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Sheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi =... Jun 2024Motor imagery is often used in the fields of sports training and neurorehabilitation for its advantages of being highly targeted, easy to learn, and requiring no special...
[A study on the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with motor imagery on brain function based on electroencephalogram and near infrared spectrum].
Motor imagery is often used in the fields of sports training and neurorehabilitation for its advantages of being highly targeted, easy to learn, and requiring no special equipment, and has become a major research paradigm in cognitive neuroscience. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), an emerging neuromodulation technique, modulates cortical excitability, which in turn affects functions such as locomotion. However, it is unclear whether tDCS has a positive effect on motor imagery task states. In this paper, 16 young healthy subjects were included, and the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and near-infrared spectrum (NIRS) signals of the subjects were collected when they were performing motor imagery tasks before and after receiving tDCS, and the changes in multiscale sample entropy (MSE) and haemoglobin concentration were calculated and analyzed during the different tasks. The results found that MSE of task-related brain regions increased, oxygenated haemoglobin concentration increased, and total haemoglobin concentration rose after tDCS stimulation, indicating that tDCS increased the activation of task-related brain regions and had a positive effect on motor imagery. This study may provide some reference value for the clinical study of tDCS combined with motor imagery.
Topics: Humans; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Electroencephalography; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared; Brain; Imagination; Motor Cortex; Hemoglobins; Young Adult
PubMed: 38932533
DOI: 10.7507/1001-5515.202310029 -
Vaccines Jun 2024We previously reported that nano-pulse treatment (NPT), a pulsed power technology, resulted in 4T1-luc mammary tumor elimination and a strong in situ vaccination,...
We previously reported that nano-pulse treatment (NPT), a pulsed power technology, resulted in 4T1-luc mammary tumor elimination and a strong in situ vaccination, thereby completely protecting tumor-free animals against a second live tumor challenge. The mechanism whereby NPT mounts effective antitumor immune responses in the 4T1 breast cancer predominantly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unanswered. In this study, orthotopic 4T1 mouse breast tumors were treated with NPT (100 ns, 50 kV/cm, 1000 pulses, 3 Hz). Blood, spleen, draining lymph nodes, and tumors were harvested at 4-h, 8-h, 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, and 3-month post-treatment intervals for the analysis of frequencies, death, and functional markers of various immune cells in addition to the suppressor function of regulatory T cells (Tregs). NPT was verified to elicit strong in situ vaccination (ISV) against breast cancer and promote both acute and long-term T cell memory. NPT abolished immunosuppressive dominance systemically and in the TME by substantially reducing Tregs, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). NPT induced apoptosis in Tregs and TAMs. It also functionally diminished the Treg suppression capacity, explained by the downregulation of activation markers, particularly 4-1BB and TGFβ, and a phenotypic shift from predominantly activated (CD44CD62L) to naïve (CD44CD62L) Tregs. Importantly, NPT selectively induced apoptosis in activated Tregs and spared effector CD4 and CD8 T cells. These changes were followed by a concomitant rise in CD8CD103 tissue-resident memory T cells and TAM M1 polarization. These findings indicate that NPT effectively switches the TME and secondary lymphatic systems from an immunosuppressive to an immunostimulatory state, allowing cytotoxic T cell function and immune memory formation to eliminate cancer cells and account for the NPT in situ vaccination.
PubMed: 38932362
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060633 -
Vaccines Jun 2024The Bursa of Fabricius, an avian unique humoral immune organ, is instrumental to B cell development. Bursal-derived peptide BP9 fosters B-cell development and formation....
