Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Franziska T. Wunsch, Nils Metzler-Nolte, Carsten Theiss, Veronika Matschke
Summary: This study aimed to determine the cause of decreased glutathione levels in the central nervous system of the wobbler mouse ALS model. Analysis of various tissues using qPCR, Western Blot, HPLC, and fluorometric assays revealed a decreased expression of enzymes involved in glutathione synthesis in the cervical spinal cord of wobbler mice. This deficient glutathione metabolism is likely responsible for an inefficient antioxidative system and elevated reactive oxygen species levels.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shalini Singh, Sourav Ghosh, Virender Kumar Pal, MohamedHusen Munshi, Pooja Shekar, Diwakar Tumkur Narasimha Murthy, Govindasamy Mugesh, Amit Singh
Summary: V2O5 nanosheets mimic natural glutathione peroxidase activity to mitigate ROS in HIV-1 infected cells, blocking viral reactivation and replication. This suggests nanozymes as potential platforms for developing interventions against infectious diseases, highlighting the therapeutic potential of V2O5 nanosheets against HIV.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lydia H. Zhang, Michelle Tang, Xavier Tao, Qian Shao, Vienna Thomas, Saki Shimizu, Miki Kasano, Yoshinori Ishikawa, Takayuki Inukai, Daniel K. Nomura
Summary: Dysregulated oxidative stress is important in cancer pathogenesis, and certain types of cancer cells are sensitive to inhibition of their antioxidant capacity. In this study, we describe a cysteine-reactive ligand, EN25, that targets an allosteric cysteine C114 on the modifier subunit of GCL, leading to inhibition of GCL activity and reduced cellular GSH levels. This interaction impairs cell viability in ARID1A-deficient cancer cells, which are vulnerable to glutathione depletion. Our findings uncover a potential druggable site within GCLM for inhibiting GSH synthesis in vulnerable cancer cell types.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Milazim Tahirukaj, Andriana Surleva, Petrica Vizureanu, Blerim Olluri, Andrei Victor Sandu
Summary: Gunshot residue (GSR) examination using SEM/EDS is a valuable tool in forensic studies. This study explored the relationship between the number of GSR particles identified by SEM/EDS and factors such as time, gun caliber, number of shots, and weather conditions. The results showed that GSR particles could be identified within five to seven hours after shooting, depending on the weapon and number of shots.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jackeline Gastelo, Dong Li, Kuo Tian, Burak F. Tanyu, Erol Guler
Summary: The hydraulic conductivity of two overlapped needle-punched sodium bentonite (Na-B) geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) under different confining stresses and permeated with CaCl2 solutions was investigated. The results showed that the flow through the overlap region was not completely vertical in most cases. The horizontal flow through the overlap region reduced significantly with higher confining stresses and lower concentration of CaCl2 solutions.
