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Hashemi-Afzal F, Fallahi H, Bagheri F, Collins MN, Eslaminejad MB, Seitz H. Advancements in hydrogel design for articular cartilage regeneration: A comprehensive review. Bioact Mater 2025; 43:1-31. [PMID: 39318636 PMCID: PMC11418067 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This review paper explores the cutting-edge advancements in hydrogel design for articular cartilage regeneration (CR). Articular cartilage (AC) defects are a common occurrence worldwide that can lead to joint breakdown at a later stage of the disease, necessitating immediate intervention to prevent progressive degeneration of cartilage. Decades of research into the biomedical applications of hydrogels have revealed their tremendous potential, particularly in soft tissue engineering, including CR. Hydrogels are highly tunable and can be designed to meet the key criteria needed for a template in CR. This paper aims to identify those criteria, including the hydrogel components, mechanical properties, biodegradability, structural design, and integration capability with the adjacent native tissue and delves into the benefits that CR can obtain through appropriate design. Stratified-structural hydrogels that emulate the native cartilage structure, as well as the impact of environmental stimuli on the regeneration outcome, have also been discussed. By examining recent advances and emerging techniques, this paper offers valuable insights into developing effective hydrogel-based therapies for AC repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Hashemi-Afzal
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-111, Iran
| | - Hooman Fallahi
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-111, Iran
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 USA
| | - Fatemeh Bagheri
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-111, Iran
| | - Maurice N. Collins
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute and Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Mohamadreza Baghaban Eslaminejad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Sciences Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, 16635-148, Iran
| | - Hermann Seitz
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Marine Technology, University of Rostock, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 6, 18059 Rostock, Germany
- Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 25, 18059 Rostock, Germany
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Makhlouf Y, Singh VK, Craig S, McArdle A, French D, Loughrey MB, Oliver N, Acevedo JB, O’Reilly P, James JA, Maxwell P, Salto-Tellez M. True-T - Improving T-cell response quantification with holistic artificial intelligence based prediction in immunohistochemistry images. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:174-185. [PMID: 38146436 PMCID: PMC10749253 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune response associated with oncogenesis and potential oncological ther- apeutic interventions has dominated the field of cancer research over the last decade. T-cell lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment are a crucial aspect of cancer's adaptive immunity, and the quantification of T-cells in specific can- cer types has been suggested as a potential diagnostic aid. However, this is cur- rently not part of routine diagnostics. To address this challenge, we present a new method called True-T, which employs artificial intelligence-based techniques to quantify T-cells in colorectal cancer (CRC) using immunohistochemistry (IHC) images. True-T analyses the chromogenic tissue hybridization signal of three widely recognized T-cell markers (CD3, CD4, and CD8). Our method employs a pipeline consisting of three stages: T-cell segmentation, density estimation from the segmented mask, and prediction of individual five-year survival rates. In the first stage, we utilize the U-Net method, where a pre-trained ResNet-34 is em- ployed as an encoder to extract clinically relevant T-cell features. The segmenta- tion model is trained and evaluated individually, demonstrating its generalization in detecting the CD3, CD4, and CD8 biomarkers in IHC images. In the second stage, the density of T-cells is estimated using the predicted mask, which serves as a crucial indicator for patient survival statistics in the third stage. This ap- proach was developed and tested in 1041 patients from four reference diagnostic institutions, ensuring broad applicability. The clinical effectiveness of True-T is demonstrated in stages II-IV CRC by offering valuable prognostic information that surpasses previous quantitative gold standards, opening possibilities for po- tential clinical applications. Finally, to evaluate the robustness and broader ap- plicability of our approach without additional training, we assessed the universal accuracy of the CD3 component of the True-T algorithm across 13 distinct solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Makhlouf
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences Building, The Patrick G Johnston, Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Vivek Kumar Singh
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences Building, The Patrick G Johnston, Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Stephanie Craig
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences Building, The Patrick G Johnston, Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Aoife McArdle
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences Building, The Patrick G Johnston, Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Dominique French
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences Building, The Patrick G Johnston, Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Maurice B. Loughrey
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences Building, The Patrick G Johnston, Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
- Cellular Pathology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AB, UK
| | - Nicola Oliver
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences Building, The Patrick G Johnston, Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Juvenal Baena Acevedo
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences Building, The Patrick G Johnston, Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | | | - Jacqueline A. James
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences Building, The Patrick G Johnston, Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
- Regional Molecular Diagnostic Service, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Perry Maxwell
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences Building, The Patrick G Johnston, Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Manuel Salto-Tellez
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences Building, The Patrick G Johnston, Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
- Sonrai Analytics, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
- Regional Molecular Diagnostic Service, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
- Integrated Pathology Unit, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London SW7 3RP, UK
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Ren S, Li J, Dorado J, Sierra A, González-Díaz H, Duardo A, Shen B. From molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer to translational applications: based on multi-omics fusion analysis and intelligent medicine. Health Inf Sci Syst 2024; 12:6. [PMID: 38125666 PMCID: PMC10728428 DOI: 10.1007/s13755-023-00264-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide and has a high mortality rate. The complex and heterogeneous development of prostate cancer has become a core obstacle in the treatment of prostate cancer. Simultaneously, the issues of overtreatment in early-stage diagnosis, oligometastasis and dormant tumor recognition, as well as personalized drug utilization, are also specific concerns that require attention in the clinical management of prostate cancer. Some typical genetic mutations have been proved to be associated with prostate cancer's initiation and progression. However, single-omic studies usually are not able to explain the causal relationship between molecular alterations and clinical phenotypes. Exploration from a systems genetics perspective is also lacking in this field, that is, the impact of gene network, the environmental factors, and even lifestyle behaviors on disease progression. At the meantime, current trend emphasizes the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to process extensive multidimensional data, including multi-omics. These technologies unveil the potential patterns, correlations, and insights related to diseases, thereby aiding the interpretable clinical decision making and applications, namely intelligent medicine. Therefore, there is a pressing need to integrate multidimensional data for identification of molecular subtypes, prediction of cancer progression and aggressiveness, along with perosonalized treatment performing. In this review, we systematically elaborated the landscape from molecular mechanism discovery of prostate cancer to clinical translational applications. We discussed the molecular profiles and clinical manifestations of prostate cancer heterogeneity, the identification of different states of prostate cancer, as well as corresponding precision medicine practices. Taking multi-omics fusion, systems genetics, and intelligence medicine as the main perspectives, the current research results and knowledge-driven research path of prostate cancer were summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Ren
- Department of Urology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
- Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Jiakun Li
- Department of Urology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Julián Dorado
- Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Alejandro Sierra
- Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
- IKERDATA S.L., ZITEK, University of Basque Country UPVEHU, Rectorate Building, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Humbert González-Díaz
- Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
- IKERDATA S.L., ZITEK, University of Basque Country UPVEHU, Rectorate Building, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Aliuska Duardo
- Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
- IKERDATA S.L., ZITEK, University of Basque Country UPVEHU, Rectorate Building, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Bairong Shen
- Department of Urology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
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Sakamoto T, Fuku A, Horie T, Kitajima H, Nakamura Y, Tanida I, Sunami H, Hirata H, Tachi Y, Iida Y, Yamada S, Yamamoto N, Shimizu Y, Ishigaki Y, Ichiseki T, Kaneuji A, Osawa S, Kawahara N. A novel cell source for therapy of knee osteoarthritis using atelocollagen microsphere-adhered adipose-derived stem cells: Impact of synovial fluid exposure on cell activity. Regen Ther 2024; 27:408-418. [PMID: 38694445 PMCID: PMC11061654 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Administration of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into the joint cavity has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA) by releasing exosomes and anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, the therapeutic effect of these cells is limited by their rapid disappearance after administration. Thus, it is necessary to prolong cell survival in the joint cavity. This study aimed to investigate the potential application of ADSCs adhered to atelocollagen microspheres (AMSs) for cell therapy of knee OA. Methods ADSCs were cultured for 2, 4, and 7 days in AMS suspension or adherent culture dishes. The supernatants were analyzed for IL-10 and exosome secretion via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Nanosight. The effect of AMS was compared with that of adherent-cultured ADSCs (2D-cultured ADSCs) using transcriptome analysis. Moreover, the solubility of AMS and viability of ADSCs were evaluated using synovial fluid (SF) from patients with knee OA. Results Compared with 2D-cultured ADSCs, AMS-cultured ADSCs exhibited a significant increase in secretion of exosomes and IL-10, and the expression of several genes involved in extracellular matrix and immune regulation were altered. Furthermore, when AMS-cultured ADSCs were cultured in SF from knee OA patients to mimic the intra-articular environment, the SF dissolved the AMSs and released viable ADSCs. In addition, AMS-cultured ADSCs showed significantly higher long-term cell viability than 2D-cultured ADSCs. Conclusion Increased survival of AMS-adhered ADSCs was observed in the intra-articular environment, and AMSs were found to gradually dissipate. These results suggest that AMS-adhered ADSCs are promising source for cell therapy of knee OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Sakamoto
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Atsushi Fuku
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Horie
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Hironori Kitajima
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yuka Nakamura
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Ikuhiro Tanida
- Genome Biotechnology Laboratory, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Hakusan, 924-0838, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sunami
- Faculty of Medicine, Advanced Medical Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, 207 Uehara, Nishihara, Nakagami, Okinawa, 903-0215, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Hirata
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Tachi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yasuo Iida
- Department of Mathematics, Division of General Education, Kanazawa Medical University, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Sohsuke Yamada
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamamoto
- Support Office for Bioresource Research, Center for Translational Research, Translational Research Headquarters, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yusuke Shimizu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nakagami, 903-0215, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Ishigaki
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University Hospital, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Toru Ichiseki
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Ayumi Kaneuji
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Satoshi Osawa
- Genome Biotechnology Laboratory, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Hakusan, 924-0838, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Norio Kawahara
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Kahoku, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
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Hosseini MS, Bejnordi BE, Trinh VQH, Chan L, Hasan D, Li X, Yang S, Kim T, Zhang H, Wu T, Chinniah K, Maghsoudlou S, Zhang R, Zhu J, Khaki S, Buin A, Chaji F, Salehi A, Nguyen BN, Samaras D, Plataniotis KN. Computational pathology: A survey review and the way forward. J Pathol Inform 2024; 15:100357. [PMID: 38420608 PMCID: PMC10900832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2023.100357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Computational Pathology (CPath) is an interdisciplinary science that augments developments of computational approaches to analyze and model medical histopathology images. The main objective for CPath is to develop infrastructure and workflows of digital diagnostics as an assistive CAD system for clinical pathology, facilitating transformational changes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer that are mainly address by CPath tools. With evergrowing developments in deep learning and computer vision algorithms, and the ease of the data flow from digital pathology, currently CPath is witnessing a paradigm shift. Despite the sheer volume of engineering and scientific works being introduced for cancer image analysis, there is still a considerable gap of adopting and integrating these algorithms in clinical practice. This raises a significant question regarding the direction and trends that are undertaken in CPath. In this article we provide a comprehensive review of more than 800 papers to address the challenges faced in problem design all-the-way to the application and implementation viewpoints. We have catalogued each paper into a model-card by examining the key works and challenges faced to layout the current landscape in CPath. We hope this helps the community to locate relevant works and facilitate understanding of the field's future directions. In a nutshell, we oversee the CPath developments in cycle of stages which are required to be cohesively linked together to address the challenges associated with such multidisciplinary science. We overview this cycle from different perspectives of data-centric, model-centric, and application-centric problems. We finally sketch remaining challenges and provide directions for future technical developments and clinical integration of CPath. For updated information on this survey review paper and accessing to the original model cards repository, please refer to GitHub. Updated version of this draft can also be found from arXiv.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi S Hosseini
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE), Concordia Univeristy, Montreal, QC H3H 2R9, Canada
| | | | - Vincent Quoc-Huy Trinh
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer of the University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Lyndon Chan
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Danial Hasan
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Xingwen Li
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Stephen Yang
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Taehyo Kim
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Haochen Zhang
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Theodore Wu
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Kajanan Chinniah
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Sina Maghsoudlou
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE), Concordia Univeristy, Montreal, QC H3H 2R9, Canada
| | - Ryan Zhang
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Jiadai Zhu
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Samir Khaki
