Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ji Woon Kim, Yoon Young Choi, Si-Hyung Park, Jang Ho Ha, Hee Uk Lee, Taewook Kang, Woong Sun, Bong Geun Chung
Summary: Researchers have developed a microfluidic chip integrated with a microelectrode array as an axonal guidance platform, enabling precise manipulation of neural differentiation. They demonstrated the synergistic effects of electrical stimulation and neurotrophic factors on axonal outgrowth, making this chip a potential model for central nervous system injury and regeneration.
Article
Cell Biology
Vasileios Kampanis, Bahardokht Tolou-Dabbaghian, Luming Zhou, Wolfgang Roth, Radhika Puttagunta
Summary: Researchers found a difference in regenerative capacity between the peripheral and central nervous systems, possibly due to the lack of stimulatory mechanical forces in the CNS. Using a bioreactor to apply low-strain cyclic axonal stretch, they discovered that this method can promote axonal growth in rat DRG neurons.
Article
Neurosciences
Sina Stern, Brett J. Hilton, Emily R. Burnside, Sebastian Dupraz, Emily E. Handley, Jessica M. Gonyer, Cord Brakebusch, Frank Bradke
Summary: Studies reveal that an inhibitory extracellular environment and neuron-intrinsic processes work together to prevent axon regeneration in the adult central nervous system. Genetic loss-of-function experiments show that the small GTPase RhoA relays extracellular inhibitory signals to the cytoskeleton. Neuronal RhoA restricts axon regeneration by activating myosin II, while astrocytic RhoA limits injury-induced astrogliosis through YAP signaling.
Article
Biology
Susan L. L. Lindsay, Rebecca Sherrard Smith, Edwin A. A. Yates, Colin Cartwright, Bryan E. E. Thacker, Jeremy E. E. Turnbull, Charles A. A. Glass, Susan C. C. Barnett
Summary: The complex tissue changes that occur after central nervous system (CNS) damage/injury require a multi-target treatment approach. Specialised sugar molecules called heparan sulphate (HS) play an important role in tissue repair. Heparin mimetics (mHeps) can mimic the function of HS and be used for CNS repair. However, mHeps are derived from pig intestines, increasing the risk of contamination and shortages. The use of recombinant HS mimetics (rHS) derived from cultured cells offers an alternative and potentially more readily available source for CNS repair therapies.
Article
Neurosciences
Luise A. Seeker, Nadine Bestard-Cuche, Sarah Jaekel, Nina-Lydia Kazakou, Sunniva M. K. Bostrand, Laura J. Wagstaff, Justyna Cholewa-Waclaw, Alastair M. Kilpatrick, David Van Bruggen, Mukund Kabbe, Fabio Baldivia Pohl, Zahra Moslehi, Neil C. Henderson, Catalina A. Vallejos, Gioele La Manno, Goncalo Castelo-Branco, Anna Williams
Summary: Myelinated white matter tracts in the central nervous system (CNS) play a crucial role in fast transmission of electrical impulses, and they are differentially affected in neurodegenerative diseases across CNS regions, age, and sex. This selective vulnerability may be caused by physiological variation in white matter glial cells. Through single nucleus RNA sequencing of human post-mortem white matter samples, researchers found substantial glial heterogeneity, with region-specific oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and spinal cord microglia exhibiting unique characteristics compared to brain microglia. These findings are important for understanding selective CNS pathologies and developing tailored therapeutic strategies.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacen Emerson, Thomas Delgado, Peter Girardi, Gail V. W. Johnson
Summary: Astrocytes are important support cells in the central nervous system that affect the function and recovery of neurons. Reactive astrocytes can have both beneficial and harmful effects on injured neurons, and understanding the factors and pathways that determine their reactive phenotypes is still a developing field.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Sharif Alhajlah, Adam M. Thompson, Zubair Ahmed
Summary: The study shows that RTN3 may play a critical role in promoting axon regeneration in the central nervous system, especially after spinal cord and optic nerve injuries. Overexpression of RTN3 can enhance neurite outgrowth in cell culture and promote survival and axon regeneration in vivo.
