bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Supramolecular Hydrolase Mimics in Equilibrium and Kinetically Trapped States
Authors: Chen Jing , Shi Ke , Chen Rongjing , Zhai Zhaoyi , Song Peiyong , Chow Lesley W. , Chandrawati Rona , Pashuck E. Thomas , Jiao Fang , Lin Yiyang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe folding of proteins into intricate three‐dimensional structures to achieve biological functions, such as catalysis, is governed by both kinetic and thermodynamic controls. The quest to design artificial enzymes using minimalist peptides seeks to emulate supramolecular structures existing in a catalytically active state. Drawing inspiration from the nuanced process of protein folding, our study explores the enzyme‐like activity of amphiphilic peptide nanosystems in both equilibrium and non‐equilibrium states, featuring the formation of supramolecular nanofibrils and nanosheets. In contrast to thermodynamically stable nanosheets, the kinetically trapped nanofibrils exhibit dynamic characteristics (e.g., rapid molecular exchange and relatively weak intermolecular packing), resulting in a higher hydrolase‐mimicking activity. We emphasize that a supramolecular microenvironment characterized by an optimal local polarity, microviscosity, and β‐sheet hydrogen bonding is conducive to both substrate binding and ester bond hydrolysis. Our work underscores the pivotal role of both thermodynamic and kinetic control in impacting biomimetic catalysis and sheds a light on the development of artificial enzymes.
Tailoring on Rotational Symmetry of Liquid Crystal Domain Lattices
Authors: Wu Jin‐Bing , Hu Wei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRotational symmetry is ubiquitous in nature. However, self‐assemblies of soft condensed matter such as liquid crystals (LCs) are entropy‐driven, making the tailoring of rotational symmetry challenging. Here, an approach is proposed to control the rotational symmetry of LC domain lattices based on the anchoring condition predesign and the orientational‐order inheritance during the nematic‐smectic phase transition. By this means, periodic and quasiperiodic LC textures with Ci symmetry (i = 2–6) determined by the preset alignment lattices are realized, and verified by symmetries of diffraction patterns. Topological analysis is carried out to disclose distinct evolutions of orders between disclination line textures and defect wall textures of different rotational symmetries. The influences of anchoring conditions, phase transitions, and mechanical stress on the self‐assembly of LCs, as well as the underlying mechanisms and dynamics, are investigated. This work realizes controllable rotational symmetry for large‐area self‐organized LCs and brings new insights to soft condensed matter.
Novel radioiodinated desvenlafaxine‐loaded lipid nanocapsule for brain delivery
Authors: Ayoub Veronia R. , Abdel‐Mottaleb Mona M. A. , Ibrahem Ismail T. , Motaleb Mohamed A. , Geneidi Ahmed S. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLipid nanocapsules (LNCs) are lipid nanocarriers developed for drug delivery enhancement. The antidepressant drug desvenlafaxine (DSV) was entrapped in LNC to improve its brain delivery. Different DSV‐loaded LNCs formulae using different oils and surfactants were studied to obtain the optimum formula for further studies. In vivo biodistribution studies were done using Swiss albino mice by intravenous injection of DSV‐loaded LNCs by radioiodination technique. The optimum DSV‐loaded LNC formula was obtained by using Labrafil® M1944CS as the oil and Solutol® HS15 as the surfactant in the ratio of 1:1, with a particle size of 34.28 ± 0.41 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.032 ± 0.05, a zeta potential of −25.77 ± 1.41, and good stability for up to 6 months. The in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetics data ensure the bioavailability improvement for DSV brain delivery as Cmax and AUC(1–t) increased more than double for intravenously DSV‐loaded LNCs compared with the DSV solution. In conclusion, the results obtained from this study give an insight into the great potential of using DSV‐loaded LNC for the enhancement of brain delivery.