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
| | - Andrei Buin
- Huron Digitial Pathology, St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Chaji
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE), Concordia Univeristy, Montreal, QC H3H 2R9, Canada
| | - Ala Salehi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Bich Ngoc Nguyen
- University of Montreal Hospital Center, Montreal, QC H2X 0C2, Canada
| | - Dimitris Samaras
- Department of Computer Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States
| | - Konstantinos N Plataniotis
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G4, Canada
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Klein A, Radespiel U, Springer A, Rakotondravony R, Strube C. Temporal dynamics in gastrointestinal helminth infections of sympatric mouse lemur species ( Microcebus murinus and Microcebus ravelobensis) in Northwestern Madagascar. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 25:100972. [PMID: 39228687 PMCID: PMC11369387 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Madagascar's lemur populations are declining in dwindling habitats due to anthropogenic expansion and changing climatic conditions. Gastrointestinal parasites can be important indicators to assess the health status of threatened species. However, parasites, hosts and the environment are connected in complex interactions. The present study aimed to disentangle the impact of seasonal and several host-specific factors (sex, species, age, reproductive status, and body mass) on endoparasitism in two small-bodied, co-occurring lemur species (Microcebus murinus and Microcebus ravelobensis) in the Ankarafantsika National Park. Helminth prevalence and egg shedding intensity was investigated via copromicroscopic examination of 810 fecal samples that were obtained from 178 individuals across an 11-month period with a longitudinal approach via repeated captures in a 30.6 ha forest area. Both mouse lemur hosts shed seven morphologically distinct egg types (assigned to Subulura baeri, unidentified Enterobiinae, Spirura sp., Lemuricola sp., two Hymenolepididae spp., one unidentified ascarid). Postmortem examination of two deceased individuals enabled assignment of adult worms to egg morphotypes of S. baeri, Spirura sp. and one Hymenolepididae sp., supported by molecular analysis. A significant seasonal variation was observed in the occurrence of the three most common helminth species S. baeri (total prevalence 71%), unidentified Enterobiinae (46%) and Spirura sp. (38%), with a higher likelihood of infection with advancing dry season. Neither host species, sex nor reproductive status had a significant effect on gastrointestinal helminth infections. Host body mass showed pronounced seasonal changes but did not differ significantly between infected and non-infected individuals. The pathogenic effects of gastrointestinal helminths therefore likely remained within compensable limits in the studied mouse lemur populations. Our findings highlight the prominent influence of seasonal changes on helminth communities. The results of combined morphologic and genetic approaches can furthermore help to overcome limitations of parasite identification via copromicroscopy by linking egg morphology to DNA sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Klein
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ute Radespiel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Romule Rakotondravony
- Ecole Doctorale Ecosystèmes Naturels (EDEN), University of Mahajanga, 5 Rue Georges V - Immeuble KAKAL, Mahajanga Be, B.P. 652, Mahajanga, 401, Madagascar
- Faculté des Sciences, de Technologies et de l’Environnement, University of Mahajanga, Campus Universitaire Ambondrona, B.P. 652, Mahajanga, 401, Madagascar
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
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Li RS, Qu X, Wang JT, Wang F, Xie Z. Electronic structure of the strongly correlated electron system plutonium hexaboride: A study from single-particle approximations and many-body calculations. J Comput Chem 2024; 45:2587-2596. [PMID: 39012324 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.27457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The electronic structure of the strongly correlated electron system plutonium hexaboride is studied by using single-particle approximations and a many-body approach. Imaginary components of impurity Green's functions show that 5fj=5/2 and 5fj=7/2 manifolds are in conducting and insulating regimes, respectively. Quasi-particle weights and their ratio suggest that the intermediate coupling mechanism is applicable for Pu 5f electrons, and PuB6 might be in the orbital-selective localized state. The weighted summation of occupation probabilities yields the interconfiguration fluctuation and average occupation number of 5f electrons n5f ~ 5.101. The interplay of 5f-5f correlation, spin-orbit coupling, Hund's exchange interaction, many-body transition of 5f configurations, and final state effects might be responsible for the quasiparticle multiplets in electronic spectrum functions. Prominent characters in the density of state, such as the coexistence of atomic multiplet peaks in the vicinity of the Fermi level and broad Hubbard bands in the high-lying regime, suggest that PuB6 could be identified as a Racah material. Finally, the quasiparticle band structure is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Song Li
- School of Electronic Information, Xijing University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Qu
- Department of Basic, Qingzhou High Technology Institute, Qingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Tao Wang
- School of Nuclear Engineering, Xi'an Research Institute of High Technology, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Nuclear Engineering, Xi'an Research Institute of High Technology, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Xie
- College of Rare Earth and Faculty of Materials Metallurgy and Chemistry, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, People's Republic of China
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8
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Solanki R, Patel S. Evodiamine and its nano-based approaches for enhanced cancer therapy: recent advances and challenges. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024; 104:8430-8444. [PMID: 38821861 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Evodiamine is a bioactive alkaloid extracted from the Evodia rutaecarpa plant. It has various pharmacological effects including anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, anti-neurodegenerative, anti-depressant, and cardiac protective properties. Evodiamine demonstrates potent anti-cancer activity by inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Despite the health-promoting properties of evodiamine, its clinical use is hindered by low water solubility, poor bioavailability, and toxicity. Thus, there is a need to develop alternative drug delivery systems for evodiamine to enhance its solubility, permeability, and stability, as well as to facilitate targeted, prolonged, and controlled drug release. Nanocarriers can increase the therapeutic potential of evodiamine in cancer therapy while reducing adverse side effects. To date, numerous attempts have been made through the development of smart nanocarriers to overcome the drawbacks of evodiamine. This review focuses on the pharmacological applications, anti-cancer mechanisms, and limitations of evodiamine. Various nanocarriers, including lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, cyclodextrins, and so forth, have been discussed extensively for evodiamine delivery. Nano-drug delivery systems could increase the solubility, bioavailability, stability, and therapeutic efficacy of evodiamine. This review aims to present a comprehensive and critical evaluation of several nano-formulations of evodiamine for cancer therapy. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghu Solanki
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, India
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Sunita Patel
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, India
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9
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Jansen MP, Hodgins D, Mastbergen SC, Kloppenburg M, Blanco FJ, Haugen IK, Berenbaum F, Eckstein F, Roemer FW, Wirth W. Can gait patterns be explained by joint structure in people with and without radiographic knee osteoarthritis? Data from the IMI-APPROACH cohort. Skeletal Radiol 2024; 53:2409-2416. [PMID: 38536417 PMCID: PMC11410921 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-024-04666-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the association between joint structure and gait in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS IMI-APPROACH recruited 297 clinical knee OA patients. Gait data was collected (GaitSmart®) and OA-related joint measures determined from knee radiographs (KIDA) and MRIs (qMRI/MOAKS). Patients were divided into those with/without radiographic OA (ROA). Principal component analyses (PCA) were performed on gait parameters; linear regression models were used to evaluate whether image-based structural and demographic parameters were associated with gait principal components. RESULTS Two hundred seventy-one patients (age median 68.0, BMI 27.0, 77% female) could be analyzed; 149 (55%) had ROA. PCA identified two components: upper leg (primarily walking speed, stride duration, hip range of motion [ROM], thigh ROM) and lower leg (calf ROM, knee ROM in swing and stance phases). Increased age, BMI, and radiographic subchondral bone density (sclerosis), decreased radiographic varus angle deviation, and female sex were statistically significantly associated with worse lower leg gait (i.e. reduced ROM) in patients without ROA (R2 = 0.24); in ROA patients, increased BMI, radiographic osteophytes, MRI meniscal extrusion and female sex showed significantly worse lower leg gait (R2 = 0.18). Higher BMI was significantly associated with reduced upper leg function for non-ROA patients (R2 = 0.05); ROA patients with male sex, higher BMI and less MRI synovitis showed significantly worse upper leg gait (R2 = 0.12). CONCLUSION Structural OA pathology was significantly associated with gait in patients with clinical knee OA, though BMI may be more important. While associations were not strong, these results provide a significant association between OA symptoms (gait) and joint structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Jansen
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, HP G02.228 Heidelberglaan, 100 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - D Hodgins
- Dynamic Metrics Limited, Codicote, UK
| | - S C Mastbergen
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, HP G02.228 Heidelberglaan, 100 3584, CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M Kloppenburg
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - F J Blanco
- Departamento de Fisioterapia Y Medicina, Grupo de Investigación de Reumatología (GIR), INIBIC - Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña, SERGAS. Centro de Investigación CICA, Universidad de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain. Servicio de Reumatologia, INIBIC- Universidade de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - I K Haugen
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (REMEDY), Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - F Berenbaum
- Department of Rheumatology, AP-HP Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France
- INSERM, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - F Eckstein
- Department of Imaging and Functional Musculoskeletal Research, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation (LBIAR), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Chondrometrics GmbH, Freilassing, Germany
| | - F W Roemer
- Quantitative Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - W Wirth
- Department of Imaging and Functional Musculoskeletal Research, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology & Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation (LBIAR), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Chondrometrics GmbH, Freilassing, Germany
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Kobayashi M, Kumaya Y, Hirayama Y, Oda H, Cho H, Huang CL. Single-center experience of thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis with long-term postoperative questionnaire survey. Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2024; 72:732-737. [PMID: 38676901 DOI: 10.1007/s11748-024-02034-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is an effective treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. However, compensatory hyperhidrosis occurs frequently as a postoperative complication of the procedure. The goal of this study was to elucidate the clinical significance of thoracoscopic sympathectomy using our surgical procedure. METHODS Consecutive 151 patients who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis were studied. In addition, to investigate patients' satisfaction and long-term quality of life, 111 patients were asked to complete a mailing questionnaire survey, and 84 responded (response rate of 75.7%). RESULTS All of the 151 patients reported a reduction in palmar sweating during the immediate postoperative period. None of the patients had pneumothorax, hemothorax, Horner's syndrome, or worsening of bradycardia. Based on the questionnaire, the surgical success rate was 98.8%. None of the patients had a recurrence of palmar hyperhidrosis during the long-term postoperative period. However, compensatory hyperhidrosis was reported in 82 patients (97.6%). In total, 94.0% of patients had high levels of postoperative satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is an effective surgical treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis. By contrast, the careful preoperative explanation of compensatory hyperhidrosis is considered to be very important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Kobayashi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tazuke Kofukai Medical Research Institute, Kitano Hospital, 2-4-20 Ohgimachi, Kita-Ku, Osaka, 530-8480, Japan.
| | - Yosuke Kumaya
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tazuke Kofukai Medical Research Institute, Kitano Hospital, 2-4-20 Ohgimachi, Kita-Ku, Osaka, 530-8480, Japan
| | - Yasumiko Hirayama
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tazuke Kofukai Medical Research Institute, Kitano Hospital, 2-4-20 Ohgimachi, Kita-Ku, Osaka, 530-8480, Japan
| | - Hiromi Oda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tazuke Kofukai Medical Research Institute, Kitano Hospital, 2-4-20 Ohgimachi, Kita-Ku, Osaka, 530-8480, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Cho
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tazuke Kofukai Medical Research Institute, Kitano Hospital, 2-4-20 Ohgimachi, Kita-Ku, Osaka, 530-8480, Japan
| | - Cheng-Long Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tazuke Kofukai Medical Research Institute, Kitano Hospital, 2-4-20 Ohgimachi, Kita-Ku, Osaka, 530-8480, Japan
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11
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Varada VV, Kumar S, Balaga S, Thanippilly AJ, Pushpadass HA, M RH, Jangir BL, Tyagi N, Samanta AK. Oral delivery of electrohydrodynamically encapsulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRD7 modulates gut health, antioxidant activity, and cytokines-related inflammation and immunity in mice. Food Funct 2024. [PMID: 39390885 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo02732a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of L. plantarum CRD7 on performance and gut health biomarkers in a Swiss albino mouse model. The results showed that supplementation with non-encapsulated (NLP) and electrohydrodyanamically encapsulated L. plantarum CRD7 (ELP) for four weeks significantly increased (P < 0.05) body weight and weekly feed intake of mice. Specifically, these interventions strengthened the gut barrier functions, as evidenced by the increased expression of tight junction proteins (claudin-1, ZO-1, and occludin), inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-6), and promoting short-chain fatty acid production. Histopathological examination revealed no probiotic-related adverse effects in liver and intestinal tissues. Furthermore, ELP and NLP possess the ability to regulate immunity and antioxidant capacity in mice. Notably, the supplementation of ELP modified the gut microbiota by promoting beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus and Bifibacterium) and suppressing pathogenic bacteria (E. coli and C. perfringens), thereby restoring a balanced gut microbiota. Taken together, oral delivery of encapsulated L. plantarum CRD7 can modify the composition of the gut microbiota, fortify the intestinal barrier functions, maintain the gastrointestinal equilibrium, and augment the immune and antioxidant capacity. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights for the potential application of encapsulated probiotic products in food and feed formulations aimed at alleviating gut diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Venkatesh Varada
- Rumen Biotechnology Lab., Animal Nutrition Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India.
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Rumen Biotechnology Lab., Animal Nutrition Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India.
| | - Sravani Balaga
- Rumen Biotechnology Lab., Animal Nutrition Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India.
| | - Antony Johnson Thanippilly
- Rumen Biotechnology Lab., Animal Nutrition Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India.
| | - Heartwin A Pushpadass
- Dairy Engineering Section, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Southern Regional Station, Bengaluru, India.
| | - Rashmi H M
- Dairy Microbiology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India.
| | - Babu Lal Jangir
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar-125004, India.
| | - Nitin Tyagi
- Rumen Biotechnology Lab., Animal Nutrition Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India.
| | - Ashish Kumar Samanta
- Rumen Biotechnology Lab., Animal Nutrition Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India.