Article
Cell Biology
Hyo-Jeong Yong, Jong-Ik Hwang, Jae-Young Seong
Summary: This study highlights the critical role of FAM19A1 in neuronal maturation and function by affecting dendritic spine development and neurite arborization, demonstrating its involvement in maintaining neural integrity and connectivity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jin A. Jung, Heon Joo Lee, Myoung Chong Song, Areum Hwangbo, Ji Yoon Beom, Soo Jung Lee, Dong Jin Park, Ji Hoon Oh, Sang-Jun Ha, Eunji Cheong, Yeo Joon Yoon
Summary: Separating the immunosuppressive activity of FK506 from its neurotrophic activity, two new FK506 analogues were synthesized with a proline substitution, which significantly reduced immunosuppressive activity while retaining neurotrophic activity. This replacement is critical for enhancing neurotrophic activity while reducing strong immunosuppressive activity.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fumito Endo, Atsushi Kasai, Joselyn S. Soto, Xinzhu Yu, Zhe Qu, Hitoshi Hashimoto, Viviana Gradinaru, Riki Kawaguchi, Baljit S. Khakh
Summary: This study provides comprehensive molecular data on the diversity and mechanisms of astrocytes in the central nervous system, highlighting the role of certain genes in astrocyte morphology and their association with diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexander Kister, Ilya Kister
Summary: Myelin is a modified cell membrane that surrounds the axon, providing electrical insulation and trophic support. It differs from other cell membranes in terms of composition, with unique lipid components and specific proteins such as myelin basic protein, proteolipid protein, and myelin protein zero. Understanding the functions of myelin is important for studying nerve impulse propagation and neurologic diseases like multiple sclerosis. Future research should focus on exploring the history of discovery in this field and addressing remaining questions.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xu Zhou, Lingxiang Zhu, Cheryl Bondy, Jun Wang, Qianwen Luo, Yin Chen
Summary: Current options for preventing or treating influenza are limited. However, a new study has discovered that a small molecule inhibitor called AG1478 has potent antiviral activity against influenza. The inhibitor targets the Golgi-specific GBF1-ARF1 system, rather than the EGFR inhibitory activity or interferon. This discovery highlights the potential of targeting host factors like GBF1 for developing effective treatments against influenza.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benhong Xu, Chuanyue Gao, Huan Zhang, Xinfeng Huang, Xifei Yang, Chen Yang, Wei Liu, Desheng Wu, Jianjun Liu
Summary: The study revealed the important roles of PRDX3 in neurite outgrowth and Alzheimer's disease (AD) development. Knockdown of PRDX3 expression promoted retinoic acid-induced neurite outgrowth and led to dysregulation of multiple proteins.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Aurelia A. Mapps, Michael B. Thomsen, Erica Boehm, Haiqing Zhao, Samer Hattar, Rejji Kuruvilla
Summary: In this study, five different populations of satellite glia from sympathetic and sensory ganglia were identified using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Furthermore, sensory and sympathetic-specific satellite glia were found to have different molecular characteristics.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yu-pu Liu, Ming-yue Tian, Yi-duo Yang, Han Li, Tian-tian Zhao, Jin Zhu, Fang-fang Mou, Guo-hong Cui, Hai-dong Guo, Shui-jin Shao
Summary: This study found that the level of miR-21 was decreased in serum exosomes from DPN rats. Under high glucose conditions, Schwann cells (SC) proliferation was inhibited and cell apoptosis was increased. The expression of miR-21 in cells and exosomes was downregulated. miR-21 expression and SC-derived exosomes could affect neurite outgrowth through the AKT signaling pathway. This suggests the importance of SC-derived exosomal miR-21 in the regulation of neurite outgrowth under high glucose conditions.
