Present Review Research Articles

Lone Pair-π Interactions in Organic Reactions.

Noncovalent interactions between a lone pair of electrons and π systems can be categorized into two types based on the nature of π systems. Lone pair-π(C═O) interactions with π systems of unsaturated, polarized bonds are primarily attributed to orbital interactions, whereas lone pair-π(Ar) interactions with π systems of aromatic functional groups result from electrostatic attractions (for electron-deficient aryls) or dispersion attractions and Pauli repulsions (for electron-rich/neutral aryls). Unlike well-established noncovalent interactions, lone pair-π interactions have been comparatively underappreciated or less used to influence reaction outcomes. This review emphasizes experimental and computational studies aimed at integrating lone pair-π interactions into the design of catalytic systems and utilizing these interactions to regulate the reactivity and selectivity of chemical transformations. The role of lone pair-π interactions is highlighted in the stabilization or destabilization of transition states and ground-state binding. Examples influenced by lone pair-π interactions with both unsaturated, polarized bonds and aromatic rings as π systems are included. At variance with previous reviews, the present review is not structured according to the physical origin of particular classes of lone pair-π interactions but is divided into chapters according to ways in which lone pair-π interactions affect kinetics and/or selectivity of reactions.

Host defense peptides at the crossroad of endothelial cell physiology: Insight into mechanistic and pharmacological implications.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), particularly host defense peptides (HDPs), have gained recognition for their role in host defense mechanisms, but they have also shown potential as a promising anticancer, antiviral, antiparasitic, antifungal and immunomodulatory agent. Research studies in recent years have shown HDPs play a crucial role in endothelial cell function and biology. The function of endothelial cells is impacted by HDPs' complex interplay between cytoprotective and cytotoxic actions as they are known to modulate barrier integrity, inflammatory response and angiogenesis. This biphasic response varies and depends on the peptide structure, its concentration, and the microenvironment. These effects are mediated through key signaling pathways, including MAPK, NF-κB, and PI3K/Akt, which controls responses such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. In the present review, we have discussed the significance of the intriguing relationship between HDPs and endothelial cell physiology which suggests it potential as a therapeutic agents for the treating wounds, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation-related endothelial damage.

Epigenetic modifications associated to diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (Review).

The present review aimed to provide an update on the scientific progress of the role of epigenetic modifications on diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP). DPNP is a devastating and troublesome complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), which affects one third of patients with DM and causes severe hyperalgesia and allodynia, leading to challenges in the treatment of these patients. The pathophysiology of DPNP is multifactorial and is not yet fully understood and treatment options for this disease are currently unsatisfactory. The underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology of DPNP have largely been explored in animal models and a mechanism‑derived approach might offer a potential therapeutic‑target for attenuating certain phenotypes of DPNP. Altered gene expression levels within the peripheral or central nervous systems (CNS) are a crucial mechanism of DPNP, however, the transcriptional mechanisms of these genes have not been fully elucidated. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications (methylation, acetylation, or phosphorylation), can alter gene expression levels via chromatin remodeling. Moreover, it has been reported that altering gene expression via epigenetic modifications within the peripheral or CNS, contributes to the changes in both pain sensitivity and pharmacological efficacy in DPNP. Therefore, the present review summarized the findings of relevant literature on the epigenetic alterations in DPNP and the therapeutic potential for targeting these alterations in the future treatment of this disease.

