Recent Research Research Articles

Spontaneous remission of urticaria: does it exist and if so, when?

Urticaria mostly occurs acutely with a very high probability of spontaneous remission. When it persists for more than 6weeks a chronic urticaria is manifest, which occurs either spontaneously or inducible by specific triggers. The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood but recent research points to defined pathogenetic factors. Whether spontaneous remission is possible in urticaria is summarized descriptively in this review, and suggestions are given for the "step down" of urticaria treatment after remission. The mechanisms including autoallergic, immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent typeI reactions and autoimmune, activating IgG-dependent typeIIb reactions are presented. These are discussed in the context of spontaneous remission and the possibilities of induced remission.

Review of research progress on intestinal microbiota based on metabolism and inflammation for depression.

Depression is a prevalent mental illness, affecting a significant portion of the global population. Recent research has highlighted the crucial role of the gut microbiota in both metabolic and central nervous health. By reviewing literature from various databases, including Pubmed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Scopus, spanning the years 2005-2023, a comprehensive search was conducted using keywords such as "Depression" and "Gut Microbiota". The gut microbiota acts as a "second brain" in humans and can communicate bidirectionally with the brain through the Brain-gut-microbiota axis pathway. This communication involves the immune and nervous systems. However, there are challenges in detecting and treating depression effectively. To address these limitations, researchers have been exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and depression. Studies have shown that gut microbial metabolites, such as lipopolysaccharides and short-chain fatty acids, can induce pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to neuroinflammation and increase the risk of depression. The kynurenine pathway, triggered by gut microbial metabolites, has also been associated with neuroinflammation. Thus, investigating these microbial metabolites can provide insights into depression treatment. This review focuses on analyzing the connection between gut microbial metabolites, inflammation, and depression. It explores novel mechanisms contributing to depression, specifically focusing on the mediation of inflammation through the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The objective is to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying depression and to propose potential treatments.

A narrative review of microplastics in the indoor and outdoor environment, human effects, and ecological risks

Due to their widespread identification in all environmental compartments, Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants that have garnered growing scientific and public attention over the last decades. Early research on MPs and their effects was limited to studies of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, but more recent studies have included MPs in the air. There is now considerable concern about the effects of MPs on pristine environments and urban air quality.
 A literature search was conducted in Science Direct and Google Scholar using the following keywords: microplastics, indoor environment, outdoor environment, human effects, and ecological risks.
 Finally, eligible studies were selected for the review. Textiles, such as clothes, carpets, and curtains, are the main indoor sources of MPs. As well as the primary sources of MPs outdoors, there are landfills, urban and home dust, and synthetic particles. According to current theories, human exposure to MPs occurs through dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation. Recent research has demonstrated that inhalation is the principal mechanism of human exposure to MPs. Early toxicological research suggests that MPs may lead to inflammation and oxidative stress. However, there is growing concern about the possible leaching of hazardous chemicals used as plastic additives. Nevertheless, MP exposure and risk assessment in humans is still in its infancy, and more research on the presence of MPs in various indoor and outdoor environments is required to provide the knowledge base needed for regulations to protect human health and the environment from MPs.

Evaluating different rates of activated carbon in commercially produced seed coatings in laboratory and field trials

Pre‐emergent herbicides, commonly employed for managing invasive annual plants, often fail to meet restoration targets due to the absence of remnant perennial plants, which leaves sites vulnerable to re‐invasion and hinders effective control of annual grasses. Combining an herbicide treatment with seeding is therefore desirable, but seeded plants can also be negatively impacted by pre‐emergent herbicides. Herbicide protection (HP) seed technologies use activated carbon to adsorb herbicide near seeds and have shown promise for allowing simultaneous deployment of herbicide and seed, but recent research recommends numerous additional refinements be tested. We addressed some of these recommendations through one laboratory and a field trial replicated at multiple sites to explore whether commercially produced, single‐seed HP coatings with two different rates of activated carbon can prevent herbicide‐related damage to two perennial bunchgrasses native to the western United States. We also investigated how these coated prototypes compare in performance to the multi‐seed extruded herbicide protection pellets (HPPs) tested in prior research. In the laboratory, neither coating treatment reduced total emergence, emergence rate, survival, or biomass in the absence of herbicide. In the presence of herbicide, both provided several‐fold higher survival and aboveground biomass compared to untreated bare seed, but this represented incomplete protection from herbicide. In field trials where conditions were harsher than the laboratory, we found no evidence of HP from any treatment, and HPPs reduced seedling count for one species. We conclude that the tested HP coating prototype is an improvement over HPPs but requires additional refinements and testing.

