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Introduction: Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors are expressed in various organs and are involved in diverse developmental processes. The mouse atonal homolog 8 (Atoh8), a bHLH transcription factor, plays a crucial role in various developmental processes, especially as a regulator of neurogenesis in the retina. Besides, Atoh8 expression has been observed in the central nervous system. The function of Atoh8 during the postnatal neurogenesis is still unclear., Methods: This study focuses on elucidating the impact of Atoh8 on postnatal neurogenesis in the brain, particularly in selected regions: the subventricular zone (SVZ), rostral migratory stream (RMS), and olfactory bulb (OB), across different life stages, using male homozygous Atoh8-knockout (M6KO) mice. Our morphometric analysis is based on immunohistochemically labeled markers for neuroblasts (doublecortin) and proliferation (phospho-histone H3, PHH3) as well as pan neuronal markers., Results: In Atoh8-/- mice, alteration in the postnatal neurogenesis can be observed. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a significant reduction in doublecortin-positive neuroblasts within the SVZ of neonatal M6KO mice compared to wild-type mice. Interestingly, no differences in cell number and distribution were observed in the subsequent migration of neuroblasts through the RMS to the OB. Proliferating PHH3-positive neuronal progenitor cells were significantly diminished in the proliferation rate in both the SVZ and RMS of neonatal and young M6KO mice. Furthermore, in the glomerular layer of the OB, significantly fewer neurons were detected in the neonatal stage., Conclusion: In conclusion, Atoh8 emerges as a positive regulator of postnatal neurogenesis in the brain. Its role encompasses the promotion of neuroblast formation, modulation of proliferation rates, differentiation, and maintenance of mature neurons. Understanding the intricacies of Atoh8 function provides valuable insights into the complex regulatory mechanisms governing neurogenesis., (© 2024 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

In multiple sclerosis (MS), persisting disability can occur independent of relapse activity or development of new central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory lesions, termed chronic progression. This process occurs early and it is mostly driven by cells within the CNS. One promising strategy to control progression of MS is the inhibition of the enzyme Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), which is centrally involved in the activation of both B cells and myeloid cells, such as macrophages and microglia. The benefit of BTK inhibition by evobrutinib was shown as we observed reduced pro-inflammatory activation of microglia when treating chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) or following the adoptive transfer of activated T cells. Additionally, in a model of toxic demyelination, evobrutinib-mediated BTK inhibition promoted the clearance of myelin debris by microglia, leading to an accelerated remyelination. These findings highlight that BTK inhibition has the potential to counteract underlying chronic progression of MS., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Although there are several disease-modifying therapies that can effectively manage MS relapses, the treatment of chronic progressive MS remains a difficult task. CNS-compartmentalized inflammation plays a primary role in progressive MS, especially by activated microglia. In this context, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibition may be a promising therapeutic approach, as the enzyme is centrally involved in the activation of B cells as well as myeloid cells, such as macrophages and microglia., Areas Covered: This paper discusses a novel and promising approach for MS treatment. We discuss the factors assumed to promote progression in MS and how this process could be counteracted by BTK inhibition, as well as summarize all available clinical data on the usefulness of this therapeutic approach for halting MS progression., Expert Opinion: Current therapeutic approaches in MS are effective for treating relapses but fail to halt progression of the disease. This reflects the emerging concept that the underlying pathophysiology of chronic progressive MS differs from that of relapsing-remitting MS. Understanding the CNS intrinsic process in more detail provides novel therapeutic targets, and one of these may be the inhibition of the enzyme BTK.

Atoh8 belongs to a large superfamily of transcriptional regulators called basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins. bHLH proteins have been identified in a wide range of organisms from yeast to humans. The members of this special group of transcription factors were found to be involved not only in embryonic development but also in disease initiation and its progression. Given their importance in several fundamental processes, the translation, subcellular location and turnover of bHLH proteins is tightly regulated. Alterations in the expression of bHLH proteins have been associated with multiple diseases also in context with Atoh8 which seems to unfold its functions as both transcriptional activator and repressor. Like many other bHLH transcription factors, so far, Atoh8 has also been observed to be involved in both embryonic development and carcinogenesis where it mainly acts as tumor suppressor. This review summarizes our current understanding of Atoh8 structure, function and regulation and its complex and partially controversial involvement in development and disease.

