Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aleksandar R. Todorov, Alistair W. T. King, Ilkka Kilpeläinen
Summary: A sustainable homogeneous transesterification protocol using [mTBNH][OAc] and unactivated methyl esters has been developed to prepare cellulose esters with controllable degree of substitution. The superbase ionic liquid [mTBNH][OAc] can be recycled with high purity for repeated use, allowing not only activated or cyclic esters but also unactivated methyl esters for cellulose transesterification reactions, thus expanding the substrate and application scope. Furthermore, the solubility properties of the prepared cellulose materials were tested, revealing some intrinsic trends at low degrees of substitution.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Anwar Ma'ruf, Agus Mulyadi Purnawanto, Rizka Rimatunnisa
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect of process variables on cellulose acetate formation using ultrasound-assisted acetylation with iodine as a catalyst and characterize the products. The research involved delignification, bleaching, acetylation, and characterization processes. Results showed that the optimum yield of cellulose acetate was achieved at 60 degrees C, 50 min reaction time, 10% catalyst weight, and a cellulose to acetic anhydride ratio of 1:5 (w/v). Ultrasound-assisted acetylation using iodine as a catalyst was more effective than conventional acetylation with acetic acid and sulfuric acid as catalysts.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Phranot Ajkidkarn, Hathaikarn Manuspiya
Summary: In this study, bacterial cellulose acetate (BCA) was synthesized through solution plasma process (SPP) and fabricated as nanofibrous membranes with poly ether block amide (PEBAX). The PEBAX/BCA nanofibrous membranes exhibited superior porosity, liquid electrolyte uptake, thermal dimensional stability, electrochemical stability, and ionic conductivity. These membranes can be used as high-performance separators in Li-ion battery applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jian Lu, Xue Qi Li, Pei Pei Chen, Jia Xiu Zhang, Liang Liu, Gui Hua Wang, Xiao Qi Liu, Ting Ting Jiang, Meng Ying Wang, Wen Tao Liu, Xiong Zhong Ruan, Kun Ling Ma
Summary: This study found that ACSS2 activation promoted podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting autophagy through the raptor/mTORC1 pathway. Inhibition of ACSS2 improved autophagy and alleviated podocyte injury.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leandro Santolin, Karina G. Fiametti, Viviane da Silva Lobo, Joao H. C. Wancura, J. Vladimir Oliveira
Summary: In this study, eugenyl acetate was successfully synthesized from clove essential oil with flavoring, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties using liquid lipase-mediated acetylation. By evaluating various reaction parameters, high conversion to the target product was achieved, demonstrating the feasibility of using lipases in liquid formulation for the synthesis of esters.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengya Li, Guanghui Yu, Congli Cao, Pei Liu
Summary: The article discusses the metabolism, signaling, and transport of phytohormones, focusing on the intracellular compartmentation and coordination of these processes.
PLANT COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Jens Andersen, Sofie K. Christensen, Emil W. Westi, Marta Diaz-delCastillo, Heikki Tanila, Arne Schousboe, Blanca Aldana, Helle S. Waagepetersen
Summary: This study found that in Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is prominent neuronal hypometabolism in the hippocampal slices of affected mice, while a reduction in glutamine synthesis in astrocytes directly impedes neuronal GABA synthesis.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Magdalena Miklaszewska, Krzysztof Zienkiewicz, Ewa Klugier-Borowska, Marcin Rygielski, Ivo Feussner, Agnieszka Zienkiewicz
Summary: This study provides new insights into the microautophagy-mediated degradation mechanism of lipid droplets (LDs) during Arabidopsis seed germination. The researchers discovered how LDs enter the central vacuole and undergo degradation there, as well as the interaction between LD proteins and AUTOPHAGY-RELATED PROTEIN 8. These findings reveal the mechanism of LD degradation during seed germination and highlight the role of structural LD proteins in this process.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yonas Brhane, Tsige Gebre-Mariam, Anteneh Belete
Summary: The objective of this research is to develop a cost-effective hydrophobic excipient PDAS and evaluate its synthesis, characterization, and safety. The results showed that PDAS exhibited good physicochemical properties and can be considered as a safe excipient.