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Yadav K, Hasija Y. Integrated analysis of gene expressions and targeted mirnas for explaining crosstalk between oral and esophageal squamous cell carcinomas through an interpretable machine learning approach. Med Biol Eng Comput 2024:10.1007/s11517-024-03210-z. [PMID: 39384707 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-024-03210-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the bidirectional relation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), examining shared risk factors and underlying molecular mechanisms. By employing random forest (RF) classifier, enhanced with interpretable machine learning (IML) through SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), we analyzed gene expression from two GEO datasets (GSE30784 and GSE44021). The GSE30784 dataset comprises 167 OSCC samples and 45 control group, whereas the GSE44021 dataset encompasses 113 ESCC samples and 113 control group. Our analysis led to identification of 20 key genes, such as XBP1, VGLL1, and RAD1, which are significantly associated with development of ESCC and OSCC. Further investigations were conducted using tools like NetworkAnalyst 3.0, Single Cell Portal, and miRNET 2.0, which highlighted complex interactions between these genes and specific miRNA targets including hsa-mir-124-3p and hsa-mir-1-3p. Our model achieved high precision in identifying genes linked to crucial processes like programmed cell death and cancer pathways, suggesting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment. This study confirms the bidirectional relationship between OSCC and ESCC, laying groundwork for targeted therapeutic approaches. This study helps to identify shared biological pathways and genetic factors of these conditions for designing personalized medicine strategies and to improve disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khushi Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Yasha Hasija
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi, 110042, India.
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Mueller J, van Muilekom DR, Ehlers J, Suhr M, Hornburg SC, Bang C, Wilkes M, Schultheiß T, Maser E, Rebl A, Goldammer T, Seibel H, Schulz C. Dietary Chlorella vulgaris supplementation modulates health, microbiota and the response to oxidative stress of Atlantic salmon. Sci Rep 2024; 14:23674. [PMID: 39389986 PMCID: PMC11467335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72531-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Microalgae are emerging as functional feed ingredients in aquaculture due to their immune-stimulating and stress-modulating properties. We investigated the potential of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris as a feed supplement to improve the health and modulate microbiota and stress responses of Atlantic salmon. Triplicate groups of Atlantic salmon (~ 126 g) were reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) at 15 °C and received diets supplemented with 2% (CV2) or 14% (CV14) spray-dried C. vulgaris daily, 14% once weekly (CV14w), or a control diet (CD) for 8 weeks. Subsequently, all groups were exposed to an acute one-hour peracetic acid (CH3CO3H; PAA) treatment, a commonly used disinfectant in RAS. While CV14 increased feed conversion (FCR) significantly, feeding the diets CV2 and CV14w improved protein retention efficiency. CV14 significantly modulated beta-diversity in the intestinal digesta and mucosa, but this effect was already visible in fish fed CV2. Feeding CV14 and, to a lesser degree, CV2 increased the relative abundances of Paenarthrobacter and Trichococcus in the digesta and mucosa, which are able to metabolize complex carbohydrates. However, the same diets reduced the abundance of the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus and Weissella in the digesta and Floricoccus in the mucosa. Peracetic acid exposure induced systemic stress (increase in plasma glucose and cortisol) and a local immune response in the gill, with the most prominent upregulation of several immune- and stress-regulated genes (clra, cebpb, marco, tnfrsf14, ikba, c1ql2, drtp1) 18 h after exposure in fish fed the control diet. Fish receiving CV14 once a week showed a reduced transcriptional response to PAA exposure. Catalase protein abundance in the liver increased following exposure to PAA, while superoxide dismutase abundance in the gill and liver was increased in response to C. vulgaris inclusion before stress. Overall, the results highlight that a high (14%) inclusion rate of C. vulgaris in feed for Atlantic salmon impairs feed conversion and shifts the intestinal microbiota composition in digesta and mucosa. Weekly feeding of C. vulgaris proves a viable approach in improving protein retention and improving transcriptional resilience towards oxidative stress in increasingly intensive production systems. Thereby this study may motivate future studies on optimizing temporal feeding schedules for health-promoting aquafeeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Mueller
- Department for Marine Aquaculture, Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical Engineering IMTE, Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources, Büsum, Germany.
| | - Doret R van Muilekom
- Working Group Fish Genetics, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Jannick Ehlers
- Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical Engineering IMTE, Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources, Büsum, Germany
| | - Marvin Suhr
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Corinna Bang
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Marie Wilkes
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thekla Schultheiß
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Edmund Maser
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexander Rebl
- Working Group Fish Genetics, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Tom Goldammer
- Working Group Fish Genetics, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Henrike Seibel
- Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical Engineering IMTE, Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources, Büsum, Germany
| | - Carsten Schulz
- Department for Marine Aquaculture, Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
- Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical Engineering IMTE, Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources, Büsum, Germany
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Jiang X, Lian X, Wei K, Zhang J, Yu K, Li H, Ma H, Cai Y, Pang L. Maturation of pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes: limitations and challenges from metabolic aspects. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:354. [PMID: 39380099 PMCID: PMC11462682 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03961-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute coronary syndromes, such as myocardial infarction (MI), lack effective therapies beyond heart transplantation, which is often hindered by donor scarcity and postoperative complications. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) offer the possibility of myocardial regeneration by differentiating into cardiomyocytes. However, hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-cardiomyocytes) exhibit fetal-like calcium flux and energy metabolism, which inhibits their engraftment. Several strategies have been explored to improve the therapeutic efficacy of hiPSC-cardiomyocytes, such as selectively enhancing energy substrate utilization and improving the transplantation environment. In this review, we have discussed the impact of altered mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic switching on the maturation of hiPSC-cardiomyocytes. Additionally, we have discussed the limitations inherent in current methodologies for assessing metabolism in hiPSC-cardiomyocytes, and the challenges in achieving sufficient metabolic flexibility akin to that in the healthy adult heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Jiang
- Health management center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Lian
- Department of Urology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kun Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Kaihua Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Haoming Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Haichun Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yin Cai
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lei Pang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
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Samim Sardar M, Kashinath KP, Kumari M, Sah SK, Alam K, Gupta U, Ravichandiran V, Roy S, Kaity S. Rebamipide nanocrystal with improved physicomechanical properties and its assessment through bio-mimicking 3D intestinal permeability model. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 39370903 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr03137g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated the formulation and characterization of rebamipide nanocrystals (REB-NCs) to enhance the solubility and permeability of rebamipide, an anti-ulcer medication known for its low aqueous solubility and permeability, classified as BCS class IV. Employing high-pressure homogenization and wet milling techniques, we successfully achieved nanonization of rebamipide, resulting in stable nanosuspensions that were subsequently freeze-dried to produce REB-NCs with an average particle size of 223 nm. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanocrystals and their compatibility with the selected excipients. The saturation solubility study revealed a remarkable three-fold enhancement in PBS pH 7.4 compared to rebamipide API, indicating the effectiveness of the nanocrystal formulation in improving drug solubility. Furthermore, 3D in-vitro permeability assessments conducted on Caco-2 cell monolayers demonstrated an noticeable increase in the permeability of REB-NCs relative to the pure active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), highlighting the promise of this formulation to enhance drug absorption. The dissolution profile of the nanocrystal tablets exhibited immediate release characteristics, significantly outperforming conventional formulations in terms of the dissolution rate. This research underscores the potential of nanomilling as a scalable, environment-friendly, and less toxic approach to significantly enhance the bioavailability of rebamipide. By addressing the challenges associated with the solubility and permeability of poorly water-soluble drugs, our outcome offers insightful information into developing efficient nanomedicine strategies for enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Samim Sardar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India.
| | - Kardile Punam Kashinath
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India.
| | - Mamta Kumari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India.
| | - Sunil Kumar Sah
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India.
| | - Kamare Alam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India.
| | - Ujjwal Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India.
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India
| | - Subhadeep Roy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India.
| | - Santanu Kaity
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India.
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Wang J, Liu X, Zhang M, Liu R. The mitochondrial genome of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae) sheds light on its genome structure and gene transfer between organelles. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:929. [PMID: 39367299 PMCID: PMC11451270 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10841-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lavandula angustifolia holds importance as an aromatic plant with extensive applications spanning the fragrance, perfume, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and spa sectors. Beyond its aesthetic and sensory applications, this plant offers medicinal benefits as a natural herbal remedy and finds use in household cleaning products. While extensive genomic data, inclusive of plastid and nuclear genomes, are available for this species, researchers have yet to characterize its mitochondrial genome. This gap in knowledge hampers deeper understanding of the genome organization and its evolutionary significance. RESULTS Through the course of this study, we successfully assembled and annotated the mitochondrial genome of L. angustifolia, marking a first in this domain. This assembled genome encompasses 61 genes, which comprise 34 protein-coding genes, 24 transfer RNA genes, and three ribosomal RNA genes. We identified a chloroplast sequence insertion into the mitogenome, which spans a length of 10,645 bp, accounting for 2.94% of the mitogenome size. Within these inserted sequences, there are seven intact tRNA genes (trnH-GUG, trnW-CCA, trnD-GUC, trnS-GGA, trnN-GUU, trnT-GGU, trnP-UGG) and four complete protein-coding genes (psbA, rps15, petL, petG) of chloroplast derivation. Additional discoveries include 88 microsatellites, 15 tandem repeats, 74 palindromic repeats, and 87 forward long repeats. An RNA editing analysis highlighted an elevated count of editing sites in the cytochrome c oxidase genes, notably ccmB with 34 editing sites, ccmFN with 32, and ccmC with 29. All protein-coding genes showed evidence of cytidine-to-uracil conversion. A phylogenetic analysis, utilizing common protein-coding genes from 23 Lamiales species, yielded a tree with consistent topology, supported by high confidence values. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of the current mitogenome resource revealed its typical circular genome structure. Notably, sequences originally from the chloroplast genome were found within the mitogenome, pointing to the occurrence of horizontal gene transfer between organelles. This assembled mitogenome stands as a valuable resource for subsequent studies on mitogenome structures, their evolution, and molecular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Bao'an Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518000, China
- Wuhan Benagen Technology Co., Ltd, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Mengting Zhang
- Jianmin Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Wuhan, 430052, China
| | - Renbin Liu
- Bao'an Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518000, China.
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Khera N, Jeevanandam P. CuCo 2S 4 nanoparticles synthesized via a thermal decomposition approach: evaluation of their potential as peroxidase mimics. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:18108-18118. [PMID: 39258884 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr02215g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
The current study demonstrates the synthesis of CuCo2S4 nanoparticles using a novel thermal decomposition approach. The CuCo2S4 nanoparticles were synthesized under various conditions by changing the source of sulfur and the solvent. The CuCo2S4 nanoparticles were characterized using an array of analytical techniques. Powder XRD results indicate the successful formation of CuCo2S4 nanoparticles. TEM results show agglomerated nanoparticles with close to spherical morphology and XPS measurements indicate the presence of Cu2+, Cu+, Co3+, Co2+, and S2- in the samples. The CuCo2S4 nanoparticles exhibit weak ferromagnetic and paramagnetic behaviour at 5 K and 300 K, respectively. The CuCo2S4 nanoparticles were explored for their enzyme mimetic activity using 3,3',5,5' tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a substrate. They exhibit better catalytic activity compared to that of a natural enzyme (horseradish peroxidase) and other metal sulfide nanoparticles reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nainy Khera
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Roorkee-247667, India.
| | - Pethaiyan Jeevanandam
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Roorkee-247667, India.
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18
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Misra C, Kaur J, Kumar M, Kaushik L, Chitkara D, Preet S, Wahajuddin M, Raza K. Docetaxel-tethered di-Carboxylic Acid Derivatised Fullerenes: A Promising Drug Delivery Approach for Breast Cancer. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:233. [PMID: 39358486 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02955-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Docetaxel (DTX) has become widely accepted as a first-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer; however, the frequent development of resistance provides challenges in treating the disease.C60 fullerene introduces a unique molecular form of carbon, exhibiting attractive chemical and physical properties. Our study aimed to develop dicarboxylic acid-derivatized C60 fullerenes as a novel DTX delivery carrier. This study investigated the potential of water-soluble fullerenes to deliver the anti-cancer drug DTX through a hydrophilic linker. The synthesis was carried out using the Prato reaction. The spectroscopic analysis confirmed the successful conjugation of DTX molecules over fullerenes. The particle size of nanoconjugate was reported to be 122.13 ± 1.63 nm with a conjugation efficiency of 76.7 ± 0.14%. The designed conjugate offers pH-dependent release with significantly less plasma pH, ensuring maximum release at the target site. In-vitro cell viability studies demonstrated the enhanced cytotoxic nature of the developed nanoconjugate compared to DTX. These synthesized nanoscaffolds were highly compatible with erythrocytes, indicating the safer intravenous route administration. Pharmacokinetic studies confirmed the higher bioavailability (~ 6 times) and decreased drug clearance from the system vis-à-vis plain drug. The histological studies reveal that nanoconjugate-treated tumour cells exhibit similar morphology to normal cells. Therefore, it was concluded that this developed formulation would be a valuable option for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Misra
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Science and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Distt. Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Jasleen Kaur
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Science and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Distt. Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
| | - Lokesh Kaushik
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Science and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Distt. Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India
- ICFAI School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The ICFAI University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302031, India
| | - Deepak Chitkara
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, 33031, India
| | - Simran Preet
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India
| | - Muhammad Wahajuddin
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Kaisar Raza
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemical Science and Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindri, Distt. Ajmer, Rajasthan, 305817, India.