Risk of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Tuberculosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and infection of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) have appeared as major public health problems. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at determining the relationship between TB and the risk of HCV infection. Methods: Google Scholar, Embase, Medline, Pubmed, web of sciences (ISI), and Scopus were searched until March 2022. The pooled ORs of HCV in patients with TB were calculated utilizing the random-effect model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). test was utilized for evaluating the heterogeneity. To check publication bias Egger and Beggs' tests were used. Results: From among 1500 articles from 2006 to 2020, 13 studies were examined and analyzed based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The overall risk of HCV infection in patients with TB was (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.10-1.63, P=0.001). According to the type of the countries subgroup analysis, the risk of HCV infection in patients with TB in developing countries was (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.00-3.80), which was higher than the risk in developed countries (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.42-1.52). In addition, the risk of hepatitis C infection in men compared to women (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.75-1.94, P=0.001) and in age groups over 65 yr compared to other age groups (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.98-2.16) was significantly higher. Conclusion: The results of this study emphasized the importance of screening HCV in patients with TB. Being aware of the presence or absence of HCV in these patients can contribute to their effective treatment.

Definitional Challenges in Understanding Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common hereditary cardiomyopathy. It is often caused by mutations of genes encoding for sarcomeric or sarcomere-associated proteins. Despite its clinical importance, divergent definitions are published by major cardiology societies. Some regard HCM as a specific genetic disease, whereas others define it as a broad ‘spectrum of the thick heart’. The present narrative review aimed to assess both definitions from a pathoanatomical perspective. As a conjoint interdisciplinary and translational approach is needed to further increase knowledge and improve the understanding of HCM, the PubMed database was searched using several advanced search algorithms to explore the perspectives of the (forensic) pathologist, clinician, and basic researcher regarding the difference between the definitions of HCM. This discrepancy between definitions can impact critical data, such as prevalence and mortality rate, and complicate the understanding of the disease. For example, due to the different definitions, research findings regarding molecular changes from studies applying the narrow definition cannot be simply extended to the ‘spectrum’ of HCM.

Industrial Organizations Adapting to the Novel EU Taxonomy While Developing Socio-Technical Systems: A Literature Review

The EU taxonomy defines criteria for economic activities committed to a net zero emission by 2050, and other environmental goals. Its overall goal is to direct investments to economic activities aligned with the European Green Deal and, thereby, classified as sustainable. For industrial organizations, there is an urgent need to develop adaptive capabilities to meet the requirements set by the new taxonomy. The present scoping review contributes by analyzing academic publications on this topic through the lens of a complex science and systems approach. It analyzes academic publications on the EU taxonomy, related to industrial organizations and their development of socio-technical systems. At the initial stage, 526 scientific publications were retrieved from three web repositories (Scopus, World of Science, and Scholar). Only eight publications matched the selection criteria and constitute the data of this study. Results indicate that there is a lack of holistic perspectives and an unbalanced system response to the EU taxonomy. Adopting a systems approach can help industrial organizations navigate the intricate dynamics of a sustainable transition, striking a balance between adhering to the EU taxonomy and maintaining market competitiveness. The findings emphasize the importance of trans-disciplinary approaches and the need for agile and adaptive ways of learning inside industrial organizations.

EGS SO07 - Laparoscopic retrieval of endoscopic lithotripsy basket aided by laser fragmentation: Case presentation and literature review

Abstract Background Large or impacted common bile duct (CBD) stones that cannot be removed by conventional endoscopic methods sometimes require endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy. A rare but feared technical complication related to this is basket entrapment, where the stone-basket complex cannot be separated from each other due to mechanical failure and becomes impacted within the CBD. We present a novel case of laparoscopic CBD exploration and antegrade laser fragmentation of impacted stone-basket complex, and perform a literature review pertaining to this topic. Method This is a case report from a single district general hospital with laparoscopic capabilities but no access to Spyglass. The operation began with fundus first subtotal cholecystectomy and the cystic duct was ligated with PDS endoloops. A choledochotomy was made and dilated to allow insertion of a 7.5 Fr cholangioscope. Through this, laser lithotripsy was undertaken which reduced the stone size and permitted disengagement of the stone from basket. The stone was retrieved via enlargement of the choledochotomy, while the basket and wire retrieved orally. We subsequently performed a literature review of Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Embase. Results Laparoscopic retrieval of an impacted basket was first described in 1993, with the basket found lodged in the gallbladder. The technique involved a large cholecystotomy, followed by removal of the basket, closure of the gallbladder, and then cholecystectomy. Our literature review yielded 5 case reports of laparoscopic retrieval of basket from the CBD. Three authors describe manual disengagement of the basket by laparoscopic manipulation of the wires, one describes capturing an impacted Dormia basket with a second Dormia basket, and one describes direct mechanical fragmentation and subsequent balloon trawl of the remaining debris. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing laparoscopic CBD exploration with concurrent laser fragmentation to facilitate retrieval of impacted stone-basket complex following mechanical lithotripsy failure. We propose that this is a viable option in centres without Spyglass or electrohydraulic lithotripsy, but where expertise for emergency laparoscopic CBD exploration exists.

