The temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is characterized by the neurodegeneration, abnormal reorganization of
circuitry, and the loss of functional inhibition in hippocampus regions. Particularly, the declined neurogenesis in
hippocampus has emerged as a significant hallmark of TLE. RbAp48, which is initially recognized as a retinoblastoma
binding protein, is also identified as a positive regulator of human neurogenesis owing to its ability to regulate the
expression of the pluripotency, differentiation, and cell cycle genes in human PSCs. The deficiency of RbAp48
critically contributes to the dentate gyrus (DG) dysfunction and is closely related to age-related memory deficits.
Nevertheless, the roles of RbAp48 in the neurogenesis deterioration and memory loss of TLE patients remain to
be determined. In view of the linkage between the deficiency of RbAp48 and the TLE-related memory loss, it is
reasonable to hypothesize that the expression level of RbAp48 in the hippocampus of the TLE patients might be
down regulated in accordance with the reduced neurogenesis. As the neurogenesis exhibits a close relationship with
the hippocampal functions like learning and memory, the RbAp48 would possibly act as a candidate biology predictor
for the cognition impairments of the TLE patients. This notion might cast insights into the etiology of hippocampusbased
memory loss in TLE patients with the potentials of opening up new therapeutic avenues.
It has been noted that temozolomide resistance occurs in a number of malignancies, including glioma, although the underlying cause of this is unknown. The goal of the study in vivo investigation to show that increased CD147 expression in glioma cells is a factor in their resistance to the chemotherapy drug temozolomide. Proliferation assays, TUNEL assays, reactive oxygen species assays, protein degradation assays, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reactions, and tumorigenicity assays were all carried out. Using the human protein atlas databases, the expression levels of CD147 in different kinds of malignancies were examined. For immunohistochemistry, a total of 7, 12, 19, 15, and 16 glioma samples were taken from para-carcinoma tissue, representing stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV gliomas, respectively. The expression of CD147 proteins is correlated with the tumor's aggressiveness. Cell development was slowed by suppressing the expression of the CD147 protein. The expression of the CD147 protein contributed to the emergence of temozolomide resistance. Expression of the CD147 protein reduced mRNA expression. The growth-inhibitory impact of temozolomide on glioma cells was enhanced by the suppression of CD147 protein. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 expression and CD147 protein expression showed a significant reciprocal connection with each other (p 0.0001, r2 = 0.3254). In glioma, resistance to temozolomide is due to overexpression of CD147 protein and induction of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2.
Glioma has one of the highest mortality rates of all cancer types; however, the prognosis cannot be predicted effectively using clinical indicators, due to the biological heterogeneity of the disease. A total of 31 gene expression-based signatures were identified using selected features in The Cancer Genome Atlas cohorts and machine learning methods. The signatures were assayed in the training dataset and were further validated in four completely independent datasets. Association analyses were implemented, and the results indicated that the signature was not significantly associated with age, radiation therapy or primary tumor size. A nomogram for the 1-year overall survival rate of patients with glioma following initial diagnosis was plotted to facilitate the clinical utilization of the signature. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was performed based on the signature, in order to determine the potential altered pathways. Metabolic pathways were determined to be significantly enriched. In summary, the 31 gene expression-based signatures were effective and robust in predicting the clinical outcome of glioma in 1,016 glioma samples in five independent international cohorts.
As global efforts to mitigate climate intensifies, innovative strategies for energy management, urban sustainability, and low-carbon development are becoming increasingly important (He et al., 2021;Liu et al., 2022;He et al., 2022;Liu et al., 2023;Luo et al., 2024). This Research Topic, comprising six peer-reviewed studies, provides valuable insights into these critical areas. The contributions cover adaptive strategies for airport energy management, optimizations in clean heating systems, feasibility studies on hybrid energy solutions in developing economies, the impact of energy storage on a green economy, the role of digital economies in low-carbon urban development, and integrated power flow design for EV charging stations. Collectively, these studies highlight the opportunities and challenges of sustainable energy transformation and emphasize the need for context-sensitive solutions. Through diverse case studies and practical frameworks, this collection aims to inspire actionable strategies for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers dedicated to building sustainable, carbon-neutral cities.Adaptive Energy Management for Green Airports: Goh et al. (2024) addressed the unique energy demands of airports, proposing a hybrid system combining solar, wind, and waste-to-energy (WTE) resources. Using Copenhagen Airport as a case study, the authors developed an adaptive model predictive control strategy to manage renewable energy generation in response to fluctuating seasonal demands. This approach highlights the crucial role of tailored energy management strategies in high-energy urban hubs, offering insights into how other transport nodes can transition to carbon neutrality through localized renewable systems.Optimizing Clean Heating Systems in Diverse Climates: Recognizing the variability in climate conditions, Fu et al. (2024) assessed clean heating systems optimized for different regional needs within China. Employing TRNSYS software and a multi-objective optimization strategy, this study identifies cost-effective heating solutions tailored to various climate zones. This research emphasizes the need for regionspecific renewable energy solutions, which could significantly enhance the effectiveness of carbon reduction policies across diverse geographic contexts.Solar-Battery-Generator Hybrid Systems in Nigeria: Ijeoma et al. (2024) analyzed the feasibility of hybrid solar-battery-generator systems for supermarkets in Nigeria, particularly relevant to the removal of fuel subsidies, which has increased diesel costs. Through simulation, the study highlights the technical and economic benefits of these hybrid systems, including a reduction in CO₂ emissions. The findings are crucial for energy-reliant regions where grid instability and fuel dependency hinder sustainable energy adoption, offering a blueprint for renewable hybrid solutions that balance reliability, cost, and environmental benefits.Energy Storage Industry and Low-Carbon Economy: Chen & Li (2024) explored the influence of energy storage on low-carbon growth in China, focusing on economic and environmental impacts across different regions. The study reveals that financial incentives and policy frameworks play crucial roles in promoting green industry growth, with northern China showing a more substantial benefit due to