Comprehensive Research Strategy Research Articles

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with a Focus on Lupus Nephritis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease affecting mostly women of child-bearing age. Immune dysfunction in SLE results from disrupted apoptosis which lead to an unregulated interferon (IFN) stimulation and the production of autoantibodies, leading to immune complex formation, complement activation, and organ damage. Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common and severe complication of SLE, impacting approximately 30% to 40% of SLE patients. Recent studies have demonstrated an alteration in mitochondrial homeostasis in SLE patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes significantly to SLE pathogenesis by enhancing type 1 IFN production through various pathways involving neutrophils, platelets, and T cells. Defective mitophagy, the process of clearing damaged mitochondria, exacerbates this cycle, leading to increased immune dysregulation. In this review, we aim to detail the physiopathological link between mitochondrial dysfunction and disease activity in SLE. Additionally, we will explore the potential role of mitochondria as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in SLE, with a specific focus on LN. In LN, mitochondrial abnormalities are observed in renal cells, correlating with disease progression and renal fibrosis. Studies exploring cell-free mitochondrial DNA as a biomarker in SLE and LN have shown promising but preliminary results, necessitating further validation and standardization. Therapeutically targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in SLE, using drugs like metformin or mTOR inhibitors, shows potential in modulating immune responses and improving clinical outcomes. The interplay between mitochondria, immune dysregulation, and renal involvement in SLE and LN underscores the need for comprehensive research and innovative therapeutic strategies. Understanding mitochondrial dynamics and their impact on immune responses offers promising avenues for developing personalized treatments and non-invasive biomarkers, ultimately improving outcomes for LN patients.

Feathered diplomacy: when birds become main factors of research design and geography on Vigur Island

Vigur Island, situated in Iceland’s Westfjords, is renowned for its diverse avian species, such as Atlantic Puffins and Black Guillemots, and its marine inhabitants including Harbour and Grey Seals. Despite its openness to tourism, the island is a subject of ongoing conservation efforts. This opinion paper argues for a more holistic approach to research on the island, highlighting the complex interplay between human activity and the island’s ecosystem. It critiques the current, often narrow, research methodologies that fail to fully account for the intricate relationships between species and their environment. The paper calls for a re-evaluation of habitat classification to incorporate the significant impact of avian populations and stresses the importance of adhering to Icelandic laws that mandate minimal disturbance to wildlife. With seasonal closures and careful management practices like eiderdown collection, Vigur Island serves as a model for balancing human interests with ecological integrity. This opinion advocates for adaptable, comprehensive research strategies that, while illustrated through the case of Vigur, should be applied universally, urging scientists to embrace broader perspectives in environmental studies globally.

Navigating paradoxes of identity and leadership in the age of digital transformation of construction industry: architects’ experiences and perceptions

The ability of architects to adapt to diverse identities and effectively manage the paradoxical challenges posed by digital transformation is critical to their role as innovative leaders in the dynamic digital construction landscape. However, existing research has yet to fully explore the complex experiences of paradoxical leadership and identity adaptation among architects in this context. Addressing this gap, the study aims to explore the types of conflicting identities and paradoxical leadership behaviour experienced by architects in response to the paradoxical challenges inherent to this phenomenon. Employing an interpretive phenomenological approach, the study engaged ten individuals practicing in architectural consultancy practices (ACPs) settings in Malaysia for in-depth, semi-structured interviews and a written account exercise to uncover their experiences. Thematic structural analysis yielded five key themes: “designer and technologist,” “technical-oriented and social-oriented individuals,” “collaborator and independent thinker,” “expert and lifelong learner,” and “reductionist and holistic thinking.” This comprehensive research strategy offers a more in-depth understanding of architects’ experiences and provides novel insights for enhancing leadership and identity development. Additionally, the newly developed paradoxical leadership and identity-based framework can serve as a platform for practitioners to nurture future-ready architects, upskill and reskill the existing workforce, and potentially reduce the industry’s reliance on foreign talent.

