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Topic Review
Health-Seeking Behaviors in Mozambique
In settings where traditional medicine is a crucial part of the healthcare system, providing culturally competent healthcare services is vital to improving patient satisfaction and health outcomes. Therefore, here sought to gain insight into how cultural beliefs influence health-seeking behaviors (HSBs) among Mozambicans. Participant observation and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were undertaken using the ethnonursing method to investigate beliefs and views that Mozambicans (living in Pemba City) often take into account to meet their health needs.
  • 1.4K
  • 14 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Supply Chain Resilience on SMEs’ Performance
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in every economy, and limited studies have highlighted the significance of resilience in the firms. To determine the impact of supply chain resilience on SMEs’ performance in Saudi Arabia based on three dimensions of resilience, namely agility, robustness, and flexibility.
  • 1.4K
  • 05 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Lancia Delta Group A
The Lancia Delta Group A is a Group A rally car built for the Martini Lancia by Lancia to compete in the World Rally Championship. It is based upon the Lancia Delta road car and replaced the Lancia Delta S4. The car was introduced for the 1987 World Rally Championship season and dominated the World Rally Championship, scoring 46 WRC victories overall and winning the constructors' championship a record six times in a row from 1987 to 1992, in addition to drivers' championship titles for Juha Kankkunen (1987 and 1991) and Miki Biasion (1988 and 1989), making Lancia the most successful marque in the history of the WRC and the Delta the most successful car.
  • 1.4K
  • 03 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Handwritten Chinese Text Recognition
Offline handwritten Chinese recognition is an important research area of pattern recognition, including offline handwritten Chinese character recognition (offline HCCR) and offline handwritten Chinese text recognition (offline HCTR), which are closely related to daily life. HCTR is more complex and relatively less accurate due to the unconstrained nature of text lines and the adhesion between characters. It can be further divided into line-level HCTR and page-level HCTR depending on whether the recognition object is a cropped image of a text line or an entire page.
  • 1.4K
  • 24 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Active SLAM
Here presents a comprehensive review of Active Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (A-SLAM) research conducted over the past. It explores the formulation, applications, and methodologies employed in A-SLAM, particularly in trajectory generation and control action selection, drawing on concepts from Information Theory (IT) and the Theory of Optimal Experimental Design (TOED). The entry includes both qualitative and quantitative analyses of various approaches, deployment scenarios, configurations, path planning methods, and utility functions within A-SLAM research.
  • 1.4K
  • 17 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Maedi-Visna in Dairy Sheep
Maedi-visna in sheep is a chronic viral disease with worldwide distribution causing significant monetary losses in the sheep sector. Lack of effective treatment or vaccines, knowledge gaps regarding the epizootiology of the disease (e.g. significance of vertical and horizontal transmission) and the scarcity of protocols for the early and efficient diagnosis of maedi-visna infections are the major obstacles in the implementation of universally accepted control programs. The diagnostic methods currently used are based on the detection of either antibodies or the viral genome. In general, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the available serological and molecular assays vary and therefore, modifications on the diagnostic protocols on an evidential basis are necessary. Therefore, the combination of diagnostic assays and the development of effective strategies for mass implementation thereof are critical targets to achieve and constitute major challenges in maedi-visna research field.
  • 1.4K
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Cyanobacterial Polyhydroxyalkanoates
Conventional petrochemical plastics have become a serious environmental problem. Its unbridled use, especially in non-durable goods, has generated an accumulation of waste that is difficult to measure, threatening aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The replacement of these plastics with cleaner alternatives, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), can only be achieved by cost reductions in the production of microbial bioplastics, in order to compete with the very low costs of fossil fuel plastics. The biggest costs are carbon sources and nutrients, which can be appeased with the use of photosynthetic organisms, such as cyanobacteria, that have a minimum requirement for nutrients, and also using agro-industrial waste, such as the livestock industry, which in turn benefits from the by-products of PHA biotechnological production, for example pigments and nutrients. Circular economy can help solve the current problems in the search for a sustainable production of bioplastic: reducing production costs, reusing waste, mitigating CO2, promoting bioremediation and making better use of cyanobacteria metabolites in different industries.
  • 1.4K
  • 23 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Functionalised Graphene for Sensing Applications
The demand for gas detection is increasing nowadays. However, its fast detection at room temperature (RT) is a major challenge. Graphene is found to be the most promising sensing material for RT detection, owing to its high surface area and electrical conductivity. The high edge functionalized chemically synthesized graphene derivatives thin films are promising candidates to achieve a fast gas sensing response at room temperature. The high amount of edge functional groups is prominent for the sorption of analyte gas/vapor molecules. 
