Article
Biology
Christian J. G. Tessier, Raymond M. Sturgeon, Johnathon R. Emlaw, Gregory D. McCluskey, F. Javier Perez-Areales, Corrie J. B. daCosta
Summary: Human adult muscle-type acetylcholine receptors are heteropentameric ion channels formed from different subunits, but they share a common ancestral homopentameric origin. A reconstructed ancestral muscle-type beta-subunit can form spontaneously open homopentameric ion channels, demonstrating that the function of the receptor is independent of agonist and does not require complex heteropentameric architecture.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Juan Antonio Contreras Vite, Carlos Vega Valle, Happi Biekeu Mbem, Sarah-Maude Boivin, Robert Dumaine
Summary: Lamotrigine is commonly used for treating bipolar disorder and epilepsy. The US FDA has recently issued a warning regarding the drug's potential to cause conduction anomalies and Brugada syndrome in epileptic patients. In this study, researchers used patch clamp technique on rat cardiomyocytes to investigate the effect of Lamotrigine on cardiac sodium current (I-Na). The results showed that Lamotrigine inhibited I-Na peak amplitude, reduced cardiac excitability, and prolonged the action potential refractory period in epileptic rats.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Dandan Yang, Xiaoping Wan, Adrienne T. Dennis, Emre Bektik, Zhihua Wang, Mauricio G. S. Costa, Charline Fagnen, Catherine Venien-Bryan, Xianyao Xu, Daniel H. Gratz, Thomas J. Hund, Peter J. Mohler, Kenneth R. Laurita, Isabelle Deschenes, Ji-Dong Fu
Summary: This study reveals a novel biophysical action of endogenous miRs in modulating cardiac electrophysiology through noncanonical mechanisms. Endogenous miR1 physically binds with cardiac membrane protein Kir2.1, suppressing I-K1 and affecting action potential of cardiomyocytes. The findings suggest that miRs may be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac arrhythmias by regulating ion channel physiology and pathology.
Review
Biology
Carol Ann Remme
Summary: The influx of sodium ions through voltage-gated sodium channels is crucial for proper electrical conduction in the heart. Dysfunction of sodium channels can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias in acquired conditions and inherited disorders. Recent research has revealed the complex nature of sodium channel distribution and function, as well as its impact on cardiac structural integrity. Moreover, sodium channels and their role in various extracardiac tissues are being increasingly recognized. This review provides an overview of these novel insights and their contribution to our understanding of sodium channelopathies and dysfunction.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Loryn J. Bohne, Hailey J. Jansen, Tristan W. Dorey, Irene M. Daniel, K. Lockhart Jamieson, Darrell D. Belke, Megan D. Mcrae, Robert A. Rose
Summary: This study demonstrates that GLP-1 and its analogues can reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation and prevent atrial remodeling in patients with type 2 diabetes.
JACC-BASIC TO TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ji-Yue Wen, Jie Zhang, Shuo Chen, Ye Chen, Yang Zhang, Zi-Yao Ma, Fang Zhang, Wei-Ming Xie, Yi-Fei Fan, Jing-Si Duan, Zhi-Wu Chen
Summary: This study demonstrates that hydrogen sulfide acts as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) and exerts neuroprotective effects by activating BKCa channels in hippocampal neurons.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yevheniia Kravenska, Vanessa Checchetto, Ildiko Szabo
Summary: Potassium ions can enter and exit mitochondria through various channels in the outer and inner membranes, with the ATP-dependent potassium channel being the most studied and playing a crucial role in protecting cells against ischemic and neuronal damage.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Pietro Mesirca, Shu Nakao, Sarah Dalgas Nissen, Gabriella Forte, Cali Anderson, Tariq Trussell, Jue Li, Charlotte Cox, Min Zi, Sunil Logantha, Sana Yaar, Helena Cartensen, Isabelle Bidaud, Luke Stuart, Luca Soattin, Gwilym M. Morris, Paula A. da Costa Martins, Elizabeth J. Cartwright, Delvac Oceandy, Matteo E. Mangoni, Thomas Jespersen, Rikke Buhl, Halina Dobrzynski, Mark R. Boyett, Alicia D'Souza
Summary: The study found that atrioventricular block in athletes is mainly caused by electrical remodeling. Trained animals and mice showed atrioventricular node dysfunction, characterized by prolonged PR intervals and reduced expression of key ion channels. miRNAs such as miR-211-5p and miR-432 were identified as direct regulators of Ca(V)1.2 and HCN4.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tamara Fernandez Cabada, Massimo Ruben, Amira El Merhie, Remo Proietti Zaccaria, Alessandro Alabastri, Enrica Maria Petrini, Andrea Barberis, Marco Salerno, Marco Crepaldi, Alexander Davis, Luca Ceseracciu, Tiziano Catelani, Athanassia Athanassiou, Teresa Pellegrino, Roberto Cingolani, Evie L. Papadopoulou
Summary: This study investigates the regulation of cancer stem-like cell differentiation by the electrical interface between cells and materials. Electrospun polymer fiber scaffolds with embedded graphene nanoplatelets are fabricated, providing a suitable electrical environment for cancer stem-like cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation. The results show that the electrical interface promotes the differentiation of cancer stem-like cells, offering potential applications in tissue engineering and cancer treatment.
