Article
Biology
Raimund Schluessler, Kyoohyun Kim, Martin Noetzel, Anna Taubenberger, Shada Abuhattum, Timon Beck, Paul Mueller, Shovamaye Maharana, Gheorghe Cojoc, Salvatore Girardo, Andreas Hermann, Simon Alberti, Jochen Guck
Summary: Quantitative measurements of physical parameters are increasingly important for understanding biological processes. In this study, a novel method combining Brillouin microscopy with optical diffraction tomography and epifluorescence imaging is presented for explicitly measuring the Brillouin shift, refractive index, and absolute density with specificity to fluorescently labeled structures. Neglecting refractive index and density can lead to erroneous conclusions.
Article
Optics
Deepak K. Gupta, T. R. Ravindran
Summary: We propose a new and direct technique to map the incident laser intensity on the active area of a spatial light modulator (SLM) by using a diffraction-based setup in a holographic optical tweezers (HOTs) system to generate structured light. The importance of mapping the laser intensity across the SLM is demonstrated by studying the effect of mismatch between the input laser beam center and the actual beam center on the trap properties.
OPTICS COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
A. D. Bird, L. H. Deters, H. Cuntz
Summary: The connectivity of cortical microcircuits plays a crucial role in brain function, with the spatial organization of inputs within dendrites impacting synaptic integration. A simple equation allows estimation of potential anatomical contacts between neurons, predicting the mean number of candidate synapses for reconstructed cells. Mature cortical data shows an excess of potential local connections, enabling specific innervation of distinct dendritic compartments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xuan Liu, Heming Chen, Yiting Wang, Yueguang Si, Hongxin Zhang, Xiaomin Li, Zhengcheng Zhang, Biao Yan, Su Jiang, Fei Wang, Shijun Weng, Wendong Xu, Dongyuan Zhao, Jiayi Zhang, Fan Zhang
Summary: Researchers have developed trichromatic UCNPs with excitation-specific luminescence to independently activate three distinct neuronal populations in awake mice's brains, enabling precise modulation of their behavior.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Optics
Zhiyong Gong, Tianli Wu, Xixi Chen, Ping Wang, Jinghui Guo, Yuchao Li, Baojun Li
Summary: Mitochondria play a crucial role in neuronal functions and energy metabolism, aiding in the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. The use of scanning optical tweezers enables stable trapping and precise transport of neuronal structures, providing an optical approach to controlling organelles in a complex biological environment.
JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE OPTICAL HEALTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ankit N. Khambhati, Alia Shafi, Vikram R. Rao, Edward F. Chang
Summary: Research has found that patients who receive RNS therapy undergo progressive, frequency-dependent reorganization of interictal functional connectivity, with the extent of this reorganization directly scaling with seizure reduction. This reorganization emerges within the first year of RNS treatment, potentially enabling early prediction of therapeutic response and revealing a mechanism for RNS involving network plasticity for the development of next-generation devices for epilepsy.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Benjamin Liu, Michael J. Seay, Dean V. Buonomano
Summary: Research shows that different subpopulations of neurons in the complex cortical circuits can form neuronal ensembles with shared functional connectivity through chronic optogenetic stimulation. These ensembles exhibit changes such as decreased voltage correlation, synaptic decoupling between stimulated and nonstimulated populations, and decreased firing rate during Upstates in the stimulated population. These findings help understand the mechanisms of creating ensembles within cortical circuits through chronic patterned stimulation and demonstrate the preservation of functional distinct ensembles during Upstates through differential firing rates and correlations.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Business
Jiho Lee, Namuk Ko, Janghyeok Yoon, Changho Son
Summary: This study presents a TOD model based on F-terms, utilizing a link prediction analysis to identify technology opportunities using F-term networks and firm technology portfolios. Through four steps, the model can assist firms in discovering high-practicality technology opportunities.
TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
Cormac F. Mullins, Gaetano Joseph Palumbo, Stephany Harris, Omar Al-Kaisy, Sam Wesley, Thomas Yearwood, Adnan Al-Kaisy
Summary: This retrospective case series analyzed the outcomes of combined DRGS and SCS treatment in patients with neuropathic pain. The results showed that the combined treatment was effective in reducing pain intensity and had sustained analgesic effects.
Article
Oncology
Karolina Luczkowska, Olga Taryma-Lesniak, Jan Binkowski, Katarzyna E. Sokolowska, Dominik Strapagiel, Justyna Jarczak, Edyta Paczkowska, Boguslaw Machalinski, Tomasz K. Wojdacz
Summary: In this study, we analyzed the methylomes of mature neurons after treatment with BTZ and found that BTZ induces methylation changes that may affect cell morphogenesis, neurogenesis, and neurotransmission. These changes are specifically enriched within transcription factor binding sites of genes involved in neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiali Wang, Eric Platz-Baudin, Erik Noetzel, Andreas Offenhaeusser, Vanessa Maybeck
Summary: This study constructs three subcellularly-targeted optogenetic actuators based on mucin tandem repeats, and evaluates their expression and transfection efficiencies in different cell types. The results show that these actuators can be localized in both epithelial cells and neurons, opening up new possibilities for optogenetic manipulation in epithelial processes.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Luka Milosevic, Suneil K. Kalia, Mojgan Hodaie, Andres M. Lozano, Milos R. Popovic, William D. Hutchison, Milad Lankarany
Summary: This study investigates the brain-region-specific and frequency-dependent effects of deep brain stimulation on neuronal activity. The results show that higher stimulation frequencies lead to neuronal suppression, while site-specific responses are influenced by local neuroanatomical properties and short-term synaptic plasticity.
