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Topic Review
κ-Opioid Receptor Agonists
The κ-opioid receptor (KOR) belongs to the class of inhibitory G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), widely expressed throughout the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Due to the implications of KOR activation, KOR agonists have attracted recent attention for their ability to produce analgesia without the harmful side effects typically associated with MOR activation. In addition, KOR agonists show the potential for the treatment of pruritis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, immune mediated diseases such as osteoarthritis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, gastrointestinal diseases, cancer, hypoxia and ischemia.
  • 1.1K
  • 20 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Europe Food Security in the Prolonged Russian–Ukrainian Conflict
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, two major agricultural powers, has numerous severe socio-economic consequences that are presently being felt worldwide and that are undermining the functioning of the global food system. The war has also had a profound impact on the European food system. Indeed, the European agricultural industry is a net importer of several commodities, such as inputs and animal feed. This vulnerability, combined with the high costs of inputs such as fertilizers and energy, creates production difficulties for farmers and threatens to drive up food prices, affecting food affordability and access. Higher input prices increase production costs and, ultimately, inflation. This may affect food security and increase (food) poverty.
  • 1.1K
  • 13 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Distribution Network Planning with DPG and ESS
Distributed Power Generation and Energy Storage Systems (DPG-ESSs) are crucial to securing a local energy source. Both entities could enhance the operation of Smart Grids (SGs) by reducing Power Loss (PL), maintaining the voltage profile, and increasing Renewable Energy (RE) as a clean alternative to fossil fuel. However, determining the optimum size and location of different methodologies of DPG-ESS in the SG is essential to obtaining the most benefits and avoiding any negative impacts such as Quality of Power (QoP) and voltage fluctuation issues.
  • 1.1K
  • 11 May 2023
Topic Review
Oxidative Stress in Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease characterized by elevated artery pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance. Underlying mechanisms comprise endothelial dysfunction, pulmonary artery remodeling and vasoconstriction. Several studies have shown evidence of the critical role of oxidative stress in PH pathophysiology. Alteration of redox homeostasis produces excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, inducing oxidative stress and the subsequent alteration of biological molecules. Exacerbations in oxidative stress production can lead to alterations in nitric oxide signaling pathways, contributing to the proliferation of pulmonary arterial endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, inducing PH development. 
  • 1.1K
  • 12 May 2023
Topic Review
Tuberculosis in the Twenty-First Century
With an estimated two billion people being carriers of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), the gains achieved by increasing access to diagnostics and treatment, although substantial, have had a modest impact on the global burden of tuberculosis (TB). At the same time, increased access to treatment has had the unintended consequence that drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) has increased dramatically. Earlier TB control strategies strongly emphasizing medical treatment have failed to address these issues effectively.
  • 1.1K
  • 23 May 2023
Topic Review
Digitalization of Construction Projects through Integration
The construction industry has fared poorly in the process of digital transformation, while the main challenge is the digitalization of construction projects. Changes in project management approaches are urgently required in construction organizations to better align digital technology and organizational conditions.
  • 1.1K
  • 05 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Energy Storage in Urban Areas
Positive Energy Districts can be defined as connected urban areas, or energy-efficient and flexible buildings, which emit zero greenhouse gases and manage surpluses of renewable energy production. Energy storage is crucial for providing flexibility and supporting renewable energy integration into the energy system. It can balance centralized and distributed energy generation, while contributing to energy security. Energy storage can respond to supplement demand, provide flexible generation, and complement grid development. Photovoltaics and wind turbines together with solar thermal systems and biomass are widely used to generate electricity and heating, respectively, coupled with energy system storage facilities for electricity (i.e., batteries) or heat storage using latent or sensible heat. Energy storage technologies are crucial in modern grids and able to avoid peak charges by ensuring the reliability and efficiency of energy supply, while supporting a growing transition to nondepletable power sources.