NANOSCALE HORIZONS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Min Li, Haibo Yu
Summary: WP1066 is identified as a K(V)1.3 channel blocker with open-state-dependent property, blocking the channels in a dose-dependent manner with hyperpolarizing shift of steady-state inactivation curve, and interacting preferentially with channels in open state rather than closed or inactivated state.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rosalia Moreddu
Summary: Bioelectricity plays a critical role in regulating cellular function and communication, and has potential uses in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Cancer cells exhibit abnormal electrical properties compared to healthy cells, and nanotechnology holds promise for understanding and exploiting these differences.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Giovanna Nasilli, Loukia Yiangou, Chiara Palandri, Elisabetta Cerbai, Richard P. Davis, Arie O. Verkerk, Simona Casini, Carol Ann Remme
Summary: SCN5A mutations are associated with various cardiac phenotypes. The study found that mexiletine can improve the mixed phenotype caused by the SCN5A-1795insD mutation. This study demonstrates for the first time the therapeutic benefit of mexiletine in a human cardiomyocyte model of SCN5A overlap syndrome.
Article
Biology
David J. Ottenheimer, Madelyn M. Hjort, Anna J. Bowen, Nicholas A. Steinmetz, Garret D. Stuber
Summary: This study demonstrates the stable encoding of cue-reward learning by individual prefrontal neurons and reveals a certain advantage of the prefrontal cortex in value coding.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Clifford TeBay, Jeffrey R. McArthur, Melissa Mangala, Nicholas Kerr, Stewart Heitmann, Matthew D. Perry, Monique J. Windley, Jamie Vandenberg, Adam P. Hill
Summary: Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, and azithromycin have been proposed as drugs to treat COVID-19, but they carry a risk of proarrhythmia. Factors such as electrolyte imbalances, acidosis, and temperature can alter the potency of these drugs and increase the risk of proarrhythmia. In vitro screening and in silico simulations can help guide the preclinical screening and clinical management of patients receiving these drugs.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Akira Kawanabe, Kohei Takeshita, Maki Takata, Yuichiro Fujiwara
Summary: ATP is important for maintaining the activity of the voltage-gated proton channel (Hv1) through direct molecular interactions. It accelerates the activation kinetics of Hv1, leading to an increase in proton current. The physiological regulation of Hv1 activity relies on the presence of cytosolic ATP.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shigeyuki Umezawa, Takashi Douura, Koji Yoshikawa, Daisuke Tanaka, Vlad Stolojan, S. Ravi P. Silva, Mika Yoneda, Kazuma Gotoh, Yasuhiko Hayashi
Summary: Heat treatment of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can produce functional carbons suitable for supercapacitor electrodes. This study investigated the carbonization process of two zinc-based MOFs and found that pore generation is crucial for achieving high capacitance. The findings provide valuable insights for the development of other metal-based MOF-derived multifunctional carbons.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pengpeng Zhang, Yige Zhao, Yukun Li, Neng Li, S. Ravi P. Silva, Guosheng Shao, Peng Zhang
Summary: The electrocatalysts play an important role in improving the electrochemical performance of lithium-sulfur batteries by selectively accelerating the redox kinetics behavior of Li2S. However, the internal redox reaction routes and active sites in the Li-S battery are difficult to observe directly. This study developed a system that combines the light field and in situ irradiated X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to convert the black box battery into a see-through battery, allowing for direct observation of charge transportation and revealing the mechanism of Li2S decomposition and nucleation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roland Takacs, Patrik Kovacs, Rana Abdelsattar Ebeid, Janos Almassy, Janos Fodor, Laszlo Ducza, Richard Barrett-Jolley, Rebecca Lewis, Csaba Matta