  • 1.4K
  • 21 May 2021
Topic Review
Direct-Hydrocarbon Proton-Conducting SOFCs
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising and rugged solid-state power sources that can directly and electrochemically convert the chemical energy into electric power. Direct-hydrocarbon SOFCs eliminate the external reformers; thus, the system is significantly simplified and the capital cost is reduced. To reduce operating temperatures of SOFCs, intermediate-temperature proton-conducting SOFCs (P-SOFCs) are being developed as alternatives, which give rise to superior power densities, coking and sulfur tolerance, and durability. Due to these advances, there are growing efforts to implement proton-conducting oxides to improve durability of direct-hydrocarbon SOFCs.
  • 1.4K
  • 27 May 2021
Topic Review
MSC-Based Therapy in Osteoarthritis Treatment
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disorder of the joint and its prevalence and severity is increasing owing to ageing of the population. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the degradation of articular cartilage and remodeling of the underlying bone. Extracellular vesicles are naturally released by cells and they carry their origin cell information to be delivered to target cells. On the other hand, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are highly proliferative and have a great potential in cartilage regeneration. 
  • 1.4K
  • 02 Jun 2021
Topic Review
The Natterin Proteins Diversity
The Natterin proteins were first revealed in the venom of the medically significant Brazilian toadfish Thalassophryne nattereri (VTn) in five orthologs named Natterin (1–4, and -P). They were identified as being responsible for the main toxic non-lethal effects of the VTn, such as local edema and excruciating pain, that evolved to necrosis. Following the first identification, the group of Natterin-like proteins has been expanded over time. Several sequences homologous to Natterin have been identified in different teleostean genomes, such as the venomous catfish Plotosus lineatus and non-venomous fish, including lampreys-Lampetra japonica or Lethenteron camtschaticum and Lampetra morii, arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus, zebrafish Danio rerio, atlantic cod Gadus morhua, and ovate pompano Trachinotus ovatus.
  • 1.4K
  • 09 Aug 2021
Topic Review
TRPM2
The transient receptor potential (TRP) melastatin-like subfamily member 2 (TRPM2) is a non-selective calcium-permeable cation channel. It is expressed by many mammalian tissues, including bone marrow, spleen, lungs, heart, liver, neutrophils, and endothelial cells. The best-known mechanism of TRPM2 activation is related to the binding of ADP-ribose to the nudix-box sequence motif (NUDT9-H) in the C-terminal domain of the channel.
  • 1.4K
  • 01 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.
Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.; family Ericaceae), otherwise known as cowberry, partridgeberry, and foxberry, is an evergreen dwarf shrub with underground rhizomes widely distributed throughout Northern, Central European, Canadian, and Russian countries’ forests. Due to the promising health benefits, mainly associated with the high content of secondary metabolites—phenolics and triterpenoids—lingonberry leaves acquired prominent pharmaceutical potential and breeding value 
  • 1.4K
  • 27 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Anticancer Drug-Induced Cardiotoxicity
The advancement in therapy has provided a dramatic improvement in the rate of recovery among cancer patients. However, this improved survival is also associated with enhanced risks for cardiovascular manifestations, including hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart failure. The cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy is a life-threatening consequence that restricts the use of several chemotherapy drugs in clinical practice. 
  • 1.4K
  • 28 Sep 2021
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Ecdysteroids
Ecdysteroid: member of a class of polyhydroxylated steroids found in invertebrate animals (zooecdysteroids; moulting hormones), plants (phytoecdysteroids) and fungi (mycoecdysteroids). Over 500 structural analogues are currently known. Biosynthetically, they derive from C27-, C28- or C29-sterols. The most frequently encountered analogue (in arthropods and plants) is 20-hydroxyecdysone (2β,3β,14α,20R,22R,25-hexahydroxycholest-7-en-6-one). In arthropods, ecdysteroids occur universally and regulate development by inducing moulting and reproduction, where their action is mediated by high-affinity binding to an intracellular member of the class of nuclear receptor (NR) proteins (ecdysteroid receptor; EcR) dimerised with a second NR (USP/RxR). This receptor complex binds to specific DNA promoter sites and regulates gene expression. In plants, ecdysteroids are a class of secondary compounds, occurring in varying amounts in certain species, but not all in others. Phytoecdysteroids are believed to contribute to the reduction of invertebrate predation by acting as feeding deterrents or endocrine disruptors. Ecdysteroids also possess a wide range of positive pharmacological effects in mammals, where the mode of action involves moderate-affinity binding to plasma-membrane-bound receptors and not interaction with the classical NRs for vertebrate steroid hormones.
  • 1.4K
  • 13 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Social Media in Sustainable Tourism Recovery
The way tourists use SM during and after their trip differs by generation and gender what could be used in promoting responsible behaviour for sustainable tourism. Differences between generations can be observed in behaviours such as ongoing planning the trip, obtaining information about the place to stay, keeping a photo album for friends, and writing reviews. Moreover, more often than men, women use SM to obtain information about the place of stay and share their impressions of the trip by sending MMS or emails. Tracking tourists’ travel behaviour on social media will allow city managers to gather information and respond to their needs and expectations and ensure effective urban management and city promotion.
