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Topic Review
Genome-Scale Metabolic Modelling
Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) aim to systematically encode knowledge of the metabolism of an organism. GEMs are composed of different layers of information and are constructed with a combination of automated approaches and manual curation based on the available literature and experimental data. These models not only encode existing knowledge about an organism, but can also generate new knowledge through various analytical methods. The latter are mostly focused on the assessment of reaction fluxes through the metabolic network in different conditions.
  • 1.2K
  • 28 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications of Bioactive Metallic Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles (NPs) are elements derived from a cluster of atoms with one or more dimensions in the nanometer scale in the range of 1–100 nm. The bio nanofabrication of metallic NPs is now an important dynamic area of research, with major significance in applied research. Biogenic synthesis of NPs is more desirable than physical and chemical synthesis due to its eco-friendliness, non-toxicity, lower energy consumption, and multifunctional nature. Plants outperform microorganisms as reducing agents as they contain large secondary biomolecules that accelerate the reduction and stability of the NPs. The produced NPs can then be studied spectroscopically (UV-Visible, XRD, Raman, IR, etc.) and microscopically (SEM, TEM, AFM, etc.). The biological reduction of a metallic ion or its oxide to a nanoparticle is quick, simple, and maybe scaled up at room temperature and pressure. The rise in multi-drug resistant (MDR) microbes due to the immoderate use of antibiotics in non-infected patients is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in humans. The contemporary development of a new class of antibiotics with different mechanisms of action to kill microbes is crucial. Metals and their oxides are extremely toxic to microbes at unprecedentedly low concentrations. In addition, prevailing infections in plants and animals are raising significant concerns across the globe. NPs’ wide range of bioactivity makes them ideal antimicrobial agents in agricultural and medical fields. The present research outlines the synthesis of metallic NPs from botanicals, which enables the metals to be in a stabilized form even after ionization. It also presents a valuable database on the biofunctionalization of synthesized NPs for further drug development.
  • 1.2K
  • 19 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Heterologous Host for Alternative Production of Amaryllidaceae Alkaloids
Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs) are plant specialized metabolites with therapeutic properties exclusively produced by the Amaryllidaceae plant family. Bioengineered microbial hosts that grow rapidly can produce plant target specialized metabolites faster as compared to whole plant systems. In addition, the production of plant metabolites in heterologous hosts can reduce downstream extraction process, which eventually becomes more economically sustainable. For the successful synthesis of plant metabolites such as AAs, heterologous hosts require the introduction of reconstructed biosynthetic pathway, requiring key enzymes. This requires comprehensive knowledge of the enzymatic reactions involved in the biosynthesis of the compound of interest in the native host organisms (i.e., plants).
  • 1.2K
  • 06 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Proteomics Techniques for Biomarker Discovery in Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder, poses a significant challenge for early diagnosis and treatment. In the quest to uncover biomarkers that could aid in early detection, proteomics techniques have emerged as powerful tools with immense potential.
  • 1.2K
  • 03 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Dietary Polyphenols to Target Alzheimer’s Disease
Dietary polyphenols may provide various levels of protection for neuronal health.  This entry extensively examines this topic tabulating the in vivo and in vitro studies that have been performed, the methods used, the doses and duration of treatments, and most importantly the outcomes.  The entry can be particularly useful as a reference and for those embarking on studies to further exploit dietary polyphenols for protection against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease.
  • 1.2K
  • 21 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Bluetongue Virus Vector Vaccines
In this work, we show a deep revision of the viral vector vaccines that have been developed to counteract bluetongue virus (BTV), an arthropod-borne disease that whips domestic and wild ruminants. We analyzed the main advantages and disadvantages of every of them, as well as the immunological features and efficacy that these candidates provided in both murine models and natural hosts.
  • 1.1K
  • 08 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Lignocellulolytic Enzymes Productions and Utilizations
The usage of lignocellulosic biomass in energy production for biofuels and other value-added products can extensively decrease the carbon footprint of current and future energy sectors. Therefore, productions and utilization of "Lignocellulolytic Enzymes" are instrumental to achieve this goal.
