Journal of Applied Biomedicine - Ahead of Print

Immunogenic and cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants in ticks and other arthropods

Jarmila Sterbova, Libor Grubhoffer, Jan Sterba

J Appl Biomed X:X | DOI: 10.32725/jab.2026.003  

Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of humans and animals, using it as their sole source of food. Due to their lifestyle, ticks at each life stage transmit various tick-borne pathogens while feeding on their hosts. Unlike mosquitoes - another important group of pathogen-transmitting arthropods - ticks can feed on the same host for prolonged periods, which underscores the importance of tick mechanisms that inhibit or reduce the host's defence mechanisms and, consequently, allow the transmission of pathogens. This unique tick-host-pathogen triangle requires the involvement of various tick molecules to mediate interactions with both host and pathogen...

Five-year outcomes of posterior chamber phakic implantable collamer lens implantation in high myopia, keratoconus, and post-keratoplasty eyes

Iveta Němcová, Jiří Pašta, Kateřina Hladíková, Martin Komarc, Darina Pospíšilová, Jan Havlík, Jan Tesař, Vladimír Krátký, Martin Šín

J Appl Biomed X:X | DOI: 10.32725/jab.2026.004  

Purpose: To report on a 5-year follow-up of Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) implantation and compare it to previously published iris-fixated phakic intraocular lenses (IF pIOLs). Methods: We describe the refractive results and adverse events of 30 eyes in 18 patients with high myopia, keratoconus, or status post-keratoplasty (PKP), at one, two and five years after surgery. Results: Efficacy and safety index were 0.94 and 1.04, respectively, at 5 years after surgery. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly higher postoperatively (p = 0.005). The endothelial cell loss (EC loss) caused by the ICL implantation was found to be 3.82%, 5.03%,...

Oxaliplatin-induced testicular toxicity is associated with transglutaminase-4 upregulation, hormonal dysregulation, and inflammatory responses

Husah M. Alowss, Ibtesam S. Almami ^*, Heba F. Gomaa

J Appl Biomed X:X | DOI: 10.32725/jab.2026.005  

Oxaliplatin-induced toxicity presents a major challenge in cancer management because of its damaging effects on normal tissues, including the reproductive system. Transglutaminase 4 (TG4), a member of the transglutaminase enzyme family, is known for its role in protein cross-linking and cellular stress responses, but its role in chemotherapy-induced reproductive toxicity remains poorly understood. This study examines the impact of oxaliplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic drug, on TG4 expression, enzymatic activity, and testicular toxicity in a rat model following intraperitoneal administration of oxaliplatin (10 mg/kg body weight weekly for six...

Evidence for bidirectional gut-spleen crosstalk in rodent models: scoping review of possible mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Teresa Lucretia, Dewi Kartikawati Paramita, Rina Susilowati

J Appl Biomed X:X | DOI: 10.32725/jab.2026.006  

Introduction: The gut-spleen axis has been proposed to link the gut environment with splenic immune regulation and systemic homeostasis. This scoping review examines this interaction in rodent models. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we analyzed literature (2015-2025) from PubMed, Scopus, and other major databases, including English-language rodent studies reporting gut and splenic outcomes. Results: Analysis of 48 studies suggests that gut dysbiosis may alter splenic architecture and immune function mainly via microbial metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids. Limited evidence indicates that splenic dysfunction could impair gut...

Emerging biomedical and pharmaceutical strategies for the treatment of atherosclerosis: from conventional lipid-lowering therapy to nanomedicine

Angelika Myśliwiec, Dawid Leksa, Dorota Bartusik-Aebisher, David Aebisher

J Appl Biomed X:X | DOI: 10.32725/jab.2026.007  

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), including myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and is expected to rise further by 2030. Once limited to industrialized nations, atherosclerosis has become a global issue due to the epidemiological transition from infectious to chronic metabolic diseases. Lipoproteins (chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL, HDL) and apolipoproteins play key roles in lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis development. Macrophages in plaques influence inflammation and plaque stability, with iron homeostasis also impacting disease progression. Therapies include personalized diets,...