Oxidative and Excitatory Neurotoxic Stresses in CRISPR/Cas9-Induced Kynurenine Aminotransferase Knockout Mice: A Novel Model for Despair-Based Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Backgrounds: Memory and emotion are especially vulnerable to psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is linked to disruptions in serotonin (5-HT) metabolism. Over 90% of the 5-HT precursor tryptophan (Trp) is metabolized via the Trp-kynurenine (KYN) metabolic pathway, which generates a variety of bioactive molecules. Dysregulation of KYN metabolism, particularly low levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA), appears to be linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.

Quality by Design-Based Methodology for Development of Titanate Nanotubes Specified for Pharmaceutical Applications Based on Risk Assessment and Artificial Neural Network Modeling.

Background: Nanotechnology has been the main area of focus for research in different disciplines, such as medicine, engineering, and applied sciences. Therefore, enormous efforts have been made to insert the use of nanoparticles into the daily routines of different platforms due to their impressive performance and the huge potential they could offer. Among numerous types of nanomaterials, titanate nanotubes have been widely recognised as some of the most promising nanocarriers due to their outstanding profile and brilliant design.

How Do Arabidopsis Seedlings Sense and React to Increasing Ambient Temperatures?

Plants respond to higher ambient temperatures by modifying their growth rate and habitus. This review aims to summarize the accumulated knowledge obtained with Arabidopsis seedlings grown at normal and elevated ambient temperatures. Thermomorphogenesis in the shoot and the root is overviewed separately, since the experiments indicate differences in key aspects of thermomorphogenesis in the two organs.

Increased Oxidative and Nitrative Stress and Decreased Sex Steroid Relaxation in a Vitamin D-Deficient Hyperandrogenic Rodent Model-And a Validation of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Model.

Background/objectives: Both hyperandrogenism (HA) and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) can separately lead to impaired vascular reactivity and ovulatory dysfunction in fertile females. The aim was to examine the early interactions of these states in a rat model of PCOS.

Methods: Four-week-old adolescent female rats were divided into four groups: vitamin D (VD)-supplemented ( = 12); VD-supplemented and testosterone-treated ( = 12); VDD- ( = 11) and VDD-and-testosterone-treated ( = 11).

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Neuroinflammation Intervention with Medicinal Plants: A Critical and Narrative Review of the Current Literature.

Neuroinflammation is a key factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, driven by the dysregulation of molecular pathways and activation of the brain's immune system, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory and oxidative molecules. This chronic inflammation is exacerbated by peripheral leukocyte infiltration into the central nervous system. Medicinal plants, with their historical use in traditional medicine, have emerged as promising candidates to mitigate neuroinflammation and offer a sustainable alternative for addressing neurodegenerative conditions in a green healthcare framework.

Identifying the Primary Kinetic Factors Influencing the Anterior-Posterior Center of Mass Displacement in Barbell Squats: A Factor Regression Analysis.

Barbell squats are commonly used in strength training, but the anterior-posterior displacement of the Center of Mass (COM) may impair joint stability and increase injury risk. This study investigates the key factors influencing COM displacement during different squat modes.; Methods: This study recruited 15 male strength training enthusiasts, who performed 60% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the Front Barbell Squat (FBS), High Bar Back Squat (HBBS), and Low Bar Back Squat (LBBS).

Unlocking Female Fertility with a Specific Reproductive Exercise Program: Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trail.

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, 16% of people are affected by infertility across the globe. One underlying factor is the age-related decline of ovarian reserve (DOR), which can lead to a higher chance of infertility and has no widely accepted treatment currently. Specific supplements and moderate exercise have been shown to improve fertility; however, there is no consensus to date on the type of exercise providing the best results.

Challenges of in Poultry: Biological Insights, Economic Impact and Management Strategies.

Bird mites are parasites that feed on both wild and domesticated bird species, causing severe degradation in avian welfare. The chicken mite, in particular, is a widespread ectoparasite in poultry, responsible for several challenges faced by the poultry industry, including poor animal health, which causes significant economic losses. This review, based on our current knowledge, aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the biology and distribution of these mites, as well as their impact on poultry health and production.

Characterizing SV40-hTERT Immortalized Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells as Model System for Mechanical Stretch-Induced Lung Injury.