Exploring the underlying correlation between microbiota, immune system, hormones, and inflammation with breast cancer and the role of probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics.

According to recent research, bacterial imbalance in the gut microbiota and breast tissue may be linked to breast cancer. It has been discovered that alterations in the makeup and function of different types of bacteria found in the breast and gut may contribute to growth and advancement of breast cancer in several ways. The main role of gut microbiota is to control the metabolism of steroid hormones, such asestrogen, which are important in raising the risk of breast cancer, especially in women going through menopause. On the other hand, because the microbiota can influence mucosal and systemic immune responses, they are linked to the mutual interactions between cancer cells and their local environment in the breast and the gut. In this regard, the current review thoroughly explains the mode of action of probiotics and microbiota to eradicate the malignancy. Furthermore, immunomodulation by microbiota and probiotics is described with pathways of their activity.

Progress in Performance of AlGaN‐Based Ultraviolet Light Emitting Diodes

AbstractAlGaN‐based ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes (UV‐LEDs) have the advantages of mercury (Hg) pollution free, small size, high efficiency, and so on, and are widely used in military, medical, and industrial fields, which are considered to be the most promising alternative to the traditional Hg lamps. Great efforts are made over the past few decades to improve the device performance, thereby meeting the commercial production and application requirements of UV‐LEDs, which is always accompanied by a series of interesting physical topics. In this review, the recent research progress in performance of AlGaN‐based UV‐LEDs is summarized from the perspectives of electrical injection, electro‐optical conversion, and light extraction, which are responsible for the operation of devices. The detailed discussions include the major challenges, the corresponding technological breakthroughs, and also the outlook of material growth, energy band modulation, as well as device fabrication involved in UV‐LEDs, which are expected to be helpful for the thorough comprehension of device physics and further development of AlGaN‐based UV‐LEDs.

Assessment of feasibility of mRNA vaccines for cancer treatment

Cancer is the group of disease that has high morbidity rate, the traditional treatment people keep using have a lot of limitations. Although the concept of mRNA vaccines has just emerged in the 20th century, it has demonstrated its good availability during the COVID-19 pandemic. From this, researchers infer that mRNA also has great application prospects in other areas, and cancer immunotherapy has become one of them. mRNA vaccine used to have low translation efficiency and strong mRNA immunogenicity but recent research about mRNA sequence optimization could overcome most of these problems. But to apply this platform vaccine to target tumour cells specifically, the target chosen is very important and still needs a lot of research about it. This article reviews the current approach to mRNA vaccine and its therapeutic usage for cancer. Based on the current clinical studies, the mRNA vaccine might be a good auxiliary tool for cancer treatment.

Unravelling the complex tapestry of addiction: insights from recent research.

Unravelling the complex tapestry of addiction: insights from recent research.

Association of hematological ratios with psoriasis: a nationwide retrospective cohort study.