The Bursa of Fabricius, an avian unique humoral immune organ, is instrumental to B cell development. Bursal-derived peptide BP9 fosters B-cell development and formation. Yet, the exact mechanism wherein BP9 impacts B cell differentiation and antigenic presentation remains undefined. In this paper, B cell activation and differentiation in the spleen cells from mice immunized with the AIV vaccine and BP9 were detected following flow cytometry (FCM) analysis. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism of BP9 in B cell differentiation in vivo was investigated with RNA sequencing technology. To verify the potential functional mechanism of BP9 in the antigenic presentation process, the transcriptome molecular basis of chicken macrophages stimulated by BP9 was measured via high-throughput sequencing technology. The results proved that when given in experimental dosages, BP9 notably accelerated total B cells, and enhanced B-cell differentiation and plasma cell production. The gene expression profiles of B cells from mice immunized with 0.01 mg/mL BP9 and AIV vaccine disclosed that 0.01 mg/mL BP9 initiated the enrichment of several biological functions and significantly stimulated key B-cell pathways in immunized mice. Crucially, a total of 4093 differentially expressed genes were identified in B cells with BP9 stimulation, including 943 upregulated genes and 3150 downregulated genes. Additionally, BP9 induced various cytokine productions in the chicken macrophage HD11 cells and activated 9 upregulated and 20 downregulated differential miRNAs, which were involved in various signal and biological processes. Furthermore, BP9 stimulated the activation of multiple transcription factors in HD11 cells, which was related to antigen presentation processes. In summary, these results suggested that BP9 might promote B cell differentiation and induce antigen presentation, which might provide the valuable insights into the mechanism of B cell differentiation upon bursal-derived immunomodulating peptide stimulation and provide a solid experimental groundwork for enhancing vaccine-induced immunity.
PubMed: 38932336
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060607 -
Viruses Jun 2024Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) infections can induce the process of host cellular autophagy but have rarely been identified within the molecular...
Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) infections can induce the process of host cellular autophagy but have rarely been identified within the molecular autophagy signaling pathway. In the present study, we demonstrated that ISKNV induces ROS-mediated oxidative stress signals for the induction of 5'AMP-activated protein kinase/mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (AMPK/mTOR)-mediated autophagy and upregulation of host antioxidant enzymes in fish GF-1 cells. We also examined ISKNV-induced oxidative stress, finding that reactive oxidative species (ROS) increased by 1.5-fold and 2.5-fold from day 2 to day 3, respectively, as assessed by the HDCFDA assay for tracing hydrogen peroxide (HO), which was blocked by NAC treatment in fish GF-1 cells. Furthermore, ISKNV infection was shown to trigger oxidative stress/Nrf2 signaling from day 1 to day 3; this event was then correlated with the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes such as Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD and was blocked by the antioxidant NAC. Using an MDC assay, TEM analysis and autophagy marker LC3-II/I ratio, we found that ROS stress can regulate autophagosome formation within the induction of autophagy, which was inhibited by NAC treatment in GF-1 cells. Through signal analysis, we found that AMPK/mTOR flux was modulated through inhibition of mTOR and activation of AMPK, indicating phosphorylation levels of mTOR Ser 2448 and AMPK Thr 172 from day 1 to day 3; however, this process was reversed by NAC treatment, which also caused a reduction in virus titer (TCID) of up to 1000 times by day 3 in GF-1 cells. Thus, ISKNV-induced oxidative stress signaling is blocked by antioxidant NAC, which can also either suppress mTOR/AMPK autophagic signals or reduce viral replication. These findings may provide the basis for the creation of DNA control and treatment strategies.
Topics: Oxidative Stress; Autophagy; Virus Replication; Animals; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Signal Transduction; Cell Line; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Antioxidants; Reactive Oxygen Species; NF-E2-Related Factor 2
PubMed: 38932206
DOI: 10.3390/v16060914 -
Viruses May 2024When designing live-attenuated respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine candidates, attenuating mutations can be developed through biologic selection or reverse-genetic...
When designing live-attenuated respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine candidates, attenuating mutations can be developed through biologic selection or reverse-genetic manipulation and may include point mutations, codon and gene deletions, and genome rearrangements. Attenuation typically involves the reduction in virus replication, due to direct effects on viral structural and replicative machinery or viral factors that antagonize host defense or cause disease. However, attenuation must balance reduced replication and immunogenic antigen expression. In the present study, we explored a new approach in order to discover attenuating mutations. Specifically, we used protein structure modeling and computational methods to identify amino acid substitutions in the RSV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) predicted to cause various levels of structural perturbation. Twelve different mutations predicted to alter the NS1 protein structure were introduced into infectious virus and analyzed in cell culture for effects on viral mRNA and protein expression, interferon and cytokine expression, and caspase activation. We found the use of structure-based machine learning to predict amino acid substitutions that reduce the thermodynamic stability of NS1 resulted in various levels of loss of NS1 function, exemplified by effects including reduced multi-cycle viral replication in cells competent for type I interferon, reduced expression of viral mRNAs and proteins, and increased interferon and apoptosis responses.
