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The article discusses the importance of molecular plant sciences in sustaining food security in the face of global climate change. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between plant science, physics, mathematics, and computer sciences to collect reliable information about plant biology and develop models that can predict interactions between genotype and environment. The article highlights the impact of abiotic and biotic stress on plants and the role of molecular biology in understanding stress resilience. It also discusses advancements in omics technologies, such as genomics and proteomics, for identifying genetic markers associated with stress tolerance. The article includes review papers on various topics, including plant responses to abiotic and biotic stress, methodology, and the detection and identification of specific plant species. Overall, the article provides valuable information for researchers in the field of molecular plant sciences and its applications in improving crop yields and food security. [Extracted from the article]

This paper presents the results of research on the impact of graphene paper on selected bacterial strains. Graphene oxide, from which graphene paper is made, has mainly bacteriostatic properties. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to determine the possibility of using graphene paper as a carrier of a medicinal substance. Studies of the degree of bacterial inhibition were performed on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Graphene paper was analyzed not only in the state of delivery but also after the incorporation of the antibiotics ciprofloxacin, cefazolin, and methicillin into its structures. In addition, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, contact angle, and microscopic analysis of bacteria on the surface of the examined graphene paper samples were also performed. Studies have shown that graphene paper with built-in ciprofloxacin had a bactericidal effect on the strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In contrast, methicillin, as well as cefazolin, deposited on graphene paper acted mainly locally. Studies have shown that graphene paper can be used as a carrier of selected medicinal substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric wet-strength agents are important additives used in the paper industry to improve the mechanical properties of paper products, especially when they come into contact with water. These agents play a crucial role in enhancing the durability, strength, and dimensional stability of paper products. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the different types of wet-strength agents available and their mechanisms of action. We will also discuss the challenges associated with the use of wet-strength agents and the recent advances in the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly agents. As the demand for more sustainable and durable paper products continues to grow, the use of wet-strength agents is expected to increase in the coming years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Journal of Molecular Sciences has published a special issue on molecular oncology, featuring nineteen articles written by leading experts in specific cancer research fields. The articles cover a wide range of topics, including cancer development, progression, and treatment options. Some of the areas explored include endoplasmic reticulum stress activation, immunotherapies, non-genetic determinants of cancer, environmental carcinogens, social stress, epigenetic reprogramming, drug resistance, microbiome modulation, tumor microenvironment, and the efficacy of ALK inhibitors. The issue also discusses the use of liposomes as a delivery strategy for chemotherapeutic drugs. The articles provide valuable insights into the global burden of cancer and offer potential avenues for further research and improved treatment options. The editorial expresses gratitude to the authors, reviewers, and editors for their contributions and hopes that the articles will promote further research in cancer treatment. [Extracted from the article]

To improve the storage and transport of clinical specimens for the diagnosis of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) infections in resource-limited settings, we have evaluated the performance of dried blood spot (DBS) and dried cerebrospinal fluid spot (DCS) assays. DBS and DCS were prepared on filter paper from liquid specimens previously tested for Nm in the United Kingdom. Nm was detected and genogrouped by real-time PCR performed on crude genomic DNA extracted from the DBS (n = 226) and DCS (n = 226) specimens. Targeted whole-genome sequencing was performed on a subset of specimens, DBS (n = 4) and DCS (n = 6). The overall agreement between the analysis of liquid and dried specimens was (94.2%; 95% CI 90.8–96.7) for blood and (96.4%; 95% CI 93.5–98.0) for cerebrospinal fluid. Relative to liquid specimens as the reference, the DBS and DCS assays had sensitivities of (89.1%; 95% CI 82.7–93.8) and (94.2%; 95% CI 88.9–97.5), respectively, and both assays had specificities above 98%. A genogroup was identified by dried specimen analysis for 81.9% of the confirmed meningococcal infections. Near full-length Nm genome sequences (>86%) were obtained for all ten specimens tested which allowed determination of the sequence type, clonal complex, presence of antimicrobial resistance and other meningococcal genotyping. Dried blood and CSF filter spot assays offer a practical alternative to liquid specimens for the molecular and genomic characterisation of invasive meningococcal diseases in low-resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charantin is a mixture of β-sitosterol and stigmastadienol glucosides, which effectively lowers high blood glucose. Novel molecularly imprinted polymers coated magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@MIPs) and filter paper (paper@MIPs) were synthesized by sol-gel polymerization to selectively extract charantin. β-sitosterol glucoside was selected as a template for imprinting a specific recognition owing to its larger molecular surface area than that of 5,25-stigmastadienol glucoside. Factorial designs were used to examine the effects of the types of porogenic solvents and cross-linkers on the extraction efficiency and imprinting factor before investigating other factors (for example, amounts of template and coated MIPs, and types of substrates for MIP immobilization). Compared to traditional liquid–liquid extraction, the optimal Fe3O4@MIP-based dispersive micro-solid phase extraction and paper@MIP extraction provided excellent extraction efficiency (87.5 ± 2.1% and 85.0 ± 2.9%, respectively) and selectivity. Charantin was well separated, and a new unidentified sterol glucoside was observed using the developed high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (Rs ≥ 2.0, n > 16,400). The developed methods were successfully utilized to extract and quantify charantin from M. charantia fruit powder and herbal products. Moreover, these methods are rapid (<10 min), inexpensive, simple, reproducible, and environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging evidence has shown that microRNAs play pivotal roles in wound healing. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) was previously found to upregulate in order to fulfill an anti-inflammation role for wounds. Exosomal miRNAs have been identified and explored as essential markers for diagnostic medicine. However, the role of exosomal miR-21 in wounds has yet to be well studied. In order to facilitate the early management of poorly healing wounds, we developed an easy-to-use, rapid, paper-based microfluidic-exosomal miR-21 extraction device to determine wound prognosis in a timely manner. We isolated and then quantitatively examined exosomal miR-21 in wound fluids from normal tissues and acute and chronic wounds. Eight improving wounds displayed lower levels of exosomal miR-21 expression after wound debridement. However, four instances of increased exosomal miR-21 expression levels were notably associated with patients with poor healing wounds despite aggressive wound debridement, indicating a predictive role of tissue exosomal miR-21 for wound outcome. Paper-based nucleic acid extraction device provides a rapid and user-friendly approach for evaluating exosomal miR-21 in wound fluids as a means of monitoring wounds. Our data suggest that tissue exosomal miR-21 is a reliable marker for determining current wound status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A great paradigm for foremost food packaging is to use renewable and biodegradable lignocellulose−based materials instead of plastic. Novel packages were successfully prepared from the cellulose paper by coating a mixture of polylactic acid (PLA) with cinnamaldehyde (CIN) as a barrier screen and nano silica−modified stearic acid (SA/SiO2) as a superhydrophobic layer. As