Review
Emergency Medicine
Katherine Hawkridge, Ikhlaaq Ahmed, Zubair Ahmed
Summary: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of spinal collars in pre-hospital trauma patients and found a discrepancy between current guidelines and practice. The results suggest that most studies are against the use of spinal collars and there is no evidence of any benefits.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA AND EMERGENCY SURGERY
(2022)
Review
Emergency Medicine
Ayobobola A. Apampa, Ayesha Ali, Bryar Kadir, Zubair Ahmed
Summary: The study compared the safety and efficacy of surgical fixation versus non-surgical interventions for the treatment of flail chest in adults. Results showed that surgical intervention was associated with lower rates of pneumonia, significantly lower rates of tracheostomy, and a significantly lower duration of mechanical ventilation, indicating potential benefits in reducing complications and ICU stay following a traumatic flail chest injury.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA AND EMERGENCY SURGERY
(2022)
Review
Emergency Medicine
Jaden Tollman, Zubair Ahmed
Summary: Tracheal tube introducers and stylets are effective aids for intubation in the prehospital environment, with bougies having a statistical advantage in first pass ETI success when video technology is available, while stylets lead to shorter intubation times and are easier to use. There is no statistical difference in success rates and complication rates between different devices, and device selection may ultimately depend on the clinical scenario, practitioner expertise, and personal preference.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA AND EMERGENCY SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrew J. Carrod, Francesco Graglia, Louise Male, Cecile Le Duff, Peter Simpson, Mohamed Elsherif, Zubair Ahmed, Haider Butt, Guang-Xi Xu, Kenneth Kam-Wing Lo, Paolo Bertoncello, Zoe Pikramenou
Summary: Dual detection systems are beneficial for rapid and accurate data collection in sensing systems and in vitro testing. The newly introduced Ir-III complex with a boronic acid receptor site attached to a 2-phenylpyridine ligand serves as an ideal probe for sensitive detection of monosaccharide binding, showing potential for integration into devices.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ann Logan, Zsuzsanna Nagy, Nicholas M. I. Barnes, Antonio Belli, Valentina Di Pietro, Barbara Tavazzi, Giuseppe Lazzarino, Giacomo Lazzarino, Lars Bruce, Lennart Persson
Summary: This study demonstrates the safety and tolerability of ILB (R) in patients with ALS. The exploratory biomarker and functional measures suggest clinical benefit and have implications for the mechanism of action of ILB (R). The results support the potential of the drug as the first disease modifying treatment for ALS patients.
Review
Critical Care Medicine
Andrew Robert Stevens, Mohammed Hadis, Michael Milward, Zubair Ahmed, Antonio Belli, William Palin, David James Davies
Summary: Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a therapeutic modality that has shown promise in improving outcomes in acute traumatic brain injury (TBI), with its antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. This systematic review provides evidence of the benefits of PBM on functional and histological outcomes of TBI in in vivo mammalian models, supporting its safety and feasibility in acute moderate TBI in human patients.
JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Zubair Ahmed, Richard I. Tuxworth
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew J. Taylor, Adam M. Thompson, Sharif Alhajlah, Richard Tuxworth, Zubair Ahmed
Summary: DNA double-strand breaks play a crucial role in neurological conditions, and targeting the ATM-Chk2 pathway can slow down neural decline and promote neuroprotection by inhibiting nonhomologous end-joining.
Review
Cell Biology
Farihah Iqbal Khan, Zubair Ahmed
Summary: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex and prolonged injury process that leads to loss of neurological functions. Current treatments are limited and novel treatments targeting ongoing injury processes are needed. In a systematic review of studies, combined tetrahedral framework nucleic acid with neural stem cells and Fortasyn (R) Connect supplementation showed significant improvements in functional recovery and attenuated secondary injury processes.