Topics: Humans; Machine Learning; Viral Nonstructural Proteins; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Virus Replication; Vaccines, Attenuated; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Amino Acid Substitution; Mutation; Cell Line
PubMed: 38932114
DOI: 10.3390/v16060821 -
Polymers Jun 2024Bio-based solutions for solid timber gluing have always been a very sensitive topic in wood technology. In this work, we optimize the gluing conditions of a...
Bio-based solutions for solid timber gluing have always been a very sensitive topic in wood technology. In this work, we optimize the gluing conditions of a starch-tannin formulation, which allows high performance in dry conditions and resistance to water dipping for 3 h, allowing for the D2 classification to be reached according to EN 204. It was observed that the starch-tannin formulations enhanced their performance by increasing the heating temperature, achieving satisfactory results at 140 °C for 13 min. The proportion of polyphenols in the mixture enhances the water resistance but is only tolerated until 20-30%. In particular, the addition of 10% tannin-hexamine enhances the water-resistant properties of starch for both quebracho and chestnut extract. The application of the jet of cold atmospheric plasma allows for good results with more viscous formulations, increasing their penetration in wood. Solid-state C-NMR analysis was also performed, and the spectroscopic information suggests establishing a coordination complex between starch and tannin.
PubMed: 38932044
DOI: 10.3390/polym16121694 -
Polymers Jun 2024Nanomaterials have attracted specific consideration due to their specific characteristics and uses in several promising fields. In the present study, was employed as a...
Cellulosic Powders with Immobilized AgO and CuO Nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization of the Nanocomposites, and Application to the Catalytic Degradation of Azo Dyes.
Nanomaterials have attracted specific consideration due to their specific characteristics and uses in several promising fields. In the present study, was employed as a biological extract to facilitate the reduction of copper and silver ions within garlic peel powders. The resulting garlic-CuO and garlic-AgO nanocomposites were characterized using several analytical methods including FTIR, TGA/DTG, SEM, TEM, and XRD analyses. The garlic peel exhibited a rough surface. The nanoparticles were evenly dispersed across its surface. The incorporation of CuO and AgO nanoparticles affected the crystal structure of garlic peel. The establishment of CuO and AgO nanoparticles was evidenced by the highest residual mass values observed for the prepared nanocomposites. The thermogravimetric analysis showed that the prepared nanocomposites had lower thermal stability compared with garlic peel powders. The prepared nanocomposites were used for catalytic degradation of naphthol blue black B and calmagite. The decolorization process depended on the quantity of HO, initial concentration of azo dyes, duration of contact, and temperature of the bath. The calculated activation energy (Ea) values for the garlic-CuO nanocomposites were found to be 18.44 kJ mol and 23.28 kJ mol for calmagite and naphthol solutions, respectively. However, those calculated for garlic-AgO nanocomposites were found to be 50.01 kJ mol and 12.44 kJ mol for calmagite and naphthol, respectively.
PubMed: 38932011
DOI: 10.3390/polym16121661 -
Pharmaceutics Jun 2024Many physical and chemical properties of solids, such as strength, plasticity, dispersibility, solubility and dissolution are determined by defects in the crystal...
Influence of Mechanical Loading on the Process of Tribochemical Action on Physicochemical and Biopharmaceutical Properties of Substances, Using Lacosamide as an Example: From Micronisation to Mechanical Activation.
Many physical and chemical properties of solids, such as strength, plasticity, dispersibility, solubility and dissolution are determined by defects in the crystal structure. The aim of this work is to study in situ dynamic, dispersion, chemical, biological and surface properties of lacosamide powder after a complete cycle of mechanical loading by laser scattering, electron microscopy, FR-IR and biopharmaceutical approaches. The SLS method demonstrated the spontaneous tendency toward surface-energy reduction due to aggregation during micronisation. DLS analysis showed conformational changes of colloidal particles as supramolecular complexes depending on the loading time on the solid. SEM analysis demonstrated the conglomeration of needle-like lacosamide particles after 60 min of milling time and the transition to a glassy state with isotropy of properties by the end of the tribochemistry cycle. The following dynamic properties of lacosamide were established: elastic and plastic deformation boundaries, region of inhomogeneous deformation and fracture point. The ratio of dissolution-rate constants in water of samples before and after a full cycle of loading was 2.4. The lacosamide sample, which underwent a full cycle of mechanical loading, showed improved kinetics of API release via analysis of dissolution profiles in 0.1 M HCl medium. The observed activation-energy values of the cell-death biosensor process in aqueous solutions of the lacosamide samples before and after the complete tribochemical cycle were 207 kJmol and 145 kJmol, respectively. The equilibrium time of dissolution and activation of cell-biosensor death corresponding to 20 min of mechanical loading on a solid was determined. The current study may have important practical significance for the transformation and management of the properties of drug substances in solid form and in solutions and for increasing the strength of drug matrices by pre-strain hardening via structural rearrangements during mechanical loading.