comprehensively investigated by various tests, results showed that the as−prepared packages possessed excellent thermal stability attributed to inorganic SiO2 incorporation. The excellent film−forming characteristics of PLA improved the tensile strength of the manufactured papers (104.3 MPa) as compared to the original cellulose papers (70.50 MPa), enhanced by 47.94%. Benefiting from the rough nanostructure which was surface−modified by low surface energy SA, the contact angle of the composite papers attained 156.3°, owning superhydrophobic performance for various liquids. Moreover, the composite papers showed excellent gas, moisture, and oil bacteria barrier property as a result of the reinforcement by the functional coatings. The Cobb300s and WVP of the composite papers were reduced by 100% and 88.56%, respectively, and their antibacterial efficiency was about 100%. As the novel composite papers have remarkable thermal stability, tensile strength, and barrier property, they can be exploited as a potential candidate for eco−friendly, renewable, and biodegradable cellulose paper−based composites for the substitute of petroleum−derived packages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel high-performance biosensing devices, based on a microporous cellulose matrix, have been of great interest due to their high sensitivity, low cost, and simple operation. Herein, we report on the design and testing of portable paper-based immunostrips (IMS) for in-field blood typing in emergencies requiring blood transfusion. Cellulose fibrils of a paper membrane were functionalized with antibodies via supramolecular interactions. The formation of hydrogen bonds between IgM pentamer and cellulose fibers was corroborated using quantum mechanical calculations with a model cellulose chain and a representative amino acid sequence. In the proposed immunostrips, paper with a pore size of 3 µm dia. was used to enable functionalization of its channels with antibody molecules while blocking the red blood cells (RBC) from channel entering. Under the optimized test conditions, all blood types of AB0 and Rh system could be determined by naked eye examination, requiring only a small blood sample (3.5 µL). The durability of IgM immunostrips against storing has been tested. A new method of statistical evaluation of digitized blood agglutination images, compatible with a clinical five-level system, has been proposed. Critical parameters of the agglutination process have been established to enable future development of automatic blood typing with machine vision and digital data processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypocalcemia is caused by a sharp decline in blood calcium concentration after dairy cow calving, which can lead to various diseases or even death. It is necessary to develop an inexpensive, easy-to-operate, reliable sensor to diagnose hypocalcemia. The cellulose-paper-based microfluidic field-effect biosensor is promising for point-of-care, but it has poor mechanical strength and a short service life after exposure to an aqueous solution. Octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), as a popular organosilane derivative, can improve the hydrophobicity of cellulose paper to overcome the shortage of cellulose paper. In this work, OTS was used to produce the superhydrophobic cellulose paper that enhances the mechanical strength and short service life of MFB, and a microfluidic field-effect biosensor (MFB) with semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and DNAzyme was then developed for the Ca2+ determination. Pyrene carboxylic acid (PCA) attached to SWNTs through a non-covalent π-π stacking interaction provided a carboxyl group that can bond with an amino group of DNAzyme. Two DNAzymes with different sensitivities were designed by changing the sequence length and cleavage site, which were functionalized with SPFET/SWNTs-PCA to form Dual-MFB, decreasing the interference of impurities in cow blood. After optimizing the detecting parameters, Dual-MFB could determine the Ca2+ concentration in the range of 25 μM to 5 mM, with a detection limit of 10.7 μM. The proposed Dual-MFB was applied to measure Ca2+ concentration in cow blood, which provided a new method to diagnose hypocalcemia after dairy cow calving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein is presented a novel and efficient portable paper-based sensing platform using paper-incorporated histidine stabilized gold nanoclusters (His-AuNCs), for the sensitive and selective detection of Fe ions from low-volume real water samples based on photoluminescence (PL) quenching. Highly photoluminescent colloidal His-AuNCs are obtained via a novel microwave-assisted method. The His-AuNCs-based sensor reveals a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.2 μM and a good selectivity towards Fe ions, in solution. Further, the fabricated portable sensing device based on paper impregnated with His-AuNCs proves to be suitable for the easy detection of hazardous Fe levels from real water samples, under UV light exposure, through evaluating the level of PL quenching on paper. Photographic images are thereafter captured with a smartphone camera and the average blue intensity ratio (I/I0) of the His-AuNCs-paper spots is plotted against [Fe2+] revealing a LOD of 3.2 μM. Moreover, selectivity and competitivity assays performed on paper-based sensor prove that the proposed platform presents high selectivity and accuracy for the detection of Fe ions from water samples. To validate the platform, sensing assays are performed on real water samples from local sources, spiked with 35 μM Fe ions (i.e., Fe2+). The obtained recoveries prove the high sensitivity and accuracy of the proposed His-AuNCs-paper-based sensor pointing towards its applicability as an easy-to-use, fast, quantitative and qualitative sensor suitable for on-site detection of toxic levels of Fe ions in low-volume real water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid, simple, and sensitive analysis of relevant proteins is crucial in many research areas, such as clinical diagnosis and biomarker detection. In particular, clinical data on cancer biomarkers show great promise in forming reliable predictions for early cancer diagnostics, although the current analytical systems are difficult to implement in regions of limited recourses. Paper-based biosensors, in particular, have recently received great interest because they meet the criteria for point-of-care (PoC) devices; the main drawbacks with these devices are the low sensitivity and efficiency in performing quantitative measurements. In this work, we design a low-cost paper-based nanosensor through plasmonic calligraphy by directly drawing individual plasmonic lines on filter paper using a ballpoint pen filled with gold nanorods (AuNR) as the colloidal ink. The plasmonic arrays were further successively coated with negatively and positively charged polyelectrolyte layers employed as dielectric spacers to promote the enhancement of the emission of carboxyl-functionalized quantum dots (QD)—previously conjugated with specific antibodies—for indirect detection of the carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5). The efficiency, sensitivity, as well as the specificity of our portable nanosensor were validated by recording the luminescence of the QD@Ab complex when different concentrations of CEACAM5 were added dropwise onto the calligraphed plasmonic arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds directly determine the survival and population size of woody plants, but the genetic basis of seed weight in woody plants remain poorly explored. To identify genetic variations and candidate genes responsible for seed weight in natural woody populations, we investigated the hundred-seed weight of 198 paper mulberry individuals from different areas. Our results showed that the hundred-seed weight of paper mulberry was significantly associated with the bioclimatic variables of sampling sites, which increased from south to north along the latitudinal-temperature gradient. Using 2,414,978 high-quality SNPs from re-sequencing data, the genome-wide association analysis of the hundred-seed weight was performed under three models, which identified 148, 19 and 12 associated genes, respectively. Among them, 25 candidate genes were directly hit by the significant SNPs, including the WRKY transcription factor, fatty acid desaturase, F-box protein, etc. Most importantly, we identified three crucial genetic variations in the coding regions of candidate genes (Bp02g2123, Bp01g3291 and Bp10g1642), and significant differences in the hundred-seed weight were detected among the individuals carrying different genotypes. Further analysis revealed that Bp02g2123 encoding a fatty acid desaturase (FAD) might be a key factor affecting the seed weight and local climate adaptation of woody plants. Furthermore, the genome-wide investigation and expression analysis of FAD genes were performed, and the results suggested that BpFADs widely expressed in various tissues and responded to multiple phytohormone and stress treatments. Overall, our study identifies valuable genetic variations and candidate genes, and provides a better understanding of the genetic basis of seed weight in woody plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