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Shokri A, Shahhosseini S, Bazyari A. Nanoporous Metatitanic acid on γ-Al 2O 3 aerogel for higher CO 2 adsorption capacity and lower energy consumption. Sci Rep 2024; 14:22905. [PMID: 39358431 PMCID: PMC11447002 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-74203-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbon dioxide capture has become an important issue in reducing atmospheric heat these days. In this study, adsorption of carbon dioxide by aerogel Gamma Alumina-Metatitanic Acid has been investigated and optimized. Morphological and structural analyses such as BET, FESEM, FT-IR, and XRD have also been conducted. In addition, Response surface methodology has been applied in order to achieve the optimal conditions, using a five-level Central composite design. The highest amount of adsorption, 12.874 (mmol/g), was recorded at a temperature of 20 (°C), pressure of 7 (bar), and 25 (%wt) of Metatitanic Acid. This was approximately 11.46% and 4.84% higher than those of mesoporous MgO and 4Azeolite, respectively. Regeneration of the adsorbent was also studied at different temperatures and process durations. Metatitanic acid, as a catalyst, reduces the temperature and regeneration time of the adsorbent by creating active sites and surface hydroxyl groups. It also lowers the required activation energy and enhances the thermal conductivity of the composite material. The optimal result was achieved at a temperature of 100 (°C) and a duration of 30 (min). Finally, isothermal and thermodynamic experiments were conducted to establish the most accurate predictive model and conditions, including Enthalpy, Entropy, and Gibbs free energy. The results indicate that the Freundlich model aligned well with the laboratory findings. Additionally, the negative values of Enthalpy, Entropy, and Gibbs free energy suggested that the adsorption process was physical, exothermic, and spontaneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abolfazl Shokri
- School of Chemical, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Shahhosseini
- School of Chemical, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amin Bazyari
- School of Chemical, Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
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20
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Gaddam SR, Sharma A, Bhatia C, Trivedi PK. A network comprising ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5, microRNA397b, and auxin-associated factors regulates root hair growth in Arabidopsis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 196:1460-1474. [PMID: 38820143 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) is a major light-associated transcription factor involved in plant growth and development. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the role of HY5 is very well defined in regulating primary root growth and lateral root formation; however, information regarding its role in root hair development is still lacking, and little is known about the genetic pathways regulating this process. In this study, we investigated the role of HY5 and its associated components in root hair development. Detailed analysis of root hair phenotype in wild-type and light signaling mutants under light and dark conditions revealed the importance of light-dependent HY5-mediated root hair initiation. Altered auxin levels in the root apex of the hy5 mutant and interaction of HY5 with promoters of root hair developmental genes were responsible for differential expression of root hair developmental genes and phenotype in the hy5 mutant. The partial complementation of root hair in the hy5 mutant after external supplementation of auxin and regaining of root hair in PIN-FORMED 2 and PIN-FORMED 2 mutants after grafting suggested that the auxin-mediated root hair development pathway requires HY5. Furthermore, miR397b overexpression (miR397bOX) and CRISPR/Cas9-based mutants (miR397bCR) indicated miR397b targets genes encoding reduced residual arabinose (RRA1/RRA2), which in turn regulate root hair growth. The regulation of the miR397b-(RRA1/RRA2) module by HY5 demonstrated its indirect role by targeting root hair cell wall genes. Together, this study demonstrated that HY5 controls root hair development by integrating auxin signaling and other miRNA-mediated pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhash Reddy Gaddam
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-NBRI), Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, 226001, India
- Plant Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) P.O. CIMAP, Near Kukrail Picnic Spot, Lucknow, 226015, India
| | - Ashish Sharma
- Plant Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) P.O. CIMAP, Near Kukrail Picnic Spot, Lucknow, 226015, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Chitra Bhatia
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-NBRI), Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, 226001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Prabodh Kumar Trivedi
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-NBRI), Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, 226001, India
- Plant Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) P.O. CIMAP, Near Kukrail Picnic Spot, Lucknow, 226015, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
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21
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Kassem AF, Sediek AA, Omran MM, Foda DS, Al-Ashmawy AAK. Design, synthesis and in vitro anti-proliferative evaluation of new pyridine-2,3-dihydrothiazole/thiazolidin-4-one hybrids as dual CDK2/GSK3β kinase inhibitors. RSC Adv 2024; 14:31607-31623. [PMID: 39376524 PMCID: PMC11456921 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra06146b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Herein, the molecular hybridization drug discovery approach was used in the design and synthesis of twelve novel pyridine-2,3-dihydrothiazole hybrids (2a,b-5a,b and 13a,b-14a,b) and fourteen pyridine-thiazolidin-4-one hybrids (6a,b-12a,b) as anti-proliferative analogues targeting CDK2 and GSK3β kinase inhibition. Almost all of the newly synthesized hybrids, including their precursors (1a,b), were evaluated for their anti-proliferative activity against three human cancer cell lines-MCF-7, HepG2 and HEp-2-as well as normal Vero cell lines. Both compounds 1a (pyridine-thiourea precursor) and 8a (pyridine-5-acetyl-thiazolidin-4-one hybrid) exhibited excellent anti-proliferative activity against HEp-2 (IC50 = 7.5 μg mL-1, 5.9 μg mL-1, respectively). Additionally, 13a (pyridine-5-(p-tolyldiazenyl-2,3-dihydrothiazole)) hybrid demonstrated excellent anti-proliferative activity against HepG2 (IC50 = 9.5 μg mL-1), with an acceptable safety profile against Vero (<45% inhibition at 100 μg mL-1) in the cases of 8a and 13a alone. The three promising anti-proliferative hybrids (1a, 8a, 13a) were selected for the assessment of their in vitro inhibitory kinase activity against CDK2/GSK3β using roscovitine (IC50 = 0.88 μg mL-1) and CHIR-99021 (IC50 = 0.07 μg mL-1) as references, respectively. Compound 13a was the most potent dual CDK2/GSK3β inhibitor (IC50 = 0.396 μg mL-1, 0.118 μg mL-1, respectively) followed by 8a (IC50 = 0.675 μg mL-1, 0.134 μg mL-1, respectively), and the weakest was 1a. To elucidate the mechanism of the most potent anti-proliferative 13a hybrid, further cell cycle analysis was performed revealing that it caused G1 cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis. Moreover, it resulted in an increase in Bax and caspase-3 with a decrease in Bcl-2 levels in HepG2 cells compared with untreated cells. Finally, in silico drug likeness/ADME prediction for the three potent compounds as well as a molecular docking simulation study were conducted in order to explore the binding affinity and interactions in the binding site of each enzyme, which inspired their usage as anti-proliferative leads for further modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa F Kassem
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, National Research Centre Dokki 12622 Cairo Egypt
| | - Ashraf A Sediek
- Chemical Industries Institute, National Research Centre Dokki 12622 Cairo Egypt
| | - Mervat M Omran
- Pharmacology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University Cairo Egypt
| | - Doaa S Foda
- Therapeutic Chemistry Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre Dokki 12622 Cairo Egypt
| | - Aisha A K Al-Ashmawy
- Therapeutic Chemistry Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre Dokki 12622 Cairo Egypt
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22
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Chakraborty S, Chauhan A. Fighting the flu: a brief review on anti-influenza agents. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2024; 40:858-909. [PMID: 36946567 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2023.2191081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The influenza virus causes one of the most prevalent and lethal infectious viral diseases of the respiratory system; the disease progression varies from acute self-limiting mild fever to disease chronicity and death. Although both the preventive and treatment measures have been vital in protecting humans against seasonal epidemics or sporadic pandemics, there are several challenges to curb the influenza virus such as limited or poor cross-protection against circulating virus strains, moderate protection in immune-compromised patients, and rapid emergence of resistance. Currently, there are four US-FDA-approved anti-influenza drugs to treat flu infection, viz. Rapivab, Relenza, Tamiflu, and Xofluza. These drugs are classified based on their mode of action against the viral replication cycle with the first three being Neuraminidase inhibitors, and the fourth one targeting the viral polymerase. The emergence of the drug-resistant strains of influenza, however, underscores the need for continuous innovation towards development and discovery of new anti-influenza agents with enhanced antiviral effects, greater safety, and improved tolerability. Here in this review, we highlighted commercially available antiviral agents besides those that are at different stages of development including under clinical trials, with a brief account of their antiviral mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashwini Chauhan
- Department of Microbiology, Tripura University, Agartala, India
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23
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Biserni C, De Groot BO, Fuermaier ABM, de Waard D, Enriquez-Geppert S. Post-COVID fatigue: Reduced quality-of-life associated with clinically relevant fatigue in mild disease courses. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2024; 34:1302-1326. [PMID: 38380901 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2024.2314874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Fatigue is a pervasive symptom experienced by many individuals after COVID-19. Despite its widespread occurrence, fatigue remains a poorly understood and complex phenomenon. Our aim is to evaluate the subjective experience of mental fatigue after COVID-19 and to assess its significance for daily life functioning. In this online questionnaire study (N = 220), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), World Health Organization Quality-of-Life assessment (WHOQoL) and a subjective severity rating of the COVID-19 disease progression were used. For our statistical analyses we utilized independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA with post-hoc analyses, and a multiple regression. As expected our findings revealed the COVID group reported significantly higher levels of subjective fatigue compared to the control group. Moreover, there was a significant difference between experienced fatigue across the four severity groups. Participants who had a milder course of disease also experienced severe subjective fatigue. Subjective fatigue explained 40% variance in quality-of-life. In conclusion, severe subjective fatigue appears to be associated with increased self-reported COVID-19 symptom severity and lower quality-of-life but is already observable in milder cases. This underscores, firstly, the importance of considering also less severe cases and, secondly, the need to develop rehabilitation and psychological interventions for fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Biserni
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bob O De Groot
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anselm B M Fuermaier
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dick de Waard
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Enriquez-Geppert
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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24
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Liu G, Jiang Q, Qin L, Zeng Z, Zhang P, Feng B, Liu X, Qing Z, Qing T. The influence of digestive tract protein on cytotoxicity of polyvinyl chloride microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:174023. [PMID: 38885711 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics in food and drinking water can enter the human body through oral exposure, posing potential health risks to the human health. Most studies on the toxic effects of microplastics have focused on aquatic organisms, but the effects of the human digestive environment on the physicochemical properties of microplastics and their potential toxicity during gastrointestinal digestion are often limited. In this study, we first studied the influence of interactions between digestive tract protein (α-amylase, pepsin, and trypsin) and microplastics on the activity and conformation of digestive enzymes, and the physicochemical properties of polyvinyl chloride microplastics (PVC-MPs). Subsequently, a simulated digestion assay was performed to determine the biotransformation of PVC-MPs in the digestive tract and the intestinal toxicity of PVC-MPs. The in vitro experiments showed that the protein structure and activity of digestive enzymes were changed after adsorption by microplastics. After digestion, the static contact angle of PVC-MPs was decreased, indicating that the hydrophilicity of the PVC-MPs increased, which will increase its mobility in organisms. Cell experiment showed that the altered physicochemical property of PVC-MPs after digestion process also affect its cytotoxicity, including cellular uptake, cell viability, cell membrane integrity, reactive oxygen species levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Transcriptome analyses further confirmed the enhanced biotoxic effect of PVC-MPs after digestion treatment. Therefore, the ecological risk of microplastics may be underestimated owing to the interactions of microplastics and digestive tract protein during biological ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonghao Liu
- College of Environment and Resources, Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory for Environmental Behavior and Control Principle of New Pollutants, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, Hunan, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, Hunan, China
| | - Qianwen Jiang
- College of Environment and Resources, Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory for Environmental Behavior and Control Principle of New Pollutants, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Lingfeng Qin
- College of Environment and Resources, Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory for Environmental Behavior and Control Principle of New Pollutants, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Zihang Zeng
- College of Environment and Resources, Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory for Environmental Behavior and Control Principle of New Pollutants, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- College of Environment and Resources, Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory for Environmental Behavior and Control Principle of New Pollutants, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Feng
- College of Environment and Resources, Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory for Environmental Behavior and Control Principle of New Pollutants, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- Hunan Institute of Advanced Sensing and Information Technology, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, Hunan, China
| | - Zhihe Qing
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cytochemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, Hunan, China
| | - Taiping Qing
- College of Environment and Resources, Hunan Provincial University Key Laboratory for Environmental Behavior and Control Principle of New Pollutants, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, Hunan, China.