Long Term Evolution of MEA for AEM

Green hydrogen technology, aimed at revolutionizing clean hydrogen production, has recently garnered significant attention. However, the pursuit of cost-effective methods for obtaining clean hydrogen remains a substantial challenge for various industries. Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) has emerged as a promising solution, leveraging low-cost materials and high efficiency, thus attracting extensive interest from both researchers and industries. Yet, the adoption of AEMWE faces two major hurdles: its relative immaturity as a technology and the limited exploration of its durability and stability. Within the Production, Use, and Storage of Hydrogen (PUSH) Research Center, a collaborative effort involving Chalmers Technical University, Lund University, Umeå University, and Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), we are dedicated to addressing the scientific and technical barriers currently hindering the seamless integration of hydrogen into sustainable energy systems. Our comprehensive research strategy encompasses every facet of hydrogen, including production, storage, distribution, and utilization, all working synergistically in harmony. One of the ongoing projects in this research center, conducted in cooperation with RISE, around enhancing the durability of components and devices through advanced testing techniques applied to AEMWE. This study present the results of a 2000-hour lifetime test and Accelerated Stress Testing (AST) conducted on a commercial Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA), showcasing the system's remarkable stability. It must be mentioned that in the next step, these results will be compared with lifetime test and AST from MEAs from other partners within PUSH Research Center.

Research Priorities of the Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury Population: An International Insight for Rehabilitation Care

BackgroundAlthough feedback from people with adult-onset spinal cord injury (SCI) has been considered for new rehabilitation programs, little is known about the priorities of the pediatric-onset SCI population. This study describes and compares health and life (H&L) domain research priorities of youth with pediatric-onset SCI and their parents/caregivers. MethodsA cross-sectional survey, designed by the Pan-European Paediatric Spinal Cord Injury (PEPSCI) Collaboration, was performed at six European countries. Dyad data from 202 participants, youth with pediatric-onset SCI (n = 101) and their parents/caregivers (n = 101), were analyzed with the PEPSCI H&L domain surveys. ResultsThe cohort was composed of 8 to 12-year-olds (30.7%), 13 to 17-year-olds (38.6%), and 18 to 25-year-olds (30.7%). The top three H&L domain research priorities reported by parents/caregivers of 8 to 12-year-olds were “walking/ability to move” (91%), “bladder” function (90%), and “general health/feel” (89%), compared with “physical function” (93%), “general health/feel” (90%), and “walking/ability to move” (89%) rated by parents/caregivers of 13 to 25-year-olds. “Bowel” function (85%), “leg/foot movement” (84%), and “bladder” function (84%) were reported as priorities by 13 to 25-year-olds, whereas “physical function” (84%), “experience at school” (83%), and “general mood” were highlighted by 8 to 12-year-olds. The top 10 priorities preferred by 13 to 25-year-olds when compared with the top 10 priorities reported by their parents/caregivers, included problems related to “bowel” and “pain.” ConclusionsHealth domain research priorities were highlighted by 13 to 25-year-olds, compared with their parents/caregivers who equally identified H&L domains. This survey will aid health care and clinical research organizations to engage stakeholders to implement a comprehensive research strategy for the pediatric SCI population.

REVIEW OF LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICS EVOLUTION IN NIGERIA'S RESPONSE TO COVID-19

This comprehensive review elucidates the evolution of laboratory diagnostics in Nigeria's response to COVID-19, emphasizing its pivotal role in managing infectious diseases. The purpose of this review is to analyze the advancements in diagnostic approaches and their implications on effective pandemic management and future preparedness. A robust and comprehensive research strategy was employed, involving a systematic synthesis and critical review of peer-reviewed articles, focusing on innovations, developments, and challenges in diagnostic procedures during the pandemic. The results revealed significant progress in diagnostic methodologies and technologies, with enhanced capabilities to detect and control the spread of infectious diseases, despite logistical, infrastructural, and regulatory challenges. The review concluded that the advancements in diagnostics have multifaceted impacts on shaping effective pandemic management strategies and altering public health policy and practice. Recommendations include strengthening laboratory capacities, developing sustainable strategies, investing in research and development, promoting international collaboration, and enhancing health systems. The insights derived are instrumental in envisioning the evolving role and future of laboratory diagnostics in managing infectious diseases, driving transformative changes in healthcare delivery, and ensuring a more robust approach to infectious disease management.
 Keywords: Laboratory Diagnostics, Infectious Diseases, Pandemic Management, Diagnostic Advancements, Public Health Policy, Healthcare Systems.

