Neuroprotective effects of resveratrol on retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma in rodents:A narrative review

Glaucoma,an irreversible optic neuropathy,primarily affects retinal ganglion cells(RGC)and causes vision loss and blindness.The damage to RGCs in glaucoma occurs by various mechanisms,including elevated intraocular pressure,oxidative stress,inflammation,and other neurodegenerative processes.As the disease progresses,the loss of RGCs leads to vision loss.Therefore,protecting RGCs from damage and promoting their survival are important goals in managing glaucoma.In this regard,resveratrol(RES),a polyphenolic phytoalexin,exerts antioxidant effects and slows down the evolution and progression of glaucoma.The present review shows that RES plays a protective role in RGCs in cases of ischemic injury and hypoxia as well as in ErbB2 protein expression in the retina.Additionally,RES plays protective roles in RGCs by promoting cell growth,reducing apoptosis,and decreasing oxidative stress in H_(2)O_(2)-exposed RGCs.RES was also found to inhibit oxidative stress damage in RGCs and suppress the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways.RES could alleviate retinal function impairment by suppressing the hypoxia-i nducible factor-1 alpha/vascular endothelial growth factor and p38/p53 axes while stimulating the PI3K/Akt pathway.Therefore,RES might exert potential therapeutic effects for managing glaucoma by protecting RGCs from damage and promoting their survival.

Effect of crocin carotenoid on BDNF and CREB gene expression in brain ventral tegmental area of morphine treated rats

Objective: To investigate the effect of crocin carotenoid on BNDF and CREB gene expression in the brain ventral tegmental area(VTA) and the serum level of BDNF in morphine-treated rats compared to control. Methods: In this study, 40 male Wistar rats(200-250 g) were used in 5 experimental groups: 1) non morphine treat rats(control); 2) non morphine-treated rats with 25 mg/kg crocin carotenoid(i.p., for 21 d); 3) morphine treated rats(10 mg/kg twice a day, s.c., 21 d); 4 and 5) morphine-treated rats with 12.5 and 25 mg/kg crocin carotenoid, respectively. By the end of research, BDNF and CREB expression was determined by real-time-PCR method. ELISA analysis was also applied for assessing the serum BDNF level. Results: The data indicated that morphine treatment could cause a significant decrease in BDNF and CREB gene expression(P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) in brain VTA as well as serum level of BDNF(P<0.01) in comparison to control group. Treatment with 25 mg/kg crocin carotenoid caused a significant enhancement in BDNF and CREF gene expression(P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively) and serum level of BDNF(P<0.01) in morphine-treated rats in comparison to morphine-treated group. Conclusions: Regarding to obtained results, crocin carotenoid can inhibit unfavorable effects of morphine on the neural system to some extent through enhancing BDNF and CREB gene expression in brain VTA and serum level of BDNF.

Critical role of corrosion inhibitors modified by silyl ether functional groups on electrochemical performances of lithium manganese oxides

Lithium manganese oxides(Li Mn2 O4, LMO) have attracted significant attention as important cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries(LIBs), which require fast charging based on their intrinsic electrochemical properties. However, these properties are limited by the rapid fading of cycling retention, particularly at high temperatures, because of the severe Mn corrosion triggered by the chemical reaction with fluoride(F-) species existing in the cell. To alleviate this issue, three types of silyl ether(Si–O)-functionalized task-specific additives are proposed, namely methoxytrimethylsilane, dimethoxydimethylsilane, and trimethoxymethylsilane. Ex-situ NMR analyses demonstrated that the Si-additives selectively scavenged the F-species as Si forms new chemical bonds with F via a nucleophilic substitution reaction due to the high binding affinity of Si with F-, thereby leading to a decrease in the F concentration in the cell. Furthermore, the addition of Si-additives in the electrolyte did not significantly affect the ionic conductivity or electrochemical stability of the electrolyte, indicating that these additives are compatible with conventional electrolytes. In addition, the cells cycled with Si-additives exhibited improved cycling retention at room temperature and 45 °C. Among these candidates, a combination of MTSi and the LMO cathode was found to be the most suitable choice in terms of cycling retention(71.0%), whereas the cell cycled with the standard electrolyte suffered from the fading of cycling retention triggered by Mn dissolution(64.4%). Additional ex-situ analyses of the cycled electrodes using SEM, TEM, EIS, XPS, and ICP-MS demonstrated that the use of Si-additives not only improved the surface stability of the LMO cathode but also that of the graphite anode, as the Si-additives prevent Mn corrosion. This inhibits the formation of cracks on the surface of the LMO cathode, facilitating the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase layer on the surface of the graphite anode. Therefore, Si-additives modified by Si–O functional groups can be effectively used to increase the overall electrochemical performance of the LMO cathode material.