They describe the structure of the MRN Complex and its function in double-strand break (DSB) repair and analyze the different germline alterations of the MRN complex genes in autosomal recessive syndromes, as well as the association between heterozygous germline alterations in these genes and cancer predisposition. In the rapidly evolving landscape of molecular genetics and genomics, this Special Issue brings together a collection of insightful review articles that delve into the forefront of scientific exploration. The authors also propose a possible explanation of the discrepancies in the published results of the effects of the OXTR gene polymorphisms and methylation on different diseases [[2]]. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, we propose the use of artificial synaptic transistors with coplanar-gate structures fabricated on paper substrates comprising biocompatible and low-cost potato-starch electrolyte and indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) channels. The electrical double layer (EDL) gating effect of potato-starch electrolytes enabled the emulation of biological synaptic plasticity. Frequency dependence measurements of capacitance using a metal-insulator-metal capacitor configuration showed a 1.27 μF/cm2 at a frequency of 10 Hz. Therefore, strong capacitive coupling was confirmed within the potato-starch electrolyte/IGZO channel interface owing to EDL formation because of internal proton migration. An electrical characteristics evaluation of the potato-starch EDL transistors through transfer and output curve resulted in counterclockwise hysteresis caused by proton migration in the electrolyte; the hysteresis window linearly increased with maximum gate voltage. A synaptic functionality evaluation with single-spike excitatory post-synaptic current (EPSC), paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), and multi-spike EPSC resulted in mimicking short-term synaptic plasticity and signal transmission in the biological neural network. Further, channel conductance modulation by repetitive presynaptic stimuli, comprising potentiation and depression pulses, enabled stable modulation of synaptic weights, thereby validating the long-term plasticity. Finally, recognition simulations on the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) handwritten digit database yielded a 92% recognition rate, thereby demonstrating the applicability of the proposed synaptic device to the neuromorphic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current procedures for the assessment of chronic wound infection are time-consuming and require complex instruments and trained personnel. The incidence of chronic wounds worldwide, and the associated economic burden, urge for simple and cheap point-of-care testing (PoCT) devices for fast on-site diagnosis to enable appropriate early treatment. The enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), whose activity in infected wounds is about ten times higher than in non-infected wounds, appears to be a suitable biomarker for wound infection diagnosis. Herein, we develop a single-component foldable paper-based device for the detection of MPO in wound fluids. The analyte detection is achieved in two steps: (i) selective immunocapture of MPO, and (ii) reaction of a specific dye with the captured MPO, yielding a purple color with increasing intensity as a function of the MPO activity in infected wounds in the range of 20–85 U/mL. Ex vivo experiments with wound fluids validated the analytic efficiency of the paper-based device, and the results strongly correlate with a spectrophotometric assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-bagging is an efficient method to maximize apple skin color, but a relationship between this technique and fruit skin patterning has not been demonstrated. Here, the 'Fuji' fruit with red-striped skin changed to red-blushed skin under re-exposure to light after bag treatment. Higher expression of MdMYB10, a transcription factor that regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in apples, correlated with increased anthocyanin concentration in bag removal fruit. At the mature stage, a comparison of methylation status in the MdMYB10 promoter revealed that the methylation level in the region from −2585 to −2117 bp was reduced in bag removal fruit, especially for CHG context. It can be regulated by the downregulated expression of DNA methyltransferases such as MdMET, MdCMT, and MdDRM. Our results suggest that the bag removal treatment in this cultivar causes a change in skin patterning from striped to blushed pigmentation by inducing DNA demethylation of MdMYB10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Special Issue - dedicated to high-quality review papers in molecular microbiology - is highlighting two important developments in the field: (i) the analysis of microbiome data in health and disease and (ii) the search for strategies against bacteria showing antimicrobial resistance. As described in this paper, the gut microbiota influences the regeneration of nerve injuries as well as the function of the autonomic nervous system and the skeletal muscle. Obviously, the intestinal microbiome is crucial for the maintenance of gut-bone physiology. [Extracted from the article]

The WOX (WUSCHEL-related homeobox) is a plant-specific transcription factor involved in plant development and stress response. However, few studies have been reported on the WOX gene in woody plants. In this study, 10 BpWOX genes were isolated from paper mulberry by RACE-PCR and categorized into three clades through phylogenetic analysis, ancient, intermediate and WUS clade. Among them, five members had the transcriptional activity detected by yeast one-hybrid and seven were uniquely localized to the nucleus through green fluorescent protein (GFP) observation. The expression patterns of BpWOX genes in different tissues and under diverse treatments were quantified by the qRT-PCR method. Results showed that BpWUS was expressed in the apical bud, stem and root, BpWOX5 and BpWOX7 functioned only in the root tip, and three BpWOXs regulated leaf development redundantly. BpWOX9 and BpWOX10 were induced by indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) or jasmonic acid (JA), while BpWOX2 was repressed by five phytohormones. Interestingly, most BpWOX genes were responsive to the abiotic stress stimuli of drought, salt, cold, and cadmium (CdCl2). Together, our study revealed that BpWOXs were functionally divergent during paper mulberry development and environmental adaptation, which might be related to their evolutionary relationships. Our work will benefit the systematic understanding of the precise function of WOX in plant development and environmental stress responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anderson–Fabry disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene, which encodes the enzyme α-galactosidase A. The GLA gene is located on the X-chromosome, causing an X-linked pathology: due to lyonization, female patients usually manifest a variable symptomatology, ranging from asymptomatic to severe phenotypes. The confirmation of the clinical diagnosis of Fabry disease, achieved by measuring α-galactosidase A activity, which is usually the first test used, shows differences between male and female patients. This assay is reliable in male patients with causative mutations in the GLA gene, in whom the enzymatic activity is lower than normal values; on the other hand, in female Fabry patients, the enzymatic activity is extremely variable between normal and pathological values. These fluctuations are also found in female patients' blood levels of globotriaosylsphingosine (LysoGb3) for the same reason. In this paper, we present a retrospective study conducted in our laboratories on 827 Fabry patients with causative mutations in the GLA gene. Our results show that 100% of male patients had α-galactosidase A activity below the reference value, while more than 70% of female patients had normal values. It can also be observed that almost half of the female patients with pathogenic mutations in the GLA gene showed normal values of LysoGb3 in blood. Furthermore, in women, blood LysoGb3 values can vary over time, as we show in a clinical case presented in this paper. Both these tests could lead to missed diagnoses of Fabry disease in female patients, so the analysis of the GLA gene represents the main diagnostic test for Fabry disease in women to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystallization of paramagnetic species in a magnetic field gradient under microgravity-like conditions is an area of interest for both fundamental