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder linked to systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation. It is believed to involve activated T cells and neutrophils. Recent research has highlighted the potential role of hematological ratios, such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR), eosinophil-to-neutrophil ratio (ENR), and eosinophil-to-monocyte ratio (EMR), as markers for inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis. We aimed to investigate hematological ratios between children and adults, patients and controls, and patients with moderate-to-severe and mild psoriasis. This national retrospective cohort study included over 16,000 psoriasis patients in Israel. Patients with comorbidities influencing blood counts were excluded. Ratios were calculated from blood counts taken within 30 days of diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression, including age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status, and socioeconomic status, was performed. Findings revealed age-specific variations in blood counts, hematological ratios, and differences between mild and moderate-severe patients and patients versus controls. Moderate-severe psoriasis patients had elevated neutrophil and eosinophil counts (4.57 vs. 4.25, P < 0.001, and 0.24 vs. 0.22, P = 0.047, respectively), as well as increased NLR (2.46 vs. 2.29, P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed the significance of neutrophil and platelet counts as well as NLR and PLR in predicting psoriasis severity. This was a retrospective study without subjective data on disease severity. This study highlights hematologic ratios' diagnostic and prognostic potential in psoriasis.

Proto-Neurons from Abiotic Polypeptides

To understand the origins of life, we must first gain a grasp of the unresolved emergence of the first informational polymers and cell-like assemblies that developed into living systems. Heating amino acid mixtures to their boiling point produces thermal proteins that self-assemble into membrane-bound protocells, offering a compelling abiogenic route for forming polypeptides. Recent research has revealed the presence of electrical excitability and signal processing capacities in proteinoids, indicating the possibility of primitive cognitive functions and problem-solving capabilities. This review examines the characteristics exhibited by proteinoids, including electrical activity and self-assembly properties, exploring the possible roles of such polypeptides under prebiotic conditions in the emergence of early biomolecular complexity. Experiments showcasing the possibility of unconventional computing with proteinoids as well as modelling proteinoid assemblies into synthetic proto-brains are given. Proteinoids’ robust abiogenic production, biomimetic features, and computational capability shed light on potential phases in the evolution of polypeptides and primitive life from the primordial environment.

Muscle physiology and its relations to the whole body in health and disease.

Over the past years, researchers increased awareness of the connection of muscle tissue to the rest of the human body and of the possibilities to tweak the muscles' metabolism in order to gain positive effects on whole body metabolism, energy balance, and immune system. Physiotherapists and doctors aim to find practical exercise guidelines for patients to follow for ideal treatment. To do so, much research is happening to understand the complexity of muscle-body balance. This article reviews the most recent research in this topic that was published by ActaPhysiologica.

DFT and molecular simulation validation of the binding activity of PDEδ inhibitors for repression of oncogenic k-Ras.

The development of effective drugs targeting the K-Ras oncogene product is a significant focus in anticancer drug development. Despite the lack of successful Ras signaling inhibitors, recent research has identified PDEδ, a KRAS transporter, as a potential target for inhibiting the oncogenic KRAS signaling pathway. This study aims to investigate the interactions between eight K-Ras inhibitors (deltarazine, deltaflexin 1 and 2, and its analogues) and PDEδ to understand their binding modes. The research will utilize computational techniques such as density functional theory (DFT) and molecular electrostatic surface potential (MESP), molecular docking, binding site analyses, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, electronic structure computations, and predictions of the binding free energy. Molecular dynamic simulations (MD) will be used to predict the binding conformations and pharmacophoric features in the active site of PDEδ for the examined structures. The binding free energies determined using the MMPB(GB)SA method will be compared with the observed potency values of the tested compounds. This computational approach aims to enhance understanding of the PDEδ selective mechanism, which could contribute to the development of novel selective inhibitors for K-Ras signaling.

Exploring the Use of Interleaved Stimuli to Measure Cochlear-Implant Excitation Patterns.

Attempts to use current-focussing strategies with cochlear implants (CI) to reduce neural spread-of-excitation have met with only mixed success in human studies, in contrast to promising results in animal studies. Although this discrepancy could stem from between-species anatomical and aetiological differences, the masking experiments used in human studies may be insufficiently sensitive to differences in excitation-pattern width. We used an interleaved-masking method to measure psychophysical excitation patterns in seven participants with four masker stimulation configurations: monopolar (MP), partial tripolar (pTP), a wider partial tripolar (pTP + 2), and, importantly, a condition (RP + 2) designed to produce a broader excitation pattern than MP. The probe was always in partial-tripolar configuration. We found a significant effect of stimulation configuration on both the amount of on-site masking (mask and probe on same electrode; an indirect indicator of sharpness) and the difference between off-site and on-site masking. Differences were driven solely by RP + 2 producing a broader excitation pattern than the other configurations, whereas monopolar and the two current-focussing configurations did not statistically differ from each other. A method that is sensitive enough to reveal a modest broadening in RP + 2 showed no evidence for sharpening with focussed stimulation. We also showed that although voltage recordings from the implant accurately predicted a broadening of the psychophysical excitation patterns with RP + 2, they wrongly predicted a strong sharpening with pTP + 2. We additionally argue, based on our recent research, that the interleaved-masking method can usefully be applied to non-human species and objective measures of CI excitation patterns.