Why don’t Americans trust university researchers and why it matters for climate change

Scientists have developed a strong consensus that Earth’s climate is changing and that human activities play an important role in these changes. However, current research shows that in the United States, there is significant partisan polarization on climate change and its causes, leading to climate denialism. In this paper, we shed light on the political and social determinants of climate action. Using a May 2022 nationally representative survey of American registered voters (n = 2,096), we examine the multivariate correlates of trust in university research and opinions about climate change. Our results confirm that segments of the American electorate do not believe climate change is a problem for the United States and that climate change is not a consequence of human activities. But we also show that part of the problem regarding climate denialism is a lack of trust in university research. We argue for a comprehensive four-stage research strategy based on the empirical results. First, more research must be done to understand who trusts or distrusts university research on climate change and who is persuadable. Second, more research is needed on climate communication framing and messaging. Third, additional research on appropriate messaging is necessary. Finally, we need to develop a culture of trust in climate research and how it is communicated across society.

Geriatric syndromes, chronic inflammation, and advances in the management of frailty: A review with new insights.

As people age, geriatric syndromes characterized by frailty significantly impact both clinical practice and public health. Aging weakens people's immune functions, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation that ultimately contributes to the development of frailty. Effectively managing geriatric syndromes and frailty can help alleviate the economic burden of an aging population. This review delves into the intricate relationship among aging, infection-induced inflammation, chronic inflammation, and frailty. In addition, it analyzes various approaches and interventions to address frailty, such as smart rehabilitation programs and stem-cell treatments, offering promising solutions in this new era. Given the importance of this topic, further research into the mechanisms of frailty is crucial. Equally essential is the devising of relevant measures to delay its onset and the formulation of comprehensive clinical, research, and public health strategies to enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals.

Perspectives on Labor Migration: Insights from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's labor migration management is currently faced with pressing challenges. These include a disparity between attracting labor migrants and effectively regulating their flow, a lack of tools to assess regional demand for skilled foreign workers, and inadequate systems to monitor migrant movement and placement. Moreover, there's a pronounced brain drain across various industries without efficient strategies to retain this talent. This research proposes evidence-based strategies for establishing an integrated labor migration regulation system. Our goal is to refine Kazakhstan's migration policy, strengthen its legislative framework, and offer actionable recommendations for government bodies. The methodological foundation is built on a blend of general scientific and specialized legal methodologies, drawing insights from comparative jurisprudence. These methodologies encompass system-structural, historical-legal, socio-legal, and comparative legal approaches, ensuring a holistic, nuanced, and comprehensive research strategy.

HIF-1-Induced hsa-miR-429: Understanding Its Direct Targets as the Key to Developing Cancer Diagnostics and Therapies.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the regulation of mRNA stability and translation. In spite of our present knowledge on the mechanisms of mRNA regulation by miRNAs, the utilization and translation of these ncRNAs into clinical applications have been problematic. Using hsa-miR-429 as an example, we discuss the limitations encountered in the development of efficient miRNA-related therapies and diagnostic approaches. The miR-200 family members, which include hsa-miR-429, have been shown to be dysregulated in different types of cancer. Although these miR-200 family members have been shown to function in suppressing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tumor metastasis, and chemoresistance, the experimental results have often been contradictory. These complications involve not only the complex networks involving these noncoding RNAs, but also the problem of identifying false positives. To overcome these limitations, a more comprehensive research strategy is needed to increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying their biological role in mRNA regulation. Here, we provide a literature analysis of the verified hsa-miR-429 targets in various human research models. A meta-analysis of this work is presented to provide better insights into the role of hsa-miR-429 in cancer diagnosis and any potential therapeutic approach.