Article
Immunology
Jun-meng Wang, Si-rui Lin, Yuan-bing Zhu, Jing Yuan, Yue-mei Wang, Qun Zhang, Lu-shuang Xie, Si-hui Li, Shu-qing Liu, Shu-guang Yu, Qiao-feng Wu
Summary: This study identified 2597 acetylation events and 1914 sites in the UC model, revealing enrichment of differentially acetylated proteins in pathways like TCA cycle, fatty acid metabolism, and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, it showed the potential role of HSP90B1-K142ac in the pathogenesis of UC.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ioana Soaita, Emily Megill, Daniel Kantner, Adam Chatoff, Yuen Jian Cheong, Philippa Clarke, Zoltan Arany, Nathaniel W. Snyder, Kathryn E. Wellen, Sophie Trefely
Summary: The ability of cells to store and mobilize energy reserves is dependent on the breakdown of carbon stores, which produces AcCoA, a key molecule for metabolic pathways and protein acetylation. Histone acetylation, which is sensitive to nutrient availability, accumulates in response to sufficient nutrients. Deacetylation releases acetate that can be used as a source of AcCoA for downstream metabolic processes, but its contribution is limited compared to cellular demand.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Davide Rigo, Nadia Alessandra Carmo Dos Santos, Alvise Perosa, Maurizio Selva
Summary: An unprecedented two-step sequence was designed using batch and continuous flow (CF) protocols to upgrade two aminodiol regioisomers derived from glycerol. The substrates were quantitatively converted into amides under batch conditions, followed by a selective CF-acetalisation reaction to produce double-functionalized products.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ashraf Morsy, Amira S. Mahmoud, Aya Soliman, Hesham Ibrahim, Eman Fadl
Summary: Cellulose extracted from rice straw waste was transformed into nanocellulose acetate (NCA) to prepare cellulose acetate reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. The nanocellulose had a small particle size and spherical shape, while the developed membranes had a lower contact angle and enhanced hydrophobicity. The NCA: CA ratio of 40:60% in the membranes resulted in high salt rejection and water flux, as well as resistance to protein adsorption and microbial growth.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Katelyn D. Miller, Katherine Pniewski, Caroline E. Perry, Sara B. Papp, Joshua D. Shaffer, Jesse N. Velasco-Silva, Jessica C. Casciano, Tomas M. Aramburu, Yellamelli V. V. Srikanth, Joel Cassel, Emmanuel Skordalakes, Andrew V. Kossenkov, Joseph M. Salvino, Zachary T. Schug
Summary: ACSS2 is a crucial enzyme in cancer cells that helps them use acetate as an alternative nutrient source under stress. Inhibiting ACSS2 has been shown to effectively inhibit tumor growth.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kathryn A. Salvati, Matthew L. Ritger, Pasha A. Davoudian, Finnegan O'Dell, Daniel R. Wyskiel, George M. P. R. Souza, Adam C. Lu, Edward Perez-Reyes, Joshua C. Drake, Zhen Yan, Mark P. Beenhakker
Summary: Metabolism plays a role in regulating neuronal activity and epileptic seizures. This study demonstrates that hypoglycemia increases the occurrence of spike-wave seizures in rodent models of absence epilepsy. The disruption of glycolysis in the thalamus, a structure associated with absence epilepsy, is shown to increase spike-wave seizures. The activation of thalamic AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the potentiation of GABA(B)-receptor signaling are identified as significant factors driving hypoglycemia-induced spike-wave seizures. The study also finds that the administration of metformin, an AMPK agonist, significantly increases spike-wave seizures.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohammed Abul Kashem, Omar Sery, David Pow, Benjamin D. Rowlands, Caroline D. Rae, Vladimir J. Balcar
Summary: The studies reviewed provide insights into genetic factors influencing alcohol dependence, the intoxicating effects of alcohol, damage to brain cells caused by chronic excessive drinking, and potential molecular targets for addressing alcoholism and alcohol addiction. These findings could aid in predicting alcohol dependence risk, understanding the actions of alcohol, assessing brain damage, and guiding treatment and diagnosis strategies.