Article
Spectroscopy
Isabela Meirelles de Souza Ferreira, Bernardo Ferreira Braz, Ladario da Silva, Aderval Severino Luna, Ricardo Erthal Santelli
Summary: This study developed a new method combining LA-ICP-MS technology and tape-lift collection for forensic analysis of Gunshot Residue (GSR). By comparing samples from shooters and non-shooters, a fast and effective discrimination method was proposed, providing important assistance for criminal identification.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Grace Hallinan, Kadir A. Ozcan, Md Rejaul Hoq, Laura Cracco, Frank S. Vago, Sakshibeedu R. Bharath, Daoyi Li, Max Jacobsen, Emma H. Doud, Amber L. Mosley, Anllely Fernandez, Holly J. Garringer, Wen Jiang, Bernardino Ghetti, Ruben Vidal
Summary: The aggregation of Prion protein (PrP) and formation of PrP amyloid (APrP) are crucial events in the development of prion diseases. Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker (GSS) disease, a dominantly inherited form of prion protein amyloidosis, is characterized by the presence of PrP amyloid plaques throughout the brain. Cryo-EM analysis of APrP filaments isolated from GSS patients with the F198S mutation revealed their complex structure, highlighting the importance of understanding filament structures in human neurodegenerative diseases.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA
(2022)
Editorial Material
Medicine, Legal
Hila Rosengarten, Osnat Israelsohn, Zohar Pasternak
Summary: The most common forensic method for detecting and characterizing gunshot residue (GSR) is currently the scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDX). Experiments have shown that the probability of transfer of GSR particles between stubs is very low, indicating that the risk of inter-stub contamination is highly negligible.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiao Liu, Zhengcong Cao, Weizhong Wang, Cheng Zou, Yingwen Wang, Luxiang Pan, Bo Jia, Kuo Zhang, Wangqian Zhang, Weina Li, Qiang Hao, Yingqi Zhang, Wei Zhang, Xiaochang Xue, Wei Lin, Meng Li, Jintao Gu
Summary: This study identified glutathione synthetase (GSS) as a potential regulator of radioresistance in glioblastoma (GBM) through in vivo loss-of-function genome-wide CRISPR screening and transcriptome analyses. High GSS levels were associated with poor prognosis and relapse in glioma patients. The study also developed a gene editing delivery system that could target the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and tumor for potential therapeutic translation.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Teresa Ximelis, Alba Marin-Moreno, Juan Carlos Espinosa, Hasier Erana, Jorge M. Charco, Isabel Hernandez, Carmen Riveira, Daniel Alcolea, Eva Gonzalez-Roca, Iban Aldecoa, Laura Molina-Porcel, Piero Parchi, Marcello Rossi, Joaquin Castilla, Raquel Ruiz-Garcia, Ellen Gelpi, Juan Maria Torres, Raquel Sanchez-Valle
Summary: This study reports a rare inherited early-onset prion disease caused by a rare PRNP homozygous mutation R136S, with neuropathological and molecular features consistent with Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker phenotype. The highly familial prion disease shows evidence for a potentially recessive pattern of inheritance.
ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Geological
R. K. Rowe, J. D. D. Garcia, R. W. I. Brachman, M. S. Hosney
Summary: This study examines the impact of thermal cycles on the hydration and dehydration of GCLs, including the granularity and mineralogy of bentonite, the type of geotextile, and the properties of the underlying subgrade. The results of hydration tests indicate that these factors significantly affect the cyclic hydration of GCLs, and the moisture retention of a GCL depends on both the type of GCL and the properties of the subgrade.
GEOSYNTHETICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yewei Ouyang, Ming Liu, Cheng Cheng, Yuchen Yang, Shiyi He, Lan Zheng
Summary: The purpose of this study is to develop predictive models for monitoring construction workers' inattention caused by physical fatigue utilizing electrocardiograph (ECG) and galvanic skin response (GSR) sensors. The results demonstrate that using HRV features alone could obtain a prediction accuracy of 88.33%, and using GSR features alone could achieve an accuracy of 76.67%, both through the KNN algorithm. The findings indicate that ECG sensors used alone or in combination with GSR sensors can be applied to monitor construction workers' inattention on job sites.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xing Xie, Jun Cai, Hai Fang, Beibei Wang, Huan He, Yuanzhi Zhou, Yang Xiao, Toshimasa Yamanaka, Xinming Li
Summary: The design of the light environment is crucial for the interaction between people and visual objects in space. The study examined the effects of different colored lights on individuals' emotional experiences using physiological signal measurements and subjective assessments. The results showed that different light colors significantly affected mood, with red light having the most substantial emotional arousal. The study also explored the feasibility of combining physiological measurements with subjective evaluations as an experimental method to regulate individuals' emotional experiences.
Article
Engineering, Geological
X. Zhu, J. Chai
Summary: The hydration behavior of a GCL with polymerized bentonite was investigated and compared with a GCL with natural bentonite. The cation concentration in the subsoil was found to have an influence on the hydration behavior of the GCL.
GEOSYNTHETICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Jaiteg Singh, Resham Arya
Summary: The study aims to improve the effectiveness of online teaching and learning scenarios in the education sector. A mixed design framework combining self-reported data and physiological responses was proposed to investigate the relationship between a teacher's personality and their liking for online teaching. The results indicate that teachers with agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness personality traits are more comfortable with online teaching compared to those with extraversion and neuroticism traits.
EDUCATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vanaja Kenchappa, Ruoqiong Cao, Vishwanath Venketaraman, Guru V. Betageri
Summary: HIV-infected individuals have increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased antioxidant capacity. Combination therapy with antiretrovirals and antioxidants can improve oxidative stress, intracellular uptake, and target viral reservoirs.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aram Yegiazaryan, Arbi Abnousian, Logan J. Alexander, Ali Badaoui, Brandon Flaig, Nisar Sheren, Armin Aghazarian, Dijla Alsaigh, Arman Amin, Akaash Mundra, Anthony Nazaryan, Frederick T. Guilford, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Coronaviruses, including COVID-19, are highly contagious respiratory diseases transmitted through close contact and respiratory droplets. Glutathione, a naturally occurring antioxidant, plays an important role in immune response and cellular detoxification, and is targeted by proinflammatory cytokines and transcription factors during infection. Exploring the role of glutathione in COVID-19 may lead to potential treatment mechanisms and alleviate severe symptoms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Victor Bonavida, Mitchell Frame, Kevin H. Nguyen, Shlok Rajurkar, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Several reports suggest that ageing negatively affects the human immune system and increases susceptibility to infections like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). This article explores how ageing decreases T-cell immune response, reduces glutathione production, over activates the mTORC1 pathway, inhibits autophagy and mitophagy, and alters protective genes/transcription factors. It also highlights a potential defect in antigen presenting by dendritic cells and the role of inflammaging in increasing susceptibility to M. tb infection. Possible preventative strategies, such as immunomodulators and antioxidant supplementation, are proposed.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
William Narinyan, Nicole Poladian, Davit Orujyan, Areg Gargaloyan, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: This article discusses the major causes and immune response of tuberculosis and focuses on the role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in combating tuberculosis infection. By reviewing recent literature and current evidence, the authors summarize the characteristics of the three major groups of ILCs (including NK cells) and analyze the role of each group in the tuberculosis infection process to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the host immune response.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Akaash Mundra, Aram Yegiazaryan, Haig Karsian, Dijla Alsaigh, Victor Bonavida, Mitchell Frame, Nicole May, Areg Gargaloyan, Arbi Abnousian, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of mortality, and its rates have increased during the emergence of COVID-19. This review explores the detrimental effects of high levels of type I interferons (IFNs) on the host fighting TB infection. The findings suggest that increased type I IFNs can affect immune cell functions, promote inflammation, and inhibit production of protective substances.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Cheldon Ann Alcantara, Ira Glassman, Kevin H. Nguyen, Arpitha Parthasarathy, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) remains a major cause of death in developing countries. The BCG vaccine is widely used in developing countries but its efficacy is still uncertain. Neutrophils play a crucial role in the immune response against M. tb, promoting clearance of the bacteria and regulating the inflammatory response. This review highlights the role of neutrophils during M. tb infection and emphasizes the need for more research on effective vaccination.
Review
Immunology
Paul Stewart, Shivani Patel, Andrew Comer, Shafi Muneer, Uzma Nawaz, Violet Quann, Mira Bansal, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Historically, research on the immunologic response to M. tb infection has mainly focused on T cells and macrophages, disregarding the role of B cells. However, recent studies have shown that B cells play varying roles during different stages of mycobacterial infection. A better understanding of the role of B cells in defense against TB could contribute to the development of effective vaccines and therapies to reduce the burden of disease.