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25
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McCaw BA, Leonard AM, Stevenson TJ, Lancaster LT. A role of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating female reproductive responses to temperature in a pest beetle. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:516-533. [PMID: 38864655 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Many species are threatened by climate change and must rapidly respond to survive in changing environments. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, can facilitate plastic responses by regulating gene expression in response to environmental cues. Understanding epigenetic responses is therefore essential for predicting species' ability to rapidly adapt in the context of global environmental change. Here, we investigated the functional significance of different methylation-associated cellular processes on temperature-dependent life history in seed beetles, Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius 1775 (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). We assessed changes under thermal stress in (1) DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt1 and Dnmt2) expression levels, (2) genome-wide methylation and (3) reproductive performance, with (2) and (3) following treatment with 3-aminobenzamide (3AB) and zebularine (Zeb) over two generations. These drugs are well-documented to alter DNA methylation across the tree of life. We found that Dnmt1 and Dnmt2 were expressed throughout the body in males and females, but were highly expressed in females compared with males and exhibited temperature dependence. However, whole-genome methylation did not significantly vary with temperature, and only marginally or inconclusively with drug treatment. Both 3AB and Zeb led to profound temperature-dependent shifts in female reproductive life history trade-off allocation, often increasing fitness compared with control beetles. Mismatch between magnitude of treatment effects on DNA methylation versus life history effects suggest potential of 3AB and Zeb to alter reproductive trade-offs via changes in DNA repair and recycling processes, rather than or in addition to (subtle) changes in DNA methylation. Together, our results suggest that epigenetic mechanisms relating to Dnmt expression, DNA repair and recycling pathways, and possibly DNA methylation, are strongly implicated in modulating insect life history trade-offs in response to temperature change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A McCaw
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Aoife M Leonard
- Centre for Evolutionary Hologenomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tyler J Stevenson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Lesley T Lancaster
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
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26
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Grüning G, Gerhards L, Wong SY, Kattnig DR, Solov'yov IA. The Effect of Spin Relaxation on Magnetic Compass Sensitivity in ErCry4a. Chemphyschem 2024; 25:e202400129. [PMID: 38668824 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202400129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the impact of thermal motion on the magnetic compass mechanism in migratory birds, focusing on the radical pair mechanism within cryptochrome photoreceptors. The coherence of radical pairs, crucial for magnetic field inference, is curbed by spin relaxation induced by intra-protein motion. Molecular dynamics simulations, density-functional-theory-based calculations, and spin dynamics calculations were employed, utilizing Bloch-Redfield-Wangsness (BRW) relaxation theory, to investigate compass sensitivity. Previous research hypothesized that European robin's cryptochrome 4a (ErCry4a) optimized intra-protein motion to minimize spin relaxation, enhancing magnetic sensing compared to the plant Arabidopsis thaliana's cryptochrome 1 (AtCry1). Different correlation times of the nuclear hyperfine coupling constants in AtCry1 and ErCry4a were indeed found, leading to distinct radical pair recombination yields in the two species, with ErCry4a showing optimized sensitivity. However, this optimization is likely negligible in realistic spin systems with numerous nuclear spins. Beyond insights in magnetic sensing, the study presents a detailed method employing molecular dynamics simulations to assess for spin relaxation effects on chemical reactions with realistically modelled protein motion, relevant for studying radical pair reactions at finite temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesa Grüning
- Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Luca Gerhards
- Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Siu Y Wong
- Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Daniel R Kattnig
- Department of Physics and Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Ilia A Solov'yov
- Institute of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
- Research Center for Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Dynamics (CENAD), Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
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27
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Kumar V, Anand P, Srivastava A, Akhter Y, Verma D. The structural insights of L-asparaginase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa CSPS4 at elevated temperatures highlight its thermophilic nature. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:230. [PMID: 39280800 PMCID: PMC11391003 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-024-04072-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present investigation, a novel thermophilic L-asparaginase (Asn_PA) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa CSPS4 was investigated to explore its structural insights at elevated temperatures. Sequence analysis of Asn_PA depicted three conserved motifs (VVILATGGTIAG, DGIVITHGTDTLEETAYFL, and, LRKQGVQIIRSSHVNAGGF), of them, two motifs exhibit catalytically-important residues i.e., T45 and T125. A homology modelling-based structure model for Asn_PA was generated with 4PGA as the top-matched template. The predicted structure was validated and energy was minimized. Molecular docking was carried out cantered at the active site for asparagine and glutamine as its substrate ligands. The enzyme-substrate interaction analysis showed binding affinities of - 4.8 and - 4.1 kcal/mol for asparagine and glutamine respectively. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies showed a better stability of Asn_PA at temperatures of 60 °C, over 40, 50 and, 80 °C, making this enzyme a novel L-asparaginase from other mesophilic P. aeruginosa strain. The trajectory analysis showed that RMSD, Rg, and, SASA values correlate well with each other in the different tested temperatures during the MD analysis. Thus, the present findings encourage extensive characterization of the Asn_PA using laboratory experiments to understand the structural behavior of the active site loop in an open or closed state with and without the substrate molecules. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-04072-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Kumar
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, 226025 India
| | - Pragya Anand
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, 226025 India
| | - Ankita Srivastava
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, 226025 India
| | - Yusuf Akhter
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, 226025 India
| | - Digvijay Verma
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, 226025 India
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Li T, Mu G, Hao Q, Tang X. PbS-based SWIR micro-spectrometer with on-chip Fabry-Perot filter array. OPTICS LETTERS 2024; 49:5435-5438. [PMID: 39352975 DOI: 10.1364/ol.527883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Miniaturized and portable on-chip spectrometers have been widely explored to facilitate many applications including chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and astronomical observations. However, the optical spectra of micro-spectrometers are mostly within the visible range. Here, we develop high-performance short-wave infrared (SWIR) micro-spectrometers through the integration of wafer-scale uniform lead sulfide (PbS) thin films with an on-chip Fabry-Perot filter array. The optoelectronic performance of PbS-based detectors could be markedly improved through the optimization of chemical bath deposition (CBD) conditions. The high-sensitivity PbS detectors based on the Fabry-Perot filter array demonstrate chemical analysis application.
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Kwoji ID, Aiyegoro OA, Okpeku M, Adeleke MA. Elucidating the Mechanisms of Cell-to-Cell Crosstalk in Probiotics Co-culture: A Proteomics Study of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZJ625 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius ZJ614. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024; 16:1817-1835. [PMID: 37581751 PMCID: PMC11445297 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10133-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZJ625 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 are potential probiotic bacteria with improved benefits when administered to the host as a multi-strain preparation. To elucidate the mechanisms of cell-to-cell crosstalk between these two strains, we studied their intracellular and extracellular proteomes in co-culture by liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS) using Dionex Nano-RSLC and fusion mass spectrometer. The experiment consisted of five biological replicates, and samples were collected during the mid-exponential growth phase. The quantitative proteomic profiles revealed several differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), which are down- or up-regulated between and within groups for both the intracellular and extracellular proteomes. These DEPs include proteins synthesising autoinducer-2, a sensor compound for cell-to-cell bacterial crosstalk during quorum sensing in mixed culture. Other important DEPs identified include enolase, phosphoglycerate kinase, and l-lactate dehydrogenase, which play roles in carbohydrate metabolism. Proteins associated with transcription, ATP production and transport across the membrane, DNA repair, and those with the potential to bind to the host epithelium were also identified. The post-translational modifications associated with the proteins include oxidation, deamidation, and ammonia loss. Importantly, this study revealed a significant expression of S-ribosylhomocysteine lyase (luxS) involved in synthesising autoinducer-2 that plays important roles in quorum sensing, aiding bacterial cell-to-cell crosstalk in co-cultures. The proteome of L. salivarius ZJ614 was most affected when co-cultured with L. reuteri ZJ625. In contrast, omitting some medium components from the defined medium exerted more effects on L. reuteri ZJ625 than L. salivarius ZJ614.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliya Dauda Kwoji
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Olayinka Ayobami Aiyegoro
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, Northwest, South Africa
| | - Moses Okpeku
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Matthew Adekunle Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
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Zhang D, Xie Y, Wang L, Zhou K. Structural and transcriptional signatures of arithmetic abilities in children. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2024; 9:58. [PMID: 39349496 PMCID: PMC11442576 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-024-00270-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024]
Abstract
Arithmetic ability is critical for daily life, academic achievement, career development, and future economic success. Individual differences in arithmetic skills among children and adolescents are related to variations in brain structures. Most existing studies have used hypothesis-driven region of interest analysis. To identify distributed brain regions related to arithmetic ability, we used data-driven cross-validated predictive models to analyze cross-sectional behavioral and structural MRI data in children and adolescents. The gray matter volume (GMV) of widespread brain regions reliably predicted arithmetic abilities measured by the Comprehensive Mathematical Abilities Test. Furthermore, we applied neuroimaging-transcriptome association analysis to explore transcriptional signatures associated with structural patterns of arithmetic ability. Structural patterns of arithmetic ability primarily correlated with transcriptional profiles enriched for genes involved in transmembrane transport and synaptic signaling. Our findings enhance our understanding of the neural and genetic mechanisms underlying children's arithmetic ability and offer a practical predictor for arithmetic skills during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Medical Imaging Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yanghui Xie
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Longsheng Wang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Medical Imaging Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Ke Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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31
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Shahid S, Wali A, Iftikhar S, Shaukat S, Zikria S, Rasheed J, Asuroglu T. Computational imaging for rapid detection of grade-I cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). Heliyon 2024; 10:e37743. [PMID: 39309774 PMCID: PMC11416517 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
An early identification and subsequent management of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) grade 1 can delay progression into grades II and III. Machine learning algorithms have shown considerable promise in medical image interpretation automation. An experimental cross-sectional study aimed to develop an automated computer-aided diagnostic system based on AI (artificial intelligence) tools to detect grade 1-cSVD with improved accuracy. Patients with Fazekas grade 1 cSVD on Non-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Brain of age >40 years of both genders were included. The dataset was pre-processed to be fed into a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) model. A 3D stack with the shape (120, 128, 128, 1) containing axial slices from the brain magnetic resonance image was created. The model was created from scratch and contained four convolutional and three fully connected (FC) layers. The dataset was preprocessed by making a 3D stack, and normalizing, resizing, and completing the stack was performed. A 3D-CNN model architecture was designed to train and test preprocessed images. We achieved an accuracy of 93.12 % when 2D axial slices were used. When the 2D slices of a patient were stacked to form a 3D image, an accuracy of 85.71 % was achieved on the test set. Overall, the 3D-CNN model performed very well on the test set. The earliest and the most accurate diagnosis from computational imaging methods can help reduce the huge burden of cSVD and its associated morbidity in the form of vascular dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Shahid
- Department of Sciences & Humanities, National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (NUCES)-FAST Lahore Campus, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Aamir Wali
- Department of Data Sciences, National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (NUCES)-FAST Lahore Campus, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Sadaf Iftikhar
- Department of Neurology, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Suneela Shaukat
- Department of Radiology, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Zikria
- Department of Sciences & Humanities, National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences (NUCES)-FAST Lahore Campus, Punjab, Pakistan
- Department of Computer Science, Information Technology University (ITU), Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Jawad Rasheed
- Department of Computer Engineering, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul, 34303, Turkey
- Department of Software Engineering, Istanbul Nisantasi University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Deep Learning and Medical Image Analysis Laboratory, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tunc Asuroglu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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Hassanpour M, Salybkov AA, Kobayashi S, Asahara T. Anti-inflammatory Prowess of endothelial progenitor cells in the realm of biology and medicine. NPJ Regen Med 2024; 9:27. [PMID: 39349482 PMCID: PMC11442670 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-024-00365-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelial inflammation plays a crucial role in vascular-related diseases, a leading cause of global mortality. Among various cellular players, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) emerge as non-differentiated endothelial cells circulating in the bloodstream. Recent evidence highlights the transformative role of EPCs in shifting from an inflammatory/immunosuppressive crisis to an anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory response. Despite the importance of these functions, the regulatory mechanisms governing EPC activities and their physiological significance in vascular regenerative medicine remain elusive. Surprisingly, the current literature lacks a comprehensive review of EPCs' effects on inflammatory processes. This narrative review aims to fill this gap by exploring the cutting-edge role of EPCs against inflammation, from molecular intricacies to broader medical perspectives. By examining how EPCs modulate inflammatory responses, we aim to unravel their anti-inflammatory significance in vascular regenerative medicine, deepening insights into EPCs' molecular mechanisms and guiding future therapeutic strategies targeting vascular-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Hassanpour
- Shonan Research, Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan
- Center for Cell therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan
- Kidney Disease and Transplant Center, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Amankeldi A Salybkov
- Shonan Research, Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan
- Center for Cell therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan
- Kidney Disease and Transplant Center, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shuzo Kobayashi
- Shonan Research, Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan
- Kidney Disease and Transplant Center, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takayuki Asahara
- Shonan Research, Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan.