The Anti-Elixir Triad: Non-Synced Circadian Rhythm, Gut Dysbiosis and Telomeric Damage.

Aging is an inevitable life process which is accelerated by lifestyle and environmental factors. It is an irreversible accretion of molecular and cellular damage associated with changes in the body composition and deterioration in physiological functions. Each cell (other than stem cells), reaches the limit of its ability to replicate, known as cellular or replicative senescence and consequently, the organs lose their physiological functions resulting in overall impairment. Other factors that promote aging include smoking, alcohol, UV rays, sleep habits, food, stress, sedentary life style and genetic abnormalities. These stress factors, can alter our endogenous clock (the circadian rhythm) and the microbial commensals. As a result of effect of these stressors, the microorganisms that generally support human physiological processes become baleful. The disturbance of natural physiology instigates many age-related pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, cerebrovascular diseases, opportunistic infections, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, kidney diseases, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. The present review covers the three most essential processes of the circadian clock; the circadian gene mechanism and regulation, the mitotic clock (which plays a vital role in the telomere's attrition) and gut microbiota and their metabolome that drive aging and lead to age-related pathologies. In conclusion, maintaining a synchronized circadian rhythm, a healthy gut microbiome and telomere integrity is essential for mitigating the effects of aging and promoting longevity. The interplay among these factors underscores the importance of lifestyle choices in enhancing overall health and lifespan.

Responsible Leadership - Knowledge Status and Future Research Agenda

The present review article deals with the highly relevant and rich research field of responsible leadership (RL). It summarizes existing literature using a wide scope of 96 peer-reviewed journal articles and subsequently provides recommendations for future research paths. The current state of knowledge is depicted in relation to five knowledge areas: In the first area, the conceptualisation of RL, works addressing fundamental views on RL, the development of frameworks and the application of specific philosophies or theories are introduced. In the second area, the operationalisation of RL, results of studies dealing with the development of measurement instruments or applying quantitative empirical study designs in order to test specific research questions are presented. The third area, RL antecedents, covers the depiction of empirically investigated antecedent variables pertaining to either a personal or a contextual level. In the fourth area, RL consequences, empirically examined impacts of RL at a micro, meso and macro level are summarised and further works dealing with effects of RL on relationships between other variables discussed. Finally, the fifth area of RL promotion presents works that are empirically testing RL development interventions that take place either in the context of higher education or work. Derived potential lines of research relate to these five areas of knowledge and address identified research gaps of content-related, empirical and methodological nature.

Exploring PPAR Gamma and PPAR Alpha’s Regulation Role in Metabolism via Epigenetics Mechanism

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) belong to a family of nuclear receptors. To date, three types of PPARs, namely PPARα, PPARδ, and PPARγ, have been identified, demonstrating co-expression across numerous tissues. PPARγ is primarily distributed in adipose tissue, the colon, the immune system, and the retina, while PPARα is predominantly expressed in metabolic tissues such as brown adipose tissue, the liver, and the kidneys. Both PPARγ and PPARα play crucial roles in various cellular processes. Recent data suggest that the PPAR family, among other mechanisms, might also be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Our recent studies, alongside numerous others, have highlighted the pivotal roles of DNA methylation and histone modifications in the regulation of PPARγ and PPARα, implicating them in the deterioration of metabolic disorders via epigenetic mechanisms. This still not fully understood mechanism of regulation in the nuclear receptors family has been summarized and described in the present paper. The present review summarizes the available data on PPARγ and PPARα regulation via epigenetic mechanisms, elucidating the link between the development of metabolic disorders and the dysregulation of PPARγ and PPARα resulting from these mechanisms.