Drug development for human disease relies on preclinical model systems such as human cell cultures and animal experiments before therapeutic treatments can ultimately be tested on humans in clinical studies. We here describe the generation of a novel human cell line (HLMVEC/SVTERT289) that we generated by transfection of microvascular endothelial cells from healthy donor lung tissue with the catalytic domain of telomerase and the SV40 large T/small t-antigen. These cells exhibited satisfactory growth characteristics and largely maintained their native characteristics, including morphology, cell surface marker expression, angiogenic potential and the protein composition of secreted extracellular vesicles.

Fibronectin Glomerulopathy Without Typical Renal Biopsy Features in a 4-Year-Old Girl with Incidentally Discovered Proteinuria and a G417V Gene Mutation.

Fibronectin glomerulopathy (FG) is caused by fibronectin 1 () gene mutations. A renal biopsy was performed on a 4-year-old girl with incidentally discovered proteinuria (150 mg/dL); her family history of renal disease was negative. Markedly enlarged glomeruli (mean glomerular diameter: 196 μm; age-matched controls: 140 μm), α-SMA-positive and Ki-67-positive mesangial cell proliferation (glomerular proliferation index 1.

AdipoRon's Impact on Alzheimer's Disease-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a leading cause of cognitive decline and mortality worldwide, characterized by neurodegeneration, synaptic deficiencies, and neuroinflammation. Despite advancements in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, AD presents substantial challenges due to its complex pathology, heterogeneity, and the limited efficacy of current therapies. Consequently, there is a pressing need for novel therapeutic agents to target the multifaceted aspects of AD pathology, enhance current treatments, and minimize adverse effects.

Epigenetic Regulatory Processes Involved in the Establishment and Maintenance of Skin Homeostasis-The Role of Microbiota.

Epigenetic mechanisms are central to the regulation of all biological processes. This manuscript reviews the current understanding of diverse epigenetic modifications and their role in the establishment and maintenance of normal skin functions. In healthy skin, these mechanisms allow for the precise control of gene expression, facilitating the dynamic balance between cell proliferation and differentiation necessary for effective barrier function.

Bacteriophage Treatment Induces Phenotype Switching and Alters Antibiotic Resistance of ESBL .

Bacteriophage therapy represents a promising strategy to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens, such as . In this study, we explored the effects of a bacteriophage infection on an Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) positive isolate. We used next generation sequencing, proteomics and phenotypic screens to investigate the effect of bacteriophage infections on metabolism and resistance phenotypes.

From Serendipity to Precision: Integrating AI, Multi-Omics, and Human-Specific Models for Personalized Neuropsychiatric Care.

: The dual forces of structured inquiry and serendipitous discovery have long shaped neuropsychiatric research, with groundbreaking treatments such as lithium and ketamine resulting from unexpected discoveries. However, relying on chance is becoming increasingly insufficient to address the rising prevalence of mental health disorders like depression and schizophrenia, which necessitate precise, innovative approaches. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, induced pluripotent stem cells, and multi-omics have the potential to transform this field by allowing for predictive, patient-specific interventions.

Changes in Locomotor Activity Observed During Acute Nicotine Withdrawal Can Be Attenuated by Ghrelin and GHRP-6 in Rats.

Ghrelin and growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) are peptides which can stimulate GH release, acting through the same receptor. Ghrelin and its receptor have been involved in reward sensation and addiction induced by natural and artificial drugs, including nicotine. The present study aimed to investigate the impacts of ghrelin and GHRP-6 on the horizontal and vertical activity in rats exposed to chronic nicotine treatment followed by acute nicotine withdrawal.

Quantifying Stress and Relaxation: A New Measure of Heart Rate Variability as a Reliable Biomarker.

For the rapid, objective characterization of the physiological stress response, there is currently no generally recognized standard. The stress measurement methods used in practice (e.g.

Syndromic Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Narrative Review.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) encompasses inherited retinal dystrophies, appearing either as an isolated eye condition or as part of a broader systemic syndrome, known as syndromic RP. In these cases, RP includes systemic symptoms impacting other organs, complicating diagnosis and management. This review highlights key systemic syndromes linked with RP, such as Usher, Bardet-Biedl, and Alström syndromes, focusing on genetic mutations, inheritance, and clinical symptoms.