A one-pot, clean and green procedure is described for the syntheses of new azocine derivatives via addition reactions of enaminones with acenaphthoquinone followed by periodic acid-mediated oxidative cleavages of the corresponding vicinal diols. Various derivatives of azocine were prepared and well characterized. The excellent yields, simple synthesis procedure, lack of a need to carry out any tedious work-up and column chromatography, metal-free catalysis, and mild reaction conditions are important features of this protocol., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

All 66 conformers of guanylurea were optimized and frequency calculations were performed at M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. Theses conformers were categorized into five tautomers, and the most stable conformer of each tautomer were found. Geometrical parameters indicated that these tautomers have almost planar structure. Complete stepwise tautomerism were studied through both intramolecular proton transfer routs and internal rotations. Results indicated that the proton transfer routs involving four-membered heterocyclic structures were rate-determining steps. Also, intramolecular proton movement having six-membered transition state structures had very low energy barrier comparable to the transition states of internal rotation routs. Differentiation of studied tautomers could easily be done through their FT-IR spectra in the range of 3200 to 3900cm -1 by comparing absorption bands and intensity of peaks. Solvent-implicit effects on the stability of tautomers were also studied through re-optimization and frequency calculation in four solvents. Water, DMSO, acetone and toluene had stabilization effect on all considered tautomers, but the order of stabilization effect was as follows: water>DMSO>acetone>toluene. Finally, solvent-explicit, base-explicit and acid-explicit effect were also studied by taking place of studied tautomer nearside of acid, base or solvent and optimization of them. Frequency calculation for proton movement by contribution of explicit effect showed that formic acid had a very strong effect on proton transfer from tautomer A1 to tautomer D8 by lowering the energy barrier from 42.57 to 0.8kcal/mol. In addition, ammonia-explicit effect was found to lower the barrier from 42.57 to 22.46kcal/mol, but this effect is lower than that of water and methanol-explicit effect., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A highly selective and sensitive colorimetric sensor for the determination of naproxen (NAP) based on the aggregation of the thiolated β-cyclodextrin (Tβ-CD) functionalized gold nanoparticles (Tβ-CD-Au NPs) in the presence of NAP and Zn 2+ is described. The hydrophobic end of NAP interacts with the immobilized Tβ-CD on the Au NPs and forms the complex of Tβ-CD:NAP while the Zn 2+ ions form a 1:2 complex of (NAP) 2 Zn with the carboxyl groups of NAP resulting in the aggregation of functionalized gold nanoparticles. As a result of aggregation, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) band of functionalized gold nanoparticles around 520nm decreases and a new red shifted band at 650nm appears which increases gradually as the function of NAP concentration. The calibration graph derived from the intensity ratios of absorbance at 650nm to 520nm was linear in the concentration range of 4-180μgL -1 of NAP. At the optimum conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were found to be 0.6 and 2.1μgL -1 , respectively and the relative standard deviation at 20μgL -1 of NAP (n=5) was 2.5%. The selectivity and applicability of the method was verified through analyzes of the synthetic samples containing the major interference compounds reported in literature as well as tablets, wastewater and urine samples. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by recovery experiments and analysis of pharmaceutical tablets., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Many nations are able to prosecute transplant-related crimes committed in their territory, but transplant recipients, organ sellers and brokers, and transplant professionals may escape prosecution by engaging in these practices in foreign locations where they judge the risk of criminal investigation and prosecution to be remote., Methods: The Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group convened an international working group to evaluate the possible role of extraterritorial jurisdiction in strengthening the enforcement of existing laws governing transplant-related crimes across national boundaries. Potential practical and ethical concerns about the use of extraterritorial jurisdiction were examined, and possible responses were explored., Results: Extraterritorial jurisdiction is a legitimate tool to combat transplant-related crimes. Further, development of a global registry of transnational transplant activities in conjunction with a standardized international referral system for legitimate travel for transplantation is proposed as a mechanism to support enforcement of national and international legal tools., Conclusions: States are encouraged to include provisions on extraterritorial jurisdiction in their laws on transplant-related crimes and to collaborate with professionals and international authorities in the development of a global registry of transnational transplant activities. These actions would assist in the identification and evaluation of illicit activities and provide information that would help in developing strategies to deter and prevent them.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a common neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the spinal cord and motor cortex. Various mouse models have been used to investigate the progression of the pathology of sporadic and familial ALS. Degeneration in the spinal cord and motor cortex in the Wobbler mouse model of sporadic ALS have been documented, but alterations of the cerebellum during disease progression have not been well characterized. We analyzed neurodegeneration and inflammatory responses in the cerebellar cortex of preclinical (p20), clinical (p40), and late (p60) stages in these mice. We did not identify evidence of neuron cell death, but we observed an inflammatory response detected by IL1B and TNFA expression by quantitative PCR, increased activated microglia and astrocytosis by immunohistochemistry, and ultrastructural abnormalities in the cerebella of Wobbler mice at late stages. These alterations may be caused by protein aggregations and variations in the distribution of cytoskeletal proteins; they might be reflected in the early manifestation of head tremor, which precedes motor deficits in these mice. Thus, we conclude that, in addition to the motor cortex and spinal cord, the cerebellum is affected by neurodegenerative and inflammatory processes in the Wobbler mouse model of ALS., (© 2016 American Association of Neuropathologists, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder of the upper and lower motor neurons, characterized by rapid progressive weakness, muscle atrophy, dysarthria, dysphagia, and dyspnea. Whereas the exact cause of ALS remains uncertain, the wobbler mouse (phenotype WR; genotype wr/wr) equally develops a progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord and motor cortex with striking similarities to sporadic human ALS, suggesting the possibility of a common pathway to cell death., Methods: With the aid of immunohistochemistry, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques, we analyze the proliferation behavior of microglial cells and astrocytes. We also investigate possible motor neuron death in the mouse motor cortex at different stages of the wobbler disease, which so far has not received much attention., Results: An abnormal density of Iba-1-positive microglial cells expressing pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha- and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive activated astroglial cells was detected in the motor cortex region of the WR mouse 40 days postnatal (d.p.n.). Motor neurons in the same area show caspase 3 activation indicating neurodegenerative processes, which may cause progressive paralysis of the WR mice. It could also cause cell degeneration, such as vacuolization, dilation of the ER, and swollen mitochondria at the same time, and support the assumption that inflammation might be an important contributing factor of motor neuron degeneration. This would appear to be confirmed by the fact that there was no conspicuous increase of microglial cells and astrocytes in the motor cortex of control mice at any time., Conclusions: Activated microglial cells secrete a variety of pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic factors, such as TNF alpha, which could initiate apoptotic processes in the affected wobbler motor neurons, as reflected by caspase 3 activation, and thus, the neuroinflammatory processes might influence or exacerbate the neurodegeneration. Although it remains to be clarified whether the immune response is primary or secondary and how harmful or beneficial it is in the WR motor neuron disease, anti-inflammatory treatment might be considered.