- Center for Cell therapy & Regenerative Medicine, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan.
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Pucci C, De Pasquale D, Degl'Innocenti A, Montorsi M, Desii A, Pero M, Martinelli C, Bartolucci M, Petretto A, Ciofani G. Chlorin e6-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Targeted by Angiopep-2: Advancing Photodynamic Therapy in Glioblastoma. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2402823. [PMID: 39344523 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202402823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor known for its resistance to standard treatments. Despite surgery being a primary option, it often leads to incomplete removal and high recurrence rates. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) holds promise as an adjunctive treatment, but safety concerns and the need for high-power lasers have limited its widespread use. This research addresses these challenges by introducing a novel PDT approach, using chlorin e6 (Ce6) enclosed in nanostructured lipid carriers (Ang-Ce6-NLCs) and targeted to GBM with the angiopep-2 peptide. Remarkably, a single 5-min irradiation session with LEDs at 660 nm and low power density (10 mW cm- 2) proves effective against GBM, while reducing safety risks associated with high-power lasers. Encapsulation improves Ce6 stability and performance in physiological environments, while angiopep-2 targeting enhances delivery to GBM cells, maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing off-target effects. The findings demonstrate that Ang-Ce6-NLCs-mediated PDT brings about a significant reduction in GBM cell viability, increases oxidative stress, reduces tumor migration, and enhances apoptosis. Overall, such treatment holds potential as a safe and efficient intraoperative removal of GBM infiltrating cells that cannot be reached by surgery, using low-power LED light to minimize harm to surrounding healthy tissue while maximizing tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Pucci
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera, 56025, Italy
| | - Daniele De Pasquale
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera, 56025, Italy
| | - Andrea Degl'Innocenti
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera, 56025, Italy
| | - Margherita Montorsi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera, 56025, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, The BioRobotics Institute, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera, 56025, Italy
| | - Andrea Desii
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera, 56025, Italy
| | - Marta Pero
- Politecnico di Torino, DIMEAS, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino, 10129, Italy
| | - Chiara Martinelli
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera, 56025, Italy
| | - Martina Bartolucci
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Core Facilities-Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, Genova, 16147, Italy
| | - Andrea Petretto
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Core Facilities-Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, Genova, 16147, Italy
| | - Gianni Ciofani
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Smart Bio-Interfaces, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera, 56025, Italy
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Riveros-Gomez I, Vasquez-Marin J, Huerta-Garcia EX, Camargo-Ayala PA, Rivera C. Aphthous stomatitis - computational biology suggests external biotic stimulus and immunogenic cell death involved. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:1154. [PMID: 39343890 PMCID: PMC11440928 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04917-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The exact cause of recurrent aphthous stomatitis is still unknown, making it a challenge to develop effective treatments. This study employs computational biology to investigate the molecular basis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, aiming to identify the nature of the stimuli triggering these ulcers and the type of cell death involved. METHODS To understand the molecular underpinnings of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, we used the Génie tool for gene identification, targeting those associated with cell death in recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The ToppGene Suite was employed for functional enrichment analysis. We also used Reactome and InteractiVenn for protein integration and prioritization against a PANoptosis gene list, enabling the construction of a protein-protein interaction network to pinpoint key proteins in recurrent aphthous stomatitis pathogenesis. RESULTS The study's computational approach identified 1,375 protein-coding genes linked to recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Critical among these were proteins responsive to bacterial stimuli, especially high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The enrichment analysis suggested an external biotic factor, likely bacterial, as a triggering agent in recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The protein interaction network highlighted the roles of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), NF-kappa-B essential modulator (IKBKG), and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1A (TNFRSF1A), indicating an immunogenic cell death mechanism, potentially PANoptosis, in recurrent aphthous stomatitis. CONCLUSION The findings propose that bacterial stimuli could trigger recurrent aphthous stomatitis through a PANoptosis-related cell death pathway. This new understanding of recurrent aphthous stomatitis pathogenesis underscores the significance of oral microbiota in the condition. Future experimental validation and therapeutic strategy development based on these findings are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Riveros-Gomez
- Laboratorio de Histopatología Oral y Maxilofacial, Unidad de Medicina Oral y Patología Oral, Departamento de Estomatología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Talca, Avenida Lircay S/N, Campus Norte Universidad de Talca, Edificio de Ciencias Biomédicas, Oficina N°4, Talca, 3460000, Región del Maule, Chile
| | - Joaquin Vasquez-Marin
- Laboratorio de Histopatología Oral y Maxilofacial, Unidad de Medicina Oral y Patología Oral, Departamento de Estomatología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Talca, Avenida Lircay S/N, Campus Norte Universidad de Talca, Edificio de Ciencias Biomédicas, Oficina N°4, Talca, 3460000, Región del Maule, Chile
| | - Elisa Ximena Huerta-Garcia
- Laboratorio de Histopatología Oral y Maxilofacial, Unidad de Medicina Oral y Patología Oral, Departamento de Estomatología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Talca, Avenida Lircay S/N, Campus Norte Universidad de Talca, Edificio de Ciencias Biomédicas, Oficina N°4, Talca, 3460000, Región del Maule, Chile
| | - Paola Andrea Camargo-Ayala
- Laboratorio de Histopatología Oral y Maxilofacial, Unidad de Medicina Oral y Patología Oral, Departamento de Estomatología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Talca, Avenida Lircay S/N, Campus Norte Universidad de Talca, Edificio de Ciencias Biomédicas, Oficina N°4, Talca, 3460000, Región del Maule, Chile
| | - Cesar Rivera
- Laboratorio de Histopatología Oral y Maxilofacial, Unidad de Medicina Oral y Patología Oral, Departamento de Estomatología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Talca, Avenida Lircay S/N, Campus Norte Universidad de Talca, Edificio de Ciencias Biomédicas, Oficina N°4, Talca, 3460000, Región del Maule, Chile.
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35
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Nagarasanakote Jayaramu S, Janardhana D, Erasmus LJB, Coetsee E, Motaung DE, Swart HC. Influence of annealing temperature on persistent luminescence in BaAl 2O 4:Eu 2+/Eu 3+ nanocrystals and its application for latent fingerprint detection. Dalton Trans 2024. [PMID: 39327998 DOI: 10.1039/d4dt01680g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
The luminescent properties of europium (Eu) doped BaAl2O4 phosphors were strongly influenced by post-annealing temperatures for blue-green persistent luminescence and latent fingerprints (LFPs). The X-ray powder diffraction patterns of the BaAl2O4: 1 mol% Eu nanophosphor, annealed between 1000 and 1300 °C, indicated a hexagonal ferroelectric phase. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that the Ba atoms occupied two different sites in the BaAl2O4. The XPS and photoluminescence (PL) results revealed the presence of Eu3+ and Eu2+ states. The Eu-doped BaAl2O4 showed the characteristic red emission of Eu3+ at 251 and 464 nm excitations, while excitations at 340 and 380 nm showed yellowish-green emission. Strong evidence of energy transfer between a charge transfer band and the different energy levels of Eu2+ and Eu3+ ions was obtained. The existence of the Cr ion impurity in the aluminates was confirmed with UV-VIS diffuse reflectance and PL spectroscopy. The present results suggested that and O''i defects have introduced electron and hole traps in the host that acted as luminescent centers for persistent luminescence. LFPs detection using BaAl2O3:Eu2+/Eu3+ phosphor showed an excellent marking agent for applications in forensic science.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Divya Janardhana
- Department of Physics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, ZA-9300, South Africa.
| | - Lucas J B Erasmus
- Department of Physics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, ZA-9300, South Africa.
| | - Elizabeth Coetsee
- Department of Physics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, ZA-9300, South Africa.
| | - David E Motaung
- Department of Physics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, ZA-9300, South Africa.
| | - Hendrik C Swart
- Department of Physics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, ZA-9300, South Africa.
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36
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Lespasio M, Missale E, Aziz B, Kim Y, Speranza G, Divan R, Gosztola DJ, Lei CH, Pantano MF, Kuljanishvili I. Mechanical properties of freestanding few-layer graphene/boron nitride/polymer heterostacks investigated with local and non-local techniques. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024:d4na00514g. [PMID: 39345790 PMCID: PMC11425776 DOI: 10.1039/d4na00514g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
van der Waals two-dimensional materials and heterostructures combined with polymer films continue to attract research attention to elucidate their functionality and potential applications. This study presents the fabrication and mechanical testing of 2D material heterostacks, consisting of few-layer boron nitride and graphene heterostructures synthesized via chemical vapor deposition, capped with a polymethyl methacrylate layer and suspended across ∼200 μm wide trenches using a combined wet-dry transfer method. The mechanical characterization of the heterostacks was performed using two independent approaches: (a) non-local testing with a custom-built tensile testing platform and (b) local load-displacement testing employing atomic force microscopy probes, complemented by finite element simulations. Both approaches provided new results, which are in good agreement with each other. Overall, our findings offer new insights into a combined load capacity in complex multi-material two-dimensional systems, and can contribute to advancing micro and nano-scale device designs and implementations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Lespasio
- Department of Physics, Saint Louis University St. Louis Missouri 63103 USA
| | - Elena Missale
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento Via Mesiano 77 38123 Trento Italy
| | - Bashar Aziz
- Department of Physics, Saint Louis University St. Louis Missouri 63103 USA
| | - Yoosuk Kim
- Department of Physics, Saint Louis University St. Louis Missouri 63103 USA
| | - Giorgio Speranza
- Fondazione Bruno Kessler Via Sommarive 18 38123 Trento Italy
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento Via Sommarive 9 38123 Trento Italy
| | - Ralu Divan
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory 9700 S. Cass Avenue Lemont IL 60439 USA
| | - David J Gosztola
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory 9700 S. Cass Avenue Lemont IL 60439 USA
| | - Chi-Hou Lei
- Department of Physics and Engineering, University of Scranton Scranton PA 18510 USA
| | - Maria F Pantano
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento Via Mesiano 77 38123 Trento Italy
| | - Irma Kuljanishvili
- Department of Physics, Saint Louis University St. Louis Missouri 63103 USA
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Shin Y, Park S, Jang H, Shin G, Shin D, Park S. Atomically dispersed Co-based species containing electron withdrawing groups for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reactions. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:17419-17425. [PMID: 39234746 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01635a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Single-atom-based catalysts are a promising catalytic system with advantages of molecular catalysts and conductive supports. In this work, a new hybrid material (CoF/NG) is produced using a low-temperature reaction between an organometallic complex (Co(C5HF6O2)2) (CoF) and N-doped reduced graphene oxide (NG). CoF contains electron-withdrawing CF3 groups in the ligand around a Co atom. Microscopic and chemical characterization studies reveal that Co-based species are coordinated to N sites of NG and molecularly dispersed on the surface of NG. The CoF/NG hybrid shows improved electrocatalytic properties, such as onset (0.91 V) and half-wave (0.80 V) potentials, for the electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) relative to the NG material. Control experiments reveal that Co-(N)graphene acts as a major active species for ORR. CoF/NG shows moderate cycling durability and microscopy measurements of CoF/NG-after-cycle indicate the formation of nanoparticles after electrocatalytic measurements. All experimental data support that the incorporation of Co-based organometallic species containing electron-withdrawing groups around the metal center onto the graphene-based networks improves the electrocatalytic ORR performance but diminishes the electrocatalytic stability of the active species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunseok Shin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuholgu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sunggu Park
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuholgu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hanbi Jang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuholgu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gogyun Shin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuholgu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dongha Shin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuholgu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sungjin Park
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuholgu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea.