and applied science. In this paper, a setup for the crystallization of paramagnetic species in the magnetic field up to 7 T generated by a superconducting magnet is described. The research includes calculations of the conditions necessary to compensate for the gravitational force for several types of paramagnetic substances using the magnetic field of superconducting magnets (4.7 T, 7 T, 9.4 T, and 16.4 T). Additionally, for the first time, the crystallization of copper sulfate and cobalt sulfate, as well as a mixture of copper sulfate and cobalt sulfate under gravitational force compensation in a superconducting magnet, was performed. This paper experimentally demonstrates the feasibility of growing paramagnetic crystals within the volume of a test tube on the example of copper and cobalt sulfate crystals. A comparison of crystals grown from the solution of a mixture of copper and cobalt sulfates under the same conditions, with and without the presence of a magnetic field, showed changes in both the number and size of crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is linked to the onset and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), an epidemiologically frequent and clinically aggressive malignancy. In this context, Fusobacterium (F.) nucleatum and Porphyromonas (P.) gingivalis, two bacteria that cause periodontitis, are found in OSCC tissues as well as in oral premalignant lesions, where they exert pro-tumorigenic activities. Since the two bacteria are present also in endodontic diseases, playing a role in their pathogenesis, here we analyze the literature searching for information on the impact that endodontic infection by P. gingivalis or F. nucleatum could have on cellular and molecular events involved in oral carcinogenesis. Results from the reviewed papers indicate that infection by P. gingivalis and/or F. nucleatum triggers the production of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in dental pulp cells or periodontal cells, affecting the survival, proliferation, invasion, and differentiation of OSCC cells. In addition, the two bacteria and the cytokines they induce halt the differentiation and stimulate the proliferation and invasion of stem cells populating the dental pulp or the periodontium. Although most of the literature confutes the possibility that bacteria-induced endodontic inflammatory diseases could impact on oral carcinogenesis, the papers we have analyzed and discussed herein recommend further investigations on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) significantly increase morbidity and mortality, presenting a formidable challenge in healthcare. Traditional interventions such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, despite their widespread use, are limited in addressing the secondary effects of vertebral fractures in adjacent areas and do not facilitate bone regeneration. This review paper explores the emerging domain of regenerative therapies, spotlighting stem cell therapy's transformative potential in OVCF treatment. It thoroughly describes the therapeutic possibilities and mechanisms of action of mesenchymal stem cells against OVCFs, relying on recent clinical trials and preclinical studies for efficacy assessment. Our findings reveal that stem cell therapy, particularly in combination with scaffolding materials, holds substantial promise for bone regeneration, spinal stability improvement, and pain mitigation. This integration of stem cell-based methods with conventional treatments may herald a new era in OVCF management, potentially improving patient outcomes. This review advocates for accelerated research and collaborative efforts to translate laboratory breakthroughs into clinical practice, emphasizing the revolutionary impact of regenerative therapies on OVCF management. In summary, this paper positions stem cell therapy at the forefront of innovation for OVCF treatment, stressing the importance of ongoing research and cross-disciplinary collaboration to unlock its full clinical potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ciprofloxacin is a widely used antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone class. It is widely acknowledged by various researchers worldwide, and it has been documented to have a broad range of other pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, antiviral, antimalarial activities, etc. Researchers have been exploring the synthesis of ciprofloxacin derivatives with enhanced biological activities or tailored capability to target specific pathogens. The various biological activities of some of the most potent and promising ciprofloxacin derivatives, as well as the synthetic strategies used to develop them, are thoroughly reviewed in this paper. Modification of ciprofloxacin via 4-oxo-3-carboxylic acid resulted in derivatives with reduced efficacy against bacterial strains. Hybrid molecules containing ciprofloxacin scaffolds displayed promising biological effects. The current review paper provides reported findings on the development of novel ciprofloxacin-based molecules with enhanced potency and intended therapeutic activities which will be of great interest to medicinal chemists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular physics plays a pivotal role in various fields, including medicine, pharmaceuticals, and broader industrial applications. This study aims to enhance the methods for producing specific optically active materials with distinct spectroscopic properties at the molecular level, which are crucial for these sectors, while prioritizing human safety in both production and application. Forensic science, a significant socio-economic field, often employs hazardous substances in analyzing friction ridges on porous surfaces, posing safety concerns. In response, we formulated novel, non-toxic procedures for examining paper evidence, particularly thermal papers. Our laboratory model utilizes a polyvinyl alcohol polymer as a rigid matrix to emulate the thermal paper's environment, enabling precise control over the spectroscopic characteristics of 1,8-diazafluoro-9-one (DFO). We identified and analyzed the cyclodimer 1,8-diazafluoren-9-one (DAK DFO), which is a non-toxic and biocompatible alternative for revealing forensic marks. The reagents used to preserve fingerprints were optimized for their effectiveness and stability. Using stationary absorption and emission spectroscopy, along with time-resolved emission studies, we verified the spectroscopic attributes of the new structures under deliberate aggregation conditions. Raman spectroscopy and quantum mechanical computations substantiated the cyclodimer's configuration. The investigation provides robust scientific endorsement for the novel compound and its structural diversity, influenced by the solvatochromic sensitivity of the DFO precursor. Our approach to monitoring aggregation processes signifies a substantial shift in synthetic research paradigms, leveraging simple chemistry to yield an innovative contribution to forensic science methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this comprehensive review is to summarize recent literature on associations between periodontitis and neurodegenerative diseases, explore the bidirectionality and provide insights into the plausible pathogenesis. For this purpose, systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, Medline and EMBASE were considered. Out of 33 retrieved papers, 6 articles complying with the inclusion criteria were selected and discussed. Additional relevant papers for bidirectionality and pathogenesis were included. Results show an association between periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease, with odds ratios of 3 to 5. A bidirectional relationship is suspected. For Parkinson's disease (PD), current evidence for an association appears to be weak, although poor oral health and PD seem to be correlated. A huge knowledge gap was identified. The plausible mechanistic link for the association between periodontitis and neurodegenerative diseases is the interplay between periodontal inflammation and neuroinflammation. Three pathways are hypothesized in the literature, i.e., humoral, neuronal and cellular, with a clear role of periodontal pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis. Age, gender, race, smoking, alcohol intake, nutrition, physical activity, socioeconomic status, stress, medical comorbidities and genetics were identified as common risk factors for periodontitis and neurodegenerative diseases. Future research with main emphasis on the collaboration between neurologists and dentists is encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional neurological disorder (FND), formerly called conversion disorder, is a condition characterized by neurological symptoms that lack an identifiable organic purpose. These signs, which can consist of motor, sensory, or cognitive disturbances, are not deliberately produced and often vary in severity. Its diagnosis is predicated on