Integrating UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS, network pharmacology and experimental validation to reveal the potential mechanism of Tibetan medicine Rhodiola granules in improving myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Ethnopharmacology relevanceRhodiola granules (RG) is a traditional Tibetan medicine prescription that can be used to improve the symptoms of ischemia and hypoxia in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, there is no report on its use to improve myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and its potential active ingredients and mechanism against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remain unclear. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to reveal the potential bioactive components and underlying pharmacological mechanisms of RG in improving myocardial I/R injury through a comprehensive strategy. Materials and methodsUPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS technology was used to analyze the chemical components of RG, the potential bioactive components and targets were tracked and predicted by the SwissADME and SwissTargetPrediction databases, and the core targets were predicted through the PPI network, as well the functions and pathways were determined by GO and KEGG analysis. In addition, the molecular docking and ligation of the anterior descending coronary artery-induced rat I/R models were experimentally validated. ResultsA total of 37 ingredients were detected from RG, including nine flavones, ten flavonoid glycosides, one glycoside, eight organic acids, four amides, two nucleosides, one amino acid, and two other components. Among them, 15 chemical components, such as salidroside, morin, diosmetin, and gallic acid were identified as key active compounds. Ten core targets, including AKT1, VEGF, PTGS2, and STAT3, were discovered through the analysis of the PPI network constructed from 124 common potential targets. These possible targets were involved in the regulation of oxidative stress and HIF-1/VEGF/PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Furthermore, molecular docking confirmed that the potential bioactive compounds in RG have good potential binding abilities to AKT1, VEGFA, PTGS2, STAT3, and HIF-1α proteins. Then, the animal experiments showed that RG could significantly improve the cardiac function of I/R rats, reduce the size of myocardial infarction, improve the myocardial structure, and reduce the degree of myocardial fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and myocardial cell apoptosis rate in I/R rats. In addition, we also found that RG could decrease the concentration of AGE, Ox-LDL, MDA, MPO, XOD, SDH, Ca2+, and ROS, and increase the concentration of Trx, TrxR1, SOD, T-AOC, NO, ATP, Na+k+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, and CCO. Moreover, RG could significantly down-regulate the expressions of Bax, Cleaved-caspase3, HIF-1α, and PTGS2, as well up-regulate the expressions of Bcl-2, VEGFA, p-AKT1, and p-STAT3. ConclusionIn summary, we revealed for the first time the potential active ingredients and mechanisms of RG for myocardial I/R injury therapy through a comprehensive research strategy. RG may synergistically improve myocardial I/R injury through anti-inflammatory, regulating energy metabolism, and oxidative stress, improving I/R-induced myocardial apoptosis, which may be related to the HIF-1/VEGF/PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Our study provides new insights into the clinical application of RG and also provides a reference for the development and mechanism research of other Tibetan medicine compound preparations.

Nanotechnology: A Revolution in Modern Industry.

Nanotechnology, contrary to its name, has massively revolutionized industries around the world. This paper predominantly deals with data regarding the applications of nanotechnology in the modernization of several industries. A comprehensive research strategy is adopted to incorporate the latest data driven from major science platforms. Resultantly, a broad-spectrum overview is presented which comprises the diverse applications of nanotechnology in modern industries. This study reveals that nanotechnology is not limited to research labs or small-scale manufacturing units of nanomedicine, but instead has taken a major share in different industries. Companies around the world are now trying to make their innovations more efficient in terms of structuring, working, and designing outlook and productivity by taking advantage of nanotechnology. From small-scale manufacturing and processing units such as those in agriculture, food, and medicine industries to larger-scale production units such as those operating in industries of automobiles, civil engineering, and environmental management, nanotechnology has manifested the modernization of almost every industrial domain on a global scale. With pronounced cooperation among researchers, industrialists, scientists, technologists, environmentalists, and educationists, the more sustainable development of nano-based industries can be predicted in the future.