The role of secondary structures in the functioning of 3′ untranslated regions of mRNA
Authors: Zhukova Mariya , Schedl Paul , Shidlovskii Yulii V. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract3′ untranslated regions (3′ UTRs) of mRNAs have many functions, including mRNA processing and transport, translational regulation, and mRNA degradation and stability. These different functions require cis‐elements in 3′ UTRs that can be either sequence motifs or RNA structures. Here we review the role of secondary structures in the functioning of 3′ UTRs and discuss some of the trans‐acting factors that interact with these secondary structures in eukaryotic organisms. We propose potential participation of 3′‐UTR secondary structures in cytoplasmic polyadenylation in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. Because the secondary structures of 3′ UTRs are essential for post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression, their disruption leads to a wide range of disorders, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Trans‐acting factors, such as STAU1 and nucleolin, which interact with 3′‐UTR secondary structures of target transcripts, influence the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and tumor metastasis, suggesting that they are possible therapeutic targets.
Assembling the thymus medulla: Development and function of epithelial cell heterogeneity
Authors: James Kieran D. , Cosway Emilie J. , Parnell Sonia M. , White Andrea J. , Jenkinson William E. , Anderson Graham 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe thymus is a unique primary lymphoid organ that supports the production of self‐tolerant T‐cells essential for adaptive immunity. Intrathymic microenvironments are microanatomically compartmentalised, forming defined cortical, and medullary regions each differentially supporting critical aspects of thymus‐dependent T‐cell maturation. Importantly, the specific functional properties of thymic cortical and medullary compartments are defined by highly specialised thymic epithelial cells (TEC). For example, in the medulla heterogenous medullary TEC (mTEC) contribute to the enforcement of central tolerance by supporting deletion of autoreactive T‐cell clones, thereby counterbalancing the potential for random T‐cell receptor generation to contribute to autoimmune disease. Recent advances have further shed light on the pathways and mechanisms that control heterogeneous mTEC development and how differential mTEC functionality contributes to control self‐tolerant T‐cell development. Here we discuss recent findings in relation to mTEC development and highlight examples of how mTEC diversity contribute to thymus medulla function.
Endosteal stem cells at the bone‐blood interface: A double‐edged sword for rapid bone formation
Authors: Matsushita Yuki , Liu Jialin , Chu Angel Ka Yan , Ono Wanida , Welch Joshua D. , Ono Noriaki 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEndosteal stem cells are a subclass of bone marrow skeletal stem cell populations that are particularly important for rapid bone formation occurring in growth and regeneration. These stem cells are strategically located near the bone surface in a specialized microenvironment of the endosteal niche. These stem cells are abundant in young stages but eventually depleted and replaced by other stem cell types residing in a non‐endosteal perisinusoidal niche. Single‐cell molecular profiling and in vivo cell lineage analyses play key roles in discovering endosteal stem cells. Importantly, endosteal stem cells can transform into bone tumor‐making cells when deleterious mutations occur in tumor suppressor genes. The emerging hypothesis is that osteoblast‐chondrocyte transitional identities confer a special subset of endosteal stromal cells with stem cell‐like properties, which may make them susceptible for tumorigenic transformation. Endosteal stem cells are likely to represent an important therapeutic target of bone diseases caused by aberrant bone formation.