existing support structures. This underscores the strategic role of energy storage in reinforcing urban resilience and balancing the energy trilemma, particularly in policy-driven economies striving to scale low-carbon industries.The Digital Economy's Role in Urban Low-Carbon Development: Song et al. ( 2024) assessed the transformative influence of the digital economy on urban low-carbon sustainability across 270 Chinese cities, examining factors like industrial upgrades and technological innovations. The findings reveal that digital economic growth significantly drives low-carbon initiatives by enhancing resource efficiency and promoting green technology adoption. This demonstrates the potential of digital solutions as a catalyst for urban sustainability, particularly in fast-developing regions where economic growth and sustainability targets intersect.Triple Port Integrated Topology for EV Charging Stations: To address the growing energy demands of electric vehicles (EVs), Tiwari et al. ( 2024) introduced a Triple Port Integrated Topology (TPIT) for EV charging stations that leverage interactions among photovoltaic (PV), grid, and vehicle-to-grid systems. The model supports multiple power flows and is adaptable for further renewable integration, such as hydrogen cells. This research reflects the critical role of flexible and integrated charging infrastructure in urban lowcarbon transportation and highlights the potential for scalable solutions in rapidly electrifying urban areas.Collectively, these papers showcase transformative approaches to renewable energy integration within urban context, addressing both technical and social dimensions of zero-carbon transitions. A recurring theme across these studies is the importance of hybrid and intelligent systems tailored to specific urban needs, regional climate variability, and evolving economic contexts. As urban centers account for a substantial portion of global energy use, these findings underscore the value of cross-disciplinary solutions that integrate engineering, economics, and environmental science.Moving forward, there are several critical areas for further exploration. First, policy frameworks and financial incentives that enable widespread adoption of these technologies are suggested for further investigation. Research examining the economic models that support renewable infrastructure, such as subsidies or carbon credits, would provide a more comprehensive picture of how to incentivize zero-carbon transitions at the municipal level. Additionally, as cities become more interconnected through digital systems, further studies on the impact of cybersecurity on renewable integration are essential. Finally, as urban transportation transitions towards electrification, the role of EVs as mobile energy storage units, integrating renewable energy into transport networks, presents exciting research opportunities.This Research Topic highlights a cross-section of innovative research that contributes valuable insights to urban sustainability, renewable integration, and energy resilience. From airport energy management to digital economies driving low-carbon policies, the collection emphasizes that while urban zero-carbon transitions require scalable renewable solutions, integrating smart systems is equally critical. These studies provide a roadmap for achieving sustainable urban development and call for further research in policy frameworks, technology advancements, and economic incentives that can accelerate the zero-carbon transformations essential for our urban future. The insights presented here will be instrumental for urban planners, researchers, and policymakers as they work collectively towards a sustainable, zero-carbon world.Liu, Z., Sun, Y., Xing, C., Liu, J., He, Y., Zhou, Y., & Zhang, G. (2022)
Transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) is a novel therapeutic approach to activate the retina and related downstream structures. TES has multiple advantages over traditional treatments, such as being minimally invasive and readily applicable in a routine manner. Series of animal experiments have shown that TES protects the retinal neuron from traumatic or genetic induced degeneration. These laboratory evidences support its utilization in ophthalmological therapies against various retinal and optical diseases including retinitis pigmentosa (RP), traumatic optic neuropathy, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), and retinal artery occlusions (RAOs). Several pioneering explorations sought to clarify the functional mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of TES. It seems that the neuroprotective effects should not be attributed to a solitary pathway, on the contrary, multiple mechanisms might contribute collectively to maintain cellular homeostasis and promote cell survival in the retina. More precise evaluations via functional and morphological techniques would determine the exact mechanism underlying the remarkable neuroprotective effect of TES. Further studies to determine the optimal parameters and the long-term stability of TES are crucial to justify the clinical significance and to establish TES as a popularized therapeutic modality against retinal and optic neuropathy.
(2020). Resveratrol promoted the M2 polarization of microglia and reduced neuroinflammation after cerebral ischemia by inhibiting miR-155. International Journal of Neuroscience: Vol. 130, No. 8, pp. 817-825.
Astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation plays a critical role in ischemic stroke-induced secondary cerebral injury. Previous studies have suggested that the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) acts as a key target in regulating the neuroinflammatory response. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unknown, and effective DRD2 agonists are lacking. In the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of sinomenine (Sino), a monomeric compound with potential immunoregulatory properties in nervous system. TTC staining, apoptosis assay, evaluation of brain edema, and neurological assessment were performed in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model. Primary astrocytes exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) were used in the in vitro experiments. Quantitative PCR was applied to assess the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Multi-labeling immunofluorescence, Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were also used to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the Sino-mediated anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro. Sino remarkably attenuated the cerebral infarction and neuronal apoptosis, reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines, and alleviated neurological deficiency in MCAO mice. Sino significantly inhibited astrocytic activation and STAT3 phosphorylation as well as increased DRD2 and αB-crystallin (CRYAB) expression after MCAO. In vitro, Sino blocked OGD-induced activation of STAT3 and generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in primary astrocytes, and these effects were significantly abolished by either DRD2 or CRYAB knockdown. Additionally, Sino induced up-regulation and nuclear translocation of CRYAB in astrocytes and enhanced the interaction between CRYAB and STAT3, which further inhibited the activation and DNA-binding activity of STAT3. Our study demonstrates that Sino activates astrocytic DRD2 and thereby suppresses neuroinflammation via the CRYAB/STAT3 pathway, which sheds some light on a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke.