Publications by authors named "Hung A Nguyen"

Article Synopsis
  • Dopamine has traditionally been seen as the main neurotransmitter for motor functions, but this study reveals that non-dopaminergic mechanisms also play a significant role, particularly in Parkinson's disease models.
  • L-DOPA showed a strong motor response even when dopamine production was blocked, with an interesting pattern of delayed intensity and a duration that lasted longer than expected.
  • The research identified ophthalmic acid as a crucial metabolite that boosts motor activity in mice, and it was found to activate the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), suggesting new pathways for understanding and treating movement disorders.
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Microfluidic cytometry (MC) and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are two important techniques in biomedical engineering. Microfluidic cytometry has been utilized in various fields such as stem cell differentiation and cancer metastasis studies, and provides a simple, label-free, real-time method for characterizing and monitoring cellular fates. The impedance microdevice, including impedance flow cytometry (IFC) and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), is integrated into MC systems.

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Real-time tracking of neurotransmitter levels in vivo has been technically challenging due to the low spatiotemporal resolution of current methods. Since the imbalance of cortical excitation/inhibition (E:I) ratios are associated with a variety of neurological disorders, accurate monitoring of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter levels is crucial for investigating the underlying neural mechanisms of these conditions. Specifically, levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter L-glutamate, and the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, are assumed to play critical roles in the E:I balance.

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Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of conditions that increases the probability of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, and is very common worldwide. While the exact cause of MS has yet to be understood, there is evidence indicating the relationship between MS and the dysregulation of the immune system. The resultant biomarkers that are expressed in the process are gaining relevance in the early detection of related MS.

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GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammals. It is known to be related with various neurological disorders. GABA plays a crucial role in normal neuronal activity, information processing and plasticity, and neuronal network synchronization.

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GSTs are a group of multifunctional enzymes, whose major functions involve catalysis of conjugation of glutathione thiolate anion with a multitude of bi-substrates or transportation of a range of hydrophobic ligands. Helminth GSTs are intimately involved in the scavenging of endogenously/exogenously-derived toxic compounds and xenobiotics. In this study, we identified a novel GST gene of Taenia solium metacestodes (TsMs), which is a causative agent of neurocysticercosis.

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