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Nature Communications Sep 2023The development of genetically encoded dopamine sensors such as dLight has provided a new approach to measuring slow and fast dopamine dynamics both in brain slices and...
The development of genetically encoded dopamine sensors such as dLight has provided a new approach to measuring slow and fast dopamine dynamics both in brain slices and in vivo, possibly enabling dopamine measurements in areas like the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) where previously such recordings with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) were difficult. To test this, we first evaluated dLight photometry in mouse brain slices with simultaneous FSCV and found that both techniques yielded comparable results, but notable differences in responses to dopamine transporter inhibitors, including cocaine. We then used in vivo fiber photometry with dLight in mice to examine responses to cocaine in DLS. We also compared dopamine responses during Pavlovian conditioning across the striatum. We show that dopamine increases were readily detectable in DLS and describe transient dopamine kinetics, as well as slowly developing signals during conditioning. Overall, our findings indicate that dLight photometry is well suited to measuring dopamine dynamics in DLS.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Dopamine; Corpus Striatum; Neostriatum; Brain; Cocaine; Coloring Agents
PubMed: 37739964
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41581-3 -
Physiological Reports Aug 2023Application of herbal medicines in the treatment of diseases is in the center of attention of medical scientific societies. Saffron (Cricus sativus L.) is a medicinal... (Review)
Review
Application of herbal medicines in the treatment of diseases is in the center of attention of medical scientific societies. Saffron (Cricus sativus L.) is a medicinal plant belonging to the Iridaceae family with different therapeutic properties. The outcomes of human and animal experiments indicate that therapeutic impacts of saffron and its constituents, crocin, crocetin, and safranal, mainly are mediated via inhibiting the inflammatory reactions and scavenging free radicals. It has been suggested that saffron and crocin extracted from it also up-regulate the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), down-regulate nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and untimely improve the body organs dysfunction. Inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) also is attributed to crocin. The current review narrates the therapeutic effects of saffron and its constituents on various body systems through looking for the scientific databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from the beginning of 2010 until the end of 2022.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Crocus; Plant Extracts; Coloring Agents
PubMed: 37537722
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15785 -
International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2023The growing popularity of the use of nutraceuticals in the prevention and alleviation of symptoms of many diseases in humans and dogs means that they are increasingly... (Review)
Review
The growing popularity of the use of nutraceuticals in the prevention and alleviation of symptoms of many diseases in humans and dogs means that they are increasingly the subject of research. A representative of the nutraceutical that deserves special attention is turmeric. Turmeric belongs to the family and is grown extensively in Asia. It is a plant used as a spice and food coloring, and it is also used in traditional medicine. The biologically active factors that give turmeric its unusual properties and color are curcuminoids. It is a group of substances that includes curcumin, de-methoxycurcumin, and bis-demethoxycurcumin. Curcumin is used as a yellow-orange food coloring. The most important pro-health effects observed after taking curcuminoids include anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to characterize turmeric and its main substance, curcumin, in terms of their properties, advantages, and disadvantages, based on literature data.
Topics: Humans; Dogs; Animals; Curcumin; Curcuma; Food Coloring Agents; Diarylheptanoids; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 37834009
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914561 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Sep 2023Counterfeit products in the pharmaceutical and food industries have posed an overwhelmingly increasing threat to the health of individuals and societies. An effective...
Counterfeit products in the pharmaceutical and food industries have posed an overwhelmingly increasing threat to the health of individuals and societies. An effective approach to prevent counterfeiting is the attachment of security labels directly on drugs and food products. This approach requires the development of security labels composed of safely digestible materials. In this study, we present the fabrication of security labels entirely based on the use of food-grade materials. The key idea proposed in this study is the exploitation of food-grade corn starch (CS) as an encoding material based on the microscopic dimensions, particulate structure, and adsorbent characteristics. The strong adsorption of a food colorant, erythrosine B (ErB), onto CS results in fluorescent CS@ErB microparticles. Randomly positioned CS@ErB particles can be obtained simply by spin-coating from aqueous solutions of tuned concentrations followed by transfer to an edible gelatin film. The optical and fluorescence microscopy images of randomly positioned particles are then used to construct keys for a physically unclonable function (PUF)-based security label. The performance of PUFs evaluated by uniformity, uniqueness, and randomness analysis demonstrates the strong promise of this platform. The biocompatibility of the fabricated PUFs is confirmed with assays using murine fibroblast cells. The extremely low-cost and sustainable security primitives fabricated from off-the-shelf food materials offer new routes in the fight against counterfeiting.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Dust; Adsorption; Biological Assay; Cell-Derived Microparticles; Coloring Agents; Erythrosine
PubMed: 37615185
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09035 -
EBioMedicine Sep 2023Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a promising cancer therapy combining NIR-light irradiation with an antibody and IR700DX, a light-sensitive substance, to...