  • 1.1K
  • 06 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is a condition characterized by progressive problems with movement. People with this condition initially experience problems with coordination and balance (ataxia). Other early signs and symptoms of SCA3 include speech difficulties, uncontrolled muscle tensing (dystonia), muscle stiffness (spasticity), rigidity, tremors, bulging eyes, and double vision. People with this condition may experience sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome or REM sleep behavior disorder. Restless leg syndrome is a condition characterized by numbness or tingling in the legs accompanied by an urge to move the legs to stop the sensations. REM sleep behavior disorder is a condition in which the muscles are active during the dream (REM) stage of sleep, so an affected person often acts out his or her dreams. These sleep disorders tend to leave affected individuals feeling tired during the day.  
  • 1.1K
  • 23 Dec 2020
Topic Review
The Potential Use of Probiotics
To address the rapidly growing use of probiotics in animal agriculture, this review discusses the effect of probiotics on animal growth and development, immune response, and productivity. Several benefits have been associated with the use of probiotics in farm animals, such as improved growth and feed efficiency, reduced mortality, and enhanced product quality. While the mechanisms through which probiotics induce their beneficial effects are not well understood, their role in modifying the gastrointestinal microbiota is believed to be the main mechanism. The use of probiotics in fresh and fermented meat products has been also shown to reduce pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms and improve sensory characteristics. Although many benefits have been associated with the use of probiotics, their effectiveness in improving animal performance and product quality is highly variable. Factors that dictate such variability are dependent on the probiotic strain being utilized and its stability during storage and administration/inoculation, frequency and dosage, nutritional and health status as well as age of the host animal. Therefore, future research should focus on finding more effective probiotic strains for the desired use and identifying the optimum dose, administration time, delivery method, and mechanism of action for each strain/host.
  • 1.1K
  • 20 Oct 2020
Topic Review
European Mink Mustela lutreola L.,1761
European mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761 is considered one of the most endangered mammalian species in the world, due to its ongoing population depletion, both in terms of the actual number of individuals and area occupied. The species was originally spread over most of continental Europe, but nowadays only three wild, isolated, declining populations occupying less than 3% of the former range survive with only about 5000 individuals are estimated persisted in the wild. The alarming situation of the species is proven by its categorization as critically endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, and it is listed in Annex II to the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, Annexes II and IV (priority species) of the Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, and in The Carpathian List of Endangered Species (critically endangered species (CR)). Despite this, studies in the field of genetics of M. lutreola are limited and urgently need to be completed, especially in the context of the progressing extinction process and the disappearance of its numerous populations in France, Belarus, and Russia, among others. The rapidly shrinking and vanishing genetic resources will largely never be studied and described, which is an irreversible loss from cognitive and practical points of view. The meagre data on interpopulation genetic diversity may significantly impair the efficacy of the implemented activities for restitution of the European mink, especially in the context of conservation breeding and species reintroduction. Notably, only (conservation) genetics can provide tools to rescue species affected by the extinction vortex, which, in turn, requires more research initiatives in the conservation genetics of the European mink.
  • 1.1K
  • 20 Nov 2020
Topic Review
X-linked Thrombocytopenia
X-linked thrombocytopenia is a bleeding disorder that primarily affects males.
  • 1.1K
  • 24 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Simulation of Sunspot Cycles
Numerous systems in nature exhibit oscillatory dynamics suggesting common underlying processes. Without knowing an exact interacting mechanism, predictive modelling applied to known count data of a system can provide a non-statistical solution defining its evolution. A recursive difference equation is used to describe the evolution of sunspots and solar cycles in the discrete time domain. Sunspot count for solar cycle 21 is pulse-like over an 11-year period, definable by the product of a pair of growth and decay logistic difference equations. Oscillatory behaviour of multiple solar cycles 22 to 24 up to 2010 are modelled by stabilizing a delayed logistic difference equation.
  • 1.1K
  • 28 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Circular Fashion
The textile and fashion industry has had significant technological developments but is currently criticised for its environmental and social impacts and for being a major contributor to waste. The rise of the circular economy (CE) has promoted more sustainable concepts, including the trending of recycling strategies to add value to the textile and plastic waste. However, adding value to products and for users implies technical upscaling and clear communication about the benefits of recycling.
  • 1.1K
  • 07 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Heavy Metal Stress Signalling
The mining of heavy metals from the environment leads to an increase in soil pollution, leading to the uptake of heavy metals into plant tissue. The build-up of toxic metals in plant cells often leads to cellular damage and senescence. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to produce plants with improved tolerance to heavy metals for food security, as well as to limit heavy metal uptake for improved food safety purposes.
