Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results in autoreactive T cells chronically destroying pancreatic islets. This often results in irreplaceable loss of insulin-producing beta cells. To reverse course, a combinatorial strategy of employing glucose-responsive insulin restoration coupled with inhibiting autoreactive immune responses is required. Methods: Non-obese diabetic mice received a single intraperitoneal implantation of a novel biomaterial co-seeded with insulin-producing islets and T regulatory cells (Tregs). Controls included biomaterial seeded solely with islets, or biomaterial only groups. Mice were interrogated for changes in inflammation and diabetes progression via blood glucose monitoring, multiplex serum cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry assessments. Results: Islet and Tregs co-seeded biomaterial recipients had increased longevity, insulin secretion, and normoglycemia through 180 days post-implantation compared to controls. Serum profile revealed reduced TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β and increased IL-10, insulin, C-Peptide, PP and PPY in recipients receiving co-seeded biomaterial. Evaluation of the resected co-seeded biomaterial revealed reduced infiltrating autoreactive CD8 + and CD4 + T cells concomitant with sustained presence of Foxp3 + Tregs; further analysis revealed that the few infiltrated resident effector CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were anergic, as measured by low levels of IFNγ and Granzyme-B upon stimulation when compared to controls. Interestingly, studies also revealed increased Tregs in the pancreas. However, there was no restoration of the pancreas beta cell compartment, suggesting normoglycemia and production of insulin levels were largely supported by the implanted co-seeded biomaterial. Conclusion These studies show the efficacy of a combinatorial approach seeding Tregs with pancreatic islets in a novel self-assembling organoid for reversing T1D.

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results in autoreactive T cells chronically destroying pancreatic islets. This often results in irreplaceable loss of insulin-producing beta cells. To reverse course, a combinatorial strategy of employing glucose-responsive insulin restoration coupled with inhibiting autoreactive immune responses is required. Methods: Non-obese diabetic mice received a single intraperitoneal implantation of a novel biomaterial co-seeded with insulin-producing islets and T regulatory cells (Tregs). Controls included biomaterial seeded solely with islets, or biomaterial only groups. Mice were interrogated for changes in inflammation and diabetes progression via blood glucose monitoring, multiplex serum cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry assessments. Results: Islet and Tregs co-seeded biomaterial recipients had increased longevity, insulin secretion, and normoglycemia through 180 days post-implantation compared to controls. Serum profile revealed reduced TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β and increased IL-10, insulin, C-Peptide, PP and PPY in recipients receiving co-seeded biomaterial. Evaluation of the resected co-seeded biomaterial revealed reduced infiltrating autoreactive CD8 + and CD4 + T cells concomitant with sustained presence of Foxp3 + Tregs; further analysis revealed that the few infiltrated resident effector CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were anergic, as measured by low levels of IFNγ and Granzyme-B upon stimulation when compared to controls. Interestingly, studies also revealed increased Tregs in the pancreas. However, there was no restoration of the pancreas beta cell compartment, suggesting normoglycemia and production of insulin levels were largely supported by the implanted co-seeded biomaterial. Conclusion These studies show the efficacy of a combinatorial approach seeding Tregs with pancreatic islets in a novel self-assembling organoid for reversing T1D.

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results in autoreactive T cells chronically destroying pancreatic islets. This often results in irreplaceable loss of insulin-producing beta cells. To reverse course, a combinatorial strategy of employing glucose-responsive insulin restoration coupled with inhibiting autoreactive immune responses is required. Methods: Non-obese diabetic mice received a single intraperitoneal implantation of a novel biomaterial co-seeded with insulin-producing islets and T regulatory cells (Tregs). Controls included biomaterial seeded solely with islets, or biomaterial only groups. Mice were interrogated for changes in inflammation and diabetes progression via blood glucose monitoring, multiplex serum cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry assessments. Results: Islet and Tregs co-seeded biomaterial recipients had increased longevity, insulin secretion, and normoglycemia through 180 days post-implantation compared to controls. Serum profile revealed reduced TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β and increased IL-10, insulin, C-Peptide, PP and PPY in recipients receiving co-seeded biomaterial. Evaluation of the resected co-seeded biomaterial revealed reduced infiltrating autoreactive CD8 + and CD4 + T cells concomitant with sustained presence of Foxp3 + Tregs; further analysis revealed that the few infiltrated resident effector CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were anergic, as measured by low levels of IFNγ and Granzyme-B upon stimulation when compared to controls. Interestingly, studies also revealed increased Tregs in the pancreas. However, there was no restoration of the pancreas beta cell compartment, suggesting normoglycemia and production of insulin levels were largely supported by the implanted co-seeded biomaterial. Conclusion These studies show the efficacy of a combinatorial approach seeding Tregs with pancreatic islets in a novel self-assembling organoid for reversing T1D.

