating a possible epigenetic modification within those cells. Epigenetic modifications are not changes to the DNA sequences of the cells but in how DNA is accessed and, therefore, which genes are expressed. These sorts of changes can alter normal cell function and, in this case, immunity responses.

They discovered that UPEC infection acts as an epi-mutagen, reprogramming the functional activity of urothelial cells, leading to remodeling and an alteration or trained innate response to subsequent infections. The research demonstrates the direct role of a mucosal bacterial infection in eliciting specific epigenetic changes in mucosal epithelial stem cells.

While not proposing a solution, the research on mice does identify previously unknown mechanisms that inform future research in devising solutions to chronic UTIs. This could be a significant and actionable elevation of our knowledge on the subject that currently only offers recommendations on how to wipe after using the toilet, suggestions to keep genitals dry and encouraging copious amounts of cranberry juice drinking as strategies to prevent reinfection.

Even without a current curative solution, the study may be welcome news for those suffering from chronically reoccurring infections in confirming that the problem is an epigenomic-based immunity issue and not somehow a failure on their part to follow instructions on basic hygiene or consume enough cranberry juice.

More information: Seongmi K. Russell et al, Uropathogenic Escherichia coli infection-induced epithelial trained immunity impacts urinary tract disease outcome, Nature Microbiology (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01346-6

Soumitra Mohanty, John Kerr White and Annelie Brauner, Epigenetic modifications influence urinary tract infection outcome, Nature Microbiology (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01371-5

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-04-hidden-epigenetic-mechanisms-chronic-utis.html

Interleukin-6 impact on organoids shows increase in radial glia cells, tie to autism

 A team of medical researchers at the University of Tübingen's Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research in Germany has found that exposing organoids at a certain stage of growth to interleukin-6 leads to an increase in radial glia cells, which may provide a hint as to why pregnant women who experience infections are more likely to deliver a child who develops autism.

In their study, reported in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, the group tested the impact of maternal infections on the brain of a growing fetus using organoids as a stand-in.

To learn more about the possible impact on the brain of a developing fetus caused by a pregnant woman fighting off an infection, the research team grew brain organoids using stem cells—they were meant to mimic the growing fetus brain. Next, to test the impact of a mother fighting off an infection, they exposed the organoid to hyper-IL-6, a molecule produced by white blood cells when the body is fighting off an infection. Prior research has shown that it can lead to inflammation and influence brain development in fetal mice. The exposure lasted from five to 10 days to simulate an infection period and was done when the organoid was 45 days old to mimic neocortex development during early gestation.

Tissue taken from the organoid after the exposure exhibited increased levels of radial glia cells. The researchers also found an associated change in gene expression related to the glia cells. And they found abnormal changes in upper-layer neuron development 35 days after treatment. The team was also surprised to see differences in gene expression in the organoids that had not been observed in mouse models treated in similar ways, suggesting that the impact of an immune response in pregnant mice may be different than for humans.

The findings add to evidence of an association between the development of autism and abnormal neuroprogenitor differentiation. The researchers plan to conduct similar studies adding new factors, such as microglia, to more closely mimic the impact of an immune response on a growing fetus.

More information: Kseniia Sarieva et al, Human brain organoid model of maternal immune activation identifies radial glia cells as selectively vulnerable, Molecular Psychiatry (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-01997-1

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-04-interleukin-impact-organoids-radial-glia.html

Organized retail crime is growing in 'scope and complexity,' NRF says

 Organized retail crime is growing in scope and complexity, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is also becoming more violent. 

The NRF's latest report, published last week, detailed how organized retail crime is a "perpetual and burgeoning problem" that has inflicted billions in financial losses for U.S. retailers and their communities. 

"These concerns have grown in recent years, as criminal groups have become more brazen and violent in their tactics and are using new channels to resell stolen goods," NRF CEO Matthew Shay said in the report. 

For years, the NRF has been issuing reports that quantify what people are stealing and how retailers are responding in terms of their loss prevention activities. For the first time, the trade group also provided a detailed assessment about whom these organizations are, their tactics, motives and links to other types of criminal activities, Christian Beckner, NRF vice president of retail technology and cybersecurity, told FOX Business.