Review
Emergency Medicine
Lea Wood, Zubair Ahmed
Summary: The systematic review provides promising evidence that 3D printing-assisted surgery significantly improves treatment for foot and ankle fractures in terms of operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, number of times fluoroscopy was used intraoperatively, and improved overall ankle health as measured by the AOFAS score.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA AND EMERGENCY SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Yuanjie Xia, Mohamed Khamis, F. Anibal Fernandez, Hadi Heidari, Haider Butt, Zubair Ahmed, Tim Wilkinson, Rami Ghannam
Summary: Recent advances in microelectronics and nanofabrication on flexible substrates have enabled contact lenses to be used for a range of human-machine interaction applications. A systematic review reveals that smart contact lenses can display information, detect eye movements, restore vision, and detect biomarkers in tear fluid. The study also classifies literature on smart contact lenses and speculates on their challenges and opportunities for HMI, providing guidelines for future design.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HUMAN-MACHINE SYSTEMS
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Zunira Areeba Bhuiyan, Oluwasemilore Adebayo, Zubair Ahmed
Summary: This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of localised insulin administration on wound healing in non-diabetic adults. The findings showed a significant improvement in wound healing rate in the insulin treated group, but other parameters were not statistically significant. Therefore, larger prospective studies are needed to fully investigate the effects of insulin on different wounds.
WOUND REPAIR AND REGENERATION
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Sheikh Azka Zaheer, Zubair Ahmed
Summary: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that causes numbness and weakness in the hand and arm. Neurodynamic modulation techniques have been used as a non-surgical treatment for CTS, but their effectiveness has been unclear. This systematic review found that neurodynamic techniques significantly reduced symptom severity, pain, and motor latency in CTS patients, while improving nerve conduction velocities.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Narek Manukjan, Daria Majcher, Peter Leenders, Florian Caiment, Marcel van Herwijnen, Hubert J. J. Smeets, Ernst Suidgeest, Louise van der Weerd, Tim Vanmierlo, Jacobus F. A. Jansen, Walter H. H. Backes, Robert J. J. van Oostenbrugge, Julie Staals, Daniel Fulton, Zubair Ahmed, W. Matthijs Blankesteijn, Sebastien Foulquier
Summary: Cerebral small vessel disease is characterized by decreased cerebral blood flow and blood-brain barrier impairments, leading to the development of white matter lesions. Cerebral hypoperfusion induces hypoxia and affects the signaling between oligodendrocyte precursor cells and endothelial cells, resulting in blood-brain barrier dysfunction. In this study, a mouse model of cerebral hypoperfusion was used to investigate the role of hypoxia-induced VEGFA expression in the development of white matter lesions. The results suggest that VEGFA upregulation in hypoxic oligodendrocyte precursor cells mediates blood-brain barrier permeability, which is associated with increased VEGFA plasma levels in cerebral small vessel disease patients.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Emergency Medicine
Abdulrahman M. Alhenaki, Ayesha S. Ali, Bryar Kadir, Zubair Ahmed
Summary: The systematic search and meta-analysis showed that the administration of TXA in the pre-hospital setting can reduce overall mortality rate and thromboembolic events, although the effects were not statistically significant. Further high-quality evidence is needed to validate these findings.
Article
Neurosciences
Nihal A. Salem, Lawrence Manzano, Michael W. Keist, Olga Ponomareva, Amanda J. Roberts, Marisa Roberto, R. Dayne Mayfield
Summary: This study identified cell-type specific gene expression changes associated with alcohol dependence in the medial prefrontal cortex of mice. The results revealed dysregulated gene co-expression networks and differentially expressed genes in multiple cell types, highlighting the involvement of inhibitory neurons and astrocytes in alcohol dependence. Novel targets for studying molecular mechanisms contributing to alcohol dependence were also identified.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Laura E. Hawley, Megan Stringer, Abigail J. Deal, Andrew Folz, Charles R. Goodlett, Randall J. Roper
Summary: This study found that the overexpression of DYRK1A protein in Down syndrome mice varies with age, sex, and brain region, and reducing the copy number of Dyrk1a can decrease the expression of DYRK1A. These sex-specific patterns of DYRK1A overexpression may provide mechanistic targets for therapeutic intervention in Down syndrome.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2024)
