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International Immunopharmacology Dec 2023β2-adrenoreceptors (β2AR have been identified recently as regulators of the α-synuclein gene (SNCA), one of the key milieus endorsed in injury of dopamine neurons in...
β2-adrenoreceptors (β2AR have been identified recently as regulators of the α-synuclein gene (SNCA), one of the key milieus endorsed in injury of dopamine neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). Accumulation of α-synuclein leads to mitochondrial dysfunction via downregulation of mitophagy proteins (PINK-1 and PARKIN) and inhibition of mitochondria biogenesis (PGC-1α) along with an increase in the master inflammatory regulator NF-κB p65 production that provokes neurodegeneration and diminishes neuroprotective signaling pathway (PI3k/Akt/CREB/BDNF). Recently, formoterol exhibited a promising neuroprotective effect against neurodegenerative conditions associated with brain inflammation. Therefore, the present investigation aims to unveil the possible neuroprotective activity of formoterol, β2AR agonist, against rotenone-induced PD in rats. Rats received rotenone (1.5 mg/kg; s.c.) every other day for 3 weeks and cured with formoterol (25 μg/kg/day; i.p.) 1 hr. after rotenone administration, starting from day 11. Formoterol treatment succeeded in upregulating β2-adrenoreceptor expression in PD rats and preserving the function and integrity of dopaminergic neurons as witnessed by enhancement of muscular performance in tests, open field, grip strength-meter, and Rotarod, besides the increment in substantia nigra and striatal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoexpression. In parallel, formoterol boosted mitophagy by activation of PINK1 and PARKIN and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, formoterol stimulated the neuro-survival signaling axis via stimulation of PI3k/pS473-Akt/pS133-CREB/BDNF cascade to attenuate neuronal loss. Noteworthy formoterol reduces neuro-inflammatory status by decreasing NFκBp65 immunoexpression and TNF-α content. Finally, formoterol's potential as a stimulant therapy of mitophagy via the PINK1/PARKIN axis and regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis by increasing PGC-1α to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis along with stimulation of PI3k/Akt/CREB/BDNF axis.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Parkinson Disease; alpha-Synuclein; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Rotenone; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases; Formoterol Fumarate
PubMed: 37956489
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111207 -
RSC Advances Feb 2024To fabricate a two-electrode flexible pH sensor based on polypropylene spunbonded nonwoven fabric (PP SF), oily polyurethane (OPU) was first coated on the surface of PP...
To fabricate a two-electrode flexible pH sensor based on polypropylene spunbonded nonwoven fabric (PP SF), oily polyurethane (OPU) was first coated on the surface of PP SF to obtain OPU/PP SF. Then, silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) paste, used as the reference electrode and conductive carbon (C) paste were transferred to the OPU/PP SF surface through screen printing. Polyaniline (PANI) was deposited on the surface of the C paste to form a sensing working electrode the electro-chemical deposition method. The results showed that the surface of the obtained PANI@OPU/PP SF flexible pH sensor (3D PANI pH sensor) presented a three-dimensional (3D) porous network structure. The 3D PANI pH sensor had good mechanical properties, an excellent Nernst response (-67.67 mV pH) and linearity ( = 0.99) in the pH range from 2.00 to 8.00 in the normal state. In the bent state, the 3D PANI pH sensor retained similar sensitivity (-68.87 mV pH) and linearity ( = 0.99). Moreover, the 3D PANI pH sensor exhibited a short response time (8 s), excellent reversibility (1.20 mV), low temperature drift (-0.0872 mV pH °C) and long-term stability (0.83 mV h) in the normal state. Furthermore, the 3D PANI pH sensor can be effectively applied for pH monitoring of liquids and fruits with irregular curved surfaces. The error margin is no more than 0.16 compared to a commercial pH meter.
PubMed: 38352672
DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07878g -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Salivary pH is one of the crucial biomarkers used for non-invasive diagnosis of intraoral diseases, as well as general health conditions. However, standard pH sensors...