Effect of cannabis use on blood levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF): A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shafiee Arman , Rafiei Mohammad Ali , Jafarabady Kyana , Eskandari Alireza , Abhari Faeze Soltani , Sattari Mohammad Amin , Amini Mohammad Javad , Bakhtiyari Mahmood 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of cannabis uses on blood levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) remains uncertain, with conflicting findings reported in the literature. BDNF and NGF both are essential proteins for neuron's growth, and their dysregulation is seen in various mental disorders. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between cannabis usage and BDNF and NGF levels due to their potential implications for mental health.MethodsA comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed using appropriate MeSH terms and keywords. Inclusion criteria comprised human studies investigating the relationship between cannabis use and BDNF and NGF levels.ResultsA total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. The pooled analysis revealed a nonsignificant association between cannabis use and dysregulated blood levels of BDNF (random‐effects model, standardized mean differences [SMD] = .26, 95% CI −.34 to .76, p = .40). The results of our subgroup analysis based on BDNF source showed a nonsignificant between‐group difference. For NGF levels, four studies were included, the pooled analysis revealed a nonsignificant association between cannabis use and dysregulated blood levels of NGF (random‐effects model, SMD = −.60, 95% CI −1.43 to –.23, p = .16). In both analyses, high heterogeneity was observed among the included studies which is a notable limitation to current meta‐analysis.ConclusionThis systematic review highlights the need for further research to elucidate the relationship between cannabis use and these neurotrophic factors. A better understanding of these associations can contribute to our knowledge of the neurobiological effects of cannabis and inform potential implications for mental health, cognitive function, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Turkish validity and reliability study on the quick aphasia battery
Authors: Parlak Mümüne Merve , Köse Ayşen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe quick aphasia battery (QAB), which assesses all areas of language in detail and quickly, was developed in English. It has been shown to be suitable for bedside patients. There is a need for a Turkish bedside test that allows for a comprehensive yet rapid assessment of stroke patients in terms of aphasia. The aim of this study was to create a Turkish version of QAB (QAB‐TR) and to determine its validity and reliability in Turkish‐speaking patients after a stroke.Materials and methodsThe study was conducted with 188 people aged 41–88 years. Of these, 37 (19.7%) had aphasia (12 chronic, 25 acute), 53 (28.2%) were acute stroke patients without aphasia, and 98 (52.1%) were healthy controls. Internal consistency and criterion validity, test–retest reliability, and inter‐rater reliability of the QAB‐TR were performed. The language assessment test for aphasia was used for criterion validity. For the inter‐rater reliability of the test, two different speech language therapists (SLP) administered the QAB‐TR. For test–retest reliability, 2 weeks later, the same SLP who filled out the QAB‐TR the first time was administered the test again. To test the validity of the test, correlations between the items and subsections were determined. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to examine the sensitivity and selectivity of the QAB‐TR score, and a cut‐off value was determined to distinguish patients with aphasia.ResultsThe inter‐rater Krippendorff's alpha value of the QAB‐TR total was 0.6754. There was no statistically significant difference (p > .05) between the first and second QAB‐TR total scores. The correlation analysis between the QAB‐TR subsection scores and the total QAB‐TR score (0.244–0.897) revealed statistically significant relationships. The area under the ROC curve was statistically significant and was found to be 0.853 (95% confidence interval: 0.799–0.906). The cut‐off point for the QAB score to discriminate between patients with aphasia and those without aphasia was found to be 8.825, with 0.767 sensitivity and 0.765 selectivity (1–0.235).ConclusionAll the study results show that QAB‐TR has internal consistency, criterion validity, test–retest reliability, and inter‐rater reliability. It can be administered in as little as 15 min and provides information about the multidimensional linguistic profiles of individuals. QAB‐TR can be used for both clinical and study purposes as a language battery that allows for the measurement of the strengths and weaknesses of Turkish‐speaking individuals who have suffered a stroke in basic language areas in acute and chronic periods. It can be easily administered at the bedside for individuals who have just suffered an acute stroke and can facilitate early assessment of individuals in terms of aphasia and early initiation of therapy, if necessary.
No significant change of N6‐methyladenosine modification landscape in mouse brain after morphine exposure
Authors: Wu Xiaoli , Wu Cuiting , Zhou Tao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesN6‐methyladenosine (m6A) plays a crucial role in regulating neuroplasticity and different brain functions at the posttranscriptional level. However, it remains unknown whether m6A modification is involved in acute and chronic morphine exposure.Materials and methodsIn this study, we conducted a direct comparison of m6A levels and mRNA expression of m6A‐associated factors between morphine‐treated and nontreated C57BL/6 wild‐type mice. We established animal models of both acute and chronic morphine treatment and confirmed the rewarding effects of chronic morphine treatment using the conditioned place preference (CPP) assay. The activation status of different brain regions in response to morphine was assessed by c‐fos staining. To assess overall m6A modification levels, we employed the m6A dot blot assay, while mRNA levels of m6A‐associated proteins were measured using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. These analyses were performed to investigate whether and how m6A modification and m6A‐associated protein expression will change following morphine exposure.ResultsThe overall m6A methylation and mRNA levels of m6A‐associated proteins were not significantly altered in brain regions that were either activated or not activated during acute morphine stimulation. Similarly, the overall m6A modification and mRNA levels of m6A‐associated proteins remained unaffected in several key brain regions associated with reward following chronic morphine exposure.ConclusionThis study showed that the overall m6A modification level and mRNA expression levels of m6A‐associated factors were not affected after acute and chronic morphine exposure in different brain regions, indicating m6A modification may not be involved in brain response to morphine exposure.