Quantitative analysis of catechins in Saraca asoca and correlation with antimicrobial activity

Herbal medicines are highly complex and have unknown mechanisms in diseases treatment. Saraca asoca （Roxb.）, De. Wild has been recommended to treat gynecological disorders and used in several commercial polyherbal formulations. In present study, efforts have been made to explore antimicrobial activity and its co-relation with the distributions of catechins in the organs of S. asoca using targeted MS/MS. Eight extracts （cold and hot water） from four different organs of S. asoca and two drugs were prepared and antimicrobial activity was assessed by microbroth dilution assay. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of catechins in crude extracts was done by using targeted and auto-MS/MS and correlated with antimicrobial activity. （＋）-Catechin and （＋）- epicatechin and their biosynthesis related compound were found to be up-regulated in regenerated bark and leaves extracts. （-）-Epigallocatechin was found to be significantly higher in bark water extract as compared to others but showed low antimicrobial activity. Result showed down- regulation of （-）-epigallocatechin and up-regulation of （＋）-catechin and （＋）-epicatechin in the regenerated bark and leaves of S. asoca. It might be the contributing factor in the antimicrobial activity of regenerated bark and leaves of the plant. The concentration of （＋）-epicatechin in processed drugs （Ashokarishta） from Baidyanath was found to be seven times higher than that of Dabur Pvt. Ltd., but no antimicrobial activity was observed, indicating the variations among the plant based drugs. This will be helpful in rational use of S. asoca parts. Furthermore, the analyticalmethod developed is sensitive, repeatable and reliable; therefore, it is suitable for quality control of herbal drugs.

Anti-cancer effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of pericarp of pistachio fruits

Objective:To investigate the cytotoxicity and anti-cancer effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of pistachio pericarp on hepatocellular carcinoma cells(HepG2)and mouse fibroblast L929 cells as normal and control group cell.Methods:MTT assay was performed to investigate the cytotoxicity effects of the extract at 0-4 000μg/mL on the cells after 24 and48 h.The expressions of some genes involved in apoptosis including Bax,Bcl-2 and P53were investigated by real time PCR.Results:Our results showed that after 24 and 48 hours of treatment of cells with this extract,the viability of HepG2 and L929 cells was reduced.Therefore,this extract had the cytotoxicity effect on both cells.The IC_(50) concentration of extract for HepG2 cells after 24 and 48 hours of treatment was 1 500 and 1 000μg/mL and for L929 cells was 2 000 and 1 500μg/mL,respectively.The expressions of Bax and P53 genes were up-regulated after treatment in the HepG2 and L929 cells and the expression of Bcl-2gene was down-regulated after treatment of extract in HepG2 cell.Conclusions:According to the results of MTT assay and real time PCR,this extract can be considered as a potential candidate for use in the production of anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of patients with liver cancer in future.

Regenerative potential of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived PDGFRα+ cardiac lineage committed cells in infarcted myocardium

BACKGROUND Pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes(CMs) have become one of the most attractive cellular resources for cell-based therapy to rescue damaged cardiac tissue.AIM We investigated the regenerative potential of mouse embryonic stem cell(ESC)-derived platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α(PDGFRα)+ cardiac lineagecommitted cells(CLCs), which have a proliferative capacity but are in a morphologically and functionally immature state compared with differentiated CMs.METHODSWe induced mouse ESCs into PDGFRα+ CLCs and αMHC+ CMs using a combination of the small molecule cyclosporin A, the rho-associated coiled-coil kinase inhibitor Y27632, the antioxidant Trolox, and the ALK5 inhibitor EW7197.We implanted PDGFRα+ CLCs and differentiated αMHC+ CMs into a myocardial infarction(MI) murine model and performed functional analysis using transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) and histologic analysis.RESULTS Compared with the untreated MI hearts, the anterior and septal regional wall motion and systolic functional parameters were notably and similarly improved in the MI hearts implanted with PDGFRα+ CLCs and αMHC+ CMs based on TTE.In histologic analysis, the untreated MI hearts contained a thinner ventricular wall than did the controls, while the ventricular walls of MI hearts implanted with PDGFRα+ CLCs and αMHC+ CMs were similarly thicker compared with that of the untreated MI hearts. Furthermore, implanted PDGFRα+ CLCs aligned and integrated with host CMs and were mostly differentiated into α-actinin+ CMs,and they did not convert into CD31+ endothelial cells or αSMA+ mural cells.CONCLUSION PDGFRα+ CLCs from mouse ESCs exhibiting proliferative capacity showed a regenerative effect in infarcted myocardium. Therefore, mouse ESC-derived PDGFRα+ CLCs may represent a potential cellular resource for cardiac regeneration.

Painlevé Integrability of Nonlinear Schrdinger Equations with both Space-and Time-Dependent Coefficients

We investigate the Painleve integrabiiity of nonautonomous nonlinear Schr6dinger （NLS） equations with both space-and time-dependent dispersion, nonlinearity, and external potentials. The Painleve analysis is carried out without using the Kruskal＇s simplification, which results in more generalized form of inhomogeneous equations. The obtained equations are shown to be reducible to the standard NLS equation by using a point transformation. We also construct the corresponding Lax pair and carry out its Kundu-type reduction to the standard Lax pair. Special cases of equations from choosing limited form of coefficients coincide with the equations from the previous Painleve analyses and/or become unknown new equations.

Trilobite Biostratigraphy of the lower Paleozoic(Cambrian–Ordovician)Joseon Supergroup,Taebaeksan Basin,Korea

In Korea, trilobites are among the most intensively studied fossil groups in the past century and provide invaluable information about lower Paleozoic stratigraphy, paleogeography, and tectonics of the Korean Peninsula. Trilobites occur in the lower Paleozoic Joseon Supergroup of the Taebaeksan Basin which was part of the Sino-Korean Craton in the Paleozoic. The Joseon Supergroup is divided into the Taebaek, Yeongwol, and Mungyeong groups. The Taebaek and Yeongwol groups are richly fossiliferous, while the Mungyeong Group is poorly fossiliferous. Contrasting trilobite faunal contents of the Taebaek and Yeongwol groups resulted in two separate biostratigraphic schemes for the Cambrian–Ordovician of the Taebaeksan Basin. A total of 22 biozones or fossiliferous horizons were recognized in the Taebaek Group; 19 zones were established in the Yeongwol Group; and four biozones were known from the Mungyeong Group. These trilobite biozones of the Taebaeksan Basin indicate the Joseon Supergroup ranges in age from the Cambrian Series 2 to Middle Ordovician and can be correlated well with the formations of North China, South China, and Australia.

Therapeutic potential of ginger against COVID-19: Is there enough evidence?

In addition to the respiratory system, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)strikes other systems, including the digestive, circulatory, urogenital, and even the central nervous system, as its receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2) is expressed in various organs, such as lungs, intestine, heart, esophagus, kidneys, bladder, testis, liver, and brain. Different mechanisms, in particular, massive virus replication, extensive apoptosis and necrosis of the lung-related epithelial and endothelial cells, vascular leakage, hyper-inflammatory responses, overproduction of pro-inflammatory mediators, cytokine storm, oxidative stress, downregulation of ACE2, and impairment of the reninangiotensin system contribute to the COVID-19 pathogenesis. Currently, COVID-19 is a global pandemic with no specific anti-viral treatment. The favorable capabilities of the ginger were indicated in patients suffering from osteoarthritis, neurodegenerative disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes,respiratory distress, liver diseases and primary dysmenorrheal. Ginger or its compounds exhibited strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative influences in numerous animal models. This review provides evidence regarding the potential effects of ginger against SARS-CoV-2 infection and highlights its antiviral,anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory impacts in an attempt to consider this plant as an alternative therapeutic agent for COVID-19 treatment.