Subject Area Risk Assessment of Four Hungarian Universities with a View to the QS University Rankings by Subject

Abstract Purpose The aim of our paper is to investigate the role of a mentor leading a research team in the overall scientific performance of an academic institution and the possible risks of their departure with a special attention to their publication output. Design/methodology/approach By using SciVal subject area data, we composed a formula describing the level of vulnerability of any given university in the case of losing any of its leading mentors, identifying other risk factors by dividing their careers into separate stages. Findings It turns out that the higher field-weighed citation impact is, the better position universities reach in the rankings by subject and the vulnerability of institutions highly depends on the mentors, especially in view of their contribution to the topic clusters. Research limitations The analysis covers the publication output of leading researchers working at four Hungarian universities, the scope of the analysis is worth being extended. Practical implications Our analysis has the potential to give an applicable systemic approach as well as a data collection scheme to university managements so as to formulate an inclusive and comprehensive research strategy involving the introduction of a reward system aimed at publications and further encouraging national and international research cooperation. Originality/value The methodology and the principles of risk assessment laid down in our paper are not restricted to measuring the vulnerability level of a limited group of academic institutions, they can be appropriately used for investigating the role of mentors or leading researchers at every university across the globe.

Articulating target-mining techniques to disinter Alzheimer's specific targets for drug repurposing

Background and objectivesAlzheimer's Disease (AD), an extremely progressive neurodegenerative disorder is an amalgamation of numerous intricate pathological networks. This century old disease is still an unmet medical condition owing to the modest efficacy of existing therapeutic agents in antagonizing the multi-targeted pathological pathways underlying AD. Given the paucity in AD specific drugs, fabricating comprehensive research strategies to envision disease specific targets to channelize and expedite drug discovery are mandated. However, the dwindling approval rates and stringent regulatory constraints concerning the approval of a new chemical entity is daunting the pharmaceutical industries from effectuating de novo research. To bridge the existing gaps in AD drug research, a promising contemporary way out could be drug repurposing. This drug repurposing investigation is intended to envisage AD specific targets and create drug libraries pertinent to the shortlisted targets via a series of avant-garde bioinformatics and computational strategies. MethodsTranscriptomic analysis of three AD specific datasets viz., GSE122063, GSE15222 and GSE5281 revealed significant Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) and subsequent Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) network analysis captured crucial AD targets. Later, homology model was constructed through I-TASSER for a shortlisted target protein which lacked X-ray crystallographic structure and the built protein model was validated by molecular dynamic simulations. Further, drug library was created for the shortlisted target based on structural and side effect similarity with respective standard drugs. Finally, molecular docking, binding energy calculations and molecular dynamics studies were carried out to unravel the interactions exhibited by drugs from the created library with amino acids in active binding pocket of RGS4. ResultsSST and RGS4 were shortlisted as potentially significant AD specific targets, however, the less explored target RGS4 was considered for further sequential analysis. Homology model constructed for RGS4 displayed best quality when validated through Ramachandran plot and ERRAT plot. Subsequent docking and molecular dynamics studies showcased substantial affinity demonstrated by three drugs viz., Ziprasidone, Melfoquine and Metaxalone from the created drug libraries, towards RGS4. ConclusionThis virtual analysis forecasted the repurposable potential of Ziprasidone, Melfoquine and Metaxalone against AD based on their affinity towards RGS4, a key AD-specific target.

Bibliometric analysis of peer-reviewed literature on mental health and well-being of LGBT adolescents

