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Topic Review
Unique Properties of Chitosan Nanomaterials and Magnetic Chitosan
Adsorption is the most widely used technique for advanced wastewater treatment. The preparation and application of natural renewable and environmentally friendly materials makes this process easier and more profitable. Chitosan is often used as an effective biomaterial in the adsorption world because of its numerous functional applications. Chitosan is one of the most suitable and functionally flexible adsorbents because it contains hydroxyl (-OH) and amine (-NH2) groups. The adsorption capacity and selectivity of chitosan can be further improved by introducing additional functions into its basic structure. Owing to its unique surface properties and adsorption ability of chitosan, the development and application of chitosan nanomaterials has gained significant attention. The recovery of pollutants using magnetic nanoparticles is an important treatment process that has contributed to additional development and sustainable growth.
  • 1.3K
  • 20 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Legume Consumption
Legumes are nutrient-dense crops with health-promoting benefits. However, several barriers are associated with their consumption. Emerging issues including food neophobic tendencies or taboos, unclear dietary guidelines on legume consumption, health concerns, and socio-economic reasons, as well as long cooking procedures, adversely affect legume consumption frequency. Pre-treatment methods, including soaking, sprouting, and pulse electric field technology, are effective in reducing the alpha-oligosaccharides and other anti-nutritional factors, eventually lowering cooking time for legumes.
  • 1.3K
  • 07 Jun 2023
Topic Review
ERC-4519 NFTs for the Rental of Smart Homes
The rental of houses is a common economic activity. However, there are many inconveniences that arise when renting a property. The lack of trust between the landlord and the tenant due to fraud or squatters makes it necessary to involve third parties to minimize risk. A blockchain (such as Ethereum) provides an ideal solution to act as a low-cost intermediary. In particular, the use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) based on ERC-4519 is very interesting for smart home tokenization. The ERC-4519 is an Ethereum standard for describing NFTs tied to physical assets, allowing smart homes (assets) to be linked to NFTs so that the smart homes can interact with the blockchain and perform transactions, know their landlord (owner) and assigned tenant (user), whether they are authenticated or not, and know their operating mode (NFT state). The payments associated with the rental process are made using the NFT, eliminating the need for additional fungible tokens and simplifying the process. 
  • 1.3K
  • 29 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Architectural Interactions
In recent years, architectural interactions have become the center of many important reflections. However, there is little agreement on the subject. Some authors consider architecture to be about its relations with human and nonhuman agents. Others consider that buildings have an autonomous presence, which transcends all their interactions. These approaches are generally seen as incompatible. Although at the heart of the debate is the role of relations in architecture, their nature is not addressed. A closer look at architectural relations reveals that autonomy and relationality are not opposing, but complementary, aspects.
  • 1.3K
  • 11 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Tetrapyrrole- and GUN1-Dependent Signaling
Tetrapyrroles are involved in various functions critical to whole organisms’ viability, including light absorption, electron transfer, and oxygen binding.  GUN1 contributes to important biological processes, including plastid protein homeostasis, through transcription, translation, and protein import.
  • 1.3K
  • 24 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Isothermal Amplification Methods in Detecting Food-Borne Pathogens
The isothermal amplification method, a molecular-based diagnostic technology, such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), is widely used as an alternative to the time-consuming and labor-intensive culture-based detection method. However, food matrices or other compounds can inhibit molecular-based diagnostic technologies, causing reduced detection efficiencies, and false-negative results. These inhibitors originating from food are polysaccharides and polyphenolic compounds in berries, seafood, and vegetables. Additionally, magnesium ions needed for amplification reactions can also inhibit molecular-based diagnostics. The successful removal of inhibitors originating from food and molecular amplification reaction is therefore proposed to enhance the efficiency of molecular-based diagnostics and allow accurate detection of food-borne pathogens. Among molecular-based diagnostics, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors have been reported.