The definition of chemical contaminants in food: ambiguity and consequences.

Consumers may be exposed via foods to a diverse range of substances that could be considered as contaminants. However, it is not always straightforward to understand the definition of a 'contaminant'. The present review evaluates how various categories of food-relevant substances are considered in terms of being 'contaminants'. To this end these categories of food borne constituents are evaluated against the various criteria encountered in the available definitions of a food contaminant, including unintentional presence, harmful, existence of regulatory limits, and stakeholder perception. The categories of chemicals considered include: phytotoxins, mycotoxins, (heavy) metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), processing aids, process related contaminants, food contact materials (FCMs), pesticides and veterinary drugs. The evaluation revealed that usage of the term appears complex, and may differ between stakeholders. A common proposed definition of the term 'contaminant' could be 'a substance considered to require control measures due to the unacceptability of its context within a food'. Use of a dimension of harm results in equivocal outcomes because risk depends on the level of exposure. As the term 'contaminant' has influence on risk management including public policy, the motivations for applying the term should be subject to more detailed analysis and understanding.

Amphiphilic Oligonucleotide Derivatives—Promising Tools for Therapeutics

Recent advances in genetics and nucleic acid chemistry have created fundamentally new tools, both for practical applications in therapy and diagnostics and for fundamental genome editing tasks. Nucleic acid-based therapeutic agents offer a distinct advantage of selectively targeting the underlying cause of the disease. Nevertheless, despite the success achieved thus far, there remain unresolved issues regarding the improvement of the pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic nucleic acids while preserving their biological activity. In order to address these challenges, there is a growing focus on the study of safe and effective delivery methods utilising modified nucleic acid analogues and their lipid bioconjugates. The present review article provides an overview of the current state of the art in the use of chemically modified nucleic acid derivatives for therapeutic applications, with a particular focus on oligonucleotides conjugated to lipid moieties. A systematic analysis has been conducted to investigate the ability of amphiphilic oligonucleotides to self-assemble into micelle-like structures, as well as the influence of non-covalent interactions of such derivatives with serum albumin on their biodistribution and therapeutic effects.

Advances in research on the carcinogenic mechanisms and therapeutic potential of YAP1 in bladder cancer (Review).

Bladder cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the urinary system with high morbidity and no clear pathogenesis. The Hippo signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that regulates organ size and maintains tissue homeostasis. Yes‑associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a key effector of this pathway and regulates downstream target genes by binding to transcriptional co‑activators with PDZ binding sequences (TAZ). Several studies have demonstrated that YAP1 is overexpressed in bladder cancer and is involved in adverse outcomes such as bladder cancer occurrence, progression, resistance to cisplatin and the recurrence of tumours. The present review summarized the involvement of YAP1 in bladder cancer disease onset and progression, and the mechanism of YAP1 involvement in bladder cancer treatment. In addition, this study further explored the potential of YAP1 in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of YAP1 in the treatment of bladder cancer.

Current Animal Models of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Polyneuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common complication of antineoplastic chemotherapy. In a large number of patients, this complication is highly persistent to treatment. The present review is focused on current rodent CIPN models using antineoplastic agents of different groups.

An emerging double‑edged sword role of ferroptosis in cardiovascular disease (Review).

The pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is complex and presents a serious threat to human health. Cardiomyocyte loss serves a pivotal role in both the onset and progression of CVD. Among various forms of programmed cell death, ferroptosis, along with apoptosis, autophagy and pyroptosis, is closely linked to the advancement of CVD. Ferroptosis, a mechanism of cell death, is driven by the buildup of oxidized lipids and excess iron. This pathway is modulated by lipid, amino acid and iron metabolism. Key characteristics of ferroptosis include disrupted iron homeostasis, increased peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids due to reactive oxygen species, decreased glutathione levels and inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4. Treatments targeting ferroptosis could potentially prevent or alleviate CVD by inhibiting the ferroptosis pathway. Ferroptosis is integral to the pathogenesis of several types of CVD and inhibiting its occurrence in cardiomyocytes could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the future treatment of CVD. The present review provided an in‑depth analysis of advancements in understanding the mechanisms underlying ferroptosis. The present manuscript summarized the interplay between ferroptosis and CVDs, highlighting its dual roles in these conditions. Additionally, potential therapeutic targets within the ferroptosis pathway were discussed, alongside the current limitations and future directions of these novel treatment strategies. The present review may offer novel insights into preventive and therapeutic approaches for CVDs.

Photocatalytic Reactions over TiO2-Based Interfacial Charge Transfer Complexes

The present review is related to the novel approach for improvement of the optical properties of wide bandgap metal oxides, in particular TiO2, based on the formation of the inorganic–organic hybrids that display absorption in the visible spectral range due to the formation of interfacial charge transfer (ICT) complexes. We outlined the property requirements of TiO2-based ICT complexes for efficient photo-induced catalytic reactions, emphasizing the simplicity of the synthetic procedure, the possibility of the fine-tuning of the optical properties supported by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and the formation of a covalent linkage between the inorganic and organic components of hybrids, i.e., the nature of the interface. In addition, this study provides a comprehensive insight into the potential applications of TiO2-based ICT complexes in photo-driven catalytic reactions (water splitting and degradation of organic molecules), including the identification of the reactive species that participate in photocatalytic reactions by the spin-trapping electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique. Considering the practically limitless number of combinations between the inorganic and organic components capable of forming oxide-based ICT complexes and with the knowledge that this research area is unexplored, we are confident it is worth studying, and we emphasized some further perspectives.

Female genital cosmetic procedures from the perspective of health practitioners: a systematic review of knowledge, attitude and practice studies.

Currently, the popularity of female genital cosmetic procedures is on the rise worldwide. Despite the multiple roles of healthcare practitioners at different stages of women's decision-making for these procedures, limited studies have been conducted in this area. This systematic review aimed to summarize the available qualitative and quantitative data from observational studies that investigated healthcare practitioners' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding female genital cosmetic procedures. The present systematic review was performed based on PRISMA guidelines. All published studies that examined the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare practitioners regarding female genital cosmetic procedures were included. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web-of-science, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar were searched using related keywords until 30 November 2023. Quality assessment was performed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies and Checklist for Qualitative Research from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Eight studies comprising 2063 healthcare practitioners met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Based on the results, some healthcare practitioners in the included studies acknowledged the naturalness of the variety of female genitalia, but others considered very small labia as attractive. There was little agreement on the positive effects of female genital cosmetic procedures on improving women's quality of life and sexual function in the included studies. Nearly all healthcare practitioners have seen women who had concerns about being natural of their genitalia. Meanwhile, approximately two-thirds of them had encountered women requesting female genital cosmetic procedures. Only three-quarters of healthcare practitioners felt confident in assessing the normality of genital appearance. The willingness to perform female genital cosmetic procedures was higher among male healthcare practitioners and plastic surgeons than among females and gynecologists. The results indicated that although a large number of healthcare practitioners had encountered women who were concerned about genitalia or requested genital cosmetic procedures, they did not have sufficient knowledge or favorable attitudes and practices in most related fields. Therefore, it is recommended to design educational interventions, formulate guidelines and make policies.