草酸盐摄入量及个人习惯与肾结石风险的关系

肾结石是一种易复发的泌尿系统疾病。大多数肾结石是钙结石,通常由草酸钙或磷酸钙组成。尿液中可溶性钙、草酸盐、磷酸盐和柠檬酸盐过饱和是钙结石形成的基础。遗传、饮食、缺乏体力活动和个人习惯都会导致肾结石的形成。在这篇综述中,我们总结了肾结石风险与草酸盐摄入量和一些个人习惯(如吸烟、饮酒和吸毒)的关系。

Regulating interfacial stability of SiO_(x) anode with fluoride-abundant solid–electrolyte interphase by fluorine-functionalized additive

Silicon oxide(SiO_(x))has received remarkable attention as a next-generation battery material;however,the sudden decrease in the cycling retention constitutes a significant challenge in facilitating its application.Tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)phosphite(TTFP),which can control parasitic reactions such as the pulverization of SiO_(x)anode materials and electrolyte decomposition,has been proposed to improve the lifespan of the cell.The electrochemical reduction of TTFP results in solid-electrolyte interphase(SEI)layers that are mainly composed of LiF,which occur at a higher potential than the working potential of the SiO_(x)anode and carbonate-based solvents.The electrolyte with TTFP exhibited a substantial improvement in cycling retention after 100 cycles,whereas the standard electrolyte showed acutely decreased retention.The thickness of the SiO_(x)anode with TTFP also changed only slightly without any considerable delamination spots,whereas the SiO_(x)anode without TTFP was prominently deformed by an enormous volume expansion with several internal cracks.The cycled SiO_(x)anode with TTFP exhibited less increase in resistance after cycling than that in the absence of TTFP,in addition to fewer decomposition adducts in corresponding X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)analyses between the cycled SiO_(x)anodes.These results demonstrate that TTFP formed SEI layers at the SiO_(x)interface,which substantially reduced the pulverization of the SiO_(x)anode materials;in addition,electrolyte decomposition at the interface decreased,which led to improved cycling retention.

Spatiotemporal binary interaction and designer quasi-particle condensates

We introduce a new integrable model to investigate the dynamics of two component quasi-particle condensates with spatiotemporal interaction strengths. We derive the associated Lax pair of the coupled Gross-Pitaevskii （GP） equation and construct matter wave solitons, We show that the spatiotemporal binary interaction strengths not only facilitate the stabilization of the condensates, but also enables one to fabricate condensates with desirable densities, geometries, and properties, leading to the so-called ＂designer quasi-particle condensates＂.

Phytosomal curcumin alleviates collagen-induced arthritis by downregulating Th17 and upregulating Treg cell responses in rats

Objective:To explore the effects of a nano-formulation of curcumin(phytosomal curcumin)on the clinical and pathological symptoms of collagen-induced arthritis(CIA)in rats.Methods:Forty male Wistar rats were immunized with an emulsion containing bovine typeⅡcollagen and incomplete Freund's adjuvant and then administered phytosomal curcumin post-immunization.Clinical symptoms and histological analysis of the synovial tissues were performed.The effect of phytosomal curcumin on Th17 and Treg parameters was also evaluated.Results:Phytosomal curcumin reduced the clinical severity and paw swelling in CIA-induced rats,which was accompanied by a reduction in the number of inflammatory cell infiltration in the synovial tissue.Additionally,treatment with phytosomal curcumin significantly inhibited CIA-associated mediators as well as increased the anti-inflammatory mediators in comparison to the control groups.Conclusions:Phytosomal curcumin could improve CIA autoimmune responses and can be considered a potential candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Nanobubble Dynamics in Aqueous Surfactant Solutions Studied by Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy

Nanobubbles have attracted considerable attention in various industrial applications due to their exceptionally long lifetime and their potential as carriers at the nanoscale.The stability and physiochemical properties of nanobubbles are highly sensitive to the presence of surfactants that can lower their surface tension or improve their electrostatic stabilization.Herein,we report real-time observations of the dynamic behaviors of nanobubbles in the presence of soluble surfactants.Using liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy(TEM)with multi-chamber graphene liquid cells,bulk nanobubbles and surface nanobubbles were observed in the same imaging condition.Our direct observations of nanobubbles indicate that stable gas transport frequently occurs without interfaces merging,while a narrow distance is maintained between the interfaces of interacting surfactant-laden nanobubbles.Our results also elucidate that the interface curvature of nanobubbles is an important factor that determines their interfacial stability.

Callus proliferation-induced hypoxic microenvironment decreases shoot regeneration competence in Arabidopsis

Plants are aerobic organisms that rely on molecular oxygen for respiratory energy production.Hypoxic conditions,with oxygen levels ranging between 1%and 5%,usually limit aerobic respiration and affect plant growth and development.Here,we demonstrate that the hypoxic microenvironment induced by active cell proliferation during the two-step plant regeneration process intrinsically represses the regener-ation competence of the callus in Arabidopsis thaliana.We showed that hypoxia-repressed plant regener-ation is mediated by the RELATED TO APETALA2.12(RAP2.12)protein,a memberof the Ethylene Response Factor VIl(ERF-Vll)family.We found that the hypoxia-activated RAP2.12 protein promotes salicylic acid(SA)biosynthesis and defense responses,thereby inhibiting pluripotency acquisition and de novo shoot regeneration in calli.Molecular and genetic analyses revealed that RAP2.12 could bind directly to the SALICYLIC ACID INDUCTION DEFICIENT 2(SID2)gene promoter and activate SA biosynthesis,repressing plant regeneration possibly via a PLETHORA(PLT)-dependent pathway.Consistently,the rap2.12 mutant calli exhibits enhanced shoot regeneration,which is impaired by SA treatment.Taken together,these find-ings uncover that the cell proliferation-dependent hypoxic microenvironment reduces cellular pluripotency and plant regeneration through the RAP2.12-SID2 module.

ESR2–HDA6 complex negatively regulates auxin biosynthesis to delay callus initiation in Arabidopsis leaf explants during tissue culture

Plants exhibit an astonishing ability to regulate organ regeneration upon wounding.Excision of leaf explants promotes the biosynthesis of indole-3-acetic acid(IAA),which is polar-transported to excised regions,where cell fate transition leads to root founder cell specification to induce de novo root regeneration.The regeneration capacity of plants has been utilized to develop in vitro tissue culture technologies.Here,we report that IAA accumulation near the wounded site of leaf explants is essential for callus formation on 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid(2,4-D)-rich callus-inducing medium(CIM).Notably,a high concentration of 2,4-D does not compensate for the action of IAA because of its limited efflux;rather,it lowers IAA biosynthesis via a negative feedback mechanism at an early stage of in vitro tissue culture,delaying callus initiation.The auxin negative feedback loop in CIM-cultured leaf explants is mediated by an auxin-inducible APETALA2 transcription factor,ENHANCER OF SHOOT REGENERATION 2(ESR2),along with its interacting partner HISTONE DEACETYLASE 6(HDA6).The ESR2–HDA6 complex binds directly to,and removes the H3ac mark from,the YUCCA1(YUC1),YUC7,and YUC9 loci,consequently repressing auxin biosynthesis and inhibiting cell fate transition on 2,4-D-rich CIM.These findings indicate that negative feedback regulation of auxin biosynthesis by ESR2 and HDA6 interferes with proper cell fate transition and callus initiation.

