Topic Review
Fluorescence Confocal Microscopy in Urological Malignancies
Fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) represents a novel diagnostic technique able to provide real-time histological images from non-fixed specimens. As a consequence of its recent developments, FCM is gaining growing popularity in urological practice. 
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  • 17 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Potential of microRNAs to Attenuate Diabetic Kidney Disease
Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) is a significant complication of diabetes and primary cause of end-stage renal disease globally. The exact mechanisms underlying DKD remain poorly understood, but multiple factors, including the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), play a key role in its progression. Aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid steroid hormone, is one of the key components of RAAS and a potential mediator of renal damage and inflammation in DKD. miRNAs, small noncoding RNA molecules, have attracted interest due to their regulatory roles in numerous biological processes. These processes include aldosterone signaling and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression. Numerous miRNAs have been recognized as crucial regulators of aldosterone signaling and MR expression. These miRNAs affect different aspects of the RAAS pathway and subsequent molecular processes, which impact sodium balance, ion transport, and fibrosis regulation.
  • 661
  • 17 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Factors Influencing Yak Oocytes Maturation and Developmental Competence
The yak (Bos grunniens) is a unique breed living on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and its surrounding areas, providing locals with a variety of vital means of living and production. However, the yak has poor sexual maturity and low fertility. High-quality mature oocytes are the basis of animal breeding technology. In vitro culturing of oocytes and embryo engineering technology have been applied to yak breeding. 
  • 123
  • 17 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Magic Blue Light
The elongation of plant stems represents a crucial growth trait in horticultural plant production, owing to its potential impact on plant development and yield. It is a prevailing scientific belief that blue light (BL; 400–500 nm) generally causes plant compactness. However, increasing studies on LED lighting has indicated that  BL does not necessarily cause compact plants and can even result in stretching of plants. After discovery of this phenomenon, the researchers from University of Guelph have carried out a series of studies to explore the relevant mechanisms and applications. By synthesizing the findings from their lab and other groups, the researchers proposed a simple model to explain the mechanisms involved in blue-LED-promoted plant elongation, and summarized the potential ways to apply blue LEDs in plant production in controlled environments.
  • 352
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Cyanobacterial Phycobiliproteins
Phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are accessory light-harvesting pigment complexes found in cyanobacteria, red algae, and certain types of cryptophytes. The unique spectral features (strong absorbance and fluorescence), proteinaceous nature, and some imperative properties such as the anti-oxidative, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activity of PBPs allow their use in biomedical industries.
  • 139
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Medicinal Properties of Cordyceps Mushrooms
Mushrooms have also been known to exhibit medicinal properties, and as such, they have been used in traditional medicine worldwide. Recently, scientists have turned their attention to Cordyceps (C.) sp. mushrooms in search of a natural product with high medicinal value. The study of C. mushrooms has shown they have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and anti-tumoral effects. It has also been shown that they can help improve the gut microbiota.
  • 391
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Major Depression as a Mitochondria-Associated Disease
The link between mitochondria and major depressive disorder (MDD) is increasingly evident, underscored both by mitochondria’s involvement in many mechanisms identified in depression and the high prevalence of MDD in individuals with mitochondrial disorders. Mitochondrial functions and energy metabolism are increasingly considered to be involved in MDD’s pathogenesis.
  • 139
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate Synthase and 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate Oxidase in Abiotic Stress
Ethylene is an essential plant hormone, critical in various physiological processes. These processes include seed germination, leaf senescence, fruit ripening, and the plant’s response to environmental stressors. Ethylene biosynthesis is tightly regulated by two key enzymes, namely 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO). Under normal developmental processes, ACS and ACO collaborate to maintain balanced ethylene production, ensuring proper plant growth and physiology. However, under abiotic stress conditions, such as drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, or pathogen attack, the regulation of ethylene biosynthesis becomes critical for plants’ survival.
  • 168
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Biochar Impacts
Around the world, biochar, a multipurpose carbonaceous material, is being used to concurrently solve issues with enhancing soil fertility, plant growth, and development under both normal and stressful circumstances. It improves water retention, fosters nutrient absorption, and promotes microbial activity, creating a fertile environment that supports sustainable and resilient agriculture. Additionally, biochar acts as a carbon sink, contributing to long-term carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change impacts. The application of biochar is one of the sustainable approaches to improving the physical and chemical properties of soil, and the quality of produce and crops yield. Furthermore, biochar has proven to be efficient in different applications, particularly soil amendment for crop production and the removal of pollutants from the contaminated water and soil environments.
  • 212
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Ketogenic Diet in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly and its development is linked to multifactorial interactions between the environment, genetics, aging and lifestyle. The pathological hallmarks in AD are the accumulation of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ), the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, neurotoxic events and impaired glucose metabolism. Due to pharmacological limitations and in view of the prevailing glycemic hypometabolism, the ketogenic diet (KD) emerges as a promising non-pharmacological possibility for managing AD, an approach that has already demonstrated efficacy in addressing other disorders, notably epilepsy. The KD consists of a food regimen in which carbohydrate intake is discouraged at the expense of increased lipid consumption, inducing metabolic ketosis whereby the main source of energy becomes ketone bodies instead of glucose. Thus, under these dietary conditions, neuronal death via lack of energy would be decreased, inasmuch as the metabolism of lipids is not impaired in AD. In this way, the clinical picture of patients with AD would potentially improve via the slowing down of symptoms and delaying of the progression of the disease.
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  • 16 Jan 2024
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