  • 1.3K
  • 07 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Stem Cell Homing
Stem cells are essential to the regenerative processes with a primary function to replace damaged cells in the body. Their ability to differentiate into functional cells is an outcome of their response to micro-environmental changes, i.e., stem cells’ interaction with signals released by the affected tissue. Cell homing is a stem cell’s ability to find a point of destination, be it a tissue in distress or a niche. Cell homing is a diverse term. Many cell types, including stem cells, progenitors, and mature, specialized T cells, are homing to their respective niches—environments that promote their self-renewable state. 
  • 1.3K
  • 27 Apr 2022
Topic Review
RT-LAMP CRISPR-Cas12/13-Based SARS-CoV-2 Detection Methods
LAMP is highly specific and produces a large yield of amplicon in a short period of time, with reagents that are less expensive and more readily available. In addition, the CRISPR technology is a highly specific approach for detecting nucleic acids rapidly and accurately. Therefore, this review focuses on the CRISPR-based detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using Cas12 and Cas13 nucleases integrated with reverse-transcription LAMP (RT-LAMP).
  • 1.3K
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Liexian Zhuan
The Liexian Zhuan, sometimes translated as Biographies of Immortals, is the oldest extant Chinese hagiography of Daoist xian "transcendents; immortals; saints; alchemists". The text, which compiles the life stories of about 70 mythological and historical xian, was traditionally attributed to the Western Han dynasty editor and imperial librarian Liu Xiang (77-8 BCE), but internal evidence dates it to the 2nd century CE during the Eastern Han period. The Liexian Zhuan became a model for later authors, such as Ge Hong's 4th century CE Shenxian zhuan ("Biographies of Divine Immortals").
  • 1.3K
  • 05 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Green Composites for Maritime Engineering
Green composites have gained increasing attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials used in marine structures. These composites are made from biodegradable and renewable materials, making them environmentally friendly and reducing the subsequent carbon footprint. 
  • 1.3K
  • 22 Mar 2023
Topic Review
RNAi Delivery
Bone-related injury and disease constitute a significant global burden both socially and economically. Current treatments have many limitations and thus the development of new approaches for bone-related conditions is imperative. Gene therapy is an emerging approach for effective bone repair and regeneration, with notable interest in the use of RNA interference (RNAi) systems to regulate gene expression in the bone microenvironment. Calcium phosphate nanoparticles represent promising materials for use as non-viral vectors for gene therapy in bone tissue engineering applications due to their many favorable properties, including biocompatibility, osteoinductivity, osteoconductivity, and strong affinity for binding to nucleic acids. However, low transfection rates present a significant barrier to their clinical use. This article reviews the benefits of calcium phosphate nanoparticles for RNAi delivery and highlights the role of surface functionalization in increasing calcium phosphate nanoparticles stability, improving cellular uptake and increasing transfection efficiency. Currently, the underlying mechanistic principles relating to these systems and their interplay during in vivo bone formation is not wholly understood. Furthermore, the optimal microRNA targets for particular bone tissue regeneration applications are still unclear. Therefore, further research is required in order to achieve the optimal calcium phosphate nanoparticles-based systems for RNAi delivery for bone tissue regeneration.
  • 1.3K
  • 17 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Francisella FupA and FupB Proteins
Responsible for tularemia, Francisella tularensis bacteria are highly infectious Gram-negative, category A bioterrorism agents. The molecular mechanisms for their virulence and resistance to antibiotics remain largely unknown. FupA (Fer Utilization Protein), a protein mediating high-affinity transport of ferrous iron across the outer membrane, is associated with both. Recent studies demonstrated that fupA deletion contributed to lower F. tularensis susceptibility towards fluoroquinolones, by increasing the production of outer membrane vesicles. Although the paralogous FupB protein lacks such activity, iron transport capacity and a role in membrane stability were reported for the FupA/B chimera, a protein found in some F. tularensis strains, including the live vaccine strain (LVS). To investigate the mode of action of these proteins, we purified recombinant FupA, FupB and FupA/B proteins expressed in Escherichia coli and incorporated them into mixed lipid bilayers. We examined the porin-forming activity of the FupA/B proteoliposomes using a fluorescent 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid, disodium salt (ANTS) probe. Using electrophysiology on tethered bilayer lipid membranes, we confirmed that the FupA/B fusion protein exhibits pore-forming activity with large ionic conductance, a property shared with both FupA and FupB. This demonstration opens up new avenues for identifying functional genes, and novel therapeutic strategies against F. tularensis infections.