PubMed: 38931919
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060798 -
Pharmaceutics Jun 2024In recent yearsjajajj, peptide-based therapeutics have attracted increasing interest as a potential approach to cancer treatment. Peptides are characterized by high...
In recent yearsjajajj, peptide-based therapeutics have attracted increasing interest as a potential approach to cancer treatment. Peptides are characterized by high specificity and low cytotoxicity, but they cannot be considered universal drugs for all types of cancer. Of the numerous anticancer-reported peptides, both natural and synthetic, only a few have reached clinical applications. However, in most cases, the mechanism behind the anticancer activity of the peptide is not fully understood. For this reason, in this work, we investigated the effect of the novel peptide ∆M4, which has documented anticancer activity, on two human skin cancer cell lines. A novel approach to studying the potential induction of apoptosis by anticancer peptides is the use of protein microarrays. The results of the apoptosis protein study demonstrated that both cell types, skin malignant melanoma (A375) and epidermoid carcinoma (A431), exhibited markers associated with apoptosis and cellular response to oxidative stress. Additionally, ∆M4 induced concentration- and time-dependent moderate ROS production, triggering a defensive response from the cells, which showed decreased activation of cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase. However, the studied cells exhibited a differential response in catalase activity, with A375 cells showing greater resistance to the peptide action, possibly mediated by the Nrf2 pathway. Nevertheless, both cell types showed moderate activity of caspases 3/7, suggesting that they may undergo partial apoptosis, although another pathway of programmed death cannot be excluded. Extended analysis of the mechanisms of action of anticancer peptides may help determine their effectiveness in overcoming chemoresistance in cancerous cells.
PubMed: 38931896
DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16060775 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been considered, for many years, an important source of medicine to treat different diseases. As a type of TCM, Maxim (ISM) is...
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been considered, for many years, an important source of medicine to treat different diseases. As a type of TCM, Maxim (ISM) is used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-virus. Besides, ISM is also used in the treatment of cancer. In order to evaluate the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) activity, petroleum ether extract was prepared from part of the fruit of ISM. First, the compounds of the petroleum ether fraction of Maxim (PEIM) were identified using LC-MS/MS analysis. Next, the cell viability and morphological changes were evaluated by MTT assay and Hoechst staining. In addition, the effect of PEIM on the levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) was determined using the ELISA kit. Furthermore, apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry, and gene expression and the regulation of signaling pathways were investigated, respectively, by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot. Results showed that a total of 64 compounds were identified in the PEIM. Additionally, the PEIM had anti-HCC activity against HepG2 cells, in which the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC) was 55.03 μg·mL. As well, the PEIM was able to modulate the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, while we also found that it induced HepG2 cell apoptosis through the activation of P53 mRNA and caspase-3 mRNA. Finally, the PEIM possibly downregulated the expression of TLR4, MyD88, p-NF-κBp65, TNF-α, IL-1β, INOS, IL-6, JAK2, STAT3, CyclinD1, CDK4, MDM2, and Bcl-2, and upregulated the expression of P53, P21, Bax, Cytochrome-C, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 in HepG2 cells. These findings may confirm that the PEIM has possible anti-HCC effects. However, additional studies are required to fully understand the mechanisms of action of the PEIM and the signaling pathways involved in its effects. Moreover, the anti-HCC activity of the PEIM should be studied in vivo, and signaling pathways involved in its effects should be explored to develop the anti-HCC drug.
PubMed: 38931473
DOI: 10.3390/ph17060806