  • 1.1K
  • 15 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Value-Added Polyhydroxyalkanoates
The synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a bioplastic that can be used to replace traditional (petrol-based) plastics, is an important focus in today’s politically and environmentally conscious society. 
  • 1.1K
  • 19 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Artificial Intelligence in Fluorescent Nanodiamonds Biomedical Imaging
The ability to precisely monitor the intracellular temperature directly contributes to the essential understanding of biological metabolism, intracellular signaling, thermogenesis, and respiration. The intracellular heat generation and its measurement can also assist in the prediction of the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. Intracellular thermometry without altering the biochemical reactions and cellular membrane damage is challenging, requiring appropriately biocompatible, nontoxic, and efficient biosensors. Bright, photostable, and functionalized fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) have emerged as excellent probes for intracellular thermometry and magnetometry with the spatial resolution on a nanometer scale. The temperature and magnetic field-dependent luminescence of naturally occurring defects in diamonds are key to high-sensitivity biosensing applications. Alterations in the surface chemistry of FNDs and conjugation with polymer, metallic, and magnetic nanoparticles have opened vast possibilities for drug delivery, diagnosis, nanomedicine, and magnetic hyperthermia. The possibilities and outcomes of using AI strategies recommended for early stage disease diagnosis and imaging are discuessed. 
  • 1.1K
  • 18 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Antimicrobial Activity from Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta Extracts
Macroalgae are aquatic photosynthetic organisms (mainly marine) belonging to the domain Eukarya. Macroalgae are mainly divided into three groups: red algae (Rhodophyta) and green algae (Chlorophyta), which are classified in kingdom Plantae, and brown algae (Ochrophyta, class Phaeophyceae), belonging to kingdom Chromista. Therefore, as terrestrial plants, macroalgae possess interesting biological activities that could be involved in the development of natural and innovative antibiotics. Macroalgae’s biological activities can vary among phyla.
  • 1.1K
  • 09 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Applying Red Seaweed-Derived Compounds in Acne Vulgaris Care
Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic skin disease of the pilosebaceous unit affecting both adolescents and adults. Its pathophysiology includes processes of inflammation, increased keratinization, sebum production, hormonal dysregulation, and bacterial Cutibacterium acnes proliferation. Common AV has been treated with antibiotics since the 1960s, but strain resistance has emerged and is of paramount concern. Macroalgae are known producers of substances with bioactive properties, including anti-viral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, among several others. In particular, red algae are rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, lipids, sterols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, conferring them antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities, among others. Thus, the exploration of compounds from marine resources can be an appealing approach to discover new treatment options against AV.
  • 1.1K
  • 16 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Xylitol Biosynthesis in the Yeast Candida
Xylitol is an industrially important chemical due to its commercial applications. The use of xylitol as a sweetener as well as its utilization in biomedical applications has made it a high value specialty chemical.
  • 1.1K
  • 09 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Bioactive Antimicrobial Peptides for Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a devastating complication, affecting 15% of diabetic patients and representing the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations. Notably, the risk of mixed bacterial–fungal infection is elevated and highly associated with wound necrosis and poor clinical outcomes. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are endogenous peptides that are naturally abundant in several organisms, such as bacteria, amphibians and mammals. These molecules have shown broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and some of them even have wound-healing activity, establishing themselves as ideal candidates for treating multi-kingdom infected wounds.
  • 1.1K
  • 24 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Monkeypox Diagnosis Approaches
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an adenovirus with a double-stranded DNA genome, belonging to the family Poxviridae, subfamily Chordopoxvirinae, and the genus Orthopoxvirus. MPXV was first reported in 1958 after two pox-like disease outbreaks occurred in monkeys. The original source of MPXV is unknown. Rodents likely harbor the virus, leading to spillover events. The case of human infection by MPXV was first reported in humans in in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970.
  • 1.1K
  • 04 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Krüppel-like factor 4
Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a transcription factor very important in various developmental processes and disease states.