Salivary pH is one of the crucial biomarkers used for non-invasive diagnosis of intraoral diseases, as well as general health conditions. However, standard pH sensors are usually too bulky, expensive, and impractical for routine use outside laboratory settings. Herein, a miniature hydrogel sensor, which enables quick and simple colorimetric detection of pH level, is shown. The sensor structure was manufactured from non-toxic hydrogel ink and patterned in the form of a matrix with 5 mm × 5 mm × 1 mm individual sensing pads using a 3D printing technique (bioplotting). The authors' ink composition, which contains sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and bromothymol blue indicator, enables repeatable and stable color response to different pH levels. The developed analysis software with an easy-to-use graphical user interface extracts the R(ed), G(reen), and B(lue) components of the color image of the hydrogel pads, and evaluates the pH value in a second. A calibration curve used for the analysis was obtained in a pH range of 3.5 to 9.0 using a laboratory pH meter as a reference. Validation of the sensor was performed on samples of artificial saliva for medical use and its mixtures with beverages of different pH values (lemon juice, coffee, black and green tea, bottled and tap water), and correct responses to acidic and alkaline solutions were observed. The matrix of square sensing pads used in this study provided multiple parallel responses for parametric tests, but the applied 3D printing method and ink composition enable easy adjustment of the shape of the sensing layer to other desired patterns and sizes. Additional mechanical tests of the hydrogel layers confirmed the relatively high quality and durability of the sensor structure. The solution presented here, comprising 3D printed hydrogel sensor pads, simple colorimetric detection, and graphical software for signal processing, opens the way to development of miniature and biocompatible diagnostic devices in the form of flexible, wearable, or intraoral sensors for prospective application in personalized medicine and point-of-care diagnosis.
Topics: Colorimetry; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Saliva; Hydrogels; Humans; Biosensing Techniques
PubMed: 38931525
DOI: 10.3390/s24123740 -
European Journal of Ophthalmology Mar 2024Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited rod-cone dystrophies, noted for a high genotypical and phenotypical heterogeneity.Traditionally, VA, visual field, and... (Review)
Review
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited rod-cone dystrophies, noted for a high genotypical and phenotypical heterogeneity.Traditionally, VA, visual field, and electroretinography have been used to assess RP progression. However, visual acuity and visual field tests are essentially subjective and, especially in the late stages of the disease, are unable to confidently reveal minor progression. Therefore, there is a need for novel examination modalities that rely on quantitative, structural measurements. In this regard, several non-invasive imaging techniques have been studied, including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and fundus autofluorescence. By correlating surrogate biomarkers with functional measurements of the disease, these techniques may be able to develop reliable outcome meters that can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying causes of the disease and to assess the effectiveness of therapy even before an actual loss of vision occurs.In this review, we will summarize the recent imaging findings and biomarkers that have been identified in RP patients. Our goal is to provide information that can promptly aid in selecting patients for clinical trials and new gene therapies, monitoring the disease progression, and evaluating treatment outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Retinitis Pigmentosa; Electroretinography; Visual Fields; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Biomarkers; Multimodal Imaging; Retina
PubMed: 37113027
DOI: 10.1177/11206721231172863 -
Journal of Clinical and Experimental... Apr 2024Recent reviews have suggested a possible association between periodontal disease and increasing risks during pregnancy, such as newborn low weight, premature birth,...
BACKGROUND
Recent reviews have suggested a possible association between periodontal disease and increasing risks during pregnancy, such as newborn low weight, premature birth, gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia. Besides, being saliva a valuable source of information on general and buccal health, it is necessary to know its parameters associated with periodontal diseases; in order to help odontologists to better understand this disease, and provide a sound clinical treatment. Therefore, this research sought to assess the correlation between periodontal index, and salivary pH on first trimester pregnant women.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
71 pregnant women were evaluated by observational, transversal and correlational study, using the community periodontal index and salivary pH-meter. The Spearman coefficient was employed, considering a p value of 0.05.
RESULTS
A correlation was found between periodontal index and salivary pH in first trimester pregnant women (=0.039). According to age, correlations were found to be very weak in age group 18 to 24 years (=0.605), and age group 25 to 35 years (=0.071). Similarly, no strong correlation was found when pairing based on number of pregnancies (primiparous =0.239 and multi pregnancy =0.114). Also, 36.6% of pregnant women showed periodontal pockets smaller than 5 mm.