A lack of drebrin causes olfactory impairment
Authors: Kajita Yuki , Kojima Nobuhiko , Shirao Tomoaki 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionOlfactory deficit often occurs during the prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although olfactory deficit is a useful measure for screening AD‐related amnestic disorder, little is known about the cause of this deficit. Human and animal studies indicate that loss of the actin binding protein, drebrin, is closely related to cognitive dysfunction in AD. We hypothesized that the olfactory deficit in AD is caused by the loss of drebrin from the spine.MethodsTo verify this hypothesis, we performed the buried food test in two types of drebrin knockout mice, such as drebrin‐double (E and A) knockout (DXKO) mice, and drebrin A‐specific knockout (DAKO) mice.ResultsThe DXKO mice spent a significantly longer time to find food compared with the wild‐type (WT) littermates. In contrast, the DAKO mice, in which drebrin E rather than drebrin A is expressed in the postsynaptic sites of mature neurons, spent an equivalent time trying to find food compared to that of the WT. The DXKO mice showed comparable food motivation and sensory functions other than olfaction, including visual and auditory functions.ConclusionThese results indicate that drebrin is necessary for normal olfactory function. Further study is needed to determine whether it is necessary for normal olfaction to express drebrin E during the developmental stage or to have drebrin (whether E or A) present after maturation.
Nicorandil attenuates cognitive impairment after traumatic brain injury via inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation: Involvement of BDNF and NGF
Authors: Tu Yaoyan , Han Desen , Liu Yanjun , Hong Dequan , Chen Rehua 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and purposeCognitive impairment is a prevalent adverse consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The neuroprotective effects of nicorandil (N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐nicotinamide nitrate) has been previously documented, yet its protective effects against cognitive dysfunction post‐TBI remain unclear. Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate whether nicorandil attenuates cognitive dysfunction in TBI rats and the underlying mechanism behind this process.MethodsThe TBI model was established with a controlled cortical impact (CCI). The effects of nicorandil on cognitive dysfunction of rats with TBI were examined through Novel object recognition (NOR) test, Y‐maze test, and Morris water maze (MWM) task. After behavioral tests, hippocampal tissue was collected for Quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blot analysis, and Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay.ResultsWe observed that nicorandil administration effectively ameliorates learning and memory impairment in TBI rats. Alongside, nicorandil treatment attenuated oxidative stress in the hippocampus of TBI rats, characterized by the decreased reactive oxygen species generation, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyls levels, and concurrent promotion of antioxidant‐related factors (including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase) activities. Additionally, nicorandil treatment attenuated the inflammatory response in the hippocampus of TBI rat, as evidenced by the upregulated levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), as well as the downregulated level of IL‐10. Mechanistically, nicorandil treatment significantly enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of neurotrophic factors, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in the hippocampus of TBI rats.ConclusionThese findings suggest that nicorandil mitigates cognitive impairment after TBI by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially through enhancing BDNF and NGF levels.