In doing so, the NRF hopes to help retailers and law enforcement "stay ahead of the organized retail crime threat and anticipate changes to organized retail crime group tactics, instead of just responding after incidents occur," Beckner said.

According to the Homeland Security Investigations and the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists, organized theft groups launder an estimated $69 billion in illicit profits through the U.S. financial system and trade-based money laundering schemes each year.

Anti-theft locked merchandise on shelves with customer service button at CVS pharmacy, Queens, New York. (Lindsey Nicholson/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) / Getty Images)

According to the NRF report, which conducted its latest assessment in partnership with global risk advisory firm K2 Integrity, these organized retail crime groups "primarily favor large national retailers and big-box retailers, and cargo shipments for booster operations." They are also more likely to target everyday consumer goods rather than luxury products. Based on an analysis of 116 groups, 81% exclusively stole general consumer goods.  

These groups have also been planning out their booster operations in advance by studying store layouts, camera and exit locations, understanding the types of anti-theft precautions and knowing the different store policies for stopping suspected thieves, the report said. Boosters are known as the individuals who are paid to commit theft on behalf of these groups. 

The analysis also showed an uptick in violence associated with crimes.

Data showed that 15 of the 21 violent groups analyzed in the report began operations in 2021, suggesting that "the uptick in the use of violent tactics during theft operations is a recent development – a claim also made by the executive at a loss prevention management software company," the report read. 

This is not just an issue of property theft, "in many cases, we're talking about groups that are engaged in violence in stores," according to Beckner. 

In some cases, these groups have linkages to other types of organized criminal activity, including drug trafficking, Beckner said. Although, he noted that more work needs to be done to better understand these links.

Locked up merchandise, to prevent theft in Target store, Queens, New York. (Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) / Getty Images)

They are also getting more innovative in terms of how they resell stolen goods. According to the report, these groups also appear to be shifting away from third-party online sellers and leaning on "peer-to-peer venues that rely on direct engagement among buyers and sellers to complete transactions."

These peer-to-peer venues can include social media sites such as TikTok and Facebook Marketplace, according to Beckner.

Before being apprehended, the median fencing operation – when organized retail crime groups convert stolen goods into cash – handled about $250,000 in stolen merchandise, according to the report. 

K2 Integrity Chief Strategy Officer Juan Zarate warned that organized retail crimes will become even more dangerous, complex and profitable "if more concerted action is not taken to disrupt these trends."

To deter these criminals, Beckner said it is important to prosecute the leaders of these groups.

"If the outcome were just to be to arrest the low-level boosters, but not go after the leaders of the ORC [organized retail crime] groups, you’re not really changing the dynamic at all," he said. 

Photos from Dec. 23, 2022, show candy and ice cream locked or otherwise chained up at a New York City Walgreen's store on Lexington Avenue near East 61st. Street. (Fox News Digital / Fox News)

In many cases, these leaders are exploiting drug addicts or homeless people to conduct the theft for them, he added. 

The NRF is advocating for bipartisan legislation called Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, which, according to Beckner, would create a new federal interagency center for multiple law enforcement agencies to share information that they have on organized retail crime groups. It would also provide information back to state and local law enforcement and to retailers, Beckner said. The legislation was introduced by Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev.

"These criminals are exploiting the internet and online marketplaces to stay one step ahead of the law, and it’s time the law catches up," Grassley said in a January statement. "This bill improves our federal response to organized retail crime and establishes new tools to recover goods and illicit proceeds, and deter future attacks on American retailers."

https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/organized-retail-crime-growing-scope-complexity-nrf

China to ban imports and exports by Lockheed, Raytheon over Taiwan arms sales

 China announced new details about sanctions it imposed on U.S. defense contractors Lockheed Martin and Raytheon earlier this year over their continuing arms sales to Taiwan.

The People’s Republic of China regards Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, as a rogue province and has threatened to "reunify" it with the mainland by force if necessary — a task that would be easier if it were able to convince American arms manufacturers and policymakers to cut off weapons sales to Taiwan.