Distinct Effects of Olanzapine Depot Treatment on Behavior and Muscarinic M1 Receptor Expression in the Triple-Hit Wisket Rat Model of Schizophrenia.

This study aimed to characterize the triple-hit schizophrenia-like model rats (Wisket) by the assessment of (1) behavioral parameters in different test conditions (reward-based Ambitus test and HomeManner system) for a prolonged period, (2) cerebral muscarinic M1 receptor (M1R) expression, and (3) the effects of olanzapine treatment on these parameters. Wistar (control) and Wisket rats were injected for three consecutive weeks with olanzapine depot (100 mg/kg) and spent 4 weeks in large cages with environmental enrichment (HomeManner). The vehicle-treated Wisket rats spent longer time awake with decreased grooming activity compared to controls, without changes in their active social behavior (sniffing, playing, fighting) obtained in HomeManner.

Effects of Variable Ventilation on Gas Exchange in an Experimental Model of Capnoperitoneum: A Randomized Crossover Study.

Background: The rapid advancement of minimally invasive surgical techniques has made laparoscopy a preferred alternative because it reduces postoperative complications. However, inflating the peritoneum with CO2 causes a cranial shift of the diaphragm decreasing lung volume and impairing gas exchange. Additionally, CO2 absorption increases blood CO2 levels, further complicating mechanical ventilation when the lung function is already compromised.

Multifactorial approach is needed to unravel the maturation phases of human neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells.

Neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (h-iPSC-Ns) provide an invaluable model for studying the physiological aspects of human neuronal development under healthy and pathological conditions. However, multiple studies have demonstrated that h-iPSC-Ns exhibit a high degree of functional and epigenetic diversity. Due to the imprecise characterization and significant variation among the currently available maturation protocols, it is essential to establish a set of criteria to standardize models and accurately characterize and define the developmental properties of human neurons derived from iPSCs.

Smart biomaterial gels for periodontal therapy: A novel approach.

Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the oral cavity, is characterized by the progressive destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth. The pathogenic effects of periodontopathogens extend beyond the local periodontal environment, contributing to systemic health complications, thereby underscoring the need for effective therapeutic strategies. Current standard treatments, which involve mechanical debridement coupled with systemic anti-inflammatory and antibiotic therapies, are often associated with limited efficacy, adverse effects, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Assessment of potentially unnecessary antibiotic use for suspected urinary tract infections in nursing homes using a simplified algorithm.

Background: Nursing home (NH) residents are frequently treated with antibiotics for urinary tract infections (UTIs), often due to overdiagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proportion of potentially unnecessary antibiotic use for suspected UTIs in NHs across eight European countries.

Research Design And Methods: Over a three-month period (February to April 2024), NH professionals recorded information on all antibiotic treatments for UTIs using a specific registration chart.

Examination of non-conventional dysplasias adjacent to colorectal adenocarcinoma in patients with IBD.

Objective: Recently, several non-conventional variants of IBD-associated dysplasia have been described; however, their prevalence in Central-Eastern Europe is unknown. We aimed to perform a retrospective pilot study by re-evaluating several IBD-associated adenocarcinoma cases to survey the incidence of adjacent non-conventional dysplasia and validate that recent North American findings may apply to a European population.

Methods: Retrospectively, 28 randomly chosen cases of IBD-associated adenocarcinomas diagnosed between 2010 and 2022 were re-evaluated.

"I am still grieving my childhood" - Loss and grief of children raised in families with addiction following the death of the parent.

The aim of our study presented in this paper is to explore the experiences of loss among children raised in families affected by addiction and the grieving process following the parent's death. Our empirical research analyzed written accounts from Hungarian individuals using qualitative psychological methods. The participants had parents affected by alcoholism, have lost one or both parents, and at least two years have passed since the bereavement.

Left ventricular elastance with resting volumetric transthoracic echocardiography identifies different phenotypes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study.

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous entity including patients with different phenotypes of near normal, normal, and supernormal left ventricular (LV) function.

Objectives: To assess the value of resting LV elastance (also known as force) with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to identify HFpEF phenotypes.

Methods: In a prospective, observational, multicenter study, 2380 HFpEF patients were recruited from July 2016 to May 2024.