  • 1.3K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is defined as a progressive loss of the innermost nerve cells of the retina, the retinal ganglion cells, with a simultaneous characteristic loss of the peripheral visual field. The underlying cause for glaucoma remains unclear and the condition has been recognized as multifactorial with a potential important systemic involvement.
  • 1.3K
  • 12 Feb 2021
Topic Review
BAW-Based Separation
Bulk acoustic waves have been applied to microfluidic separations with many benefits, such as flexible placement of transducer, simple, and versatile setups. A BAW-based microfluidic device typically operates with bulk acoustic standing waves in a microchannel between two parallel opposite walls. BAW-based microfluidic separation techniques have been applied in separating various types of particles and biological samples based on their size, density and compressibility.
  • 1.3K
  • 26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
CRISPR/Cas-Based Gene Editing
There is a growing need for a molecular vehicle that can successfully load and deliver CRISPR/Cas ribonucleoprotein complexes (and other gene editing systems) into target tissues. Synthetic delivery vehicles are being developed but so far have been only moderately successful. Extracellular vesicles are ideal candidates for a universal biological platform to produce ready-to-use, programmable, and highly biocompatible CRISPR therapeutics. Using extracellular vesicles in the CRISPR/Cas research and, ultimately, in the clinic, demands novel, advanced techniques for protein/RNA loading, surface engineering, and manufacturing. Safety of CRISPR/Cas systems and EVs also need to be tested extensively for every particular application.
  • 1.3K
  • 03 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Fusarium Cyclodepsipeptide Mycotoxins
Most of the fungi from the Fusarium genus are pathogenic to cereals, vegetables, and fruits, and the products of their secondary metabolism mycotoxins may accumulate in foods and feeds. Non-ribosomal cyclodepsipeptides are one of the main mycotoxin groups and include beauvericins (BEAs), enniatins (ENNs), and beauvenniatins (BEAEs).
  • 1.3K
  • 08 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Architecture, Engineering and Construction Industry
The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector is a significant driver of economic activity around the world. Structure- and workplace-related safety accidents have the potential to be life-threatening. Unfortunately, these are always some of the most overlooked things in the sector.
  • 1.3K
  • 05 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Small Ras GTPases in Fungi
Monomeric GTPases, which belong to the Ras superfamily, are small proteins involved in many biological processes. The most studied families are Ras, Rho, Rab, Ran, Arf, and Miro, and recently, a new family named Big Ras GTPases was reported. As a general rule, the proteins of all families have five characteristic motifs (G1–G5), and some specific features for each family have been described. The main functions described for monomeric GTPases in fungi include morphogenesis, secondary metabolism, vesicle trafficking, and virulence.
  • 1.3K
  • 21 Jun 2021
Topic Review
RNA Modifications in Translation Fidelity
RNA modifications play an essential role in determining RNA fate. Recent studies have revealed the effects of such modifications on all steps of RNA metabolism. These modifications range from the addition of simple groups, such as methyl groups, to the addition of highly complex structures, such as sugars. Their consequences for translation fidelity are not always well documented. Unlike the well-known m6A modification, they are thought to have direct effects on either the folding of the molecule or the ability of tRNAs to bind their codons.
  • 1.3K
  • 19 Nov 2021
Topic Review
REM Sleep, Sleep Fuctions and Sleep Quality
The correct phase relationship of the sleep period with the circadian pacemaker is an important factor to guarantee adequate restorative sleep duration and sleep continuity, thus providing the necessary background for a good night’s sleep. Due to the fact that REM sleep is controlled by the circadian clock, it can provide a window-like mechanism that defines the termination of the sleep period when there is still the necessity to complete the sleep processes  and to meet the circadian end of sleep timing. An adequate amount of REM sleep appears necessary to guarantee sleep continuity, while periodically activating the brain and preparing it for the return to consciousness.
  • 1.3K
  • 23 Dec 2021
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