clinical evaluation and the exclusion of other medical or psychiatric situations. Its treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary technique addressing each of the neurological symptoms and underlying psychological factors via a mixture of medical management, psychotherapy, and supportive interventions. Recent advances in neuroimaging and a deeper exploration of its epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation have shed new light on this disorder. This paper synthesizes the current knowledge on FND, focusing on its epidemiology and underlying mechanisms, neuroimaging insights, and the differentiation of FND from feigning or malingering. This review highlights the phenotypic heterogeneity of FND and the diagnostic challenges it presents. It also discusses the significant role of neuroimaging in unraveling the complex neural underpinnings of FND and its potential in predicting treatment response. This paper underscores the importance of a nuanced understanding of FND in informing clinical practice and guiding future research. With advancements in neuroimaging techniques and growing recognition of the disorder's multifaceted nature, the paper suggests a promising trajectory toward more effective, personalized treatment strategies and a better overall understanding of the disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phagocytosis (and endocytosis) is an unusual cellular process that results in the formation of a novel subcellular organelle, the phagosome. This phagosome contains not only the internalised target of phagocytosis but also the external medium, creating a new border between extracellular and intracellular environments. The boundary at the plasma membrane is, of course, tightly controlled and exploited in ionic cell signalling events. Although there has been much work on the control of phagocytosis by ions, notably, Ca2+ ions influxing across the plasma membrane, increasing our understanding of the mechanism enormously, very little work has been done exploring the phagosome/cytosol boundary. In this paper, we explored the changes in the intra-phagosomal Ca2+ ion content that occur during phagocytosis and phagosome formation in human neutrophils. Measuring Ca2+ ion concentration in the phagosome is potentially prone to artefacts as the intra-phagosomal environment experiences changes in pH and oxidation. However, by excluding such artefacts, we conclude that there are open Ca2+ channels on the phagosome that allow Ca2+ ions to "drain" into the surrounding cytosol. This conclusion was confirmed by monitoring the translocation of the intracellularly expressed YFP-tagged C2 domain of PKC-γ. This approach marked regions of membrane at which Ca2+ influx occurred, the earliest being the phagocytic cup, and then the whole cell. This paper therefore presents data that have novel implications for understanding phagocytic Ca2+ signalling events, such as peri-phagosomal Ca2+ hotspots, and other phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic disease that usually develops in older people. Pathogenetic changes in this disease include anatomical and functional complexes. Harmful factors damage the retina and macula. These changes may lead to partial or total loss of vision. The disease can occur in two clinical forms: dry (the progression is slow and gentle) and exudative (wet—progression is acute and severe), which usually starts in the dry form; however, the coexistence of both forms is possible. The etiology of AMD is not fully understood, and the precise mechanisms of the development of this illness are still unknown. Extensive genetic studies have shown that AMD is a multi-factorial disease and that genetic determinants, along with external and internal environmental and metabolic-functional factors, are important risk factors. This article reviews the role of glutathione (GSH) enzymes engaged in maintaining the reduced form and polymorphism in glutathione S-transferase theta-1 (GSTT1) and glutathione S-transferase mu-1 (GSTM1) in the development of AMD. We only chose papers that confirmed the influence of the parameters on the development of AMD. Because GSH is the most important antioxidant in the eye, it is important to know the influence of the enzymes and genetic background to ensure an optimal level of glutathione concentration. Numerous studies have been conducted on how the glutathione system works till today. This paper presents the current state of knowledge about the changes in GSH, GST, GR, and GPx in AMD. GST studies clearly show increased activity in ill people, but for GPx, the results relating to activity are not so clear. Depending on the research, the results also suggest higher and lower GPx activity in patients with AMD. The analysis of polymorphisms in GST genes confirmed that mutations lead to weaker antioxidant barriers and may contribute to the development of AMD; unfortunately, a meta-analysis and some research did not confirm that connection. Unspecific results of many of the parameters that make up the glutathione system show many unknowns. It is so important to conduct further research to understand the exact mechanism of defense functions of glutathione against oxidative stress in the human eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a highly malignant childhood brain tumor. Group 3 MB (Gr3 MB) is considered to have the most metastatic potential, and tailored therapies for Gr3 MB are currently lacking. Gr3 MB is driven by PRUNE-1 amplification or overexpression. In this paper, we found that PRUNE-1 was transcriptionally regulated by lysine demethylase LSD1/KDM1A. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting both PRUNE-1 and LSD1/KDM1A with the selective inhibitors AA7.1 and SP-2577, respectively. We found that the pharmacological inhibition had a substantial efficacy on targeting the metastatic axis driven by PRUNE-1 (PRUNE-1-OTX2-TGFβ-PTEN) in Gr3 MB. Using RNA seq transcriptomic feature data in Gr3 MB primary cells, we provide evidence that the combination of AA7.1 and SP-2577 positively affects neuronal commitment, confirmed by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive differentiation and the inhibition of the cytotoxic components of the tumor microenvironment and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by the down-regulation of N-Cadherin protein expression. We also identified an impairing action on the mitochondrial metabolism and, consequently, oxidative phosphorylation, thus depriving tumors cells of an important source of energy. Furthermore, by overlapping the genomic mutational signatures through WES sequence analyses with RNA seq transcriptomic feature data, we propose in this paper that the combination of these two small molecules can be used in a second-line treatment in advanced therapeutics against Gr3 MB. Our study demonstrates that the usage of PRUNE-1 and LSD1/KDM1A inhibitors in combination represents a novel therapeutic approach for these highly aggressive metastatic MB tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocellulose has high specific surface area, hydration properties, and ease of derivatization to prepare protease sensors. A Human Neutrophil Elastase sensor designed with a nanocellulose aerogel transducer surface derived from cotton is compared with cotton filter paper, and nanocrystalline cellulose versions of the sensor. X-ray crystallography was employed along with Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics, and circular dichroism to contrast the structure/function relations of the peptide-cellulose conjugate conformation to enzyme/substrate binding and turnover rates. The nanocellulosic aerogel was found to have a cellulose II structure. The spatiotemporal relation of crystallite surface to peptide-cellulose conformation is discussed in light of observed enzyme kinetics. A higher substrate binding affinity (Km) of elastase was observed with the nanocellulose aerogel and nanocrystalline peptide-cellulose conjugates than with the solution-based elastase substrate. An increased Km observed for the nanocellulosic aerogel sensor yields a higher enzyme efficiency (kcat/Km), attributable to binding of the serine protease to the negatively charged cellulose surface. The effect of crystallite size and β-turn peptide conformation are related to the peptide-cellulose kinetics. Models demonstrating the orientation of cellulose to peptide O6-hydroxymethyl rotamers of the conjugates at the surface of the cellulose crystal suggest the relative accessibility of the peptide-cellulose conjugates for enzyme active site binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces the research articles and reviews that won the "International Journal of Molecular Sciences" Best Paper Award for 2017 including "A RNA-DNA Hybrid Aptamer for Nanoparticle-Based Prostate Tumor Targeted Drug Delivery," "Telomeres, NAFLD and Chronic Liver Disease," and "The Functions of Metallothionein and ZIP and ZnT Transporters: An Overview and Perspective."