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Oldroyd P, Hadwe SE, Barone DG, Malliaras GG. Thin-film implants for bioelectronic medicine. MRS BULLETIN 2024; 49:1045-1058. [PMID: 39397879 PMCID: PMC11469980 DOI: 10.1557/s43577-024-00786-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024]
Abstract
This article is based on the MRS Mid-Career Researcher Award "for outstanding contributions to the fundamentals and development of organic electronic materials and their application in biology and medicine" presentation given by George G. Malliaras, University of Cambridge, at the 2023 MRS Spring Meeting in San Francisco, Calif.Bioelectronic medicine offers a revolutionary approach to treating disease by stimulating the body with electricity. While current devices show safety and efficacy, limitations, including bulkiness, invasiveness, and scalability, hinder their wider application. Thin-film implants promise to overcome these limitations. Made using microfabrication technologies, these implants conform better to neural tissues, reduce tissue damage and foreign body response, and provide high-density, multimodal interfaces with the body. This article explores how thin-film implants using organic materials and novel designs may contribute to disease management, intraoperative monitoring, and brain mapping applications. Additionally, the technical challenges to be addressed for this technology to succeed are discussed. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Poppy Oldroyd
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Salim El Hadwe
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Damiano G. Barone
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - George G. Malliaras
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Pihlajamäki A, Matus MF, Malola S, Häkkinen H. GraphBNC: Machine Learning-Aided Prediction of Interactions Between Metal Nanoclusters and Blood Proteins. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2407046. [PMID: 39318073 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202407046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Hybrid nanostructures between biomolecules and inorganic nanomaterials constitute a largely unexplored field of research, with the potential for novel applications in bioimaging, biosensing, and nanomedicine. Developing such applications relies critically on understanding the dynamical properties of the nano-bio interface. This work introduces and validates a strategy to predict atom-scale interactions between water-soluble gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) and a set of blood proteins (albumin, apolipoprotein, immunoglobulin, and fibrinogen). Graph theory and neural networks are utilized to predict the strengths of interactions in AuNC-protein complexes on a coarse-grained level, which are then optimized in Monte Carlo-based structure search and refined to atomic-scale structures. The training data is based on extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of AuNC-protein complexes, and the validating MD simulations show the robustness of the predictions. This strategy can be generalized to any complexes of inorganic nanostructures and biomolecules provided that one generates enough data about the interactions, and the bioactive parts of the nanostructure can be coarse-grained rationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti Pihlajamäki
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FI-40014, Finland
| | - María Francisca Matus
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FI-40014, Finland
| | - Sami Malola
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FI-40014, Finland
| | - Hannu Häkkinen
- Department of Physics, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FI-40014, Finland
- Department of Chemistry, Nanoscience Center, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, FI-40014, Finland
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40
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Dandigunta B, V G A, Yamijala SSRKC, Nanda BRK. α-Graphyne with ultra-low diffusion barriers as a promising sodium-ion battery anode and a computational scheme for accurate estimation of theoretical specific capacity. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:16900-16912. [PMID: 39175375 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr02797c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Sodium-ion batteries are considered as potential alternatives to conventional lithium-ion batteries. To realize their large-scale practical applications, it is essential to identify suitable anode candidates exhibiting promising electrochemical properties such as high specific capacity, low diffusion energy barrier, and excellent cyclic stability. In this work, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, we examine α-graphyne - a carbon-based 2D material - as a potential anode candidate. Our results show that AGY exhibits an ultra-low diffusion barrier of 0.23 eV along both the horizontal and vertical directions and a low average anodic voltage of 0.36 V. Our AIMD studies at 300 K show excellent thermodynamical stability with the loading of four sodium atoms, resulting in a theoretical specific capacity (TSC) of 279 mA h g-1. Doping studies show that varying the nature of acetylenic links of AGY with electron-rich (nitrogen) or electron-deficient (boron) elements, the adsorption strength and diffusion barriers for Na atoms on AGY can be tuned. Furthermore, treating AGY as a case study, we find that conventional DFT studies are expected to overestimate the TSC by a huge margin. Specific to AGY, this overestimation can be up to ∼300%. We identify that ignoring the probable formation of temperature-driven metal clusters is the main reason behind such overestimations. Furthermore, we develop a scheme to calculate TSC with higher accuracy. The scheme, which can be easily generalized to the universal class of electrodes, is evolved by concurrently employing AIMD simulations, DFT calculations and cluster analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babuji Dandigunta
- Condensed Matter Theory and Computational Lab, Department of Physics, IIT Madras, Chennai-600036, India.
- Computational Chemistry and Materials Science Lab, Department of Chemistry, IIT Madras, Chennai-600036, India
- Center for Atomistic Modelling and Materials Design, IIT Madras, Chennai-600036, India
| | - Abhijitha V G
- Condensed Matter Theory and Computational Lab, Department of Physics, IIT Madras, Chennai-600036, India.
- Center for Atomistic Modelling and Materials Design, IIT Madras, Chennai-600036, India
| | - Sharma S R K C Yamijala
- Computational Chemistry and Materials Science Lab, Department of Chemistry, IIT Madras, Chennai-600036, India
- Center for Atomistic Modelling and Materials Design, IIT Madras, Chennai-600036, India
| | - B R K Nanda
- Condensed Matter Theory and Computational Lab, Department of Physics, IIT Madras, Chennai-600036, India.
- Center for Atomistic Modelling and Materials Design, IIT Madras, Chennai-600036, India
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Wagner KT, Lu RXZ, Landau S, Shawky SA, Zhao Y, Bodenstein DF, Jiménez Vargas LF, Jiang R, Okhovatian S, Wang Y, Liu C, Vosoughi D, Gustafson D, Fish JE, Cummins CL, Radisic M. Endothelial extracellular vesicles enhance vascular self-assembly in engineered human cardiac tissues. Biofabrication 2024; 16:045037. [PMID: 39226913 PMCID: PMC11409464 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad76d9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
The fabrication of complex and stable vasculature in engineered cardiac tissues represents a significant hurdle towards building physiologically relevant models of the heart. Here, we implemented a 3D model of cardiac vasculogenesis, incorporating endothelial cells (EC), stromal cells, and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (CM) in a fibrin hydrogel. The presence of CMs disrupted vessel formation in 3D tissues, resulting in the upregulation of endothelial activation markers and altered extracellular vesicle (EV) signaling in engineered tissues as determined by the proteomic analysis of culture supernatant. miRNA sequencing of CM- and EC-secreted EVs highlighted key EV-miRNAs that were postulated to play differing roles in cardiac vasculogenesis, including the let-7 family and miR-126-3p in EC-EVs. In the absence of CMs, the supplementation of CM-EVs to EC monolayers attenuated EC migration and proliferation and resulted in shorter and more discontinuous self-assembling vessels when applied to 3D vascular tissues. In contrast, supplementation of EC-EVs to the tissue culture media of 3D vascularized cardiac tissues mitigated some of the deleterious effects of CMs on vascular self-assembly, enhancing the average length and continuity of vessel tubes that formed in the presence of CMs. Direct transfection validated the effects of the key EC-EV miRNAs let-7b-5p and miR-126-3p in improving the maintenance of continuous vascular networks. EC-EV supplementation to biofabricated cardiac tissues and microfluidic devices resulted in tissue vascularization, illustrating the use of this approach in the engineering of enhanced, perfusable, microfluidic models of the myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl T Wagner
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Rick X Z Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Shira Landau
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Sarah A Shawky
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St., Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Acceleration Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - David F Bodenstein
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2C8, Canada
| | - Luis Felipe Jiménez Vargas
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Richard Jiang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Chuan Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Daniel Vosoughi
- Latner Thoracic Laboratories, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Dakota Gustafson
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Jason E Fish
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital,University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Carolyn L Cummins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College St., Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular & Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
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Basak M, Kulkarni M, Narisepalli S, Chitkara D, Mittal A. Exosomal fragment enclosed polyamine-salt nano-complex for co-delivery of docetaxel and mir-34a exhibits higher cytotoxicity and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21669. [PMID: 39289425 PMCID: PMC11408524 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72226-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
A novel core-shell nanocarrier system has been designed for co-delivery of a small anticancer drug, docetaxel (DTX) and tumor suppressor (TS) miR-34a named as Exo(PAN34a+DTX). The core is formed by pH dependent polyamine salt aggregates (PSA) containing both the payloads and the shell is formed by RAW 264.7 cell derived exosomal fragments. Herein, phosphate driven polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAH, MW:17,500 Da) PSA was formed in presence of miR-34a and DTX to form PAN34a+DTX. The formulation exhibited pH dependent DTX release with only 33.55 ± 2.12% DTX release at pH 7.2 and 75.21 ± 1.8% DTX release till 144 h at pH 5.5. At 1.21 molar ratio of phosphate to the amine (known as R value), efficient complexation of miR-34a (3.6 μM) in the PAN particles was obtained. PAN34a+DTX demonstrated particle size (163.86 ± 12.89 nm) and zeta-potential value of 17.53 ± 5.10 mV which upon exosomal fragment layering changed to - 7.23 ± 2.75 mV which is similar to the zeta-potential of the exosomal fragments, i.e., - 8.40 ± 1.79 mV. The final formulation Exo(PAN34a+DTX), loaded with 40 ng/mL DTX and 50 nM miR-34a exhibited 48.20 ± 4.59% cytotoxicity in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, 4T1. Co-localization of CM-DiI (red fluorescence) stained exosomal fragments and FAM-siRNA (green fluorescence) in the cytoplasm of 4T1 cells after 6 h of Exo(PANFAM) treatment confirmed the efficiency of the designed system to co-deliver two actives. Exo(PAN34a+DTX) also reduced BCL-2 expression (target gene for miR-34a) by 8.98 folds in comparison to free DTX confirming promising co-delivery and apoptosis inducing effect of Exo(PAN34a+DTX) in 4T1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Basak
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS PILANI), Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Mrunal Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS PILANI), Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Saibhargav Narisepalli
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS PILANI), Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Deepak Chitkara
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS PILANI), Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Anupama Mittal
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS PILANI), Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India.
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Chen K, Shi H, Li L, Yang M, Qian K, Xu W, Qu C, Cheng Z. Nature Products Chlorophyll Derivatives for NIR-II Fluorescence Bioimaging and Plant-Imaging. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202401805. [PMID: 38752446 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm) fluorescence imaging has attracted significant attention in research fields because of its unique advantages compared with conventional optical windows (400-900 nm). A variety of NIR-II fluorophores have been actively studied because they serve as a key component of fluorescence imaging. Among them, organic small molecule NIR-II fluorophores display outstanding imaging performance and many advantages, but types of small molecule NIR-II fluorophores with high biocompatibility are still quite limited. Novel molecular scaffolds based NIR-II dyes are highly desired. Herein, we hypothesized that chlorophyll is a new promising molecular platform for discovery NIR-II fluorophores. Thus, seven derivatives of derivatives were selected to characterize their optical properties. Interestingly, six chlorophyll derivatives displayed NIR-II fluorescence imaging capability. This characteristic allowed the successful NIR-II imaging of green leaves of various plants. Furthermore, most of these fluorophores showed capacity to monitor viscosity change because of their sensitive for viscosity. For demonstration of its biomedical applications, these probes were successfully used for NIR-II fluorescence-guided surgical resection of lymph nodes. In summary, chlorophylls are novel valuable tool molecules for NIR-II fluorescence imaging and have potential to expand their applications in biomedical field and plant science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixin Chen
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hui Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lei Li
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Mao Yang
- Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida WaiLong, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Kun Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chunrong Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhen Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, China
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Aguilera-Rodriguez D, Ortega-Alarcon D, Vazquez-Calvo A, Ricci V, Abian O, Velazquez-Campoy A, Alcami A, Palomo JM. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro by chemically modified tyrosinase from Agaricus bisporus. RSC Med Chem 2024:d4md00289j. [PMID: 39371431 PMCID: PMC11451904 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00289j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Antiviral compounds are crucial to controlling the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Approved drugs have been tested for their efficacy against COVID-19, and new pharmaceuticals are being developed as a complementary tool to vaccines. In this work, a cheap and fast purification method for natural tyrosinase from Agaricus bisporus (AbTyr) fresh mushrooms was developed to evaluate the potential of this enzyme as a therapeutic protein via the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro protease activity in vitro. AbTyr showed a mild inhibition of 3CLpro. Thus, different variants of this protein were synthesized through chemical modifications, covalently binding different tailor-made glycans and peptides to the amino terminal groups of the protein. These new tyrosinase conjugates were purified and characterized through circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy analyses, and their stability was evaluated under different conditions. Subsequently, all these tyrosinase conjugates were tested for 3CLpro protease inhibition. From them, the conjugate between tyrosinase and a dextran-aspartic acid (6 kDa) polymer showed the highest inhibition, with an IC50 of 2.5 μg ml-1 and IC90 of 5 μg ml-1, with no cytotoxicity activity by polymer insertion. Finally, SARS-CoV-2 virus infection was studied. It was found that this new AbTyr-Dext6000 protein showed an 80% decrease in viral load. These results show the capacity of these tyrosinase bioconjugates as potential therapeutic proteins, opening the possibility of extension and applicability against other different viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Ortega-Alarcon
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón) 50009 Zaragoza Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) 28029 Madrid Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems, University of Zaragoza Spain
| | - Angela Vazquez-Calvo
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) 28049 Madrid Spain
| | - Veronica Ricci
- Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica (ICP), CSIC C/Marie Curie 2 28049 Madrid Spain
| | - Olga Abian
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón) 50009 Zaragoza Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) 28029 Madrid Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems, University of Zaragoza Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza Spain
| | - Adrian Velazquez-Campoy
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón) 50009 Zaragoza Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd) 28029 Madrid Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems, University of Zaragoza Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza Spain
| | - Antonio Alcami
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) 28049 Madrid Spain
| | - Jose M Palomo
- Instituto de Catálisis y Petroleoquímica (ICP), CSIC C/Marie Curie 2 28049 Madrid Spain
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Grancieri M, de São José VPB, Toledo RCL, Verediano TA, Sant'Ana C, Lúcio HG, Gonzalez de Mejia E, Martino HSD. Effect of digested chia seed protein on the gut microbiota and colon morphology of mice fed a high-saturated-fat diet. Food Funct 2024; 15:9284-9297. [PMID: 39162475 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo02199a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of digested total protein (DTP) from chia seed on the gut microbiota and morphology of mice fed with a high-fat diet. Forty-four male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups: AIN (standard diet), HF (high-fat diet), AIN + DTP (standard diet supplemented with 400 mg of digested chia seed protein), and HF + DTP (high-fat diet supplemented with 400 mg of digested chia seed protein) during 8 weeks. Colon morphology, tight junction's gene expression, and gut microbiota composition were evaluated. The consumption of digested chia seed protein (DTP) increased the crypts width, longitudinal and circular muscular layer. Furthermore, the AIN + DTP group enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins, including occludin and claudin, while the AIN + DTP and HF + DTP groups increase the zonula occludens expression. The α-diversity analysis showed a reduction in bacterial dominance in the HF + DTP group. All the experimental groups were grouped in different cluster, showing differences in the microbiota community in the β-diversity analyzes. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio did not differ among the groups. The genera Olsenella and Dubosiella were increased in the AIN + DTP group, but the Oscillospiraceae_unclassified was increased in the HF + DTP group. The Alistipes was increased, while the Roseburia and Akkermansia were decreased in the AIN + DTP and HF + DTP groups. Then, the consumption of DTP from chia seed improved the gut microbiota composition and mucosal integrity, counteracting the adverse effects of high-fat diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Grancieri
- Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, ES, 29500-000, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Celi Lopes Toledo
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36571-000, Brazil.