Summary: Musculoskeletal disorders are a major cause of disability globally, and their prevalence is expected to increase in the future. Stem cell therapy shows promise as a potential treatment for these disorders, but more research is needed to fully understand the biological mechanisms involved, especially in the case of osteoarthritis, which currently lacks curative treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Weiguang Chi, Sanjay K. Banerjee, K. G. D. I. Jayawardena, Sang Il Seok, S. Ravi P. Silva
Summary: In recent years, there has been intensive research on perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, leading to a rapid increase in their efficiencies. The most suitable subcell for tandem devices is a debatable topic, and this study summarizes three attractive silicon solar cells: passivated-emitter rear-cell (PERC), tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon), and heterojunction (HJT) cells. Their structures and features are elucidated to understand their mechanism and potential for optimum performance. Furthermore, the characteristics and performance of perovskite/silicon tandem cells with these subcells are compared and discussed, with emphasis on the contribution of passivation layer and structure design on both sides. The recombination layer between the two subcells is also analyzed in depth, considering material chemistry, light absorption, and charge transport for achieving an optimized structure.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michal Delkowski, Christopher T. G. Smith, Jose V. Anguita, S. Ravi P. Silva
Summary: Future space travel requires lightweight and robust structural materials that can withstand extreme conditions and multiple entries into orbit. Current inorganic materials cannot meet these requirements. Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), although highly stable, have limitations due to environmental instabilities and electrostatic discharge. To improve space travel and structural engineering, a more robust and improved CFRP is needed. In this study, a superlattice nano-barrier-enhanced CFRP with a density of approximately 3.18 g/cm³ is presented. The composite exhibits enhanced radiation resistance and electrical conductivity, while maintaining ultra-dimensional stability even after temperature cycles.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Raheel Riaz, Bhaskar Dudem, Martina Aurora Costa Angeli, Ali Douaki, Mukhtar Ahmad, Abraham Mejia-Aguilar, Roberto Monsorno, Paolo Lugli, Ravi Silva, Luisa Petti
Summary: A unique ridge-structured device capable of sensing a wide range of forces, from low forces to high forces, is reported. The device is composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane layer sandwiched between two textured silicon elastomeric layers. The optimized device shows a maximum peak output power and current densities of 490 mW m(-2) and 1750 μA m(-2), respectively, at 30 N and 7 Hz of compressive forces. The proposed device exhibits stable electrical output for 10000 cycles and can be used as wearable sensors for monitoring pulse rate, breath patterns, and gait movements.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
W. Hashini K. Perera, Mateus G. Masteghin, Hongjae Shim, Joshua D. Davies, Joshua L. Ryan, Steven J. Hinder, Jae S. Yun, Wei Zhang, K. D. G. Imalka Jayawardena, S. Ravi P. Silva
Summary: By using alumina nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) to improve the wettability of the perovskite precursor on Me-4PACz, researchers have achieved higher device yield and a champion power conversion efficiency of 19.9%, which is a 20% improvement compared to devices fabricated on PFN-Br-modified Me-4PACz.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
M. Prabodhi A. Nanayakkara, Qiao He, Arvydas Ruseckas, Anushanth Karalasingam, Lidija Matjacic, Mateus G. Masteghin, Laura Basirico, Ilaria Fratelli, Andrea Ciavatti, Rachel C. Kilbride, Sandra Jenatsch, Andrew J. Parnell, Beatrice Fraboni, Andrew Nisbet, Martin Heeney, K. D. G. Imalka Jayawardena, S. Ravi P. Silva
Summary: This article introduces a new strategy to achieve high-sensitivity performance for X-ray detectors by using high-Z heteroatoms modified organic semiconductors. X-ray detectors fabricated with selenium heteroatoms displayed superior performance in terms of sensitivity and showed efficient charge transfer and transport characteristics.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ehsan Rezaee, Dimitar I. Kutsarov, Jing Zhang, George Koutsourakis, Bowei Li, Fernando A. Castro, S. Ravi P. Silva