The relationship between diabetes mellitus and ocular complications has been extensively studied by many authors. Diabetic keratopathy has already been well characterized and defined as a clinical entity. This review focuses on exploring corneal epithelial changes in diabetic patients, aiming to provide a pragmatic overview of the existing knowledge on this topic. The paper systematically examines alterations in corneal epithelial structure and their impact on diabetic patients. Advanced imaging techniques are also discussed for their role in precise characterization and improved diagnostics. Additionally, the paper explores the mechanisms behind corneal epithelial changes in diabetes, looking at factors such as hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and Advanced Glycation End-Products. The impact of altered corneal epithelial integrity on barrier function and susceptibility to external issues is considered, addressing potential links to heightened proteolytic enzyme activities and delayed wound healing observed in diabetic individuals. The review also covers the practical implications of corneal epithelial changes, including the association with corneal erosions, persistent epithelial defects, and an increased risk of dry eye syndrome in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorinated imines (Schiff bases) and fluorinated hydrazones are of particular interest in medicinal chemistry due to their potential usefulness in treating opportunistic strains of bacteria that are resistant to commonly used antibacterial agents. The present review paper is focused on these fluorinated molecules revealing strong, moderate or weak in vitro antibacterial activities, which have been reported in the scientific papers during the last fifteen years. Fluorinated building blocks and reaction conditions used for the synthesis of imines and hydrazones are mentioned. The structural modifications, which have an influence on the antibacterial activity in all the reported classes of fluorinated small molecules, are highlighted, focusing mainly on the importance of specific substitutions. Advanced research techniques and innovations for the synthesis, design and development of fluorinated imines and hydrazones are also summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs found in different bodily fluids and are highly investigated for their prognostic potential and biological role in cancer. In this narrative review, we provide an update of the last five years' published papers (2018–2023) on PubMed about c-miRNAs in cancer research. We aim to capture the latest research interests in terms of the highly studied cancers and the insights about c-miRNAs. Our analysis revealed that more than 150 papers focusing on c-miRNAs and cancer were published in the last five years. Among these, there was a high prevalence of papers on breast cancer (BC) and lung cancer (LC), which are estimated to be the most diagnosed cancers globally. Thus, we focus on the main evidence and research trends about c-miRNAs in BC and LC. We report evidence of the effectiveness of c-miRNAs in hot topics of cancer research, such as, early detection, therapeutic resistance, recurrence risk and novel detection platform approaches. Moreover, we look at the deregulated c-miRNAs shared among BC and LC papers, focusing on miR-21 and miR-145. Overall, these data clearly indicate that the role of c-miRNAs in cancer is still a hot topic for oncologic research and that blood is the most investigated matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper sheds light on the alarming issue of antibiotic resistance (ABR) in aquatic environments, exploring its detrimental effects on ecosystems and public health. It examines the multifaceted role of antibiotic use in aquaculture, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste in fostering the development and dissemination of resistant bacteria. The intricate interplay between various environmental factors, horizontal gene transfer, and bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) in accelerating the spread of ABR is comprehensively discussed. Various BEVs carrying resistance genes like blaCTX-M, tetA, floR, and sul/I, as well as their contribution to the dominance of multidrug-resistant bacteria, are highlighted. The potential of BEVs as both a threat and a tool in combating ABR is explored, with promising strategies like targeted antimicrobial delivery systems and probiotic-derived EVs holding significant promise. This paper underscores the urgency of understanding the intricate interplay between BEVs and ABR in aquatic environments. By unraveling these unseen weapons, we pave the way for developing effective strategies to mitigate the spread of ABR, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach that includes stringent regulations, enhanced wastewater treatment, and the adoption of sustainable practices in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Down syndrome is a well-studied aneuploidy condition in humans, which is associated with various disease phenotypes including cardiovascular, neurological, haematological and immunological disease processes. This review paper aims to discuss the research conducted on gene expression studies during fetal development. A descriptive review was conducted, encompassing all papers published on the PubMed database between September 1960 and September 2022. We found that in amniotic fluid, certain genes such as COL6A1 and DSCR1 were found to be affected, resulting in phenotypical craniofacial changes. Additionally, other genes such as GSTT1, CLIC6, ITGB2, C21orf67, C21orf86 and RUNX1 were also identified to be affected in the amniotic fluid. In the placenta, dysregulation of genes like MEST, SNF1LK and LOX was observed, which in turn affected nervous system development. In the brain, dysregulation of genes DYRK1A, DNMT3L, DNMT3B, TBX1, olig2 and AQP4 has been shown to contribute to intellectual disability. In the cardiac tissues, dysregulated expression of genes GART, ETS2 and ERG was found to cause abnormalities. Furthermore, dysregulation of XIST, RUNX1, SON, ERG and STAT1 was observed, contributing to myeloproliferative disorders. Understanding the differential expression of genes provides insights into the genetic consequences of DS. A better understanding of these processes could potentially pave the way for the development of genetic and pharmacological therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper delves into the diverse and significant roles of curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from the Curcuma longa plant, in the context of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Distinguished by its unique molecular structure, curcumin exhibits potent biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anticancer effects. The research comprehensively investigates curcumin's molecular interactions with key proteins involved in cancer progression and the inflammatory response, primarily through molecular docking studies. In cancer, curcumin's effectiveness is determined by examining its interaction with pivotal proteins like CDK2, CK2α, GSK3β, DYRK2, and EGFR, among others. These interactions suggest curcumin's potential role in impeding cancer cell proliferation and survival. Additionally, the paper highlights curcumin's impact on inflammation by examining its influence on proteins such as COX-2, CRP, PDE4, and MD-2, which are central to the inflammatory pathway. In vitro and clinical studies are extensively reviewed, shedding light on curcumin's binding mechanisms, pharmacological impacts, and therapeutic application in various cancers and inflammatory conditions. These studies are pivotal in understanding curcumin's functionality and its potential as a therapeutic agent. Conclusively, this review emphasizes the therapeutic promise of curcumin in treating a wide range of health issues, attributed to its complex chemistry and broad pharmacological properties. The research points towards curcumin's growing importance as a multi-faceted natural compound in the medical and scientific community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a summary of a special issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences titled "The Molecular and Cellular Pathophysiologic Mechanisms Underlying Ocular Diseases and Emerging Therapies." The special issue focuses on the prevalence and rising global public health concerns of visual impairment and ophthalmic diseases. It aims to enhance researchers' and eyecare professionals' understanding of the risk factors, biomarkers, and cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying various eye diseases. The special issue includes eight papers, including original research papers, reviews, and a case report, covering topics such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal diseases, tear biomarkers, and uveal melanoma. The papers provide new advancements in the molecular and cellular pathogenesis of eye diseases and the development of preventive measures and emerging therapies. The document concludes by expressing hope that the special issue will inspire further research and understanding of eye diseases. [Extracted from the article]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most aggressive, heterogenous, and fatal types of human cancer for which screening, and more effective therapeutic drugs are urgently needed. Early-stage detection and treatment greatly improve the 5-year survival rate. In the era of targeted therapies for all types of cancer, a complete metabolomic profile is mandatory before neoadjuvant therapy to assign the correct drugs and check the response to the treatment given. The aim of this study is to discover specific metabolic biomarkers or a sequence of metabolomic indicators that possess precise diagnostic capabilities in predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy. After searching the keywords, a total of 108 articles were identified during a timeframe of 10 years (2013–2023). Within this set, one article was excluded due to the use of non-English language. Six scientific papers were qualified for this investigation after eliminating all duplicates, publications not referring to the subject matter, open access restriction papers, and those not applicable to humans. Biomolecular analysis found a correlation between metabolomic analysis of colorectal cancer samples and poor progression-free survival rates. Biomarkers are instrumental in predicting a patient's response to specific treatments, guiding the selection of targeted therapies, and indicating resistance to certain drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a leading cause of death globally. The majority of cancer cases are only diagnosed in the late stages of cancer due to the use of conventional methods. This reduces the chance of survival for cancer patients. Therefore, early detection consequently followed by early diagnoses are important tasks in cancer research. Gene expression microarray technology has been applied to detect and diagnose most types of cancers in their early stages and has gained encouraging results. In this paper, we address the problem of classifying cancer based on gene expression for handling the class imbalance problem and the curse of dimensionality. The oversampling technique is utilized to overcome this problem by adding synthetic samples. Another common issue related to the gene expression dataset addressed in this paper is the curse of dimensionality. This problem is addressed by applying chi-square and information gain feature selection techniques. After applying these techniques individually, we proposed a method to select the most significant genes by combining those two techniques (CHiS and IG). We investigated the effect of these techniques individually and in combination. Four benchmarking biomedical datasets (Leukemia-subtypes, Leukemia-ALLAML, Colon, and CuMiDa) were used. The experimental results reveal that the oversampling techniques improve the results in most cases. Additionally, the performance of the proposed feature selection technique outperforms individual techniques in nearly all cases. In addition, this study provides an empirical study for evaluating several oversampling techniques along with ensemble-based learning. The experimental results also reveal that SVM-SMOTE, along with the random forests classifier, achieved the highest results, with a reporting accuracy of 100%. The obtained results surpass the findings in the existing literature as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arterial hypertension is one of the most common and significant cardiovascular risk factors. There are many well-known and identified risk factors for its development. In recent times, there has been growing concern about the potential impact of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system and its relation to arterial hypertension. Various theories have been developed that suggest a connection between COVID-19 and elevated blood pressure. However, the precise link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the long-term risk of developing hypertension remains insufficiently explored. Therefore, the primary objective of our study was to investigate the influence of COVID-19 infection on blood pressure elevation and the subsequent risk of developing arterial hypertension over an extended period. To accomplish this, we conducted a thorough search review of relevant papers in the PubMed and SCOPUS databases up to 3 September 2023. Our analysis encompassed a total of 30 eligible articles. Out of the 30 papers we reviewed, 19 of them provided substantial evidence showing a heightened risk of developing arterial hypertension following COVID-19 infection. Eight of the studies showed that blood pressure values increased after the infection, while three of the qualified studies did not report any notable impact of COVID-19 on blood pressure levels. The precise mechanism behind the development of hypertension after COVID-19 remains unclear, but it is suggested that endothelial injury and dysfunction of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system may be contributory. Additionally, changes in blood pressure following COVID-19 infection could be linked to lifestyle alterations that often occur alongside the illness. Our findings emphasize the pressing requirement for thorough research into the relationship between COVID-19 and hypertension. These insights are essential for the development of effective prevention and management approaches for individuals who have experienced COVID-19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a special issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences titled "Inflammatory Signaling Pathways Involved in Gastrointestinal Diseases." It contains six papers, including two research articles and four reviews, that explore the role of inflammation in gastrointestinal diseases and potential therapeutic strategies. The papers discuss topics such as chronic inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the role of heat shock proteins and histamine in IBD, the use of polyphenols as anti-inflammatory agents, the potential of miR-369-3p as a therapeutic approach for IBD, the relationship between gut disorders and immune system deregulation, and the pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus. The authors express gratitude to the contributors and declare no conflicts of interest. [Extracted from the article]

The presence of the ozone hole increases the amount of UV radiation reaching a plant's surface, and UV-B radiation is an abiotic stress capable of affecting plant growth. Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall. (R. chrysanthum) grows in alpine regions, where strong UV-B radiation is present, and has been able to adapt to strong UV-B radiation over a long period of evolution. We investigated the response of R. chrysanthum leaves to UV-B radiation using widely targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics. Although phytohormones have been studied for many years in plant growth and development and adaptation to environmental stresses, this paper is innovative in terms of the species studied and the methods used. Using unique species and the latest research methods, this paper was able to add information to this topic for the species R. chrysanthum. We treated R. chrysanthum grown in a simulated alpine environment, with group M receiving no UV-B radiation and groups N and Q (externally applied abscisic acid treatment) receiving UV-B radiation for 2 days (8 h per day). The results of the MN group showed significant changes in phenolic acid accumulation and differential expression of genes related to phenolic acid synthesis in leaves of R. chrysanthum after UV-B radiation. We combined transcriptomics and metabolomics data to map the metabolic regulatory network of phenolic acids under UV-B stress in order to investigate the response of such secondary metabolites to stress. L-phenylalanine, L-tyrosine and phenylpyruvic acid contents in R. chrysanthum were significantly increased after UV-B radiation. Simultaneously, the levels of 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 2-phenylethanol, anthranilate, 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, 3-hydroxycinnamic acid, α-hydroxycinnamic acid and 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid in this pathway were elevated in response to UV-B stress. In contrast, the study in the NQ group found that externally applied abscisic acid (ABA) in R. chrysanthum had greater tolerance to UV-B radiation, and phenolic acid accumulation under the influence of ABA