Growth Processing and Strategies: A Way to Improve the Gas Sensing Performance of Nickel Oxide-Based Devices

The review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of nickel oxide (NiO) as an emerging material in environmental monitoring by surveying recent developments primarily within the last three years and reports the growth processing and strategies employed to enhance NiO sensing performance. It covers synthesis methods for pristine NiO, including vapor-phase, liquid-phase, and solution-processing techniques, highlighting advantages and limitations. The growth mechanisms of NiO nanostructures are explored, with a focus on the most recent research studies. Additionally, different strategies to improve the gas sensing performance of NiO are discussed (i.e., surface functionalization by metallic nanoparticles, heterostructure formation, carbon-based nanomaterials, and conducting polymers). The influence of these strategies on selectivity, sensitivity, response time, and stability of NiO-based sensors is thoroughly examined. Finally, the challenges and future directions that may lead to the successful development of highly efficient NiO-based gas sensors for environmental monitoring are introduced in this review.

Altering reality – sensory tactics to manage wildlife and conserve threatened species

ABSTRACT Animals interact with their worlds using sensory information (sounds, smells, sights) that is perceived differently by each species. This sensory information and how it is interpreted underpins most behaviours, but especially foraging decisions. Creating sensory misinformation, that is uninformative or unrewarding cues, is a new approach with applications for managing wildlife and conserving threatened species across a range of global contexts. Here we discuss recent research that demonstrates the power of strategically deploying olfactory misinformation to reduce predation on birds by predators, consumption of vulnerable seedlings by herbivores, and seeds by rodents as well as how multimodal misinformation may work. Single and multimodal sensory tactics can alter foraging decisions by both herbivores and predators, with profound consequences for the survival of prey and plants. There remains much to understand regarding sensory perception and learning but results to date suggest there are enormous opportunities to harness innovative sensory tactics in the future to improve many conservation and wildlife management scenarios.

Transfer learning-enabled classification of drugs for Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimers disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with a worldwide prevalence of 760.5 per 100,000 inhabitants. Environment factors and genetic predispositions can influence an individuals risk of developing AD. Recent research provided insights into the genetic mechanisms of AD, but a comprehensive database of drug-like molecules that can exacerbate or reduce AD risk remains unavailable. Here, we use machine learning to create a similarity map that reveals new putative drugs structurally similar to existing compounds known to be targeting pathways relevant in AD. We trained an autoencoder on a large drug database of over 14,000 drugs, with features derived from several modalities including molecular fingerprints. We then computed similarity scores based on these reduced dimensions. We show that our model is able to identify new compounds structurally similar to existing drugs linked to AD. We conclude that our model holds the potential to elucidate new compounds based on structural similarity and can be used to identify new drugs that affect critical pathways in AD.

Physiological Synchrony During Partnered Sexual Activity

Physiological synchrony (PS) refers to the coordination of bodily responses in close relationships. It seems to be linked to relational well-being, satisfaction, closeness, and empathy. Recent research extends these findings to sexual relationships as well, with evidence suggesting that PS may predict attraction and sexual satisfaction. The current study focuses on PS during sexual activity within established couples. Results suggest that PS develops during sexual activity, in certain contexts, and tends to be greater in magnitude during sexual encounters than during non-sexual interactions. Results may shed light on the dyadic psychophysiological factors relevant to sexual experiences.

