Multi-spin Redox Sensor for Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Studies of Tissue Redox State : Validation of Data With a Conventional Spin Probe.

Background/aim: Redox imaging is one of the fastest growing areas in diagnostics of pathologies accompanied by redox imbalance. We describe a multi-spin redox sensor (RS) and its application for redox imaging in mice using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy.

Materials And Methods: The probe is composed of a quantum dot functionalized with a cyclodextrin shell, conjugated with nitroxide residues (TEMPO) and triphenylphosphonium to achieve intracellular delivery.

New dimension of ciprofloxacin hybrids: Synthesis, characterization and anticancer evaluation of newly C3-modified ciprofloxacin derivatives.

The strategic application of drug repurposing and repositioning in the design of hybrid molecules represents a promising alternative in contemporary drug discovery. Recent studies have highlighted the anticancer activity of ciprofloxacin derivatives, attributing this effect primary to their capacity to inhibit DNA topoisomerase II. In silico ADME profiling of C3-modyfied ciprofloxacin analogues, have further identified their role as potential P-glycoprotein inhibitors.

Alkali Lignin-Based Biopolymer Formulations for Electro-Assisted Drug Delivery of Natural Antioxidants in Breast Cancer Cells-A Preliminary Study.

Recently, a number of natural biologically active substances have been proven to be attractive alternatives to conventional anticancer medicine or as adjuvants in contemporary combination therapies. Although lignin-based materials were previously accepted as waste materials with limited usefulness, recent studies increasingly report the possibility of their use for novel applications in various industrial branches, including biomedicine. In this regard, the safety, efficiency, advantages and limitations of lignin compounds for in vitro/in vivo applications remain poorly studied and described.

Vernalization of Winter Crops Increases Photosynthetic Energy Conversion Efficiency and Seed Yield.

We summarize our present knowledge of the regulation of photostasis and photosynthetic performance versus photoprotection in response to vernalization and conclude that the enhanced photosynthetic performance of winter crops is due to an inherent increase in photosynthetic energy conversion efficiency induced by vernalization which translates into high seed yield in the field as well as under controlled environment conditions. This is consistent with the published data for enhanced photosynthetic performance of the only two extant terrestrial angiosperms, and , native to the frigid conditions of terrestrial Antarctica. The Cold Binding factor family of transcription factors (CBFs/DREBs) governs the enhanced photosynthetic performance of winter cereals as well as the Antarctic angiosperms.

Membrane Partition and Structural Reorganization Induced by Antipsychotics with Distinct Clinical Profiles.

Antipsychotics (APs) are used in the treatment of severe mental disorders. Their mechanism of action involves interaction with multiple brain targets, notably the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), where they compete with dopamine. Due to their lipophilic nature, APs also partition and accumulate in lipid membranes, particularly around the D2R and in synaptic vesicles.

Design and Biological Evaluation of hBest1-Containing Bilayer Nanostructures.

Bestrophinopathies are a group of inherited retinal diseases caused by mutations in the gene. The protein encoded by this gene, bestorphin-1 (hBest1), is a calcium-dependent transmembrane channel localized on the basolateral membrane of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. We have already demonstrated the surface behavior and organization of recombinant hBest1 and its interactions with membrane lipids such as 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), sphingomyelin (SM) and cholesterol (Chol) in models of biological membranes, which affect the hBest1 structure-function relationship.

Neutral peptides allow aggregation of cationic peptides in antimicrobial secretory fluids.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are seen as a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics, yet their mechanism of action is not fully understood. We recently proposed that AMPs do not act as isolated monomers but instead aggregate into nano-sized clusters before targeting the membrane. However, cationic peptides may struggle to form clusters large enough to achieve effective membrane disruption alone, suggesting the involvement of a co-actor in this process.

Pairwise Performance Comparison of Docking Scoring Functions: Computational Approach Using InterCriteria Analysis.

Scoring functions are key elements in docking protocols as they approximate the binding affinity of a ligand (usually a small bioactive molecule) by calculating its interaction energy with a biomacromolecule (usually a protein). In this study, we present a pairwise comparison of scoring functions applying a multi-criterion decision-making approach based on InterCriteria analysis (ICrA). As criteria, the five scoring functions implemented in MOE (Molecular Operating Environment) software were selected, and their performance on a set of protein-ligand complexes from the PDBbind database was compared.

Flavonoid Glycosides and Phenolic Acids from Inula Oculus-Christi Modulate Membrane Organization and Provide Antioxidant Protection.

