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Topic Review
Updating Phospholipase A2 Biology
The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) superfamily contains more than 50 enzymes in mammals that are subdivided into several distinct families on a structural and biochemical basis. In principle, PLA2 has the capacity to hydrolyze the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids to release fatty acids and lysophospholipids, yet several enzymes in this superfamily catalyze other reactions rather than or in addition to the PLA2 reaction. PLA2 enzymes play crucial roles in not only the production of lipid mediators, but also membrane remodeling, bioenergetics, and body surface barrier, thereby participating in a number of biological events. Accordingly, disturbance of PLA2-regulated lipid metabolism is often associated with various diseases.
  • 1.4K
  • 17 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (Fabaceae)
Trees are vital resources for economic, environmental, and industrial growth, supporting human life directly or indirectly through a wide variety of therapeutic compounds, commodities, and ecological services. Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. (Fabaceae) is one of the most valuable multipurpose forest trees in India and Sri Lanka, as it is cultivated for quality wood as well as pharmaceutically bioactive compounds, especially from the stem bark and heartwood. However, propagation of the tree in natural conditions is difficult due to the low percentage of seed germination coupled with overexploitation of this species for its excellent multipurpose properties. This overexploitation has ultimately led to the inclusion of P. marsupium on the list of endangered plant species. However, recent developments in plant biotechnology may offer a solution to the overuse of such valuable species if such advances are accompanied by technology transfer in the developing world. Specifically, techniques in micropropagation, genetic manipulation, DNA barcoding, drug extraction, delivery, and targeting as well as standardization, are of substantial concern. To date, there are no comprehensive and detailed reviews of P. marsupium in terms of biotechnological research developments, specifically pharmacognosy, pharmacology, tissue culture, authentication of genuine species, and basic gene transfer studies.
  • 1.4K
  • 23 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Fungal Diagnostics
 For invasive fungal infections late diagnosis results in a poor prognosis. This review summarises the current state of the art in diagnostics used in medical mycology and anticipates the emergence of new generations of boiosensors that will provide new opportunities for rapid, sensitive detection of fungal infections.
  • 1.4K
  • 21 Dec 2020
Topic Review
3D Printing Technologies in Biosensors Production
Three-dimensional (3D) printing was born in 1986, with the publication of Chuck Hull’s patent, who invented stereolithography; it has evolved and differentiated, with the introduction of new printing techniques and numerous materials with different characteristics. 
  • 1.4K
  • 18 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Aquaporins and Female Reproductive System
Aquaporins constitute a group of water channel proteins located in numerous cell types. These are pore-forming transmembrane proteins, which mediate the specific passage of water molecules through membranes. It is well-known that water homeostasis plays a crucial role in different reproductive processes, e.g., oocyte transport, hormonal secretion, completion of successful fertilization, blastocyst formation, pregnancy, and birth. Further, aquaporins are involved in the process of spermatogenesis, and they have been reported to be involved during the storage of spermatozoa. It is noteworthy that aquaporins are relevant for the physiological function of specific parts in the female reproductive system.
  • 1.4K
  • 22 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Roles of the CXCL8-CXCR1/2 Axis in Cancer
In humans, Interleukin-8 (IL-8 or CXCL8) is a granulocytic chemokine with multiple roles within the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as recruiting immunosuppressive cells to the tumor, increasing tumor angiogenesis, and promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). 
  • 1.4K
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Conifer Seed Production Enhance
Flowering, the beginning of the reproductive growth, is a significant stage in the growth and development of plants. Conifers are economically and ecologically important, characterized by straight trunks and a good wood quality and, thus, conifer plantations are widely distributed around the world. In addition, conifer species have a good tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, and a stronger survival ability. Seeds of some conifer species, such as Pinus koraiensis, are rich in vitamins, amino acids, mineral elements and other nutrients, which are used for food and medicine. Although conifers are the largest (giant sequoia) and oldest living plants (bristlecone pine), their growth cycle is relatively long, and the seed yield is unstable. Flowering and seed yields in conifers are affected by a variety of factors, such as pollen, temperature, light, water availability, nutrients, etc., and a number of management techniques, including topping off, pruning, fertilization, hormone treatment, supplementary pollination, etc. has been developed for improving cone yields.
  • 1.4K
  • 13 Sep 2021
Topic Review
COVID-19-Associated Candidiasis
The recent global pandemic of COVID-19 has predisposed a relatively high number of patients to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which carries a risk to develop secondary infections. Candida species are major constituents of the human mycobiome and the main cause of invasive fungal infections with a high mortality rate, and are also increasingly reported as complication of severe COVID-19. Despite the marked immune dysregulation in COVID-19, no prominent defects have been reported in immune cells that are critically required for immunity to Candida. This suggests that relevant clinical factors, including prolonged ICU stays, use of central venous catheters and often broad-spectrum antibiotics may dominate over immune-mediated mechanisms to drive susceptibility to candidemia in the setting of COVID-19. Although diagnostic performance evaluations are often lacking in COVID-19 patients, a combination of serological and molecular techniques may present promising diagnostic options for identification of COVID-19-associated candidiasis. Clinical awareness and screening of invasive candidiasis is needed, as those are difficult to diagnose, particular in the setting of severe COVID-19. Echinocandins and azoles are the primary antifungal used to treat invasive candidiasis, yet therapeutic failures exerted by prominent nosocomial pathogens such as C. auris and C. glabrata calls for the development of new antifungal drugs with novel mechanisms of action.
  • 1.4K
  • 26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
B-Cell Lymphoma-Extra-Large
B-Cell Lymphoma-extra-large (BCL-xL) is involved in longevity and successful aging,which indicates a role for BCL-xL in cell survival pathway regulation. Beyond its well described role as an inhibitor of apoptosis by preventing cytochrome c release, BCL-xL has also been related, indirectly, to autophagy and senescence pathways. Although in these latter cases, BCL-xL has dual roles, either activating or inhibiting, depending on the cell type and the specific conditions. Taken together, all these findings suggest a precise mechanism of action for BCL-xL, able to regulate the crosstalk between apoptosis, autophagy, and senescence, thus promoting cell survival or cell death. All three pathways can be both beneficial or detrimental depending on the circumstances. Thus, targeting BCL-xL would in turn be a “double-edge sword” and therefore, additional studies are needed to better comprehend this dual and apparently contradictory role of BCL-XL in longevity.
  • 1.4K
  • 31 Jul 2020
Topic Review
Microcystins
Harmful cyanobacterial blooms pose an environmental health hazard due to the release of water-soluble cyanotoxins. One of the most prevalent cyanotoxins in nature is microcystins (MCs), a class of cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxins, and they are produced by several common cyanobacteria in aquatic environments. Once released from cyanobacterial cells, MCs are subjected to physical chemical and biological transformations in natural environments. MCs can also be taken up and accumulated in aquatic organisms and their grazers/predators and induce toxic effects in several organisms, including humans.
  • 1.4K
  • 14 Sep 2021
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