Discrepancy of social cognition between bipolar disorders and major depressive disorders
Authors: Chang Yun‐Hsuan , Yu Chu‐Ling , Huang Chih‐Chun , Wang Tzu‐Yun , Dziobek Isabel , Lane Hsien‐Yuan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe research landscape examining social cognition (SC) impairment in patients with major depressive disorders (MDD) and bipolar disorders (BD) is notably scarce. Presently, assessments predominantly rely on static stimuli and self‐reported measures, which may not capture the dynamic dimensions of social cognition.ObjectivesThis study aimed to validate the Chinese version of Movie Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC‐CH) and to investigate whether MDD and BD exhibit distinct patterns of SC impairments, shedding light on potential differences between these two mood disorders.MethodsThe study encompassed 197 participants, aged 18–65, distributed as follows: 21 BD, 20 MDD, and 156 healthy controls (HC). We focused on examining “cognitive” and “emotional” SC scores and “undermentalizing” and “overmentalizing” error patterns, with nonsocial inference as a control. Additional assessments included the Reading Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) and the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). We also explored the association between depression severity (measured by the Hamilton Depressive Rating Scale, HDRS) and distinct SC dimensions between MDD and BD.ResultsThe MASC‐CH exhibited strong validity and reliability for SC assessment. In group comparisons, BD participants scored significantly lower on MASC‐CH, while the MDD group scores were not significantly different from HC. Specifically, BD individuals had notably lower cognitive SC scores and made more undermentalizing and absence of mentalizing errors than MDD and HC. Additionally, a negative correlation between HDRS score and overmentalizing was observed in BD, not in the MDD.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that depression severity scores in BD were inversely related to MASC‐CH scores. In contrast, this relationship was not observed in the MDD group. These results underscore the importance of SC impairments as distinguishing characteristics of both BD and MDD. It provides valuable insights into the distinct social‐cognitive profiles of both mood disorders.
Preparation, Optimization and In vitro Evaluation of Doxorubicin‐loaded into Hyaluronic Acid Coated Niosomes Against Breast Cancer
Authors: Faddah Haya , Nsairat Hamdi , Shalan Naeem M. , El‐Tanani Mohamed , Alqudah Dana A. , Alshaer Walhan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDoxorubicin (DOX) is widely used against solid tumors. Niosomes are self‐assembled nanocarriers of non‐ionic surfactants. DOX loaded into cationic niosomes (DOX−Nio) was prepared via thin film hydration method. DOX−Nio was then decorated with a hyaluronic acid (DOX−HA−Nio) via electrostatic interaction. DOX−Nio and DOX−HA−Nio displayed a particle size of 120.0±1.02 and 182.9±2.3 nm, and charge of + 35.5±0.15 and −15.6±0.25 mV, respectively, with PDI < 0.3. DOX−HA−Nio showed a good stability regarding size and charge over 4 weeks at 4 °C and maintain their integrity after lyophilization. HPLC results showed a 94.1±4.2 % encapsulation efficiency of DOX with good entrapment and slow, prolonged DOX release even after 48 hrs. Cell viability assay showed an IC50 of 14.26 nM for the DOX−HA−Nio against MCF‐7 cell line with micromolar IC50 results against CD‐44 negative cell lines (NIH/3T3). DOX−HA−Nio was proven to be an effective, targeted nanocarrier for DOX against MCF‐7 cell line.
Auranofin sensitizes breast cancer cells to paclitaxel mediated cell death via regulating FOXO3/Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway
Authors: Deepika N. , Rajendra Prasad N. , Radhiga T. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcriptional factor which acts as a regulator for cellular oxidative stress, and tightly regulated by Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1). In this study, we found that auranofin and paclitaxel combination treatment increased TUNEL positive apoptotic cells and enhanced the DNA damage marker γ‐H2AX in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. The immunoblotting analysis revealed the combination of auranofin and paclitaxel significantly increased the FOXO3 expression in a concentration dependent manner. Further we observed that auranofin and paclitaxel treatment prevents the translocation of Nrf2 in a concentration dependent manner. The increased FOXO3 expression might be involved in the cytoplasmic degradation of Nrf1‐Keap1 complex. Further, the molecular docking results confirm auranofin act as the agonist for Foxo3. Therefore, the present results suggest that auranofin sensitize the breast cancer cells to paclitaxel via regulating FOXO3/Nrf2/Keap1signaling pathway.