Summary: There is an increasing demand for development of environmentally friendly inks for perovskite-based thin film functional layers. Most perovskite precursors currently used rely on highly toxic solvents, so there is a need for greener inks to facilitate commercialization. Four perovskite precursors were studied, some containing up to 90% ethanol, and high-quality multi-crystalline perovskite layers were successfully fabricated. Large-area photoluminescence imaging was used to improve film quality and enhance deposition uniformity. The development of greener perovskite inks showed great potential, with solar cells fabricated achieving power conversion efficiencies above 19.5%.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ehsan Rezaee, Danish Khan, Siyuan Cai, Lei Dong, Hui Xiao, S. Ravi P. Silva, Xiaoyuan Liu, Zong-Xiang Xu
Summary: Due to the rapid development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), their commercialization is not only attractive but perhaps the only choice to replace both thin film photovoltaics (PV) and conventional silicon PV. However, the poor long-term stability with scalability remains a challenge due to the sensitivity of perovskites under ambient conditions. Therefore, the perovskite interface has a dominant influence on the performances of PSCs.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaoyi Hu, Kangli Liu, Shijie Zhang, Guosheng Shao, S. Ravi P. Silva, Peng Zhang
Summary: In this study, a PVDF-HFP/GN GPE with high ionic conductivity, high-temperature resistance, and flame-retardancy was prepared. By regulating the distribution of lithium ions and protecting lithium anodes, the safety and electrochemical performance of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) were improved.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Swati Panda, Sugato Hajra, Hang Gyeom Kim, Haejin Jeong, P. G. R. Achary, Seonki Hong, Bhaskar Dudem, S. Ravi P. Silva, Venkateswaran Vivekananthan, Hoe Joon Kim
Summary: This article introduces a biodegradable sensor system based on TENG, which can detect biological elements in remote areas. The sensor detects E. coli using a carbohydrate-protein interaction mechanism and monitors the output current to determine the bacterial concentration. The study also tests the degradability and long-term reliability of the sensor. Overall, this article is rated 8 out of 10.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shiming Chen, Kai Yang, Hengyao Zhu, Jianan Wang, Yi Gong, Huanxin Li, Manman Wang, Wenguang Zhao, Yuchen Ji, Feng Pan, S. Ravi P. Silva, Yunlong Zhao, Luyi Yang
Summary: This study proposes an efficient catalyst design and synthesis strategy for lithium-CO2 batteries, which converts Pt into 3D porous Pt catalyst with preferred crystal orientation. The catalyst exhibits enhanced CO2 conversion kinetics and superior electrochemical performance. The demonstration of a proof-of-concept stack Li-CO2 pouch cell showcases the potential for large-scale operations.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Guilherme K. Maron, Mateus G. Masteghin, Veridiana Gehrke, Lucas S. Rodrigues, Jose H. Alano, Jessica H. H. Rossato, Valmor Roberto Mastelaro, Jairton Dupont, Marcia Tsuyama Escote, S. Ravi P. Silva, Neftali Lenin Villarreal Carreno
Summary: This study demonstrates an enhanced fabrication technique using CO2 infrared lasers to pattern micro-supercapacitor electrodes. The direct-written laser-induced graphene (LIG) micro-supercapacitors with NiCo2S4 nanoparticles exhibited outstanding properties, including high specific capacitance and energy density, as well as excellent capacitance retention and flexibility. These findings suggest the potential use of LIG/NiCo2S4 MSC in the next generation of flexible and miniaturized portable devices.
MATERIALS RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zakaria Saadi, Simon G. King, Jose Anguita, Vlad Stolojan, S. Ravi P. Silva
Summary: Thermoelectric materials offer a promising solution for recovering wasted energy, but their efficiency is low and the best materials are brittle, toxic, and expensive. This study demonstrates that flexible films of double-walled carbon nanotubes can achieve low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity, leading to the development of flexible, cheaper, and more efficient thermoelectric generators.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