  • 1.4K
  • 24 Jan 2022
Topic Review
KRAS and the Inflammatory Tumor Microenvironment Modulation
The TME is a dynamic network composed, not only by tumor cells, but also by several non-tumor cell types, including stromal cells as immune cells (macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic and natural killer cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), B and T cells), fibroblasts, adipocytes, endothelial cells, neurons, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). This non-cellular component, together with the tumor and the non-tumor cells, establish a dynamic, challenging microenvironment that can be modulated, but especially modulates cancer cell activities, dictating the success of tumor progression. Inflammation has been gradually recognized as a key initiator and contributor for tumorigenesis by orchestrating the immune surveillance and the immune escape, but also by affecting treatment response. Interestingly, the concept of tumor-promoting inflammation has been tightly associated with KRAS mutations. In fact, in colorectal cancers, the majority of the cases with a high prevalence of KRAS mutations correlate with chronic inflammatory diseases. KRAS and its downstream interactors are described as capable of shaping the immune microenvironment through the induction of the nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF)-kB signaling, which in turn promotes the transcription of several cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin (IL)-1α/β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), Cys-X-Cys Chemokine (CXCL)-1, 2, 5, and 8, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1 or CCL2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1 (ELAM1). Independently of NF-kB, KRAS-downstream partners, such as RAF/MAPK and PI3K, may also induce IL-10, transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) expression. Several studies already reported that KRAS mutations could drive the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10 and TGF-β, with the ability to sustain an immunosuppressive TME, whereas other studies verified that KRAS mutations could interfere with the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as ICAM-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. Thus, KRAS seems to act as a modulator of both an anti-inflammatory and a pro-inflammatory TME.
  • 1.4K
  • 22 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Parabens Exposure and Breast Cancer
There is increasing recognition that environmental exposure to chemicals, such as endocrine-disruptive chemicals (EDCs), contributes to the development of breast cancer. Parabens are a group of EDCs commonly found in personal care products, foods, and pharmaceuticals. Systemic exposure to parabens has been confirmed by the ubiquitous detection of parabens in human blood and urine samples. Although evidence from in vivo and epidemiological studies linking parabens exposure to breast cancer is limited, the current evidence suggests that parabens may negatively interfere with some endocrine and intracrine targets relevant to breast carcinogenesis. So far, most studies have focused on a single paraben’s effects and the direct modulating effects on estrogen receptors or the androgen receptor in vitro. Recent studies have revealed that parabens can modulate local estrogen-converting enzymes, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 and increase local estrogen levels. Also, parabens can crosstalk with the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) pathway and work with ER signaling to increase pro-oncogenic c-Myc expression in ER+/HER2+ breast cancer cells. Future studies investigating paraben mixtures and their crosstalk with other EDCs or signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo in the context of breast cancer development are warranted. 
  • 1.4K
  • 22 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Age-Related Lysosomal Dysfunctions
Aging is a process associated with the detriment of normal physiological functions, which leads to the manifestation of diverse diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, joint degenerative diseases, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes, among others. Lysosomes are heterogeneous organelles enclosed by a lipid bilayer and filled with hydrolytic enzymes. The lysosomes are traditionally described as the subcellular structures where the degradation of other organelles and macromolecules takes place, a fundamental process for maintaining cellular proteostasis. There are several degradation processes in which the lysosomes are involved. If the substrate reaching the lysosomes comes from the extracellular environment, the degradation process is called endocytosis. If the material to be digested comes from the cell itself, the process is classified as autophagy. The lysosomes are also involved in plasma membrane repair through a mechanism called lysosomal exocytosis.  During aging, damage in cellular organelles disbalances the cellular homeostatic processes. Lysosomal dysfunction is emerging as an important factor that could regulate the production of inflammatory molecules, metabolic cellular state, or mitochondrial function. Thus, lysosomal alkalinization, amino acid storage, iron disturbances and lipofuscin accummulation are characteristic features of the lysosome during aging. 
  • 1.4K
  • 30 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Lipid Metabolism in Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor. With limited therapeutic options, novel therapies are desperately needed. Recent studies have shown that GBM acquires large amounts of lipids for rapid growth through activation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), a master transcription factor that regulates fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, and cholesterol uptake. Interestingly, GBM cells divert substantial quantities of lipids into lipid droplets (LDs), a specific storage organelle for neutral lipids, to prevent lipotoxicity by increasing the expression of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) and sterol-O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1), which convert excess fatty acids and cholesterol to triacylglycerol and cholesteryl esters, respectively. 
  • 1.4K
  • 16 Aug 2022
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