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Topic Review
Biography
Topic Review
Microbe Interactions within the Skin Microbiome
The skin is the largest human organ and is responsible for many important functions, such as temperature regulation, water transport, and protection from external insults. It is colonized by several microorganisms that interact with each other and with the host, shaping the microbial structure and community dynamics. Through these interactions, the skin microbiota can inhibit pathogens through several mechanisms such as the production of bacteriocins, proteases, phenol soluble modulins (PSMs), and fermentation. Furthermore, these commensals can produce molecules with antivirulence activity, reducing the potential of these pathogens to adhere to and invade human tissues. Microorganisms of the skin microbiota are also able to sense molecules from the environment and shape their behavior in response to these signals through the modulation of gene expression.
150
29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
The Establishment of Pregnancy and Placental Formation
The continuing progress in our understanding of the complexity of interactions between the maternal organism and the early embryo is changing the overall outlook on the initial steps in establishing a pregnancy through placental formation. The first two weeks after fertilization must today be viewed as the critical period during which a major embryo selection process takes place in which a proportion that may surpass 50% of them is physiologically eliminated because they are unfit to progress toward birth.
194
29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Synthetic Proteins in Dental Applications
Biotechnology and artificial intelligence have sparked a revolution in dentistry, with a focus on restoring natural tissue functions. This transformation has given rise to bioactive materials, inspired by biomimetics, aimed at replicating the processes found in nature. As synthetic biology advances, there is a heightened focus on signaling systems crucial for bio-based diagnostics and therapeutics. Dentistry now harnesses synthetic proteins for tissue regeneration and dental material enhancement. A current research priority is bacterial biofilm inhibition, vital for dental health. Given the role of Streptococcus mutans in dental caries, the development of synthetic antimicrobial peptides targeting this bacterium is underway. The balance of dental enamel between demineralization and remineralization impacts caries formation. Factors such as the presence of hydroxyapatite and salivary peptides influence enamel health. Recent studies have spotlighted salivary protein-inspired peptides for enhanced remineralization.
164
29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Tree Trunk Injection
Traditional spraying of pesticides causes significant drift losses, and the residues of pesticides can also affect non-targeted organisms in the environment. Tree injection technology is a precise and targeted pesticide delivery method used in the prevention and treatment of tree and fruit tree pest infestations. It uses the tree’s xylem to transport the injected pesticides throughout the entire plant, reducing pesticide exposure in an open environment.
283
29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
P2X7R and Microglia
P2X receptors are a family of seven ATP-gated ion channels that trigger physiological and pathophysiological responses in various cells. Five of the family members are sensitive to low concentrations of extracellular ATP, while the P2X6 receptor has an unknown affinity. The last subtype, the P2X7 receptor, is unique in requiring millimolar concentrations to activate in humans fully. This low sensitivity imparts the agonist with the ability to act as a damage-associated molecular pattern that triggers the innate immune response in response to the elevated extracellular ATP levels accompanying inflammation and tissue damage.
167
29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Neuroprotective Effect of Fullerenes
The use of carbon nanomaterials including fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, carbon nano-onions, carbon dots and carbon quantum dots for environmental applications has increased substantially. These nanoparticles are now used in the development of sensors and switches, in agriculture as smart fertilizers and in the biomedical realm for cancer therapy intervention, as antioxidants, in gene delivery and as theranostics.
179
29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Functional Near-Infrared Spectrometry
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) has emerged as a promising tool for understanding the human brain’s complex workings due to its ability to measure changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin levels, thus providing insights into neural activity and functional connectivity. fNIRS technology offers a novel approach to studying brain function, especially visual processing and perception. fNIRS offers unique advantages, such as portability, cost-effectiveness and safety, making it suitable for clinical and research applications. Additionally, the combination of fNIRS with emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) opens new avenues for immersive investigations into brain function.
280
29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Targeting GH and IGF-1 in Management of Obesity
Obesity is a prevalent health condition associated with an increased risk of developing several chronic illnesses, including dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Obesity is a complex condition caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors, including diet, physical activity, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. It is characterized by an excess accumulation of body fat resulting from an ongoing positive energy balance (a higher intake of calories than expenditure) and insufficient physical activity, which disrupts the energy balance and normal physiological homeostasis. Growth hormone (GH), also referred to as the “master hormone”, exerts regulatory control over metabolic homeostasis and exerts multifaceted effects on numerous physiological processes.
234
29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Peer Reviewed
Bacteriocins and Bacteriophages as Dual Biological Players for Food Safety Applications
The development of new techniques for the control of pathogenic microorganisms during food production and for the prevention of spoilage are needed to reduce or replace chemical preservatives. This is due to the trend that consumers are increasingly questioning the use of chemical preservatives because of the many health concerns. Because of this issue, bacteriocins and bacteriophages are increasingly viewed as safe natural preservatives with a long history of various applications during food production and preservation. This minireview considers applications of these two antimicrobials, highlights their mode of action, lists their advantages and, when necessary, their limitations. It also reports recent advances in the use of bacteriophages and bacteriocins either alone or in combination in different food matrices. The incentives and effectiveness offered by these antimicrobials in the field of biopreservation are considered for future applications during food production and preservation.
387
29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Crop Prices Factors in the Climate Change Context
Food security has become a concerning issue because of global climate change and increasing populations. Agricultural production is considered one of the key factors that affects food security. The changing climate has negatively affected agricultural production, which accelerates food shortages. The supply of agricultural commodities can be heavily influenced by climate change, which leads to climate-induced agricultural productivity shocks impacting crop prices.
209
29 Jan 2024
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