PurposeThe lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people face discrimination, verbal harassment, rejection and physical violence that affect their mental health and well-being. Adolescence is a critical period for the development of mental health and well-being. The purpose of this study is to analyze research publications on the mental health and well-being of LGBT adolescents.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive research strategy was implemented using the SciVerse Scopus database to accomplish the objective of the study. The study period was all times up to 2020. VOS viewer program was used for mapping of frequent author keywords, journal citations and research collaboration.FindingsThe search strategy found 1,167 documents authored by 4,067 researchers and disseminated through 321 scientific journals. Research on the topic started half a century ago but showed a visible steep growth after 2008. Authors and institutions in the USA dominated the field. Northwestern University, based in the USA, was the most active institution. No significant cross-country collaboration was observed in this field. The most active journal was Journal of Adolescent Health (n = 67, 5.7%), followed distantly by the Journal of LGBT Youth (n = 48, 4.1%). The contribution of journals in the field of mental health to the topic was limited. Documents on family acceptance, suicidality and school victimization/violence received the highest number of citations. The retrieved documents in the field had five major topics: suicide, mental health/depression, bullying/victimization, substance use/alcohol and violence.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study has a few limitations that are typical of any bibliometric study. Both the search strategy and the use of Scopus are inherent limitations of bibliometric studies.Practical implicationsPolicymakers and public health experts in various countries need to prioritize research on the mental health and well-being of LGBT adolescents based on the number of publications produced by the country. The finding that certain world regions have limited research contribution does not mean the absence of mental health problems of LGBT adolescents.Social implicationsThe limited number of scholars in the field of sexual health, the cultural barriers are the main obstacles for publishing in this field. Research on LGBT adolescents’ mental health and well-being should be prioritized in countries and world regions with limited research in this field. Therefore, journal editors should endorse publications in this field through publishing thematic issues in this field.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to assess the scientific research publications on the mental health of the LGBT people as an indication of interest and social problems facing this community.

Health and LifeDomain ResearchPriorities in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults With Pediatric-Onset Spinal Cord Injury: A National Cross-Sectional Survey in England.

Although feedback from people with adult-onset spinal cord injury (SCI) has been considered in developing research programs, little is known about pediatric-onset SCI priorities. To describe the health and life (H&L) domain research priorities of youth with pediatric-onset SCI living in England. Youth with pediatric-onset SCI (≥6 months) were recruited from five English rehabilitation centers and invited with their parents/caregivers to complete the age-appropriate surveys designed by the Pan-European Paediatric Spinal Cord Injury (PEPSCI) collaboration. A total of 73 surveys were received (32 from participants with SCI and 41 from their parents/caregivers), providing information on 47 individuals with SCI: 2- to 7-year-olds (29.8%), 8- to 12-year-olds (19.2%), 13- to 17-year-olds (17.0%), and 18 to 25-year-olds (34.0%). The top three research priorities reported by parents/caregivers of 2- to 12-year-old and 13- to 25-year-olds were pain (81%/89%), physical function (91%/83%) and health care access (78%/78%). Eighty-nine percent of 8- to 12-year-olds emphasized schooling, peer relationships, and general mood as their research priorities. The top three research priorities for Health or Life domains reported by 13- to 25-year-olds included spasms (95%), pain (91%), pressure injuries (91%), health care access (83%), physical function (78%), and daily personal needs (74%). Although there should be an emphasis on addressing important life domain issues for 8- to 12-year-olds with SCI, adolescents and young adults mostly prioritized health domain research priorities in addition to health care access. This survey will aid health care and clinical research organizations to engage stakeholders to implement a comprehensive SCI research strategy in England for the pediatric population.

Deciphering the Effective Constituents and Mechanisms of Portulaca oleracea L. for Treating NASH via Integrating Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Pharmacology.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a highly prevalent metabolic disorder. Currently, there are no effective pharmacotherapeutic options for preventing and treating NASH. Portulaca oleracea L. (POL) is an edible herb that has been used for preventing and treating some metabolic disorders in China, but the bioactive constituents in POL and the related mechanisms for treating NASH are still unclear. Here, a comprehensive research strategy was used to identify the core genes and the key constituents in POL for treating NASH, via integrating bioinformatics analysis and experimental pharmacology both in vitro and in vivo. The phenotypes and mechanisms of POL were carefully investigated by performing a set of in vivo and in vitro experiments. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) was the core target and myricetin (Myr) was the key constituent in POL for treating NASH. In NASH mice model induced by methionine choline deficiency diet, POL significantly alleviated hepatic steatosis and liver injury. In free fatty acids-induced hepatocytes, POL and Myr significantly down-regulated the expression of PTGS2, decreased the number of lipid droplets, and regulated the mRNA expression of lipid synthesis and homeostasis genes, including FASN, CPT1a, SERBP1c, ACC1, and SCD1. In lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages, POL and Myr significantly reduced the expression of PTGS2 and blocked the secretion of inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Further investigations demonstrate that Myr acts as both suppressor and inhibitor of PTGS2. Collectively, POL and its major component Myr can ameliorate NASH via down-regulating and inhibiting PTGS2, suggesting that POL and Myr can be developed as novel medicines for treating NASH.