Objective: This study aims at spotlighting different lines of management of aggressive vertebral hemangioma (VH) through a retrospective analysis of single center experience. Methods: Patients diagnosed with aggressive VHs in a tertiary referral center were reviewed from 2014 through 2024. Data of patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Patients of all ages, both sexes, and all varieties of clinical presentation were included, only patients who underwent at least one intervention were included. Results: The study included nine patients, comprising six females and three males, with a mean age of 29.3 years (ranging from 14 to 46). Six patients underwent Trans-arterial embolization (TAE), of whom five underwent further surgical procedures, while one patient found TAE to be sufficient as a stand-alone management technique. Eight patients underwent surgical management, five of whom were pre-operatively embolized. Conclusions Aggressive VHs are rare, and their management is challenging. Most cases require a multi-modal management, especially when presented with neurological deficit. Pre-operative embolization and/or vertebroplasty are safe and useful tools to decrease intra-operative bleeding of such a vascular pathology in cases undergoing open surgical procedures.

Objective: This study aims at spotlighting different lines of management of aggressive vertebral hemangioma (VH) through a retrospective analysis of single center experience. Methods: Patients diagnosed with aggressive VHs in a tertiary referral center were reviewed from 2014 through 2024. Data of patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Patients of all ages, both sexes, and all varieties of clinical presentation were included, only patients who underwent at least one intervention were included. Results: The study included nine patients, comprising six females and three males, with a mean age of 29.3 years (ranging from 14 to 46). Six patients underwent Trans-arterial embolization (TAE), of whom five underwent further surgical procedures, while one patient found TAE to be sufficient as a stand-alone management technique. Eight patients underwent surgical management, five of whom were pre-operatively embolized. Conclusions Aggressive VHs are rare, and their management is challenging. Most cases require a multi-modal management, especially when presented with neurological deficit. Pre-operative embolization and/or vertebroplasty are safe and useful tools to decrease intra-operative bleeding of such a vascular pathology in cases undergoing open surgical procedures.

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results in autoreactive T cells chronically destroying pancreatic islets. This often results in irreplaceable loss of insulin-producing beta cells. To reverse course, a combinatorial strategy of employing glucose-responsive insulin restoration coupled with inhibiting autoreactive immune responses is required. Methods: Non-obese diabetic mice received a single intraperitoneal implantation of a novel biomaterial co-seeded with insulin-producing islets and T regulatory cells (Tregs). Controls included biomaterial seeded solely with islets, or biomaterial only groups. Mice were interrogated for changes in inflammation and diabetes progression via blood glucose monitoring, multiplex serum cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry assessments. Results: Islet and Tregs co-seeded biomaterial recipients had increased longevity, insulin secretion, and normoglycemia through 180 days post-implantation compared to controls. Serum profile revealed reduced TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β and increased IL-10, insulin, C-Peptide, PP and PPY in recipients receiving co-seeded biomaterial. Evaluation of the resected co-seeded biomaterial revealed reduced infiltrating autoreactive CD8 + and CD4 + T cells concomitant with sustained presence of Foxp3 + Tregs; further analysis revealed that the few infiltrated resident effector CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were anergic, as measured by low levels of IFNγ and Granzyme-B upon stimulation when compared to controls. Interestingly, studies also revealed increased Tregs in the pancreas. However, there was no restoration of the pancreas beta cell compartment, suggesting normoglycemia and production of insulin levels were largely supported by the implanted co-seeded biomaterial. Conclusion These studies show the efficacy of a combinatorial approach seeding Tregs with pancreatic islets in a novel self-assembling organoid for reversing T1D.

Objective: This study aims at spotlighting different lines of management of aggressive vertebral hemangioma (VH) through a retrospective analysis of single center experience. Methods: Patients diagnosed with aggressive VHs in a tertiary referral center were reviewed from 2014 through 2024. Data of patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Patients of all ages, both sexes, and all varieties of clinical presentation were included, only patients who underwent at least one intervention were included. Results: The study included nine patients, comprising six females and three males, with a mean age of 29.3 years (ranging from 14 to 46). Six patients underwent Trans-arterial embolization (TAE), of whom five underwent further surgical procedures, while one patient found TAE to be sufficient as a stand-alone management technique. Eight patients underwent surgical management, five of whom were pre-operatively embolized. Conclusions Aggressive VHs are rare, and their management is challenging. Most cases require a multi-modal management, especially when presented with neurological deficit. Pre-operative embolization and/or vertebroplasty are safe and useful tools to decrease intra-operative bleeding of such a vascular pathology in cases undergoing open surgical procedures.