BACKGROUND
Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a promising cancer therapy combining NIR-light irradiation with an antibody and IR700DX, a light-sensitive substance, to destroy tumours. However, homogeneous irradiation is difficult because the light varies depending on the distance and tissue environment. Therefore, markers that indicate sufficient irradiation are necessary. Nanoparticles sized 10∼200 nm show enhanced permeation and retention within tumours, which is further enhanced via NIR-PIT (super enhanced permeability and retention, SUPR). We aimed to monitor the effectiveness of NIR-PIT by measuring SUPR.
METHODS
A xenograft mouse tumour model was established by inoculating human cancer cells in both buttocks of Balb/C-nu/nu mice, and NIR-PIT was performed on only one side. To evaluate SUPR, fluorescent signal examination was performed using QD800-fluorescent nanoparticles and NIR-fluorescent poly (d,l-lactide-co-glycolic acid) (NIR-PLGA) microparticles. Harmonic signals were evaluated using micro-bubbles of the contrast agent Sonazoid and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging. The correlation between SUPR immediately after treatment and NIR-PIT effectiveness on the day after treatment was evaluated.
FINDINGS
QD800 fluorescent signals persisted only in the treated tumours, and the intensity of remaining signals showed high positive correlation with the therapeutic effect. NIR-PLGA fluorescent signals and Sonazoid-derived harmonic signals remained for a longer time in the treated tumours than in the controls, and the k value of the two-compartment model correlated with NIR-PIT effectiveness.
INTERPRETATION
SUPR measurement using Sonazoid and CEUS imaging could be easily adapted for clinical use as a therapeutic image-based biomarker for monitoring and confirming of NIR-PIT efficacy.
FUNDING
This research was supported by ARIM JAPAN of MEXT, the Program for Developing Next-generation Researchers (Japan Science and Technology Agency), KAKEN (18K15923, 21K07217) (JSPS), CREST (JPMJCR19H2, JST), and FOREST-Souhatsu (JST). Mochida Memorial Foundation for Medical and Pharmaceutical Research; Takeda Science Foundation; The Japan Health Foundation; and Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund. Funders only provided financial support and had no role in the study design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, and writing of the report.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Cell Line, Tumor; Phototherapy; Oxides; Immunotherapy; Coloring Agents; Ultrasonography; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
PubMed: 37558554
DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104737 -
Nature Communications Sep 2023The primary cilium is a signaling organelle with a unique membrane composition maintained by a diffusional barrier residing at the transition zone. Many transition zone...
The primary cilium is a signaling organelle with a unique membrane composition maintained by a diffusional barrier residing at the transition zone. Many transition zone proteins, such as the tectonic complex, are linked to preserving ciliary composition but the mechanism remains unknown. To understand tectonic's role, we generate a photoreceptor-specific Tctn1 knockout mouse. Loss of Tctn1 results in the absence of the entire tectonic complex and associated MKS proteins yet has minimal effects on the transition zone structure of rod photoreceptors. We find that the protein composition of the photoreceptor cilium is disrupted as non-resident membrane proteins accumulate in the cilium over time, ultimately resulting in photoreceptor degeneration. We further show that fluorescent rhodopsin moves faster through the transition zone in photoreceptors lacking tectonic, which suggests that the tectonic complex acts as a physical barrier to slow down membrane protein diffusion in the photoreceptor transition zone to ensure proper removal of non-resident membrane proteins.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Membrane Proteins; Cilia; Rhodopsin; Neurites; Coloring Agents; Mice, Knockout
PubMed: 37704658
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41450-z -
Scientific Reports Dec 2023Elevated Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels are often suggestive of cholelithiasis, and previous studies have indicated that GGT is highly expressed in the urinary...
Elevated Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels are often suggestive of cholelithiasis, and previous studies have indicated that GGT is highly expressed in the urinary system. Therefore, we hypothesized that there may be an association between GGT levels and calculus of kidney (CK) incidence. To investigate this potential causal relationship, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Additionally, we analyzed the levels of other liver enzymes, including alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The relationship between GGT levels and CK incidence was analyzed using two-sample Mendelian randomization. Summary Genome-Wide Association Studies data were utilized for this analysis. 33 single nucleotide polymorphisms known to be associated with GGT levels were employed as instrumental variables. We employed several MR methods including IVW (inverse variance weighting), MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and MR-PRESSO (Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier). Furthermore, we conducted tests for horizontal multivariate validity, heterogeneity, and performed leave-one-out analysis to ensure the stability of the results. Overall, several MR methods yielded statistically significant results with a p-value < 0.05. The results from the IVW analysis yielded an odds ratio (OR) of 1.0062 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.0016-1.0109 (p = 0.0077). Additional MR methods provided supplementary results: MR-Egger (OR 1.0167, 95% CI 1.0070-1.0266, p = 0.0040); weighted median (OR 1.0058, 95% CI 1.0002-1.0115, p = 0.0423); and weighted mode (OR 1.0083, 95% CI 1.0020-1.0146, p- = 0.0188). Sensitivity analyses did not reveal heterogeneity or outliers. Although potential horizontal pleiotropy emerged, we speculate that this could be attributed to inadequate test efficacy. However, subsequent use of MR-PRESSO did not provide evidence of pleiotropy. Our analysis suggests a positive association between elevated GGT levels and CK incidence, indicating an increased risk of CK development. However, no causal relationship was observed between levels of ALP or ALT and CK incidence.
