Topic Review
Comparative Method for Measuring Peptide Structure
Small peptides are an important component of the vertebrate immune system. They are important molecules for distinguishing proteins that originate from the host versus proteins derived from a pathogenic organism, such as a virus or bacterium. Therefore, these peptides are central to the vertebrate host response to intracellular and extracellular pathogens. Computational models for peptide prediction are based on a narrow sample of data with an emphasis on the position and chemical properties of the amino acids. In prior studies, this approach has led to models with higher predictability as compared to models that rely on the geometrical arrangement of atoms. However, protein structure data from experiment and prediction is a source for building models, and, therefore, knowledge on the role of small peptides in the vertebrate immune system.
  • 491
  • 02 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Quantum Biology and Non-Targeted Effects
Non-targeted effects (NTE) are an intriguing phenomenon where the biological responses observed in cells or tissues are not directly exposed to a stressor (e.g., ionizing radiation or chemical agents). onventional radiation biology approaches have predominantly focused on the macroscopic effects of ionizing radiation, overlooking the quantum-scale interactions that may play a crucial role in NTE. Quantum biology (QB) offers a unique perspective to explore and understand the intricate and subtle processes underlying NTE.
  • 33
  • 01 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Soy Isoflavones in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
A possible link between diet and cancer has long been considered, with growing interest in phytochemicals. Soy isoflavones have been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer in Asian populations. Of the soy isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, in particular, have been studied, but recently, equol as a derivative has gained interest because it is more biologically potent. Different mechanisms of action have already been studied for the different isoflavones in multiple conditions, such as breast, gastrointestinal, and urogenital cancers. Many of these mechanisms of action could also be demonstrated in the prostate, both in vitro and in vivo. 
  • 16
  • 01 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Animal Models in Corneal Pathologies
The eye is a complex sensory organ that enables visual perception of the world. The dysfunction of any of these tissues can impair vision. Conduction studies on laboratory animals are essential to ensure the safety of therapeutic products directly applied or injected into the eye to treat ocular diseases before eventually proceeding to clinical trials. Among these tissues, the cornea has unique homeostatic and regenerative mechanisms for maintaining transparency and refraction of external light, which are essential for vision. However, being the outermost tissue of the eye and directly exposed to the external environment, the cornea is particularly susceptible to injury and diseases. This review highlights the evidence for selecting appropriate animals to better understand and treat corneal diseases, which rank as the fifth leading cause of blindness worldwide. The development of reliable and human-relevant animal models is, therefore, a valuable research tool for understanding and translating fundamental mechanistic findings, as well as for assessing therapeutic potential in humans.
  • 30
  • 01 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Structural, Functional Changes by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Mutations
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has sparked intense research on its spike protein, which is essential for viral entrance into host cells. Viral reproduction and transmission, host immune response regulation, receptor recognition and host cell entrance mechanisms, as well as structural and functional effects have all been linked to mutations in the spike protein. Spike protein mutations can also result in immune evasion mechanisms that impair vaccine effectiveness and escape, and they are linked to illness severity and clinical consequences. 
  • 20
  • 01 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Oxidative Stress and Lung Fibrosis
Lung fibrosis is a progressive fatal disease in which deregulated wound healing of lung epithelial cells drives progressive fibrotic changes. Persistent lung injury due to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are central features of lung fibrosis. Cigarette smoking causes oxidative stress and is a risk factor for lung fibrosis.
  • 52
  • 30 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Neoangiogenesis and Extracellular Matrix of HNSCC
Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is one of the ten most common malignant neoplasms, characterized by an aggressive course, high recurrence rate, poor response to treatment, and low survival rate. This creates the need for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of this cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HNSCC consists of stromal and immune cells, blood and lymphatic vessels, and extracellular matrix. It is known that HNSCC is characterized by complex relationships between cancer cells and TME components. TME components and their dynamic interactions with cancer cells enhance tumor adaptation to the environment, which provides the highly aggressive potential of HNSCC and resistance to antitumor therapy.
  • 32
  • 30 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Zoos as Conservation Institutions
Zoological institutions, which were once exclusively for entertainment, are now leaders of wildlife conservation. This centuries-long transition was punctuated by key milestones that reformed wild animal exploitation into a mission of protection. Modern zoos perform ex situ activities to preserve natural resources, which are enabled by the housing of wild species. Zoo-managed animals facilitate new scientific knowledge, public education, and strategic breeding to maintain genetic diversity.
  • 56
  • 30 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Lyotropic Liquid Crystals for Efficient Intestinal Lymphatic Targeting
Lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) are liquids that have crystalline structures. LLCs as drug delivery systems that can deliver hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and amphiphilic agents. Due to their unique phases and structures, LLCs can protect both small molecules and biologics from the gastrointestinal tract’s harsh environment, thus making LLCs attractive as carriers for oral drug delivery.
  • 30
  • 30 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Effects of Biologically Active Compounds of Animal Origin
Envenomation by animal venoms remains a serious medical and social problem, especially in tropical countries. On the other hand, animal venoms are widely used as a source of biologically active compounds for the development of novel drugs. Numerous derivatives of animal venoms are already used in clinical practice. Current research data point to the possibility of using animal venoms and their components in the development of various potential therapeutic agents; however, before their possible clinical use the route of injection, molecular target, echanism of action, exact dosage, possible side effects and other fundamental parameters should be her investigated.
  • 24
  • 30 Nov 2023
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