Heat-induced leaf epidermal cell damage triggers autophagy-mediated mesophyll cell expansion in Arabidopsis

Dear Editor,Plants have evolved intricate mechanisms to recognize fluctuating environments,relay signals,and ultimately recover from the cellular and tissue damage imposed by environmental stresses.Upon wounding,mechanical damage is recognized via cellular compounds released from damaged cells(Vega-Munoz et al.,2020)or changes in turgor pressure and cell-wall properties(Hoermayer et al.,2020).

SERKs serve as co-receptors for SYR1 to trigger systemin-mediated defense responses in tomato

Systemin, the first peptide hormone identified in plants, was initially isolated from tomato(Solanum lycopersicum) leaves. Systemin mediates local and systemic wound-induced defense responses in plants, conferring resistance to necrotrophic fungi and herbivorous insects. Systemin is recognized by the leucine-rich-repeat receptor-like kinase(LRRRLK) receptor SYSTEMIN RECEPTOR1(SYR1), but how the systemin recognition signal is transduced to intracellular signaling pathways to trigger defense responses is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that SERK family LRR-RLKs function as coreceptors for SYR1 to mediate systemin signal transduction in tomato. By using chemical genetic approaches coupled with engineered receptors, we revealed that the association of the cytoplasmic kinase domains of SYR1 with SERKs leads to their mutual trans-phosphorylation and the activation of SYR1, which in turn induces a wide range of defense responses. Systemin stimulates the association between SYR1 and all tomato SERKs(SlSERK1,SlSERK3A, and SlSERK3B). The resulting SYR1-SlSERK heteromeric complexes trigger the phosphorylation of TOMATO PROTEIN KINASE 1B(TPK1b), a receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase that positively regulates systemin responses. Additionally,upon association with SYR1, SlSERKs are cleaved by the Pseudomonas syringae effector HopB1, further supporting the finding that SlSERKs are activated by systemin-bound SYR1. Finally, genetic analysis using Slserk mutants showed that SlSERKs are essential for systemin-mediated defense responses. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the systeminmediated association of SYR1 and SlSERKs activates defense responses against herbivorous insects.

Biomaterial-enhanced treg cell immunotherapy:A promising approach for transplant medicine and autoimmune disease treatment

Regulatory T cells(Tregs)are crucial for preserving tolerance in the body,rendering Treg immunotherapy a promising treatment option for both organ transplants and autoimmune diseases.Presently,organ transplant recipients must undergo lifelong immunosuppression to prevent allograft rejection,while autoimmune disorders lack definitive cures.In the last years,there has been notable advancement in comprehending the biology of both antigen-specific and polyclonal Tregs.Clinical trials involving Tregs have demonstrated their safety and effectiveness.To maximize the efficacy of Treg immunotherapy,it is essential for these cells to migrate to specific target tissues,maintain stability within local organs,bolster their suppressive capabilities,and ensure their intended function’s longevity.In pursuit of these goals,the utilization of biomaterials emerges as an attractive supportive strategy for Treg immunotherapy in addressing these challenges.As a result,the prospect of employing biomaterial-enhanced Treg immunotherapy holds tremendous promise as a treatment option for organ transplant recipients and individuals grappling with autoimmune diseases in the near future.This paper introduces strategies based on biomaterial-assisted Treg immunotherapy to enhance transplant medicine and autoimmune treatments.

Influence of the molecular structure of metal-phthalocyanine on electrocatalytic reactions

The demand for new catalysts for renewable energy production has become crucial.As an alternative to metal catalysts for electrocatalysis to produce energy sources,metal-phthalocyanine(MPc)electrocatalysts have shown potential.Their physicochemical and electrochemical properties depend on the chemical structure of the MPc and the central metal atom.Recent reviews of MPcs focused on their electrochemical performance in specific catalytic reactions,such as oxygen reduction reaction and CO_(2)reduction reaction.However,understanding the structure of MPcs in depth is important,since their electrochemical catalytic activity is affected by structural modifications of MPcs.Therefore,this minireview focuses on how the molecular structure of MPcs affects electrochemical catalysis.