Mouse breeding is of importance to a whole range of medical and biological research. There are many known mouse models for motor neuron diseases. However, it must be kept in mind that especially mouse models for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis develop severe symptoms causing intense stress. This article is designed to summarize conscientious work with the wobbler mouse, a model for the sporadic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This mouse model is characterized by a degeneration of α-motor-neurons leading to head tremor, loss of body weight and rapidly progressive paralysis. Although this mouse model has been known since 1956, there are no guidelines for breeding wobbler mice. Due to the lack of such guidelines the present study tries to close this gap and implements a manual for further studies. It includes the whole workflow in regard to wobbler mice from breeding and animal care taking, genotyping and phenotype analysis, but also gives some examples for the use of various neuronal tissues for histological investigation. Beside the progress in research a second aim should always be the enhancement of mouse welfare and reduction of stress for the laboratory animals., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Magnetic Fe(OH)3@Fe3O4 nanoparticles were successfully prepared and characterized. This magnetic nanocomposite was employed as an efficient, reusable, and environmentally benign heterogeneous catalyst for the direct amidation of alcohols with amine hydrochloride salts. Several derivatives of primary, secondary and tertiary amides were synthesized in moderate to good yields in the presence of this catalytic system. The catalyst was successfully recycled and reused up to six times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.