| | | | - Cintia Sant'Ana
- Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, ES, 29500-000, Brazil
| | - Haira Guedes Lúcio
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36571-000, Brazil.
| | - Elvira Gonzalez de Mejia
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, 61801, USA
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Mehrbakhsh Z, Hassanzadeh R, Behnampour N, Tapak L, Zarrin Z, Khazaei S, Dinu I. Machine learning-based evaluation of prognostic factors for mortality and relapse in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a comparative simulation study. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2024; 24:261. [PMID: 39285373 PMCID: PMC11404043 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-024-02645-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predicting mortality and relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is crucial for effective treatment and follow-up management. ALL is a common and deadly childhood cancer that often relapses after remission. In this study, we aimed to apply and evaluate machine learning-based models for predicting mortality and relapse in pediatric ALL patients. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 161 children aged less than 16 years with ALL. Survival status (dead/alive) and patient experience of relapse (yes/no) were considered as the outcome variables. Ten machine learning (ML) algorithms were used to predict mortality and relapse. The performance of the algorithms was evaluated by cross-validation and reported as mean sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under the curve (AUC). Finally, prognostic factors were identified based on the best algorithms. RESULTS The mean accuracy of the ML algorithms for prediction of patient mortality ranged from 64 to 74% and for prediction of relapse, it varied from 64 to 84% on test data sets. The mean AUC of the ML algorithms for mortality and relapse was above 64%. The most important prognostic factors for predicting both mortality and relapse were identified as age at diagnosis, hemoglobin and platelets. In addition, significant prognostic factors for predicting mortality included clinical side effects such as splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and lymphadenopathy. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that artificial neural networks and bagging algorithms outperformed other algorithms in predicting mortality, while boosting and random forest algorithms excelled in predicting relapse in ALL patients across all criteria. These results offer significant clinical insights into the prognostic factors for children with ALL, which can inform treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Mehrbakhsh
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Roghayyeh Hassanzadeh
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Nasser Behnampour
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Leili Tapak
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
- Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Ziba Zarrin
- Department of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salman Khazaei
- Health Sciences Research Center, Health Sciences & Technology Research Institute, Hamadan University of Medical Science, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Irina Dinu
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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47
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Foroutan M, Sababkar M, Bavani BM. Exploring hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity of borophene surface via reactive molecular dynamics simulation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21436. [PMID: 39271687 PMCID: PMC11399436 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71793-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Borophene, a novel two-dimensional material unveiled in 1998, has garnered significant interest among researchers due to its distinct mechanical and electrical characteristics. Efforts to experimentally synthesize borophene continue to captivate researchers' interest in recent years. Given the current lack of experimental studies on the interaction between water and the borophene surface, molecular dynamics simulation offers a valuable approach for predicting the substance's reactivity with water. Additionally, such simulations can assess the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of borophene, providing valuable insights into its properties. In our current research, we utilized reactive molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the wetting behavior of borophene. Our findings reveal that the borophene surface exhibits hydrophobic characteristics, demonstrating anisotropic wettability. Specifically, the water contact angle was calculated to be 149.11° along the zigzag direction and 148.4° along the armchair direction. The contour map of the interaction energy between a water molecule and the borophene surface revealed a notable energy barrier in the zigzag direction. This barrier contributes to the asymmetric spreading of the water droplet on the surface. Density profiles and radial pair distribution function (RDF) diagrams of the water droplet on the borophene surface further corroborated the hydrophobic nature of borophene by indicating a significant distance between the water droplet and the surface. Moreover, analysis of the number of hydrogen bonds demonstrated that borophene efficiently utilizes nearly all its capacity to form hydrogen bonds. Additionally, we compared the wettability of borophene with that of other two-dimensional materials, such as various graphene allotropes and phosphorene, which have been subjects of recent investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masumeh Foroutan
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahnaz Sababkar
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Borhan Mostafavi Bavani
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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48
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Kiran A, Riaz A, Ali Z, Maryam R, Ahmad F, Hussain R, Siddiqui NA, Hussain A, Zulfiqar S, Cochran EW. Harnessing the synergistic potential of TiO 2-CuSe composites for enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial activities. RSC Adv 2024; 14:29636-29647. [PMID: 39297037 PMCID: PMC11409229 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra05194g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
With growing environmental concerns, the removal of toxic industrial dyes from wastewater has become a critical global issue. In this study, TiO2-CuSe composites were synthesized using a cost-effective and simple chemical method to determine the optimal concentration of CuSe for the efficient degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light. The TiO2 samples exhibited a mix of rutile and anatase phases, while CuSe formed in a hexagonal phase. Both TiO2 and CuSe were observed to have agglomerated particles with indistinct boundaries. The optical bandgap shifted towards the visible region from 3.25 eV (pure TiO2) to 2.91 eV with increasing the amount of CuSe in the composites. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2, CuSe, and TiO2-CuSe composites was evaluated by monitoring MB degradation, with the composites outperforming the individual components under visible light. Notably, the TiO2-20% CuSe composite (AK-4) demonstrated superior efficiency, removing 98% of MB in just 70 minutes. The photocatalysts also exhibited enhanced antibacterial properties, effectively reducing E. coli colonies from 1.71 × 1012 CFU mL-1 (pure TiO2) to 1 × 1010 CFU mL-1 for the AK-4 composite. This study suggests that visible light-activated TiO2-CuSe composites could be effective for both water purification and bacterial infection control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Kiran
- Department of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad Park Road Islamabad 45550 Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Riaz
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Riphah International University I-14 Campus Islamabad Pakistan
| | - Zahid Ali
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad Park Road Islamabad 45550 Pakistan
| | - Rabia Maryam
- Department of Physics, University of Milano Bicocca Piazza della Scienza 3 Milano I-20126 Italy
| | - Furqan Ahmad
- Department of Physics, COMSATS University Islamabad Park Road Islamabad 45550 Pakistan
| | - Rafaqat Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, COMSATS University Islamabad Park Road Islamabad 45550 Pakistan
| | - Nasir Ali Siddiqui
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University PO Box 2457 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Afzal Hussain
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University PO Box 2457 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Sonia Zulfiqar
- Department of Physical Sciences, Lander University 320 Stanley Ave Greenwood South Carolina 29649 USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University Sweeney Hall, 618 Bissell Road Ames Iowa 50011 USA
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava 30. Dubna 22 Ostrava 701 03 Czech Republic
| | - Eric W Cochran
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University Sweeney Hall, 618 Bissell Road Ames Iowa 50011 USA
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49
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Jain G, Sanghamitra S, Mukherjee M, Mandal MK, Chaudhuri RG, Chakrabarti S. De novo Cu-MOF@CNS nanocomposite coated on a cotton fibrils framework for sustainable solar-driven desalination. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:16684-16696. [PMID: 39171689 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01930j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Environmental researchers are extremely concerned about addressing the declining availability of drinking water, which is a critical issue in many nations. Solar-driven desalination is an emerging and pioneering renewable approach to reduce potable water scarcity that is suitable for remote locations, developing countries, and disaster zones as it does not require additional energy supply. However, there are still issues with the scalable preparation of photothermal materials, such as achieving low cost and widening the assortment of useful applications. Conventional carbon- and metal-based absorbers are intricate and fragile, which make them difficult to install and transport in places with minimal infrastructure. Thus, a universal process for creating adaptable solar evaporators is sorely required. Herein, we have come up with a holistic approach using a solar absorber (GJ-01(Cal)) derived from a Cu-MOF (HKUST-1) and carbon nanosheets (CNSs) for generating potable water from saline water using solar radiation. The as-synthesized material provides high-performance photothermal water evaporation when illuminated under solar irradiation at the air-water interface. Moreover, its porous structure, high photothermal conversion efficiency, rapid water flow, and heat insulation make it appropriate for saline water desalination. CNS play a pivotal role in improving the photothermal features of the solar absorber (GJ-01(Cal)) in terms of conjugation to promote Cu(0) species and pyrrolic nitrogen (P-N) amplification and thereby enrich the p-type nature of the absorber's triphasic configuration. With these photothermal factors, the localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of electrons increases and achieves high solar spectrum absorption. The GJ-01(Cal) was further coated on porous cotton fibrils (CF) that regulate photothermal interfacial evaporation (PTIE) by allowing water transportation via capillary action. This assemblage of the nanocomposite on CF efficiently evaporates water at a higher surface temperature of ∼47 °C under one solar illumination, achieving 4.23 kg m-2 h-1 of evaporation flux and 96.5% light-to-heat conversion efficiency. Interestingly, the GJ-01(Cal) coated over CF can be recycled at least 10 times. Additionally, it offers scalable production for higher photothermal efficiency with a flexible substrate as a solar evaporator and is beneficial for society paving new horizons towards a sustainable environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Jain
- Amity Institute of Nanotechnology, Amity University Noida, UP 201313, India
- Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research & Studies, Amity University Noida, UP 201313, India.
| | - Sinu Sanghamitra
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, WB 713209, India.
| | - Monalisa Mukherjee
- Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research & Studies, Amity University Noida, UP 201313, India.
| | - Mrinal Kanti Mandal
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, WB 713209, India.
| | - Rajib Ghosh Chaudhuri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, WB 713209, India.
| | - Sandip Chakrabarti
- Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research & Studies, Amity University Noida, UP 201313, India.
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50
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Karimi D, Calixto C, Snoussi H, Cortes-Albornoz MC, Velasco-Annis C, Rollins C, Jaimes C, Gholipour A, Warfield SK. Detailed delineation of the fetal brain in diffusion MRI via multi-task learning. ARXIV 2024:arXiv:2409.06716v2. [PMID: 39314513 PMCID: PMC11419175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Diffusion-weighted MRI is increasingly used to study the normal and abnormal development of fetal brain inutero. Recent studies have shown that dMRI can offer invaluable insights into the neurodevelopmental processes in the fetal stage. However, because of the low data quality and rapid brain development, reliable analysis of fetal dMRI data requires dedicated computational methods that are currently unavailable. The lack of automated methods for fast, accurate, and reproducible data analysis has seriously limited our ability to tap the potential of fetal brain dMRI for medical and scientific applications. In this work, we developed and validated a unified computational framework to (1) segment the brain tissue into white matter, cortical/subcortical gray matter, and cerebrospinal fluid, (2) segment 31 distinct white matter tracts, and (3) parcellate the brain's cortex and delineate the deep gray nuclei and white matter structures into 96 anatomically meaningful regions. We utilized a set of manual, semi-automatic, and automatic approaches to annotate 97 fetal brains. Using these labels, we developed and validated a multi-task deep learning method to perform the three computations. Our evaluations show that the new method can accurately carry out all three tasks, achieving a mean Dice similarity coefficient of 0.865 on tissue segmentation, 0.825 on white matter tract segmentation, and 0.819 on parcellation. The proposed method can greatly advance the field of fetal neuroimaging as it can lead to substantial improvements in fetal brain tractography, tract-specific analysis, and structural connectivity assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davood Karimi
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Camilo Calixto
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Elmhurst Hospital Center and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Haykel Snoussi
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Caitlin Rollins
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Camilo Jaimes
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ali Gholipour
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Simon K Warfield
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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