Involvement of Noradrenergic Neurotransmission in the Stress- but not Cocaine-Induced Reinstatement of Extinguished Cocaine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference in Mice: Role for β-2 Adrenergic Receptors

The responsiveness of central noradrenergic systems to stressors and cocaine poses norepinephrine as a potential common mechanism through which drug re-exposure and stressful stimuli promote relapse. This study investigated the role of noradrenergic systems in the reinstatement of extinguished cocaine-induced conditioned place preference by cocaine and stress in male C57BL/6 mice. Cocaine- (15 mg/kg, i.p.) induced conditioned place preference was extinguished by repeated exposure to the apparatus in the absence of drug and reestablished by a cocaine challenge (15 mg/kg), exposure to a stressor (6-min forced swim (FS); 20–25°C water), or administration of the α-2 adrenergic receptor (AR) antagonists yohimbine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) or BRL44408 (5, 10 mg/kg, i.p.). To investigate the role of ARs, mice were administered the nonselective β-AR antagonist, propranolol (5, 10 mg/kg, i.p.), the α-1 AR antagonist, prazosin (1, 2 mg/kg, i.p.), or the α-2 AR agonist, clonidine (0.03, 0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) before reinstatement testing. Clonidine, prazosin, and propranolol failed to block cocaine-induced reinstatement. The low (0.03 mg/kg) but not high (0.3 mg/kg) clonidine dose fully blocked FS-induced reinstatement but not reinstatement by yohimbine. Propranolol, but not prazosin, blocked reinstatement by both yohimbine and FS, suggesting the involvement of β-ARs. The β-2 AR antagonist ICI-118551 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), but not the β-1 AR antagonist betaxolol (10 mg/kg, i.p.), also blocked FS-induced reinstatement. These findings suggest that stress-induced reinstatement requires noradrenergic signaling through β-2 ARs and that cocaine-induced reinstatement does not require AR activation, even though stimulation of central noradrenergic neurotransmission is sufficient to reinstate

Meeting the challenges of implementing rapid genomic testing in acute pediatric care

Authors: Stark, Z. Lunke, S. Brett, G. Tan, N. Stapleton, R. Kumble, S. Yeung, A. Phelan, D. Chong, B. Fernandez, M.F. Marum, J.E. Hunter, M. Jarmolowicz, A. Yael Prawer, Y. Riseley, J.R. Regan, M. Elliott, J. Melissa Martyn, M. Best, S. Tan, T. Clara L Gaff, C.L. and White, S.M

Flower-like Cu5Sn2S7/ZnS nanocomposite for high performance supercapacitor

Ternary nanocomposites of CuxZnySnzS(x+y+z) are considered as an emerging potential candidate as electrode materials for energy storage devices due to the considerable interlayer spaces and tunnels in its crystal structures with excellent conducting ability. Recently, this nanocomposite used as anode material for Li-ion battery has been reported, but there is limited research on its application in supercapacitors which is considered a complementary energy storage device to battery. In this work, flower-like Cu5Sn2S7/ZnS and pristine Cu5Sn2S7 nanocomposite were prepared via a facile hydrothermal method. The electrochemical tests showed that the Cu5Sn2S7/ZnS nanocomposite exhibited better performance than pristine Cu5Zn2S7, suggesting that the existence of ZnS could significantly enhance the electrochemical performance of Cu5Sn2S7, with the good capacitance of 200 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g. Furthermore 170 F/g was obtained at the large current density of 10 A/g. Supercapacitors demonstrated energy density of 11.08 Wh/kg with power density 461 W/kg or 9.67 Wh/kg at power density of 4615 W/kg

Grid-connected lithium-ion battery energy storage system towards sustainable energy : a patent landscape analysis and technology updates