Depression in geriatrics: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and risk factors in Egypt.

Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in older adults, even though it is commonly misdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to exacerbations of preexisting medical conditions and even a higher mortality rate. In the present systematic review with meta-analysis, we quantify the magnitude of depression and its associated risk factors among the older adult population in Egypt. A thorough literature search was performed from 2010 up to October 2023. The results were presented as proportions or risk difference with a 95% confidence interval (CI) calculated using the random effects model. A sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the robustness of the results. Our study included 14 articles with 5857 older adults published between 2011 and 2023. All the included studies assessed depression in geriatrics using the Geriatric Depression Scale. Of the 14 studies, 5 were for community-dwelling older adults, 3 were for older adults attending primary health care (PHC) centers, 2 were for hospitalized older adults, 3 were for residing in geriatric homes, and one for residing in geriatric homes, hospitalized older adults, and community-dwelling older adults. The overall prevalence of depression among Egyptian geriatrics was 64.6%. The pooled prevalence of depression was 59.6%, 67.0%, 67.0%, and 62.0% for community-dwelling older adults, older adults people attending PHC, hospitalized older adults, and older adults residing in geriatric homes, respectively. Older adults with chronic illness, female sex, and low-income elders and elders who were not employed had a higher risk for depression with pooled risk differences of 34.9%, 17.8%, 23.8%, and 15.1% (P < 0.05), respectively. In contrast, there was no significant difference in risk for depression in the older adults residing in urban areas compared to rural areas, the older adults aged + 70 compared to those less than 70, individuals with low levels of education or who are illiterate compared with those with higher levels of education and the older adults who live alone compared with those living with family. More than half of the older adults in Egypt suffer from depressive symptoms. Chronic diseases, female sex, unemployment, and low-income inequality are the most significant factors contributing to depression among Egypt's older adults.

Metabolism and Clinical Significance of Triglycerides

Triglycerides, the principal form of fat storage in animals and humans, are essential in view of their roles in energy metabolism and regulation. Indeed, they have been ascribed very vital functional significance in a plethora of physiological processes, which extends to energy storage, metabolic signaling, and disease pathology. Biochemistry and metabolism of triglycerides is a multivaried area of science that includes different mechanisms that control synthesis, storage, and utilization in organisms. For many years, the issue of triglycerides and their relationship to cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been one of the central themes of research. Elevated triglyceride levels frequently associate with an elevated cardiovascular risk, but the situation is complex and multifaceted at all. It has now been reported that triglycerides could act not only as a biomarker regarding cardiovascular risk but also play an actual part in the fostering of cardiovascular disorders. The present literature review juxtaposes key findings on triglyceride metabolism, thereby underlining implications for health and disease, with the end to identify works currently associating triglyceride implications in cardiovascular health, and further to explore determinants of triglyceride levels gap that warrant further investigation.

Calcium Release Deficiency Syndrome (CRDS): Rethinking “Atypical” Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia

Since the first description of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) in the 1970s, new insights have progressively unraveled the understanding of this inherited arrhythmia syndrome. The identification of new distinct clinical entities related to RYR2, the gene encoding the cardiac ryanodine receptor, has allowed significant refinement in the diagnosis of previously labeled “atypical” CPVT cases. Among RYR2-ryanodinopathies, the characterization of calcium release deficiency syndrome (CRDS) is still in its infancy and represents a diagnostic challenge due to the need for functional studies which may confirm the loss-of-function nature of the RYR2 variant. The present review summarizes current evidence on CRDS. First, by providing an overview on RYR2 structure and function, we will elucidate the different pathophysiological underpinnings of CRDS and CPVT. Second, by retrieving in detail reported CRDS variants and their clinical phenotypes, we will provide, if any, genetic and clinical red flags that should raise suspicion for CRDS in daily clinical practice. Finally, we will discuss available therapies to provide clinicians with practical therapeutic options for CRDS management.