Innovative analytical methodology for skin anti-aging compounds discovery from plant extracts: Integration of High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography-in vitro spectrophotometry bioassays with multivariate modeling and molecular docking.

Skin aging, characterized by reduced elasticity, wrinkles, and changes in pigmentation, presents significant challenges in the cosmetics industry. Identifying compounds that can help mitigate these effects is crucial to developing effective anti-aging treatments and improving skin health. An advanced analytical approach for identifying skin anti-aging compounds within complex natural mixtures must be developed to achieve this.

Changes of peripheral serotonin in the psychosocially stressed rats treated with linden honey.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of linden honey in maintaining the stability of peripheral serotonergic system in the psychosocially stressed rats. In this experiment we examined concentration of serotonin (5-HT) in Serbian linden honey, as well as concentrations of 5-HT and MAO A activity in the blood of chronically stressed rats treated with linden honey. The investigated parameters were quantified using HPLC method with electrochemical detector, HPLC method with a fluorescent detector, and assay of enzyme activities.

Gut microbiota as a modulator of type 1 diabetes: A molecular perspective.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is defined as an autoimmune metabolic disorder, characterized by destruction of pancreatic β-cells and high blood sugar levels. If left untreated, T1D results in severe health complications, including cardiovascular and kidney disease, as well as nerve damage, with ultimately grave consequences. Besides the role of genetic and certain environmental factors in T1D development, in the last decade, one new player emerged to affect T1D pathology as well, and that is a gut microbiota.

Risk stratification and prediction of severity of COVID-19 infection in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious viral disease. Cardiovascular diseases and heart failure elevate the risk of mechanical ventilation and fatal outcomes among COVID-19 patients, while COVID-19 itself increases the likelihood of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods: We collected blood samples and clinical data from hospitalized cardiovascular patients with and without proven COVID-19 infection in the time period before the vaccine became available.

SARS-CoV-2 PL Inhibition: Evaluating in Silico Repurposed Fidaxomicin's Antiviral Activity Through In Vitro Assessment.

The emergence of drug-resistant viruses and novel strains necessitates the rapid development of novel antiviral therapies. This need was particularly demanding during the COVID-19 pandemic. While de novo drug development is a time-consuming process, repurposing existing approved medications offers a more expedient approach.

In Silico Exploration of CD200 as a Therapeutic Target for COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen causing COVID-19, continues to pose a significant threat to public health and has had major economic implications. Developing safe and effective vaccines and therapies offers a path forward for overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. The presented study, performed by using the informational spectrum method (ISM), representing an electronic biology-based tool for analysis of protein-protein interactions, identified the highly conserved region of spike protein (SP) from SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is essential for recognition and targeting between the virus and its protein interactors on the target cells.

Prognostic and Clinical Significance of PD-L1, EGFR and Androgen Receptor (AR) Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Patients.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype and is associated with high recurrence rates, a high incidence of distant metastases and poor overall survival. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PD-L1, EGFR and AR expression in TNBC promotion and progression. To that end, we analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of these genes in 125 TNBC patients and their relation to clinicopathological parameters and survival.

Bipyraloxifene - a modified raloxifene vector against triple-negative breast cancer.

Raloxifene, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM), has demonstrated efficacy in the prevention and therapy of oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, with some degree of effectiveness against triple-negative forms. This suggests the presence of oestrogen receptor-independent pathways in raloxifene-mediated anticancer activity. To enhance the potential of raloxifene against the most aggressive breast cancer cells, hybrid molecules combining the drug with a metal chelator moiety have been developed.

Exploring the Antiviral Potential of Natural Compounds against Influenza: A Combined Computational and Experimental Approach.

The influenza A virus nonstructural protein 1 (NS1), which is crucial for viral replication and immune evasion, has been identified as a significant drug target with substantial potential to contribute to the fight against influenza. The emergence of drug-resistant influenza A virus strains highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutics. This study proposes a combined theoretical criterion for the virtual screening of molecular libraries to identify candidate NS1 inhibitors.

Computational Modeling and Characterization of Peptides Derived from Nanobody Complementary-Determining Region 2 (CDR2) Targeting Active-State Conformation of the β-Adrenergic Receptor (βAR).

This study assessed the suitability of the complementarity-determining region 2 (CDR2) of the nanobody (Nb) as a template for the derivation of nanobody-derived peptides (NDPs) targeting active-state β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) conformation. Sequences of conformationally selective Nbs favoring the agonist-occupied βAR were initially analyzed by the informational spectrum method (ISM). The derived NDPs in complex with βAR were subjected to protein-peptide docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and metadynamics-based free-energy binding calculations.

Exploring Raloxifene-Based Metallodrugs: A Versatile Vector Combined with Platinum(II), Palladium(II) and Nickel(II) Dichlorides and Carborates against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses challenges in therapy due to the absence of target expression such as estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Frequently, the treatment of TNBC involves the combination of several therapeutics. However, an enhanced therapeutic effect can be also achieved within a single molecule.

An Eco-friendly Approach to ZnO NP Synthesis Using Blanco Peel/Extract: Characterization and Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Activity.

Emission of greenhouse gases and infectious diseases caused by improper agro-waste disposal has gained significant attention in recent years. To overcome these hurdles, agro-waste can be valorized into valuable bioactive compounds that act as reducing or stabilizing agents in the synthesis of nanomaterials. Herein, we report a simple circular approach using Blanco () waste (peel powder/aqueous extract) as green reducing and capping/stabilizing agents and Zn nitrate/acetate precursors to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with efficient antimicrobial and photocatalytic activities.

Chronic mild stress-induced dysregulation of MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex of WKY female rats.

Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats subjected to chronic mild stress (CMS) represent a valid model of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Considering that depression is more prevalent in women than in men, in the present study, female rats were used. We investigated the effect of CMS on behavior and different factors involved in neuroinflammatory processes and neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of WKY female rats.

Novel neurodigital interface reduces motion sickness in virtual reality.

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-created 3D environment with a focus on realistic scenes and pictures created for entertainment, medical and/or educational and training purposes. One of the major side effects of VR immersion reported in the scientific literature, media and social media is Visually Induced Motion Sickness (VIMS), with clinical symptoms such as disorientation, nausea, and oculomotor discomfort. VIMS is mostly caused by the discrepancy between the visual and vestibular systems and can lead to dizziness, nausea, and disorientation.

Nanocarriers in topical photodynamic therapy.

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained significant attention due to its superiority over conventional treatments. In the context of skin cancers and nonmalignant skin diseases, topical application of photosensitizer formulations onto affected skin, followed by illumination, offers distinct advantages. Topical PDT simplifies therapy by providing easy access to the skin, increasing drug concentration within the target area, and confining residual photosensitivity to the treated skin.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -A, -C and VE-cadherin as potential biomarkers in early breast cancer patients.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -A and -C act as multifunctional molecules and growth factors, while VE-cadherin (cadherin 5, CDH5) is the endothelial junction protein.

Aim: To assess the relationship between intratumoral VEGF -A, -C and CDH5 levels and clinical outcome, in primary, early-stage, breast cancer patients.

Patients And Methods: The study included 69 node-negative (N0) breast cancer patients, all of whom had not received any prior hormonal or chemotherapeutic systemic therapy that would affect the course of disease.

Energy Landscape of Relaxation and Interaction of an Amino Acid, Glutamine (L), on Pristine and Au/Ag/Cu-Doped TiO Surfaces.

Studying the interaction of inorganic systems with organic ones is a highly important avenue for finding new drugs and treatment methods. Tumor cells show an increased demand for amino acids due to their rapid proliferation; thus, targeting their metabolism is becoming a potential oncological therapeutic strategy. One of the inorganic materials that show antitumor properties is titanium dioxide, while its doping was found to enhance interactions with biological systems.

Sex-Related and Brain Regional Differences of URB597 Effects on Modulation of MAPK/PI3K Signaling in Chronically Stressed Rats.

Gender differences exist in depression incidence and antidepressant efficacy. In addition to the neurotransmission theory of depression, inflammation and disrupted signaling pathways play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of depression. Endocannabinoids offer a novel approach to treat inflammatory and emotional disorders like depression.

Enhancement of weak ferromagnetism, exotic structure prediction and diverse electronic properties in holmium substituted multiferroic bismuth ferrite.

Bismuth ferrite (BFO, BiFeO), exhibiting both ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties at room temperature, is one of the most researched multiferroic materials with a growing number of technological applications. In the present study, using a combined theoretical-experimental approach, we have investigated the influence of Ho-doping on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of BFO. Synthesis and structural XRD characterization of BiHoFeO ( = 0.

The Effects of Whole Body Gamma Irradiation on Mice, Age-Related Behavioral, and Pathophysiological Changes.

We designed a study with the objective to determine the long-term radiation effects of gamma rays, originating from a single shot of Co at a dose of 2 Gy on the 7-month-old male mice of the ICR line in 30 days after the irradiation. The aim of this study was to characterize the behavior of animals using the Open Field test, immuno-hematological status, and morpho-functional changes in the central nervous system of mice. Irradiated animals displayed significantly different behavior in the OF in comparison with the control group.

Direct Probing of Water Adsorption on Liquid-Phase Exfoliated WS Films Formed by the Langmuir-Schaefer Technique.

Tungsten disulfide, a transition metal dichalcogenide, has numerous applications as active components in gas- and chemical-sensing devices, photovoltaic sources, photocatalyst substrates, etc. In such devices, the presence of water in the sensing environment is a factor whose role has not been well-understood. To address this problem, the probing of HO molecule adsorption on WS films supported on solid substrates has been performed in a near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) setup.

URB597 attenuates stress-induced ventricular structural remodeling by modulating cytokines, NF-κB, and JAK2/STAT3 pathways in female and male rats.

Endocannabinoids act as a stress response system; simultaneously, the modulation of this system has emerged a novel approach for the therapy of cardiovascular disorders. We investigated the protective effects of the chronic administration of the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 on morphology, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine, the cytoplasm-nuclear distribution of JAK2/STAT3, and NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in the left ventricle of female and male rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress. Our results show that URB597 treatment exhibits an antidepressant-like effect, decreases the heart/body weight ratio, prevents the hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, and reduces the increased level of IL-6 in the wall of the left ventricle of stressed female and male rats.

Patterns of human and porcine gammaherpesvirus-encoded BILF1 receptor endocytosis.

Background: The viral G-protein-coupled receptor (vGPCR) BILF1 encoded by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogene and immunoevasin and can downregulate MHC-I molecules at the surface of infected cells. MHC-I downregulation, which presumably occurs through co-internalization with EBV-BILF1, is preserved among BILF1 receptors, including the three BILF1 orthologs encoded by porcine lymphotropic herpesviruses (PLHV BILFs). This study aimed to understand the detailed mechanisms of BILF1 receptor constitutive internalization, to explore the translational potential of PLHV BILFs compared with EBV-BILF1.

In Silico and In Vitro Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 PL with Gramicidin D.

Finding an effective drug to prevent or treat COVID-19 is of utmost importance in tcurrent pandemic. Since developing a new treatment takes a significant amount of time, drug repurposing can be an effective option for achieving a rapid response. This study used a combined in silico virtual screening protocol for candidate SARS-CoV-2 PL inhibitors.