Article
Agronomy
Maria Vazquez-Hernandez, Irene Romero, Maria Teresa Sanchez-Ballesta, Carmen Merodio, Maria Isabel Escribano
Summary: Plant cells respond to environmental stressors through the increase of stress-related proteins and osmotically active compounds. In table grape postharvest storage, a second 3-day 20 kPa CO2 treatment reduces the occurrence of cold storage disorders by counteracting cell damage and oxidative stress. The study focuses on how this treatment modulates stress defense strategies and the expression of protective compounds in table grapes.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Takeru Akashi, Azusa Inoue, Yasuhiro Koike
Summary: Recent research has shown that graded-index plastic optical fibers can reduce interference noise in a multimode fiber link based on a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser. The control method using copolymerization process for fiber core materials increases mode coupling and enables stable data transmission with large misalignment tolerance in VCSEL-based multimode fiber link. This method is expected to benefit household optical communication systems in the upcoming UHD era.
JOURNAL OF LIGHTWAVE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Bo Sun, Panji Nursetia Darma, Prima Asmara Sejati, Tomoyuki Shirai, Kosei Narita, Masahiro Takei
Summary: The physiological-induced conductive response in specific muscle compartments was evaluated using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) under hybrid EMS and VRT. Results showed that the physiological-induced conductive response increased with training time in all three muscle compartments. HybridEMS had the greatest effect on the physiological-induced conductive response in AM(1), AM(2), and AM(3) compartments.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Bortot, Maura Apollonio, Gabriele Baj, Laura Andolfi, Luisa Zupin, Sergio Crovella, Matteo di Giosia, Andrea Cantelli, Roberto Saporetti, Luca Ulfo, Annapaola Petrosino, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Federico Romano, Giuseppe Ricci, Maurizio Mongiat, Alberto Danielli, Matteo Calvaresi, Stefania Biffi
Summary: This study proposes a bacteriophage-based receptor targeted photodynamic therapy for treating EGFR-positive ovarian cancer. The modified M13 bacteriophage with an EGFR binding peptide displayed on its surface effectively kills cancer cells through ROS generation by photosensitizers. It also downregulates EGFR expression and induces autophagy.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mikhail Soloviev, Giuliano Siligardi, Danilo Roccatano, Enrico Ferrari
Summary: A new geometrical model was developed to study the adsorption of proteins on nanoparticles, and findings showed a 32% surface occupancy of RBD on silica nanoparticles with 25% of RBD secondary structures undergoing conformational changes. These findings contribute to understanding protein-surface interactions and controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through contaminated objects.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fabio Falleroni, Ulisse Bocchero, Simone Mortal, Yunzhen Li, Zhongjie Ye, Dan Cojoc, Vincent Torre
Summary: There is growing evidence that the mechanical properties of neurons play a crucial role in cellular processes. This study found that neurons are able to distinguish the magnitude of mechanical stimuli and respond with changes in intracellular calcium levels. Mechanically evoked responses require the influx of extracellular calcium through transmembrane ion channels. Furthermore, mechanical stimulation activates certain proteins involved in cellular signaling.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pasquale Sacco, Francesco Piazza, Chiara Pizzolitto, Gabriele Baj, Francesco Brun, Eleonora Marsich, Ivan Donati
Summary: This study presents a strategy to control the dissipation rate of viscoplastic substrates while precisely regulating linear elasticity, and reveals the crucial link between this material property and cellular responses in 2D cultures.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicoletta Braidotti, Maria Augusta do R. B. F. Lima, Michele Zanetti, Alessandro Rubert, Catalin Ciubotaru, Marco Lazzarino, Orfeo Sbaizero, Dan Cojoc
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between cytoskeleton alterations and diseases through examining primary rat cardiac fibroblasts. The results show that changes in the cytoskeleton can affect cell adhesion, rheological behavior, and morphology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shinnosuke Tsuji, Calvin J. Stephens, Giulia Bortolussi, Feijie Zhang, Gabriele Baj, Hagoon Jang, Gustavo de Alencastro, Andres F. Muro, Katja Pekrun, Mark A. Kay
Summary: The use of ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors can substantially enhance the efficiency of adeno-associated virus-mediated homologous recombination-based gene therapy. These findings suggest that clinically approved inhibitors, such as fludarabine, can be used to potentiate gene editing therapies.
NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
William T. Ferreira, Huynh A. Hong, James R. G. Adams, Mateusz Hess, Natalia K. Kotowicz, Sisareuth Tan, Enrico Ferrari, Alain Brisson, Jurgen Zentek, Mikhail Soloviev, Simon M. Cutting
Summary: Clostridioides difficile is a spore-forming bacterium that causes disease after disruption of the intestinal microbiota. This study demonstrates the role of Bacillus in colonization resistance to C. difficile. Animals with reduced environmental exposure are more susceptible to CDI due to a loss of Bacillus. Heterogeneous lipopeptide lytic micelles (HELMs) produced by Bacillus in the small intestine enhance inhibitory activity against C. difficile.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicoletta Braidotti, Suet Nee Chen, Carlin S. Long, Dan Cojoc, Orfeo Sbaizero
Summary: This review presents recent discoveries regarding the role of the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in various diseases, particularly in tumor progression and cardiac mechanobiology. Based on recent findings, Piezo1 could be upregulated in cardiac fibroblasts due to mechanical stress and pro-inflammatory stimuli after myocardial injury, leading to fibrosis progression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nathalie Schneider, Ellen Reed, Faddy Kamel, Enrico Ferrari, Mikhail Soloviev
Summary: This study predicts molecular biomarkers for breast cancer using a data mining approach. It explores the relationship between subtype-specific and pan-cancer biomarkers and suggests potential extracellular markers for early non-invasive detection of the disease.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariachiara Spennato, Ottavia Maria Roggero, Simona Varriale, Fioretta Asaro, Angelo Cortesi, Jan Kaspar, Enrico Tongiorgi, Cinzia Pezzella, Lucia Gardossi
Summary: This study investigates the bioactive properties of different extracts of cardoon leaves in rescuing neuronal development arrest in an in vitro model of Rett syndrome. The results suggest that extracts from cardoon leaves harvested in different seasons have varied effects on neuronal development, with autumn harvest extracts containing more bioactive molecules. Cynaropicrin and lupeol may have neurotoxic effects, while squalene and 3ss-taraxerol may promote neuronal development.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ellen Reed, Enrico Ferrari, Mikhail Soloviev
Summary: This study aimed to address issues related to the quality of gene expression data and devise improved quality control and data processing procedures. Linear regression analysis was used to process gene expression datasets, resulting in an increase in the number of identifiable differentially regulated genes and a reduction in false positives. The approach reduced technical errors and improved the accuracy and precision of determining the degree of differential gene expression.
CURRENT BIOINFORMATICS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Enrico Ferrari
Summary: One of the emerging technologies in molecular diagnostics is the use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for biosensors. AuNPs can be functionalized with biomolecules to recognize and bind specific targets. AuNPs have unique optical properties, such as a distinctive plasmonic band and high extinction coefficient, which allow for visual detection even at low concentrations. This review focuses on the design and molecular mechanisms of AuNP-based plasmonic biosensors, highlighting their applications in point-of-care testing for various analytes.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Francesco Piazza, Pietro Parisse, Julia Passerino, Eleonora Marsich, Luca Bersanini, Davide Porrelli, Gabriele Baj, Ivan Donati, Pasquale Sacco
Summary: The rate of cooling after heating is crucial for the structure and performance of agarose hydrogel networks. This study presents a material strategy for the fine modulation of quenching during the temperature-curing steps of agarose, revealing insights into the accumulation and recovery of agarose on the surface. The temperature curing of agarose allows for the production of networks with tunable mechanics and is suitable for mechanobiology studies.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Susannah Emily Cornwell, Sarah Ogechukwu Okocha, Enrico Ferrari
Summary: This study used dynamic light scattering to determine the dissociation constant and thickness of the protein corona formed in solutions of silica or gold nanoparticles mixed with different types of proteins. The results showed that the nanoparticle material had a greater impact on binding properties than the protein type, and serum albumin had a distinct binding pattern compared to other proteins. This pilot study provides a blueprint for future investigations into the complexity of the soft protein corona, which is crucial for the development of nanomedicines.
Article
Oncology
Mattia Apollonio, Arianna Bellazzo, Nicoletta Franco, Silvia Lombardi, Beatrice Senigagliesi, Loredana Casalis, Pietro Parisse, Agnes Thalhammer, Gabriele Baj, Rossella De Florian Fania, Giannino Del Sal, Licio Collavin
Summary: External and internal mechanical forces influence cell morphology, movement, proliferation and metabolism, playing a crucial role in tissue homeostasis. Transcriptional regulators YAP and TAZ are important in mechanical signaling and frequently overactive in solid tumors, leading to cancer aggressiveness. DAB2IP, a tumor suppressor, negatively regulates multiple pathways and is often inactivated in cancer. Our study reveals that DAB2IP levels depend on cell density, modulates cell morphology and stiffness, and inhibits YAP/TAZ activity. Thus, DAB2IP may function as a sensor of cellular interactions, restraining oncogenic signaling pathways in intact tissues.