Abdominal Wall Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: A Scoping Review.

Abdominal wall vascularized composite allotransplantation (AW-VCA) is a novel reconstructive technique used for large abdominal wall defects in combination with intestinal transplantation (ITx) or multivisceral abdominal transplantation (MVTx). Since the introduction of this procedure, several studies have been published reporting their experience. This study aims to present a scoping review looking at all available evidence-based medicine information to understand the most current surgical techniques and clinical outcomes. This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews checklist. A comprehensive research strategy of several databases was conducted. A total of 31 studies were included in this review, which comprised animal, cadaveric, and human studies. In human studies, four surgical techniques with high flap survival rates and low complication rates were found. In cadaveric studies, it was shown that the use of iliofemoral cuff-based flaps provided adequate tissue perfusion to the abdominal wall graft. Also, the use of thoracolumbar nerves have been described to provide functionality to the AW-VCA and prevent long-term muscle atrophy. AW-VCA is a safe and efficient alternative for patients with large and complex abdominal wall defects. The future holds a promising evolution of a functional AW-VCA, though surgeons must face and overcome the challenge of distorted anatomy frequently present in this population. Forthcoming studies with a better level of evidence are required to evaluate functionality and differences between surgical techniques.

Association predictions of genomics, proteinomics, transcriptomics, microbiome, metabolomics, pathomics, radiomics, drug, symptoms, environment factor, and disease networks: A comprehensive approach.

Currently, the research of multi-omics, such as genomics, proteinomics, transcriptomics, microbiome, metabolomics, pathomics, and radiomics, are hot spots. The relationship between multi-omics data, drugs, and diseases has received extensive attention from researchers. At the same time, multi-omics can effectively predict the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases. In essence, these research entities, such as genes, RNAs, proteins, microbes, metabolites, pathways as well as pathological and medical imaging data, can all be represented by the network at different levels. And some computer and biology scholars have tried to use computational methods to explore the potential relationships between biological entities. We summary a comprehensive research strategy, that is to build a multi-omics heterogeneous network, covering multimodal data, and use the current popular computational methods to make predictions. In this study, we first introduce the calculation method of the similarity of biological entities at the data level, second discuss multimodal data fusion and methods of feature extraction. Finally, the challenges and opportunities at this stage are summarized. Some scholars have used such a framework to calculate and predict. We also summarize them and discuss the challenges. We hope that our review could help scholars who are interested in the field of bioinformatics, biomedical image, and computer research.

Ciguatera in the Indian Ocean with Special Insights on the Arabian Sea and Adjacent Gulf and Seas: A Review.

The dinoflagellates of the genus Gambierdiscus are found in almost all oceans and seas between the coordinates 35° N and 35° S. Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa are producers of ciguatoxins (CTXs), which are known to cause foodborne disease associated with contaminated seafood. The occurrence and effects of CTXs are well described in the Pacific and the Caribbean. However, historically, their properties and presence have been poorly documented in the Indian Ocean (including the Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and the Gulf). A higher occurrence of these microorganisms will proportionately increase the likelihood of CTXs entering the food chain, posing a severe threat to human seafood consumers. Therefore, comprehensive research strategies are critically important for developing effective monitoring and risk assessments of this emerging threat in the Indian Ocean. This review presents the available literature on ciguatera occurrence in the region and its adjacent marginal waters: aiming to identify the data gaps and vectors.