  • 1.1K
  • 07 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Properties and Bioactivity of Chitosan
Chitosan (CS) is a natural biopolymer derived by deacetylation (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine to D-glucosamine unit) of chitin.
  • 1.1K
  • 11 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Effects of Quercetin on Herbivores
Quercetin is one of the most abundant flavonoids in terrestrial plants and pollen. In living plants, quercetin can function as a secondary metabolite to discourage insect herbivory. Literature on insect-quercetin interactions was searched and data synthesized to test the hypothesis that quercetin can become an effective biocide to reduce herbivory. The USDA, National Agricultural Library, DigiTop Navigator platform was used to search the literature for harmful versus nonharmful effects of quercetin on insect behavior, physiology, and life history parameters. Quercetin effects were evaluated on herbivores in five insect orders. Quercetin was significantly more harmful to Hemiptera, Diptera, and Lepidoptera but significantly more nonharmful to Coleoptera. Harmful and nonharmful effects to Orthoptera were indistinguishable. Quercetin had significantly more harmful (than nonharmful) effects on herbivores when data from the five insect orders were combined. Quercetin concentration (mg/mL) did not significantly affect these results. This study suggests that quercetin could prevent herbivory but field experiments are necessary to substantiate these results.
  • 1.1K
  • 25 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Microalgae/Macroalgae Extracts on NAFLD
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) covers a wide spectrum of histopathological abnormalities ranging from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis (NASH). Algae represent a good source of proteins, vitamins, minerals and fiber. In addition, they are rich in a great number of bioactive compounds, such as peptides, pigments, phenolic compounds and fatty acids with potential applications in health, due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antihiperlipidaemic and antiobesity effect. 
  • 1.1K
  • 26 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Olive Pomace and Ocular Surface
Oxidative- and inflammatory-related ocular surface diseases have high prevalence and are an emerging issue in ophthalmology. Olive pomace (OP) is the olive oil’s industry main by-product, and is potentially environmentally hazardous. Nevertheless, it contains phenolic compounds with important bioactivities, like oleuropein (OL) and hydroxytyrosol (HT). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of four OP extracts (CONV, OPT(1–3)), pure OL and HT, and mixtures thereof were screened on human corneal (HCE) and conjunctival epithelial (IM-ConjEpi) cells. CONV was conventionally extracted, while OPT(1–3) were produced by pressurized liquid extraction. Thanks to their improved activity, CONV and OPT3 (HT-enriched) were selected for dose-dependent studies. Cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α or ultraviolet-B radiation, measuring interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17A as well as interferon γ-induced protein [IP]-10 secretion or intracellular ROS production, respectively. On HCE, both extracts and HT inhibited the secretion of most measured ILs, demonstrating a strong anti-inflammatory effect; while in IM-ConjEpi, all samples decreased IP-10 secretion. Moreover, HT, OL, and both extracts showed strong dose-dependent antioxidant activity in both cell lines. Compared with CONV, OPT3 was active at lower concentrations, demonstrating that intensified extraction techniques are selective towards targeted biomarkers. Hence, a high-value application as potential ocular surface therapy was proposed for the OP valorization.
  • 1.1K
  • 02 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Deforestation, Urbanization, and Mosquito and Tick-Borne Diseases
Central America is a unique geographical region that connects North and South America, enclosed by the Caribbean Sea to the East, and the Pacific Ocean to the West. This region, encompassing Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua, is highly vulnerable to the emergence or resurgence of mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases due to a combination of key ecological and socioeconomic determinants acting together, often in a synergistic fashion. Of particular interest are the effects of land use changes, such as deforestation-driven urbanization and forest degradation, on the incidence and prevalence of these diseases, which are not well understood. In recent years, parts of Central America have experienced social and economic improvements; however, the region still faces major challenges in developing effective strategies and significant investments in public health infrastructure to prevent and control these diseases.
  • 1.1K
  • 29 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Social Support Among Siblings of Children with Cancer
Siblings of children with cancer need support to ameliorate the challenges they encounter; however, little is known about what types and sources of support exist for siblings.
  • 1.1K
  • 08 Feb 2022
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