CURRENT MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Steve Williams, Caroline D. Rae
Summary: Despite living about 800 million years ago, humans and fruit flies share common important features in their nervous systems, such as the use of glutamate as a neurotransmitter, and potentially N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) peptides. The discovery of NAAG2 in the Drosophila melanogaster nervous system may add another common feature between the neural tissue of humans and fruit flies.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
David Stevens, Celeste W. Y. Leong, Helena Cheung, Joanne Arciuli, Andrew Vakulin, Jong-Won Kim, Hannah D. Openshaw, Caroline D. Rae, Keith K. H. Wong, Derk-Jan Dijk, Josiah Wei Siong Leow, Bandana Saini, Ronald R. Grunstein, Angela L. D'Rozario
Summary: This study examined the relationship between overnight consolidation of implicit statistical learning with spindle frequency EEG activity and slow frequency delta power during NREM sleep in OSA patients. The findings suggest that spindle activity may serve as a marker of statistical learning capability in OSA patients, while delta power and OSA severity were not significantly correlated with statistical learning.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andrew Vakulin, Michael A. Green, Angela L. D'Rozario, David Stevens, Hannah Openshaw, Delwyn Bartlett, Keith Wong, R. Doug McEvoy, Ronald R. Grunstein, Caroline D. Rae
Summary: This study compared brain energy metabolism markers in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients vulnerable and resistant to driving impairment after extended wakefulness. Vulnerable patients showed impaired driving performance and lower levels of certain metabolites, suggesting potential for identifying at-risk OSA phenotype during fitness to drive assessments.
JOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
David Jakabek, Caroline D. Rae, Bruce J. Brew, Lucette A. Cysique
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the contributions of HIV infection, age, and cardiovascular risk factors to subcortical brain atrophy in PWH. The results showed that HIV infection was associated with smaller volumes of most subcortical structures, older PWH had a more rapid decline in caudate volumes, and cardiovascular risk factors were associated with smaller volumes and a more rapid decline in striatal volumes.
Article
Clinical Neurology
David Stevens, Angela D'Rozario, Hannah Openshaw, Delwyn Bartlett, Caroline D. Rae, Peter Catcheside, Keith Wong, R. Doug McEvoy, Ronald R. Grunstein, Andrew Vakulin
Summary: The study examined the impact of extended wakefulness on working memory function in obstructive sleep apnea patients and identified clinical predictors of working memory impairment. The results showed that working memory performance decreased following extended wakefulness and was correlated with age, sleepiness, and hypoxemia. Age, sleepiness, and oxygen levels were significant predictors of working memory impairment.
