Genetically modified rabbit models for cardiovascular medicine

Comparison of the establishment of a rabbit model of carpal tunnel syndrome under ultrasound-guided and landmark-guided methods

A simple and feasible rabbit model of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was established using an animal experimental study. Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into a normal group (Group C), a glucose injection model group (Groups N-M) and an ultrasound-guided injection model group (Groups U-M). Each group consisted of 8 rabbits.Electrophysiological and ultrasound examinations were performed before sampling. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and electron microscopy were performed to observe the neuropathological changes. During electrophysiological testing 1 week after modeling, the amplitudes of the sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), distal motor latency (DML) and compound muscle action potential (CMAP ) in the U-M group were significantly different compared to the C group and the N-M group (P < 0.05). Five weeks after modeling, the amplitudes of the SNCV, DML and CMAP in the U-M group and the C group were significantly different (P < 0.05). These differences were statistically significant compared to the DML and CMAP in the N-M group (P < 0.05), and the changes in these parameters were more significant than the results 1 week after modeling (P < 0.05). The difference in CMAP amplitude between the N-M group and C group was statistically significant (P < 0.05), but the other parameters were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Compared to the original modeling method, four injections of 0.3 ml of 10% glucose solution under ultrasound guidance reduced the time required to establish the disease model and increased the stability of the model. Therefore, this technique is a simple and feasible method for establishing a model of rabbit carpal tunnel syndrome.

Current views and trends of nanomaterials as vectors for gene delivery since the 21st century: a bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

Gene therapy is garnering increasing support due to its potential for a "once-delivered, lifelong benefit." The limitations of traditional gene delivery methods have spurred the advancement of bionanomaterials. Despite this progress, a thorough analysis of the evolution, current state, key contributors, focal studies, and future directions of nanomaterials in gene delivery remains absent.

METHODS

This study scrutinizes articles from the Web of Science, spanning 1 January 2 000, to 31 December 2023, employing various online tools for analysis and visualization.

RESULTS

The 21st century has witnessed consistent growth in scholarly work in this domain globally, with notable contributions from China and the US. At the same time, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have emerged as the most productive institutions, with CAS's academician Weihong Tan becoming the field's leading author. While drug delivery and nanoparticles (NPs) have been central themes for two decades, the research focus has shifted from modifying NPs and ultrafine particles to exploring polymer-hybrid NPs, mRNA vaccines, immune responses, green synthesis, and CRISPR/Cas tools.

CONCLUSIONS

This shift marks the transition from nanomaterials to bionanomaterials. The insights provided by this research offer a comprehensive overview of the field and valuable guidance for future investigations.

Animals as Architects: Building the Future of Technology-Supported Rehabilitation with Biomimetic Principles

Rehabilitation science has evolved significantly with the integration of technology-supported interventions, offering objective assessments, personalized programs, and real-time feedback for patients. Despite these advances, challenges remain in fully addressing the complexities of human recovery through the rehabilitation process. Over the last few years, there has been a growing interest in the application of biomimetics to inspire technological innovation. This review explores the application of biomimetic principles in rehabilitation technologies, focusing on the use of animal models to help the design of assistive devices such as robotic exoskeletons, prosthetics, and wearable sensors. Animal locomotion studies have, for example, inspired energy-efficient exoskeletons that mimic natural gait, while insights from neural plasticity research in species like zebrafish and axolotls are advancing regenerative medicine and rehabilitation techniques. Sensory systems in animals, such as the lateral line in fish, have also led to the development of wearable sensors that provide real-time feedback for motor learning. By integrating biomimetic approaches, rehabilitation technologies can better adapt to patient needs, ultimately improving functional outcomes. As the field advances, challenges related to translating animal research to human applications, ethical considerations, and technical barriers must be addressed to unlock the full potential of biomimetic rehabilitation.

Antidepressant activity of phytochemicals of Mangifera indica seeds assisted by integrated computational analysis

Mangifera indica L., also known as mango, is a tropical fruit that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is prized for its juiciness, unique flavour, and worldwide popularity. The current study aimed to probe into antidepressant power (ADP) of MIS in animals and confirmation of ADP with in silico induced-fit molecular docking. The depression model was prepared by exposing mice to various stressors from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm during 42 days study period. MIS extract and fluoxetine were given daily for 30 min before exposing animals to stressors. ADP was evaluated by various behavioural tests and biochemical analysis. Results showed increased physical activity in mice under behavioural tests, plasma nitrite and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) activity decreased dose-dependently in MIS treated mice and superoxide dismutases (SOD) levels increased in treated groups as compared to disease control. With the peculiar behaviour and significant interactions of the functional residues of target proteins with selected ligands along with the best absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties, it is concluded that catechin could be the best MAO-A inhibitor at a binding energy of -8.85 kcal/mol, and two hydrogen bonds were generated with Cys406 (A) and Gly443 (A) residues of the active binding site of MAO-A enzyme. While catechin at -6.86 kcal/mol generated three hydrogen bonds with Ala263 (A) and Gly434 (A) residues of the active site of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) enzyme and stabilized the best conformation. Therefore, it is highly recommended to test the selected lead-like compound catechin in the laboratory with biological system analysis to confirm its activity as MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors so it can be declared as one of the novel therapeutic options with anti-depressant activity. Our findings concluded that M. indica seeds could be a significant and alternative anti-depressant therapy.