Oxidative stress induces lipid peroxidation within the membrane bilayer, thereby compromising membrane integrity. Polyphenols (PPs), renowned for their antioxidant properties, have been shown to mitigate oxidative damage. Here, we investigated the structural and antioxidant effects of PPs-specifically flavonoid glycosides (FGs) and phenolic acids (PAs)-extracted from using steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy in both model and cell membranes.

Functional Asymmetries After 6 Months of ACL Reconstruction: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Functional tests commonly assess athletes' readiness to return to sports after knee surgery. Despite this, there are still more studies on clinical and patient-reported outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine differences and combinations of various functional performances within and between athletes 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstruction (ACLR) for the first time (ACLR-I group) versus second ACL injury on the same knee (ACLR-II group) versus ACLR procedures on both legs (ACLR-III group).

The Role of Light-Harvesting Complex II Organization in the Efficiency of Light-Dependent Reactions in the Photosynthetic Apparatus of L.

In this study, the functions of the photosynthetic machinery were evaluated using chlorophyll fluorescence technique (PAM and JIP test) in pea plants ( L. cv Borec) and its LHC II oligomerization variants (mutants / and /). The oligomeric forms of LHCII increased in the following order: / < Borec wt < /.

Electrospinning of Bovine Split Hide Collagen and Collagen/Glycosaminoglycan for a Study of Stem Cell Adhesion and Proliferation on the Mats: Influence of Composition and Structural Morphology.

Electrospun collagen-based fibrous mats are of increasing interest for cell culture, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering. The focus of this investigation is on the assessment of the electrospinning ability of bovine split hide collagen (BSHC), the effect of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) incorporation on the mats' structural morphology, and the impact on the adhesion and proliferation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD-MSCs). Electrospun mats were prepared using benign and fluoroalcohol solutions of BSHC and BSHC/GAGs under varied operation conditions.

Antineoplastic Activity of Podophyllotoxin and Juniper Extracts Encapsulated in MPEG-PLA Diblock Copolymer Micelles in Cutaneous Squamous Carcinoma Cells.

Nanotechnology offers alternative approaches to the discovery of anticancer drugs. Hydrophobic bioactive components can be included in the cores of amphiphilic nanocarriers, which leads to the formation of a water-dispersible product with improved bioavailability, facilitated excretion, and reduced systemic toxicity in the treated organisms. This study was aimed at the formation of polymer nanocarriers, loaded with anticancer drug precursor podophylotoxin (PPT) or PPT-containing juniper leaf extracts, seeking to study their antineoplastic activity in A-431 epidermoid carcinoma cells and HaCaT normal keratinocytes.

Differential Effects of Levodopa and Stimulation on Post-Surgery Freezing of Gait in Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation Parkinson's Disease Patients: A Clinical and Kinematic Analysis.

Background: The long-term efficacy of high-frequency subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) on freezing of gait (FOG) remains unclear. We aimed to study the mechanism and optimal therapeutic approach to long-term post-surgery FOG.

Objective: The aim was to assess the mechanism and optimal therapeutic approach to long-term post-surgery FOG.

Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles as Multifunctional Agents Against Gut Microbiota Imbalance and Inflammation.

Human pathogenic fungi are the source of various illnesses, including invasive, cutaneous, and mucosal infections. One promising solution is using nanoparticles (NPs) as an antifungal agent. The current study aims to assess the antimicrobial and antifungal effects of drug-loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with previously reported mebeverine analogue (MA) as a potential drug candidate targeting gut microbiota and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Identification of Compounds With Potential Dual Inhibitory Activity Against Drug Efflux Pumps in Resistant Cancer Cells and Bacteria: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

Background: Drug efflux mediated by transporter proteins is one of the major mechanisms conferring multidrug resistance (MDR) to antimicrobial agents in bacteria and to chemotherapeutics in cancer cells. Therefore, the development or identification of efflux modulators represents a promising strategy to overcome the resistant phenotype. Various chemical compounds have been tested in experimental studies as reversal agents either in combination with antimicrobial or anticancer drugs and have shown sensitizing activity in resistant bacteria or cancer cell lines.

Controlling fibrinogen adsorption on polyelectrolyte multilayer films by modifying self-assembly conditions.

This study investigates the relationship between fibrinogen adsorption on polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films and their surface properties. The films were constructed using weak polyelectrolytes, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), with polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a precursor layer. Different deposition conditions, such as pH levels (3.

Silver Nanoparticles with Mebeverine in IBS Treatment: DFT Analysis, Spasmolytic, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects.

