Topic Review
Implication of P38 MAPK in drugs of abuse and stress
p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are key signaling molecules in cellular responses to external stresses and regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Some studies have suggested that p38 MAPK in the region of the nucleus accumbens is involved in abnormal behavioral responses induced by drugs of abuse. In this entry, we recapitulate the role of the p38 MAPK in the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse. We also summarize the implication of p38 MAPK in stress, anxiety, and depression. We opine that p38 MAPK activation is more closely associated to stress-induced aversive responses rather than drug effects per se, in particular cocaine. p38 MAPK is only involved in cocaine reward, predominantly when promoted by stress. Downstream substrates of p38 that may contribute to the p38 MAPK associated-behavioral responses are proposed. Finally, we suggest p38 MAPK inhibitors as possible therapeutic interventions against stress-related disorders by potentially increasing resilience against stress and addiction relapse induced by adverse experiences.
  • 1.9K
  • 15 Jul 2020
Topic Review
Whey Proteins and Its Derivatives
Milk whey proteins are one of the most valued constituents due to their nutritional and techno-functional attributes. Whey proteins are rich in bioactive peptides, possessing bioactive properties such as being antioxidant and antihypertensive as well as having antimicrobial activities, which, when ingested, confers several health benefits. These peptides have the potential to be used as an active food ingredient in the production of functional foods. In addition to their bioactivities, whey proteins are known to possess enhanced functional attributes that allow them to be utilized in broad applications, such as an encapsulating agent or carrier materials to entrap bioactive compounds, emulsification, and in edible and active packaging.
  • 1.9K
  • 11 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Fruit Development in Sweet Cherry
Fruits are an important source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients in the human diet. They also contain several compounds of nutraceutical importance that have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles. Cherries contain high concentrations of bioactive compounds and minerals, including calcium, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium, and it is, therefore, unsurprising that cherry consumption has a positive impact on health. The sweet cherry fruit is a drupe—an indehiscent fruit of 1–2 cm in diameter (in some cultivars the diameter can be larger) that has an attractive appearance due to its color (bright red to dark purple depending on the cultivar) and desirable, intense flavor.
  • 1.9K
  • 16 Jun 2022
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Fungal Secondary Metabolism
Fungal secondary metabolites (SMs) comprise a vast collection of compounds expendable for these organisms under laboratory conditions. They exhibit enormous chemical diversity, and usually belong to four major families: terpenoids, polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, or a combination of the last two. Their functions are very diverse and are normally associated with a greater fitness of the producing fungi in their environment, which often compete with other microorganisms or interact with host plants. Many SMs have beneficial applications, e.g., as antibiotics or medical drugs, but others, known as mycotoxins, are harmful to health.
  • 1.9K
  • 13 Apr 2022
Topic Review
List of Kakapo
There are fewer than 250 living individuals of the critically endangered kakapo, a large, flightless parrot native to New Zealand. Every known living kakapo, except some young chicks, has been given a name by officials of the Kakapo Recovery Programme. Many of the older birds were given English-language names, but more recent chicks have been given Māori names. Some kakapo, such as Richard Henry and Moorhouse, are named after people who have provided assistance to the preservation efforts. A kakapo interactive family tree is available.
  • 1.9K
  • 01 Dec 2022
Topic Review
SOX2 Anophthalmia Syndrome
SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by abnormal development of the eyes and other parts of the body.
  • 1.9K
  • 24 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Serratiopeptidase
Microbial products have been used for the treatment of different diseases for many centuries. The serratiopeptidase enzyme provides a new hope for COVID-19-infected patients. Anti-inflammatory drugs are easy to obtain at minimal expenditure from microbial sources. Serratia sp. is identified as one of the most efficient bacteria produced from serratiopeptidase. Screening for new and efficient bacterial strains from different sources has been of interest. Serratiopeptidase remains the most well-known anti-inflammatory drug of choice. Serratiopeptidase is a cheaper and safer anti-inflammatory drug alternative to NSAIDs.
  • 1.9K
  • 01 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Land-Use Impact on Soil Properties
       In urban areas, land use changes usually increases soil degradation as a consequence of surface sealing and pollution. However, in urban and peri-urban areas, there are areas occupied by agriculture and woodlands, with an essential role in provisioning food and other services to urban areas such as water and climate regulation. Land-use change have a substantial impact on soil properties and soil organic carbon stocks, especially in intensively managed soils (i.e. cropland, vineyard land use). Tillage, pesticides, and fertilizer applications were presumably the reasons for altered soil quality properties. Intensively used areas may reduce soil ecosystems services such as the capacity for flood retention and carbon sequestration.
  • 1.9K
  • 16 Sep 2020
Topic Review
siRNA Structure, Function and Delivery
siRNA is a double-stranded RNA molecule with 21- and 22-nucleotide generated by ribonuclease III cleavage from longer double-stranded RNA (dsRNAs). After binding to the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) in the cytoplasm, the sense strand of siRNA undergoes ejection, while the antisense strand of siRNA targets the complementary messenger RNA (mRNA). 
  • 1.9K
  • 20 May 2022
Topic Review
L-Asparaginase
l-Asparaginase (ASNase, EC 3.5.1.1) is a tetrameric aminohydrolase enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of the amino acid L-Asparagine into ammonia and L-aspartic acid. ASNase is present in different organisms such as bacteria, fungi, plant tissues and algae. ASNase is used in the pharmaceutical field as an anticancer drug for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and other malignant diseases such as Hodgkin’s disease. In the food sector, ASNase is used to prevent the formation of acrylamide, a toxic compound formed when starch-rich foods are cooked at temperatures above 100 °C. ASNase can also be used as a biosensor for the detection of L-asparagine levels.
  • 1.9K
  • 21 Feb 2021
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