Localization of Cholecystokinin/Sulfakinin Neuropeptides in Biomphalaria glabrata, an Intermediate Host for Schistosomiasis.

Snails belonging to the genus Biomphalaria serve as obligatory intermediate hosts for the trematode Schistosoma mansoni, the causative agent for the most widespread form of schistosomiasis. The simpler nervous systems of gastropod molluscs, such as Biomphalaria, provide advantageous models for investigating neural responses to infection at the cellular and network levels. The present study examined neuropeptides related to cholecystokinin (CCK), a major multifunctional regulator of central nervous system (CNS) function in mammals.

Sex Differences in Contextual Extinction Learning After Single Binge-Like EtOH Exposure in Adolescent C57BL/6J Mice.

The relationship between chronic heavy drinking and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is well-documented; however, the impact of more common drinking patterns, such as a single episode leading to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.09 g/dL (moderate intoxication), remains underexplored. Given the frequent co-occurrence of PTSD and alcohol misuse, it is essential to understand the biological and behavioral factors driving this comorbidity.

The sexually dimorphic expression of glutamate transporters and their implication in pain after spinal cord injury.

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202511000-00033/figure1/v/2024-12-20T164640Z/r/image-tiff In addition to the loss of motor function, ~ 60% of patients develop pain after spinal cord injury. The cellular-molecular mechanisms are not well understood, but the data suggests that plasticity within the rostral, epicenter, and caudal penumbra of the injury site initiates a cellular-molecular interplay that acts as a rewiring mechanism leading to central neuropathic pain.

The FMRF-NH2 gated sodium channel of Biomphalaria glabrata: Localization and expression following infection by Schistosoma mansoni.

The neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis impacts over 700 million people globally. Schistosoma mansoni, the trematode parasite that causes the most common type of schistosomiasis, requires planorbid pond snails of the genus Biomphalaria to support its larval development and transformation to the cercarial form that can infect humans. A greater understanding of neural signaling systems that are specific to the Biomphalaria intermediate host could lead to novel strategies for parasite or snail control.

Label-Free Telomerase Activity Detection via Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy.

In the last decade, researchers have been searching for innovative platforms, methods, and techniques able to address recurring problems with the current cancer detection methods. Early disease detection, fast results, point-of-care sensing, and cost are among the most prevalent issues that need further exploration in this field. Herein, studies are focused on overcoming these problems by developing an electrochemical device able to detect telomerase as a cancer biomarker.

Biocompatible ZnS:Mn quantum dots for reactive oxygen generation and detection in aqueous media.

Abstract: We report here the versatility of Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots (ZnS:Mn QDs) synthesized in aqueous medium for generating reactive oxygen species and for detecting cells. Our experiments provide evidence leading to the elimination of Cd-based cores in CdSe/ZnS systems by substitution of Mn-doped ZnS. Advanced electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and optical spectroscopy were applied to elucidate the formation, morphology, and dispersion of the products.