Human trafficking for organ removal (HTOR) should not be reduced to a problem of supply and demand of organs for transplantation, a problem of organized crime and criminal justice, or a problem of voiceless, abandoned victims. Rather, HTOR is at once an egregious human rights abuse and a form of human trafficking. As such, it demands a human-rights based approach in analysis and response to this problem, placing the victim at the center of initiatives to combat this phenomenon. Such an approach requires us to consider how various measures impact or disregard victims/potential victims of HTOR and gives us tools to better advocate their interests, rights and freedoms.

By 2005, human organ trafficking, commercialization, and transplant tourism had become a prominent and pervasive influence on transplantation therapy. The most common source of organs was impoverished people in India, Pakistan, Egypt, and the Philippines, deceased organ donors in Colombia, and executed prisoners in China. In response, in May 2008, The Transplantation Society and the International Society of Nephrology developed the Declaration of Istanbul on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism consisting of a preamble, a set of principles, and a series of proposals. Promulgation of the Declaration of Istanbul and the formation of the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group to promote and uphold its principles have demonstrated that concerted, strategic, collaborative, and persistent actions by professionals can deliver tangible changes. Over the past 5 years, the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group organized and encouraged cooperation among professional bodies and relevant international, regional, and national governmental organizations, which has produced significant progress in combating organ trafficking and transplant tourism around the world. At a fifth anniversary meeting in Qatar in April 2013, the DICG took note of this progress and set forth in a Communiqué a number of specific activities and resolved to further engage groups from many sectors in working toward the Declaration's objectives.

Follow-up care for living organ donors is inadequate in countries with advanced transplantation systems based on altruistic donation. In cases where financial incentives drive an organ donation, care for the live 'donor' is largely absent. Care must be provided not only to living altruistic organ donors but especially to victims of organ trafficking who are often not suitable candidates for a donation and subject to poor surgical practices and conditions. Such follow-up is essential not only as a basic right, but also as an important reconciliatory step to regain public trust in transplants where they have been characterized by commercialism. Yet, the question, who will provide care for the commercial living donor? persists. In the absence of public or private commitments to this care, the Coalition for Organ-Failure Solutions (COFS) conducts outreach programmes that include identifying victims of organ trafficking, assessing their consequences and arranging support services. This paper presents studies on consequences for commercial living donors (CLDs), describes the case of organ trafficking and COFS' care provision in Egypt and discusses why follow-up care for CLDs is not an appropriate ingredient for advancing regulation proposals but should be considered an essential component of the movement to end organ trafficking., (© 2010 The Authors. Transplant International © 2010 European Society for Organ Transplantation.)

The reaction of 3-mercaptopropylsilica (MPS) and chlorosulfonic acid in chloroform afforded silica bonded S-sulfonic acid (SBSSA), which was used as a catalyst for the room temperature synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives from 1,2-diamino compounds and 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds. The catalyst could be recycled and reused several times without any loss of efficiency.

Objective: To assess whether a nurse led, flow monitored protocol for optimising circulatory status in patients after cardiac surgery reduces complications and shortens stay in intensive care and hospital., Design: Randomised controlled trial., Setting: Intensive care unit and cardiothoracic unit of a university teaching hospital., Participants: 174 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between April 2000 and January 2003., Interventions: Patients were allocated to conventional haemodynamic management or to an algorithm guided by oesophageal Doppler flowmetry to maintain a stroke index above 35 ml/m2., Results: 26 control patients had postoperative complications (two deaths) compared with 17 (four deaths) protocol patients (P = 0.08). Duration of hospital stay in the protocol group was significantly reduced from a median of nine (interquartile range 7-12) days to seven (7-10) days (P = 0.02). The mean duration of hospital stay was reduced from 13.9 to 11.4 days, a saving in hospital bed days of 18% (95% confidence interval -12% to 47%). Usage of intensive care beds was reduced by 23% (-8% to 59%)., Conclusion: A nurse delivered protocol for optimising circulatory status in the early postoperative period after cardiac surgery may significantly shorten hospital stay.