  • 1.1K
  • 30 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Dopamine D3 Receptor Heteromerization
The dopamine (DA) D3 receptor (D3R) plays a pivotal role in the control of several functions, including motor activity, rewarding and motivating behavior and several aspects of cognitive functions. Recently, it has been reported that the D3R is also involved in the regulation of neuronal development, in promoting structural plasticity and in triggering key intracellular events with neuroprotective potential. A new role for D3R-dependent neurotransmission has thus been proposed both in preserving DA neuron homeostasis in physiological conditions and in preventing pathological alterations that may lead to neurodegeneration. Interestingly, there is evidence that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) located on DA neurons also provide neurotrophic support to DA neurons, an effect requiring functional D3R and suggesting the existence of a positive cross-talk between these receptor systems. Increasing evidence suggests that, as with the majority of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), the D3R directly interacts with other receptors to form new receptor heteromers with unique functional and pharmacological properties. Among them, we recently identified a receptor heteromer containing the nAChR and the D3R as the molecular effector of nicotine-mediated neurotrophic effects.
  • 1.1K
  • 19 Jul 2020
Topic Review
Enzymatic Biocatalysts Applied for Pharmaceutical Pollutants Degradation
Both the growth of the world’s population and the associated active use of various pharmaceutical compounds (PCPs) (antibiotics, hormones, cardiovascular, analgesics, , anti-inflammatory and antiepileptic drugs, etc.) have led to the problem of their contamination of water and the environment. PCPs are found in various concentrations in the wastewater of urban wastewater treatment plants. The physical-chemical processes of PCPs removal using membrane filtration, chlorination, ozonation and photocatalytic oxidation, sorption and microbiological degradation ensure the elimination of these pollutants, but have certain limitations in the effectiveness of these processes.Biological treatment has a number of significant advantages, which consist in the use of natural biocatalysts (enzymes, microorganisms) for the destruction of micropollutants. Analysis of recently published studies on the use of soluble and immobilized enzymes as biocatalysts for the biodegradation of various PCPs has shown the effectiveness of these applications.  
  • 1.1K
  • 29 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Production Process on Organoleptic Profile of Industrial Beers
Beer is one of the most popular and commonly consumed alcoholic beverages worldwide. However, a remarkable transition has been taking place regarding consumersʹ preference for traditional ‘tasteless’ beers, to more complex craft beers, with a growing quota of consumers being interested in new beer styles that exhibit novel sensory characteristics. In addition, a growing consumer segment, comprising people between 21 and 30 years old, seems to be interested in new beer tastes and is willing to pay for these tasty beers, even if more expensive. For this reason, brewers and researchers are investigating the use of alternative raw materials and processing conditions over the different stages of beer brewing so that its organoleptic profile is enhanced.
  • 1.1K
  • 11 Nov 2022
Topic Review
PR Proteins with Enzymatic Action in Plant Defense
Plant defense depends on constitutive and induced factors combined as defense mechanisms. These mechanisms involve a complex signaling network linking structural and biochemical defense. Antimicrobial and pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins are examples of this mechanism, which can accumulate extra- and intracellular space after infection. 
  • 1.1K
  • 14 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Exosomes Derived from Tumor
Exosomes are lipid membrane-enclosed vesicles released by all cell types that act at the paracrine or endocrine level to favor cell differentiation, tissue homeostasis, organ remodeling, and immune regulation. Their biosynthesis begins with a cell membrane invagination which generates an early endosome that matures to a late endosome. By inward budding of the late endosome membrane, a multivesicular body (MVB) with intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) is generated. The fusion of MVBs with the plasma membrane releases ILVs into the extracellular space as exosomes, ranging in size from 30 to 100 nm in diameter. The bilipid exosome membrane is rich in cholesterol, ceramides, and phosphatidylserine and can be loaded with DNA, RNA, microRNAs, proteins, and lipids. It has been demonstrated that exosome secretion is a common mechanism used by the tumor to generate an immunosuppressive microenvironment that favors cancer development and progression, allowing tumor escape from immune control. 
  • 1.1K
  • 19 Mar 2021
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