Article
Microbiology
Ira Glassman, Kevin H. Nguyen, Michelle Booth, Marine Minasyan, Abby Cappadona, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: This paper presents a rare case of atypical septic arthritis caused by drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and discusses current diagnostic methods, novel diagnostic techniques, and Staphylococcus aureus vaccine development for high-risk patients.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arbi Abnousian, Joshua Vasquez, Kayvan Sasaninia, Melissa Kelley, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant that helps prevent damage caused by reactive oxygen species and other harmful substances. It plays an important role in the immune response against tuberculosis (TB) by modulating immune cells and their functions. The use of GSH as a therapy for TB has shown promising results, especially for patients with higher susceptibility.
Review
Cell Biology
Ira Glassman, Nghia Le, Aamna Asif, Anabel Goulding, Cheldon Ann Alcantara, Annie Vu, Abraham Chorbajian, Mercedeh Mirhosseini, Manpreet Singh, Vishwanath Venketaraman, Robert Clarke, Abhishek Tyagi
Summary: Research has identified that obesity increases the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes by causing insulin resistance, elevating estrogen levels, and promoting the release of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, high glucose levels activate the mTOR signaling pathway, contributing to the pathogenesis of breast cancer. This article reviews the role of obesity in breast cancer development and correlates it with body mass index (BMI) and oxidative stress. It also explores the potential use of antioxidants and therapies targeting various signaling pathways in treating breast cancer.
Article
Microbiology
Melissa Kelley, Kayvan Sasaninia, Arbi Abnousian, Ali Badaoui, James Owens, Abrianna Beever, Nala Kachour, Rakesh Kumar Tiwari, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: This study aims to test the efficacy of a novel antimicrobial peptide, cyclic [R4W4], alongside the first-line antibiotics azithromycin and rifampicin in reducing M. avium survival. The findings demonstrate cyclic [R4W4] as a potent treatment method against M. avium and provide insight into novel therapeutic approaches against mycobacterium infections.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Inesa Navasardyan, Stephanie Yeganyan, Helena Nguyen, Payal Vaghashia, Selvakumar Subbian, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) occurs when Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria invade the meninges, leading to inflammation. Oxidative stress, caused by reactive oxygen species, plays a significant role in TBM by impairing the body's defense mechanisms. Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases susceptibility to TBM due to heightened oxidative stress. This review summarizes the role of oxidative stress in TBM and DM, and discusses potential therapeutic approaches.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Nicole Poladian, Inesa Navasardyan, William Narinyan, Davit Orujyan, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between free radical production and antioxidant removal, leading to accumulation and tissue damage. Glutathione, as the brain's main antioxidant, plays a crucial role in maintaining redox homeostasis and its reduced levels are associated with the development and progression of psychiatric disorders. This review focuses on analyzing the potential associations between the glutathione antioxidant pathway and major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
CLINICS AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ira Glassman, Kevin H. Nguyen, Jane Giess, Cheldon Alcantara, Michelle Booth, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: The prevalence of tuberculosis is increasing in developed nations and continues to cause significant mortality in low- and middle-income countries. The rise in cases has also led to an increased occurrence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, particularly in the spinal column (Pott's disease). Timely diagnosis is crucial, but there is a lack of specific clinical diagnostic criteria for Pott's disease, making the symptoms challenging to identify. Molecular diagnostic methods have shown effectiveness in diagnosing the disease. Risk factors such as HIV, immunosuppression, poverty, and malnutrition have been implicated in the susceptibility and severity of Pott's disease.
CLINICS AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Patrida Rangchaikul, Phillip Ahn, Michelle Nguyen, Vivian Zhong, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on TB awareness, screening, diagnosis, and treatment initiation worldwide, particularly in the management of pediatric TB. Recent findings also indicate a higher risk of infection for exposed children, necessitating greater preventive measures.
CLINICS AND PRACTICE
(2022)