: Mebeverine hydrochloride (MBH) is an antispasmodic agent used to regulate bowel movements and relax intestinal smooth muscle, but its application is limited by specific side effects; therefore, this study investigates the effects of previously synthesized MBH-loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on smooth muscle contractile activity and their anti-inflammatory potential as an alternative delivery system. The interactions of AgNPs with cholinergic inhibitors, selective antagonists, Ca blockers, and key neurotransmitters were analyzed. In vitro, albumin denaturation suppression and ex vivo assays evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of AgNPs-MBH, validated using a DFT in silico approach.

X-Ray Crystal and Cryo-Electron Microscopy Structure Analysis Unravels How the Unique Thylakoid Lipid Composition Is Utilized by Cytochrome for Driving Reversible Proteins' Reorganization During State Transitions.

The rapid regulatory mechanism of light-induced state transitions (STs) in oxygenic photosynthesis is particularly appealing for membrane-based applications. This interest stems from the unique ability of the thylakoid membrane protein cytochrome (cyt) to increase or decrease its hydrophobic thickness (d) in parallel with the reduction or oxidation of the PQ pool induced by changes in light quality. This property appears to be the long-sought biophysical driver behind the reorganizations of membrane proteins during STs.

Functional and Structural Alterations in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and a Preliminary Activation Likelihood Estimation Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Meta-Analysis.

Background/objectives: Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) is a rare and complex neuroinflammatory disease characterized by demyelination and neurological dysfunction in individuals under 18 years of age. This systematic review and activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the existing literature on functional and structural brain alterations in pediatric MS patients.

Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we analyzed 21 studies involving 917 pediatric MS patients and 320 healthy controls, assessing brain structure and function using MRI and fMRI techniques.

A new selenium nanomaterial: structural insights, nonlinear optical properties (DFT study), and biological potential.

Context: This study investigates the synthesis, structural characteristics, thermal properties, and biological activity of the double selenate salt NaCd(SeO)·2HO. The synthesis of this compound was driven by the need for novel materials with potential applications in medicinal chemistry and materials science. The structural integrity and physicochemical properties of NaCd(SeO)·2HO were confirmed through a series of characterization techniques, including FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential measurements.

An Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Study of the Superoxide-Scavenging and Redox-Modulating Effects of Lecithinized Superoxide Dismutase in the Bloodstream.

Lecithinized superoxide dismutase (PC-SOD) was found to have a significantly improved half-life in the bloodstream and better pharmacological effects compared with unmodified SOD. However, there is no direct evidence that parenterally administered PC-SOD decreases superoxide levels in blood and tissues in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the ability of PC-SOD versus unmodified SOD as a superoxide scavenger in mice subjected to oxidative stress.

Insights into cellular and molecular mechanisms of graphene oxide nanoparticles in photothermal therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Graphene oxide derivatives have shown promise for photothermal cancer therapy due to their efficient light-to-heat conversion in the near-infrared (NIR) range. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the potential of newly synthesized pristine (nGO) and PEGylated (nGO-PEG) graphene oxide nanoparticles, for photothermal therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. We evaluated various aspects of cellular behavior, including migration, growth, morphology, cell membranes integrity, mitochondrial dynamics, actin cytoskeleton organization, and ROS generation along with the expression of genes linked to apoptosis (CASP8, BAX), autophagy (BECN1), cell cycle arrest (CDKN1A), and metastasis (HMMR).

Liposomal nanoformulations of novel copper-based complexes exhibiting antimelanoma activity - In vitro and in vivo validation.

Melanoma stands as the most aggressive form of skin cancer. The lack of effective and safe therapies has led to the investigation of innovative strategies. The present work validates the in vitro and in vivo antimelanoma activity of new copper complexes of 8-hydroxyquinoline (8HQ) derivatives in free or liposomal forms.

Adhesion of Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Glycated Collagen-Comparative Analysis of Dynamic and Static Conditions.

Understanding mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) behavior on glycated collagen is crucial for advancing regenerative medicine and understanding pathological mechanisms in diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and aging. While previous research has demonstrated reduced MSC interaction with glycated collagen under static conditions due to disrupted integrin signaling, these studies did not accurately replicate the dynamic mechanical environment that MSCs encounter in vivo. Here we present a comprehensive investigation comparing adipose-derived MSC (ADMSC) behavior under both dynamic flow conditions and static adhesion, revealing unexpected temporal dynamics and challenging existing paradigms of cell-matrix interactions.