Correction
Clinical Neurology
Brooke Naylor, Negin Hesam-Shariati, James H. McAuley, Simon Boag, Toby Newton-John, Caroline D. Rae, Sylvia M. Gustin
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abhijit Das, Gregory Gauthier-Coles, Stefan Broer, Caroline D. Rae
Summary: This study examined the cycling of glutamine and alanine in the cerebellum by inhibiting amino acid transporters. The results indicate that the cerebellum has tightly coupled cells and that glutamate/glutamine, as well as alanine cycling, play a major role in this part of the brain.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caroline D. Rae, Stephen R. Williams
Summary: The ISMRM study group has made recommendations for reporting methods in magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the Journal of Neurochemistry has decided to promote the use of a checklist based on these standards. This aims to enhance reproducibility and reliability of scientific research, facilitate the work of reviewers, and contribute to the education of the scientific community.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Gabrielle Todd, Caroline D. Rae, Janet L. Taylor, Nigel C. Rogasch, Jane E. Butler, Michael Hayes, Robert A. Wilcox, Simon C. Gandevia, Karl Aoun, Adrian Esterman, Simon J. G. Lewis, Julie M. Hall, Elie Matar, Jana Godau, Daniela Berg, Christian Plewnia, Anna-Katharina Von Thaler, Clarence Chiang, Kay L. Double
Summary: Research has found that increased thickness of the substantia nigra in healthy older adults may be associated with changes in excitability of motor cortical circuitry. This finding has important implications for understanding brain changes in healthy older adults at risk of Parkinson's disease.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kazuo Suzuki, John Zaunders, Thomas M. Gates, Angelique Levert, Shannen Butterly, Zhixin Liu, Takaomi Ishida, Sarah Palmer, Caroline D. Rae, Lauriane Juge, Lucette A. Cysique, Bruce J. Brew
Summary: This study investigated the association between elevated HIV-1 RNA transcripts in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cells and brain injury in people living with HIV-1 infection. The findings suggest that the cellular source of these transcripts is likely memory CD4(+) T cells from blood rather than trafficking monocytes. Future research should focus on inhibitors of this transcription to reduce potential neurotoxic and inflammatory viral products.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
A. L. Peek, T. J. Rebbeck, A. M. Leaver, S. L. Foster, K. M. Refshauge, N. A. Puts, G. Oeltzschner, MRS Expert Panel
Summary: The aim of this guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations for using MEGA-PRESS to measure GABA levels. This widely used method at 3T is challenging and has a low signal-to-noise ratio. The guideline, developed by experts in MRS and guideline development, includes 23 recommendations across six domains and has been reviewed and approved by a panel of world leaders in MRS.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lavanya B. Achanta, Donald S. Thomas, Gary D. Housley, Caroline D. Rae
Summary: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays an important role in balancing anabolic and catabolic activities, and may have significant impacts on brain metabolism due to its high energy demands. Through NMR spectroscopy, we activated AMPK in guinea pig cortical tissue slices using direct and indirect activators, and found that different activator concentrations had distinct effects on metabolism. Direct activation with PF 06409577 increased Krebs cycle activity and restored pyruvate metabolism, while A769662 increased lactate and alanine production, as well as labeling of citrate and glutamine. These findings highlight the complex metabolic response to AMPK activators in the brain and emphasize the need for further research on their concentration- and mechanism-dependent impact.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jun Cao, Iain Ball, Peter Humburg, Socrates Dokos, Caroline Rae
Summary: Magnetic resonance electrical properties tomography (MREPT) is a promising imaging technique for noninvasively measuring tissue conductivity and permittivity. This study investigated the repeatability of conductivity measurements using phase-based MREPT and the impact of compressed SENSE (CS) and RF shimming on measurement precision. The results showed that conductivity measurements using CS with bFFE phase were more repeatable and precise than those using TSE. RF shimming with better field mapping further improved the precision of the conductivity measures.
PHYSICAL AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Brian V. Y. Chow, Catherine Morgan, Caroline Rae, David I. Warton, Iona Novak, Suzanne Davies, Ann Lancaster, Gordana C. Popovic, Rodrigo R. N. Rizzo, Claudia Y. Rizzo, Maria Kyriagis, Robert D. Herbert, Bart Bolsterlee
Summary: This study used MRI and artificial intelligence methods to investigate the synchronous growth of human lower leg muscles. The findings showed that the muscles in the lower leg do not grow synchronously, with faster growth in infancy and before the age of 5. This finding is important for early detection of abnormal growth and targeted interventions for muscle-related conditions.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pei-Yang Gao, Ya-Nan Ou, Yi-Ming Huang, Zhi-Bo Wang, Yan Fu, Ya-Hui Ma, Qiong-Yao Li, Li-Yun Ma, Rui-Ping Cui, Yin-Chu Mi, Lan Tan, Jin-Tai Yu
Summary: Liver function may play a role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that as AD progressed, certain liver function markers increased while others decreased. The relationship between liver function and CSF AD biomarkers indicates a potential mediation effect on cognition.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2024)