CONCLUSIONS
With lower salivary pH, the periodontal index in pregnant women gets lower; however, no correlation could be found between age group and number of pregnancies. Periodontal index, periodontal pocket, periodontal diseases, saliva, pregnancy, pregnant women.
PubMed: 38725820
DOI: 10.4317/jced.60522 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024People with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) have increased oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial activity, and poor walking performance. NAD+ reduces... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
People with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) have increased oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial activity, and poor walking performance. NAD+ reduces oxidative stress and is an essential cofactor for mitochondrial respiration. Oral nicotinamide riboside (NR) increases bioavailability of NAD+ in humans. Among 90 people with PAD, this randomized double-blind clinical trial assessed whether 6-months of NR, with and without resveratrol, improves 6-min walk distance, compared to placebo, at 6-month follow-up. At 6-month follow-up, compared to placebo, NR significantly improved 6-min walk (+7.0 vs. -10.6 meters, between group difference: +17.6 (90% CI: + 1.8,+∞). Among participants who took at least 75% of study pills, compared to placebo, NR improved 6-min walk by 31.0 meters and NR + resveratrol improved 6-min walk by 26.9 meters. In this work, NR meaningfully improved 6-min walk, and resveratrol did not add benefit to NR alone in PAD. A larger clinical trial to confirm these findings is needed.
Topics: Humans; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Niacinamide; Male; Female; Aged; Pyridinium Compounds; Double-Blind Method; Resveratrol; Middle Aged; Walking; Treatment Outcome; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38871717
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49092-5 -
The Journal of Sports Medicine and... Sep 2023The aim of this study was to examine the sports' related oral health behavior and the effect of sports drinks on the salivary volume and acidity of 6 to 14 years old... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to examine the sports' related oral health behavior and the effect of sports drinks on the salivary volume and acidity of 6 to 14 years old children.
METHODS
Sixty-eight children with a median age of 8 years old from Waterford Tennis Association camp participated in the study. Each child was randomly assigned to either the control group that consumed water or the experimental group that consumed a sports drink. Salivary volume and acidity were measured for all groups before exercise, right after exercise and after consuming the rehydrating agent. Salivary volume was measured by dripping into a pre-measured (mL) plastic medicine cup while salivary acidity was measured using an electric pH meter with 0.01 sensitivity.
RESULTS
Oral health behavior did not differ between the two groups. No statistically significant difference was detected in the salivary volume before and after exercise. A statistically significant increase (P=0.005) was found in the salivary volume before (1.73ml) and after re-hydration (2.92ml) regardless of the drink consumed (P=0.813). Salivary pH increased significantly (P=0.012) before (7.06) and after exercise (7.73), and dropped significantly (P=0.001) after the consumption of the rehydration drink (6.63) among the same group. The pH decrease was greater in the sports drink group (P=0.013).
CONCLUSIONS
No difference in the children's salivary volume was found between the two groups. However, consumption of sports drinks reduces significantly salivary pH and thus, water should be the drink of choice for rehydration in children.
Topics: Humans; Child; Adolescent; Beverages; Sports; Exercise; Water; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
PubMed: 37259496
DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.23.14953-X -
Contemporary Clinical Trials... Jun 2024Enteral nutrition (EN) is preferred when oral feeding is not possible. The use of the Nasogastric Tube (NGT) ensures rapid and low-risk nutrient administration. However,...
BACKGROUND
Enteral nutrition (EN) is preferred when oral feeding is not possible. The use of the Nasogastric Tube (NGT) ensures rapid and low-risk nutrient administration. However, confirming the placement through chest radiography, besides delaying the initiation of nutritional therapy, exposes patients to radiation. The pH test of gastric aspirate provides a quicker check for NGT placement, but its reliability is compromised by challenges related to aspirating gastric secretions.
STUDY OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this study is to assess the high-performance placement of NGTs for nutritional purposes, optimizing the evaluation of correct insertion through pH testing using an electronic pH meter. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate patient tolerance to the intervention.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This single-center RCT will include 150 EN candidate patients divided into three groups. Each group will use distinct NGTs, evaluating placement through pH testing and chest radiography for safety. Tolerance, complications related to NGT placement, and costs will be assessed, with data collected anonymously through a secure electronic database.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
authorization no. 3624, Territorial Ethical Committee Lombardy 5, October 20, 2023.
IMPLICATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES
This protocol introduces innovative technologies, such as advanced NGTs and an electronic pH meter, aiming to optimize enteral nutrition management. This RCT focuses on replacing X-rays as the primary method for verifying NGT placement, thereby reducing costs, time, and patient exposure to radiation. Data analysis may provide insights into managing patients on pH-altering medication. Implementing innovative technologies has the potential to reduce errors and improve economic efficiency and process sustainability.
PubMed: 38845620
DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101312 -
Journal of Conservative Dentistry and... 2023The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the release of calcium ion, pH change, and dentinal penetration depth of four different formulations of calcium...
Comparative evaluation of calcium ion release, pH change, and dentinal tubule penetration of four different formulations of calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicaments - An study.
AIM
The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the release of calcium ion, pH change, and dentinal penetration depth of four different formulations of calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicaments.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eighty mandibular single-rooted premolar teeth were divided into four groups ( = 20): Group 1 - calcium hydroxide (CH) + distilled water (DW), Group 2 - nanocalcium hydroxide + DW, Group 3 - calcium hydroxide + chitosan, and Group 4 - calcium hydroxide + 2% chlorhexidine gluconate. Biomechanical preparation was done till the F2 rotary ProTaper system and intracanal medicaments were placed. Calcium ions and pH were assessed at 24 h, 7 days, 15 days, and 30 days using an ultraviolet spectrophotometer and pH meter, respectively. The evaluation of tubule penetration was scanned under a field emission scanning electron microscope.
RESULTS
A significant difference was seen in calcium ion release and pH change among the four groups at 24 h, 7 days, 15 days, and 30 days as well as depth of dentinal penetration.
CONCLUSION
Calcium hydroxide mixed with 2% chlorhexidine gel showed alkaline pH and the highest calcium ion release as well as significant dentinal tubule penetration among all the four groups under observation. Both combinations can enhance antimicrobial effectiveness as intracanal medicaments. Further clinical study should be carried out to optimize its use as an alternative treatment modality.
PubMed: 38292750
DOI: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_39_23 -
Developmental Science Sep 2023Music listening often entails spontaneous perception and body movement to a periodic pulse-like meter. There is increasing evidence that this cross-cultural ability...
Music listening often entails spontaneous perception and body movement to a periodic pulse-like meter. There is increasing evidence that this cross-cultural ability relates to neural processes that selectively enhance metric periodicities, even when these periodicities are not prominent in the acoustic stimulus. However, whether these neural processes emerge early in development remains largely unknown. Here, we recorded the electroencephalogram (EEG) of 20 healthy 5- to 6-month-old infants, while they were exposed to two rhythms known to induce the perception of meter consistently across Western adults. One rhythm contained prominent acoustic periodicities corresponding to the meter, whereas the other rhythm did not. Infants showed significantly enhanced representations of meter periodicities in their EEG responses to both rhythms. This effect is unlikely to reflect the tracking of salient acoustic features in the stimulus, as it was observed irrespective of the prominence of meter periodicities in the audio signals. Moreover, as previously observed in adults, the neural enhancement of meter was greater when the rhythm was delivered by low-pitched sounds. Together, these findings indicate that the endogenous enhancement of metric periodicities beyond low-level acoustic features is a neural property that is already present soon after birth. These high-level neural processes could set the stage for internal representations of musical meter that are critical for human movement coordination during rhythmic musical behavior. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: 5- to 6-month-old infants were presented with auditory rhythms that induce the perception of a periodic pulse-like meter in adults. Infants showed selective enhancement of EEG activity at meter-related frequencies irrespective of the prominence of these frequencies in the stimulus. Responses at meter-related frequencies were boosted when the rhythm was conveyed by bass sounds. High-level neural processes that transform rhythmic auditory stimuli into internal meter templates emerge early after birth.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Infant; Music; Acoustic Stimulation; Electroencephalography; Sound; Periodicity; Auditory Perception
PubMed: 36415027
DOI: 10.1111/desc.13353