also showed greater differences. The contents of 2-phenylethanol, 1-o-p-coumaroyl-β-d-glucose, 2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid and 3-o-feruloylquinic ac-id-o-glucoside were significantly elevated in R. chrysanthum after external application of ABA to protect against UV-B stress. Taken together, these studies of the three groups indicated that ABA can influence phenolic acid production to promote the response of R. chrysanthum to UV-B stress, which provided a theoretical reference for the study of its complex molecular regulatory mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences that discusses the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a treatment for various disorders, including cancer and microbial infections. The editorial highlights the advantages of PDT over traditional treatments and the limitations it currently faces. It also provides summaries of ten research papers that explore different aspects of PDT, such as the development of new photosensitizers, the combination of PDT with other treatments, and the targeting of specific cells or organisms. The research papers cover a range of topics, including the use of PDT for cancer treatment, the synthesis of new photosensitizers, and the photodynamic inactivation of bacteria and viruses. One study specifically examined the antiviral effects of three cationic porphyrins when exposed to white light, comparing them to the approved methylene blue. The porphyrins demonstrated superior efficacy in photodynamic therapy for inactivating a surrogate for mammalian viruses in plasma. The most efficient porphyrin also showed moderate inactivation of the virus in whole blood. The study suggests that these porphyrins, along with methylene blue, have potential as safe photosensitizers for inactivating viruses in blood plasma. The article also provides a list of contributions related to the use of dyes in photodynamic therapy. [Extracted from the article]

The International Journal of Molecular Sciences has published a special issue on the molecular ecology, physiology, and biochemistry of insects. The issue includes eight articles, including a review on invasive species and their adaptation mechanisms, two papers on honeybees discussing protein concentration changes and gene expression patterns related to caste differentiation, a study on termite saliva proteins and their nutritional balance, two papers on the molecular mechanisms of evolutionary adaptations in the golden gall fly and the mountain butterfly, a study on odorant binding proteins and chemosensory proteins in the fall armyworm, and a study on karyotype evolution in triatomines, the vectors of Chagas disease. These articles provide valuable insights into the regulation of physiological and biochemical processes in insects and their practical applications, such as insect pest control. [Extracted from the article]

This paper describes the process of producing chemiresistors based on hybrid nanostructures obtained from graphene and conducting polymers. The technology of graphene presumed the following: dispersion and support stabilization based on the chemical vapor deposition technique; transfer of the graphene to the substrate by spin-coating of polymethyl methacrylate; and thermal treatment and electrochemical delamination. For the process at T = 950 °C, a better settlement of the grains was noticed, with the formation of layers predominantly characterized by peaks and not by depressions. The technology for obtaining hybrid nanostructures from graphene and conducting polymers was drop-casting, with solutions of Poly(3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) and Poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-bithiophene] (F8T2). In the case of F8T2, compared to P3HT, a 10 times larger dimension of grain size and about 7 times larger distances between the peak clusters were noticed. To generate chemiresistors from graphene–polymer structures, an ink-jet printer was used, and the metallization was made with commercial copper ink for printed electronics, leading to a structure of a resistor with an active surface of about 1 cm2. Experimental calibration curves were plotted for both sensing structures, for a domain of CH4 of up to 1000 ppm concentration in air. A linearity of the curve for the low concentration of CH4 was noticed for the graphene structure with F8T2, presenting a sensitivity of about 6 times higher compared with the graphene structure with P3HT, which makes the sensing structure of graphene with F8T2 more feasible and reliable for the medical application of irritable bowel syndrome evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lyotropic liquid crystals represent an important class of anisotropic colloid systems. Their integration with optically active nanoparticles can provide us with responsive luminescent media that offer new fundamental and applied solutions for biomedicine. This paper analyzes the molecular-level behavior of such composites represented by tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether and nanoscale carbon dots in microfluidic channels. Microfluidic confinement allows for simultaneously applying multiple factors, such as flow dynamics, wall effects, and temperature, for the precise control of the molecular arrangement in such composites and their resulting optical properties. The microfluidic behavior of composites was characterized by a set of analytical and modeling tools such as polarized and fluorescent microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and fluorescent spectroscopy, as well as image processing in Matlab. The composites were shown to form tunable anisotropic intermolecular structures in microchannels with several levels of molecular ordering. A predominant lamellar structure of the composites was found to undergo additional ordering with respect to the microchannel axis and walls. Such an alignment was controlled by applying shear and temperature factors to the microfluidic environment. The revealed molecular behavior of the composite may contribute to the synthesis of hybrid organized media capable of polarized luminescence for on-chip diagnostics and biomimetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, ranking as the third most malignant. The incidence of CRC has been increasing with time, and it is reported that Westernized diet and lifestyle play a significant role in its higher incidence and rapid progression. The intake of high amounts of omega-6 (n − 6) PUFAs and low levels of omega-3 (n − 3) PUFAs has an important role in chronic inflammation and cancer progression, which could be associated with the increase in CRC prevalence. Oxylipins generated from PUFAs are bioactive lipid mediators and have various functions, especially in inflammation and proliferation. Carcinogenesis is often a consequence of chronic inflammation, and evidence has shown the particular involvement of n − 6 PUFA arachidonic acid-derived oxylipins in CRC, which is further described in this review. A deeper understanding of the role and metabolism of PUFAs by their modifying enzymes, their pathways, and the corresponding oxylipins may allow us to identify new approaches to employ oxylipin-associated immunomodulation to enhance immunotherapy in cancer. This paper summarizes oxylipins identified in the context of the initiation, development, and metastasis of CRC. We further explore CRC chemo-prevention strategies that involve oxylipins as potential therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise in the antibiotic resistance of bacteria has increased scientific interest in the study of materials with unique mechanisms of antimicrobial action. This paper presents the results of studies on the antimicrobial activity of carbon materials and textiles decorated with them. A comparative analysis of the bactericidal and fungicidal activities of graphene oxide, electrochemically exfoliated multigraphene, carbon dots, and their combinations was performed. Microbiological studies on reference strains of E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans showed that graphene oxide inhibited growth with up to 98% efficiency. Electrochemically exfoliated multigraphene was less effective (up to 40%). This study found no significant antimicrobial activity of carbon dots and the combination of carbon dots with graphene oxide significantly weakened their effectiveness. However, the combination of electrochemically exfoliated multigraphene and carbon dots exhibits a synergistic effect (up to 76%). A study on the antimicrobial activity of decorated cotton textiles demonstrated the effectiveness of antimicrobial textiles with graphene oxide, electrochemically exfoliated multigraphene, and a combination of carbon dots with electrochemically exfoliated multigraphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]