Topics: Humans; gamma-Glutamyltransferase; Genome-Wide Association Study; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Kidney Calculi; Alanine Transaminase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Coloring Agents; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases; Kidney
PubMed: 38071316
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48610-7 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Sappan wood () is a tropical hardwood tree found in Southeast Asia. Sappan wood contains a water-soluble compound, which imparts a red color named brazilin. Sappan wood... (Review)
Review
Sappan wood () is a tropical hardwood tree found in Southeast Asia. Sappan wood contains a water-soluble compound, which imparts a red color named brazilin. Sappan wood is utilized to produce dye for fabric and coloring agents for food and beverages, such as wine and meat. As a valuable medicinal plant, the tree is also known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It has been observed that sappan wood contains various bioactive compounds, including brazilin, brazilein, sappan chalcone, and protosappanin A. It has also been discovered that these substances have various health advantages; they lower inflammation, enhance blood circulation, and are anti-oxidative in nature. Sappan wood has been used as a medicine to address a range of illnesses, such as gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. Studies have also suggested that sappan wood may have anticarcinogenic potential as it possesses cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. Based on this, the present review emphasized the different medicinal properties, the role of phytochemicals, their health benefits, and several food and nonfood applications of sappan wood. Overall, sappan wood has demonstrated promising medicinal properties and is an important resource in traditional medicine. The present review has explored the potential role of sappan wood as an essential source of bioactive compounds for drug development.
Topics: Caesalpinia; Antioxidants; Beverages; Chalcone; Coloring Agents; Meat
PubMed: 37687076
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176247 -
Nature Communications Aug 2023Inadequate surgical margins occur frequently in oral squamous cell carcinoma surgery. Fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) has been explored for intraoperative margin...
Inadequate surgical margins occur frequently in oral squamous cell carcinoma surgery. Fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) has been explored for intraoperative margin assessment, but data are limited to phase-I studies. In this single-arm phase-II study (NCT03134846), our primary endpoints were to determine the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of cetuximab-800CW for tumor-positive margins detection. Secondary endpoints were safety, close margin detection rate and intrinsic cetuximab-800CW fluorescence. In 65 patients with 66 tumors, cetuximab-800CW was well-tolerated. Fluorescent spots identified in the surgical margin with signal-to-background ratios (SBR) of ≥2 identify tumor-positive margins with 100% sensitivity, 85.9% specificity, 58.3% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value. An SBR of ≥1.5 identifies close margins with 70.3% sensitivity, 76.1% specificity, 60.5% positive predictive value, and 83.1% negative predictive value. Performing frozen section analysis aimed at the fluorescent spots with an SBR of ≥1.5 enables safe, intraoperative adjustment of surgical margins.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cetuximab; Coloring Agents; ErbB Receptors; Margins of Excision; Molecular Imaging; Mouth Neoplasms; Radiopharmaceuticals
PubMed: 37587149
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40324-8 -
Journal of Biomedical Optics Sep 2023Hyperspectral microscopy grants the ability to characterize unique properties of tissues based on their spectral fingerprint. The ability to label and measure multiple...
SIGNIFICANCE
Hyperspectral microscopy grants the ability to characterize unique properties of tissues based on their spectral fingerprint. The ability to label and measure multiple molecular probes simultaneously provides pathologists and oncologists with a powerful tool to enhance accurate diagnostic and prognostic decisions. As the pathological workload grows, having an objective tool that provides companion diagnostics is of immense importance. Therefore, fast whole-slide spectral imaging systems are of immense importance for automated cancer prognostics that meet current and future needs.
AIM
We aim to develop a fast and accurate hyperspectral microscopy system that can be easily integrated with existing microscopes and provide flexibility for optimizing measurement time versus spectral resolution.
APPROACH
The method employs compressive sensing (CS) and a spectrally encoded illumination device integrated into the illumination path of a standard microscope. The spectral encoding is obtained using a compact liquid crystal cell that is operated in a fast mode. It provides time-efficient measurements of the spectral information, is modular and versatile, and can also be used for other applications that require rapid acquisition of hyperspectral images.
RESULTS
We demonstrated the acquisition of breast cancer biopsies hyperspectral data of the whole camera area within . This means that a typical biopsy can be measured in . The hyperspectral images with 250 spectral bands are reconstructed from 47 spectrally encoded images in the spectral range of 450 to 700 nm.
CONCLUSIONS
CS hyperspectral microscopy was successfully demonstrated on a common lab microscope for measuring biopsies stained with the most common stains, such as hematoxylin and eosin. The high spectral resolution demonstrated here in a rather short time indicates the ability to use it further for coping with the highly demanding needs of pathological diagnostics, both for cancer diagnostics and prognostics.
Topics: Microscopy; Physical Phenomena; Biopsy; Coloring Agents; Data Compression; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37692564
DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.28.9.096502