A Review of Recent Progresses on Olive Oil Chemical Profiling, Extraction Technology, Shelf-life, and Quality Control.

Olive oil (OO) is widely recognized as a main component in the Mediterranean diet owing to its unique chemical composition and associated health-promoting properties. This review aimed at providing readers with recent results on OO physicochemical profiling, extraction technology, and quality parameters specified by regulations to ensure authentic products for consumers. Recent research progress on OO adulteration were outlined through a bibliometric analysis mapping using Vosviewer software. As revealed by bibliometric analysis, richness in terms of fatty acids, pigments, polar phenolic compounds, tocopherols, squalene, sterols, and triterpenic compounds justify OO health-promoting properties and increasing demand on its global consumption. OO storage is a critical post-processing operation that must be optimized to avoid oxidation. Owing to its great commercial value on markets, OO is a target to adulteration with other vegetable oils. In this context, different chemometric tools were developed to deal with this problem. To conclude, increasing demand and consumption of OO on the global market is justified by its unique composition. Challenges such as oxidation and adulteration stand out as the main issues affecting the OO market.

Pirfenidone alleviates fibrosis by acting on tumour-stroma interplay in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignancy with a 5-year survival rate of 12%. The abundant mesenchyme is partly responsible for the malignancy. The antifibrotic therapies have gained attention in recent research. However, the role of pirfenidone, an FDA-approved drug for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, remains unclear in PDAC. Data from RNA-seq of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models treated with pirfenidone were integrated using bioinformatics tools to identify the target of cell types and genes. Using confocal microscopy, qRT-PCR and western blotting, we validated the signalling pathway in tumour cells to regulate the cytokine secretion. Further cocultured system demonstrated the interplay to regulate stroma fibrosis. Finally, mouse models demonstrated the potential of pirfenidone in PDAC. Pirfenidone can remodulate multiple biological pathways, and exerts an antifibrotic effect through inhibiting the secretion of PDGF-bb from tumour cells by downregulating the TGM2/NF-kB/PDGFB pathway. Thus, leading to a subsequent reduction in collagen X and fibronectin secreted by CAFs. Moreover, the mice orthotopic pancreatic tumour models demonstrated the antifibrotic effect and potential to sensitise gemcitabine. Pirfenidone may alter the pancreatic milieu and alleviate fibrosis through the regulation of tumour-stroma interactions via the TGM2/NF-kB/PDGFB signalling pathway, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in PDAC management.

A winged relative of ice-crawlers in amber bridges the cryptic extant Xenonomia and a rich fossil record.

Until the advent of phylogenomics, the atypical morphology of extant representatives of the insect orders Grylloblattodea (ice-crawlers) and Mantophasmatodea (gladiators) had confounding effects on efforts to resolve their placement within Polyneoptera. This recent research has unequivocally shown that these species-poor groups are closely related and form the clade Xenonomia. Nonetheless, divergence dates of these groups remain poorly constrained, and their evolutionary history debated, as the few well-identified fossils, characterized by a suite of morphological features similar to that of extant forms, are comparatively young. Notably, the extant forms of both groups are wingless, whereas most of the pre-Cretaceous insect fossil record is composed of winged insects, which represents a major shortcoming of the taxonomy. Here, we present new specimens embedded in mid-Cretaceous amber from Myanmar and belonging to the recently described species Aristovia daniili. The abundant material and pristine preservation allowed a detailed documentation of the morphology of the species, including critical head features. Combined with a morphological data set encompassing all Polyneoptera, these new data unequivocally demonstrate that A.daniili is a winged stem Grylloblattodea. This discovery demonstrates that winglessness was acquired independently in Grylloblattodea and Mantophasmatodea. Concurrently, wing apomorphic traits shared by the new fossil and earlier fossils demonstrate that a large subset of the former "Protorthoptera" assemblage, representing a third of all known insect species in some Permian localities, are genuine representatives of Xenonomia. Data from the fossil record depict a distinctive evolutionary trajectory, with the group being both highly diverse and abundant during the Permian but experiencing a severe decline from the Triassic onwards.