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results in autoreactive T cells chronically destroying pancreatic islets. This often results in irreplaceable loss of insulin-producing beta cells. To reverse course, a combinatorial strategy of employing glucose-responsive insulin restoration coupled with inhibiting autoreactive immune responses is required. Methods: Non-obese diabetic mice received a single intraperitoneal implantation of a novel biomaterial co-seeded with insulin-producing islets and T regulatory cells (Tregs). Controls included biomaterial seeded solely with islets, or biomaterial only groups. Mice were interrogated for changes in inflammation and diabetes progression via blood glucose monitoring, multiplex serum cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry assessments. Results: Islet and Tregs co-seeded biomaterial recipients had increased longevity, insulin secretion, and normoglycemia through 180 days post-implantation compared to controls. Serum profile revealed reduced TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β and increased IL-10, insulin, C-Peptide, PP and PPY in recipients receiving co-seeded biomaterial. Evaluation of the resected co-seeded biomaterial revealed reduced infiltrating autoreactive CD8 + and CD4 + T cells concomitant with sustained presence of Foxp3 + Tregs; further analysis revealed that the few infiltrated resident effector CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were anergic, as measured by low levels of IFNγ and Granzyme-B upon stimulation when compared to controls. Interestingly, studies also revealed increased Tregs in the pancreas. However, there was no restoration of the pancreas beta cell compartment, suggesting normoglycemia and production of insulin levels were largely supported by the implanted co-seeded biomaterial. Conclusion These studies show the efficacy of a combinatorial approach seeding Tregs with pancreatic islets in a novel self-assembling organoid for reversing T1D.

Introduction: A prosthesis is an artificial assistive device designed to replace a missing body part (e.g., limb), secondary to a disease, injury or congenital deformities. Prostheses are often used to restore functional capacity while improving the quality of life (QoL). Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 19 to 64 years who were permanent residents in Luzon who had undergone unilateral lower leg amputation. This epidemiologic study employed the Modified Barthel Index for activities of daily living (ADLs), the Frenchay Activities Index for instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and the WHOQOL-BREF for QoL. Descriptive and analytical statistics of the responses of the Lower Limb Amputees (LLA) were done. Prevalence odds ratio (POR) was calculated, and statistical significance was determined. Results: Among 165 LLA respondents, only 47.88% used prostheses. Unilateral LLA who exhibited greater independence in ADLs (POR=19.22), more actively performed IADLs (POR=5.51), and had good QoL (POR=3.83) were more likely to have been using prosthesis. All these findings were statistically significant. Conclusion This study revealed a statistically significant association between prosthesis use to the physical functioning and QoL among adult unilateral LLAs. It showed that prosthetic use was likely linked with improved performance in ADLs and IADLs, and better QoL compared to those without.
Quality of Life

The circle of Willis (COW) refers to the anastomotic arterial network found on the brain base, tasked with provision of collateral circulation aimed at prevention of ischemia. The COW is of immense clinical importance especially with regard to the assessment of neurovascular diseases. Individuals portray significant variations in the COW’s anatomical configuration. The present study seeks to evaluate the existing anatomical variations of the COW and within the anterior and posterior segments of the COW. Thus, the study seeks to evaluate the different anatomical variations of the COW and its segments and components within the study population. To attain the set objectives, the present study has utilized the angiographic images for studying the COW variants in patients who underwent cerebral angiography during assessment of different types of cerebral anomalies and conditions. Therefore, this study used conventional angiography as an important tool in the evaluation of the different variations in the COW, and is most appropriate for evaluation of smaller anatomical variations owing to its perfect spatial resolution and portrayal of COW anatomy. The study findings indicated the existence between age and sex, and anatomical variations of the COW, particularly with regard to diameters of COW components like basilar artery (BA), P1, and internal carotid arterys (ICAs). Males had bigger BA, P1 and ICA diameters than females, while individuals aged below 40 years had bigger BA, A1, posterior communicating artery, and ICA diameters than those aged above 40 years.