Nanotechnology in proteomics: Current status, promises and challenges

In genomics, the ability to amplify rare transcripts has enabled rapid advances in the understanding of gene expression patterns in human disease. The inability to increase the copy number and to detect the signal of rare proteins as unique species in biological samples has hindered the ability of proteomics to dissect human disease with the same complexity as genomic analyses. Advances in nanotechnology have begun to allow researchers to identify low-abundance proteins in samples through techniques that rely upon both nanoparticles and nanoscale devices. This review describes some of the physical and chemical principles underlying nanomaterials and devices and outlines how they can be used in proteomics; developments which are establishing nanoproteomics as a new field. Nanoproteomics will provide the platform for the discovery of next generation biomarkers. The most promising candidates for nanoproteomics, namely carbon nanotubes and nanowires, quantum dots and nanoscopic gold particles, offer several advantages such as high sensitivity, real-time measurements and improved reproducibility.

A study on the activity and thermal stability of adenosine deaminase in the presence of spermine

Adenosine Deaminase is an aminohydrolase (EC 3.5.4.4) which participates in the purine metabolism where it degrades either adenosine or 2'-deoxyadenosine producing inosine or 2'-deoxyinosine, respectively. The enzyme contains a parallel alpha/beta -barrel motif with eight central beta strands and eight peripheral alpha helices. ADA is located both in the cytosol and on the cell membrane. Since spermine, a natural metabolite, exists in all cells and tissues and its effect on the cell proliferation and enzyme regulation have been reported,  thermal inactivation of the ADA and spermine regulatory effect on the ADA activity have been investigated in this study. Percentage of ADA activity in the presence and absence of spermine (1000 µM) in Tris buffer 50 mM, pH 7.5 at physiologic and pathologic temperatures have been reported in the present study. Thermal inactivation curves for ADA in the absence and presence of spermine (1000 µM) in different temperatures ranging from 55 oC to 70 oC have been drawn. Our data showed that spermine activates the enzyme in the low concentrations of adenosine at 37 oC. However, it inhibits ADA activity at 42 oC in the same concentrations of substrate. It is concluded that spermine regulatory effect depends on combined influence of temperature and adenosine concentration. Furthermore, thermal stability of the enzyme also depends on temperature in presence of spermine. Binding site of spermine on the enzyme has been identified by docking analysis

Recurrent cannabis-induced catatonia: a case report and comprehensive systematic literature review

BackgroundCatatonia presents itself as a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome, giving rise to various motor, speech, and behavioral challenges. It is noteworthy that approximately 10% of psychiatric hospital admissions can be attributed to this condition. It is imperative to note that cannabis-induced catatonia, while infrequent, has been linked to the use of marijuana. This connection has the potential to disrupt neurotransmitter systems, necessitating further research for a comprehensive understanding and effective treatment, particularly given the evolving trends in cannabis use. In this context, we shall delve into a unique case of recurrent cannabis-induced catatonia.Case presentationA 23-year-old gentleman, who has previously struggled with substance use disorder, experienced the emergence of mutism, social isolation, and a fixed gaze subsequent to his use of cannabis. Remarkably, despite the absence of hallucinations, he exhibited recurrent episodes of catatonia. These episodes were effectively addressed through a combination of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and lorazepam administration. Notably, when the lorazepam dosage was gradually reduced to below 2 mg per day, the catatonic symptoms resurfaced; however, they promptly abated upon reinstating the medication. The diagnosis of cannabis-induced catatonia was established, and its management primarily involved a therapeutic approach encompassing ECT and lorazepam. It is pertinent to underscore that this catatonic condition can be directly linked to the individual’s cannabis usage.ConclusionThe connection between cannabis and catatonia is intricate and not entirely comprehended. Although cannabis possesses therapeutic advantages, it can paradoxically trigger catatonia in certain individuals. Multiple factors, such as genetics, cannabinoids, and neurotransmitter systems, contribute to this intricacy, underscoring the necessity for additional research

A study on the activity and thermal stability of adenosine deaminase in the presence of spermine

ABSTRACT Adenosine Deaminase is an aminohydrolase (EC 3.5.4.4) which participates in the purine metabolism where it degrades either adenosine or 2'-deoxyadenosine producing inosine or 2'-deoxyinosine, respectively. The enzyme contains a parallel alpha/beta -barrel motif with eight central beta strands and eight peripheral alpha helices. ADA is located both in the cytosol and on the cell membrane. Since spermine, a natural metabolite, exists in all cells and tissues and its effect on the cell proliferation and enzyme regulation have been reported, thermal inactivation of the ADA and spermine regulatory effect on the ADA activity have been investigated in this study. Percentage of ADA activity in the presence and absence of spermine (1000 µM) in Tris buffer 50 mM, pH 7.5 at physiologic and pathologic temperatures have been reported in the present study. Thermal inactivation curves for ADA in the absence and presence of spermin

The effects of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) on pain intensity of patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has shown promise as a potential treatment for FM by modulating pain perception and reducing symptoms, such as fatigue and depression. We aimed to systematically review studies that assess the effect of tDCS on pain reduction in FM patients. Methods Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane, and CINAHL Complete) were searched for records in English. Studies that measured the effect of tDCS on pain intensity in FM patients were included. The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A random-effect model was preferred, and statistical analysis was performed by Stata software version 17. Results Twenty studies were included for qualitative, and eleven for quantitative analysis. Out of 664 patients included in the study, 443 were in the stimulation group. The left M1 area was the most common stimulation target (n = 12), and 2 mA was the most common stimulation amplitude (n = 19). The analysis showed that active tDCS significantly reduced pain intensity in FM patients in comparison to the sham group (SMD= -1.55; 95% CI -2.10, -0.99); also, no publication bias was noted. Conclusion Our systematic review highlights the potential effect of tDCS on the reduction of pain intensity in FM patients. Additionally, this current evidence could suggest that tDCS applied at an intensity of 2mA to the left M1 is the most effective strategy

Table_1_Recurrent cannabis-induced catatonia: a case report and comprehensive systematic literature review.DOCX

BackgroundCatatonia presents itself as a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome, giving rise to various motor, speech, and behavioral challenges. It is noteworthy that approximately 10% of psychiatric hospital admissions can be attributed to this condition. It is imperative to note that cannabis-induced catatonia, while infrequent, has been linked to the use of marijuana. This connection has the potential to disrupt neurotransmitter systems, necessitating further research for a comprehensive understanding and effective treatment, particularly given the evolving trends in cannabis use. In this context, we shall delve into a unique case of recurrent cannabis-induced catatonia.Case presentationA 23-year-old gentleman, who has previously struggled with substance use disorder, experienced the emergence of mutism, social isolation, and a fixed gaze subsequent to his use of cannabis. Remarkably, despite the absence of hallucinations, he exhibited recurrent episodes of catatonia. These episodes were effectively addressed through a combination of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and lorazepam administration. Notably, when the lorazepam dosage was gradually reduced to below 2 mg per day, the catatonic symptoms resurfaced; however, they promptly abated upon reinstating the medication. The diagnosis of cannabis-induced catatonia was established, and its management primarily involved a therapeutic approach encompassing ECT and lorazepam. It is pertinent to underscore that this catatonic condition can be directly linked to the individual’s cannabis usage.ConclusionThe connection between cannabis and catatonia is intricate and not entirely comprehended. Although cannabis possesses therapeutic advantages, it can paradoxically trigger catatonia in certain individuals. Multiple factors, such as genetics, cannabinoids, and neurotransmitter systems, contribute to this intricacy, underscoring the necessity for additional research.</p