Presently, as the world advances rapidly towards achieving net-zero emissions, lithium-ion battery (LIB) energy storage systems (ESS) have emerged as a critical component in the transition away from fossil fuel-based energy generation, offering immense potential in achieving a sustainable environment. This study conducts an in-depth analysis of grid-connected LIB ESS patents published from 1998 to 2022, aiming to comprehend essential developments and trends in the technology landscape while identifying key players and inventors. Employing extensive keyword searches within the Lens database, 95 patent documents were extracted along with the bibliometric data. The research highlights two prominent factors in the field of grid-connected LIB ESS patents. Firstly, a detailed patent bibliometric analysis including patent growth trends, keyword analysis, patent distribution over jurisdiction, and subject categories was presented. Moreover, the research identifies key owners, inventors and hierarchical jurisdiction in patent document publishing and evaluates the possibilities for future research sustainability. Secondly, detailed updates regarding technological advancements that are driving sustainable grid-connected LIB ESS development in various sectors such as; gird connected ESS, power conversion system (PCS), energy management system (EMS) and transportation sector are provided. The study concluded that the patents related to grid-connected ESS, minimizing voltage and frequency regulation to achieve grid stability and EMS of LIB are the key trending topics in the field of grid-connected LIB ESS. The comprehensive analysis not only illuminates crucial trends but also provides valuable guidance to future researchers and industry stakeholders, facilitating the path towards sustainable grid-connected LIB ESS and paving the way for a more environmentally conscious energy landscape

Precise localization of the FHIT gene to the common fragile site at 3p14.2 (FRA3B) and characterization of homozygous deletions within FRA3B that affect FHIT transcription in tumor cell lines

Chromosomal or allelic losses at 3p14 are common in a variety of human tumors, including those of the lung, breast, kidney, and head and neck. This suggests the existence of a tumor suppressor gene in this band. A promising candidate is the recently cloned FHIT gene, which spans the common fragile site, FRA3B, at 3p14.2. We previously identified a region of fragility at 3p14.2 (FRA3B) of > 85 kb by cloning DNA flanking pSV2neo integrations and constructed a partial genomic contig of the region. Using probes from the contig, we tested for deletions within this region in DNA from 105 human tumor cell lines, predominantly derived from lung cancers. We identified one gastric and four lung cancer cell lines with homozygous interstitial deletions involving the FRA3B region. The deletion in one lung cancer cell line lies entirely within our contig and i

Structures of Two Major Allergens, Bla g 4 and Per a 4, from Cockroaches and Their IgE Binding Epitopes

JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY28453148-3157JBCH

Treatment Outcomes of Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir/Voxilaprevir in Direct-Acting Antiviral-Experienced Hepatitis C Virus Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

: About 5% of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients experienced treatment failure with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. The global data on the practice and treatment outcomes of Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir/Voxilaprevir (SOF/VEL/VOX) in DAA-experienced CHC patients remains sparse. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SOF/VEL/VOX as a salvage treatment in DAA-experienced CHC patients. We searched five electronic databases from inception to 31 January 2023. The study outcomes were SVR12 and treatment-related adverse effects, with subgroup analysis performed based on genotype, cirrhosis, HCC, prior SOF/VEL exposure, and region. We identified and analyzed data from 24 studies (2877 DAA-experienced CHC patients); 17.2% had prior SOF/VEL exposure, 25% received ribavirin with SOF/VEL/VOX, and 42% had pre-treatment resistance-associated substitution (RAS) testing performed. Eastern Mediterranean had a higher pooled SVR12 than the America and Europe regions (p < 0.05). Predictors of SOF/VEL/VOX failure were genotype 3, active HCC, baseline cirrhosis, and prior SOF/VEL. Baseline RAS mutation and ribavirin supplementation were not associated with higher SVR12. Treatment discontinuation because of drug-related adverse events was uncommon (10 studies, 0.2%). In summary, SOF/VEL/VOX is efficacious and safe for retreatment in DAA-experienced CHC patients, even with RAS mutation. Our findings support SOF/VEL/VOX as a first-line rescue treatment for DAA-experienced CHC patients