China’s commerce ministry announced Tuesday that the sanctions against Lockheed Martin and Raytheon feature a ban on exports and imports by the two companies from and to China as a means "to prevent Chinese products from being used in their military business."

The agency added that Chinese firms need to "strengthen their due diligence and compliance system construction to verify transaction information" and should refrain from knowingly conducting business with the two companies whether it comes in the form of importing, exporting, or transporting products

Taiwan sources a significant portion of its military equipment from the U.S. and China first announced sanctions against Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Missile and Defense Corporation — a subsidiary of Raytheon — in February after the latest announcements of arms sales to Taiwan. It marked the fourth time China has sanctioned the two firms, although Reuters noted that in the three prior instances Beijing didn't provide details about the restrictions and their enforcement.

Lockheed Martin has supplied Taiwan with F-16 fighter jets, radars, and air defense missiles in addition to other equipment in recent years. 

Raytheon has provided missiles, radars and other defense articles to Taiwan. 

The two companies have also formed a joint venture to produce Javelin anti-tank missiles, which Taiwan has acquired.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen held a meeting in California amid tensions with China. (McCarthy: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite | Tsai: AP Photo/Moises Castillo / AP Newsroom)

Both Lockheed Martin and Raytheon were already prohibited by U.S. law from selling military equipment to China, but the sanctions could impact any civilian business the companies do in China. Lockheed Martin has sold air traffic control equipment for civilian airports and helicopters for commercial use in China.

It’s unclear what impact those companies obtaining exports from China could be. China’s role as a leading global exporter of rare earth minerals may pose a challenge, although the level of exposure to China the two defense contractors’ supply chains have for those materials is unknown.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
LMT	LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP.	501.42	+11.50	+2.35%
RTX	RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORP.	104.66	+1.55	+1.50%

China’s sanctions against Lockheed Martin and Raytheon will also prohibit a number of senior executives from traveling to China or working there. 

The list of sanctioned executives includes Lockheed Martin CEO James Taiclet, COO Frank St. John, and CFO Jesus Malave, plus Raytheon Missiles and Defense President Wesley Kremer and Vice presidents Agnes Soeder and Chander Nijhon.

https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/china-ban-imports-exports-lockheed-raytheon-taiwan-arms-sales

Saudi Foreign Minister Lands In Syria, Meets Assad, In 1st Since War's Start In 2011

This is the visit that Washington policymakers and establishment Middle East "experts" have been dreading, and signals that the West's proxy war to oust Assad is definitively over - at least in terms of the end of hawks and neocons' longtime hope of seeing Assad overthrown...

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan landed in Damascus on Tuesday for the first time since the start of the war in 2011.

Image: Saudi Foreign Ministry

It's also an image that many thought would never happen, and paves the way for a possible future visit of Assad to Saudi Arabia, where he could eventually meet directly with King Salman or crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The high-level visit comes just following last week's "surprise" trip by Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad to the kingdom. Clearly, relations are fast being restored and rumors are that the next move is for Assad to be invited back into the Arab League.

According to a summary of Tuesday's visit in regional news source Al-Monitor: 

Farhan was received by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The two discussed efforts towards finding a "political solution" to the Syria conflict that would "preserve Syria's unity, security, stability, Arab identity, and territorial integrity."

They also talked about the "return of Syria to its Arab fold and the resumption of its natural role in the Arab world," according to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Already the United Arab Emirates (UA) had resumed relations with Syria in 2018. Other regional countries now seem to be lining up to restore normal relations.

For example, Tunisia and Syria agreed to fully restore relations last week, after a three-day visit of Syrian FM Mekdad to Tunis.

This wave of thawed relations between Assad and Arab states was without doubt helped to a large degree by the China-brokered peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Syria is Iran's closest ally in the Levant, and is also a hub of support to Lebanese Hezbollah. It's likely to complicate the US-brokered Abraham Accords, and may hinder recognition between Saudi Arabia and Israel. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/saudi-foreign-minister-lands-syria-meets-assad-1st-wars-start-2011