Present Review Research Articles

Progress in modeling avian hyperuricemia and gout (Review).

Human organ tissue is vulnerable to hyperuricemia (HUA), which negatively impacts quality of life, particularly when it progresses to gout. Chicken uric acid formation and metabolism are similar to human uric acid metabolism; therefore, theoretically, the genesis and progression of human HUA and gout may be similar to those of poultry models. The present review explored HUA and gout and the progress of poultry-induced HUA and gout models. The present study reviewed procedures of modelling chicken gout and HUA and the detection indices and current concerns regarding these models. Notably, In the production of poultry hyperuricemia model, the combined method of water and food induction has a higher success rate and stability. Compared with mice induced HUA and gout models, poultry induced HUA and gout models had less kidney damage, and the models were stable and long-lasting.

Modification of Neural Circuit Functions by Microglial P2Y6 Receptors in Health and Neurodegeneration.

Neural circuits consisting of neurons and glial cells help to establish all functions of the CNS. Microglia, the resident immunocytes of the CNS, are endowed with UDP-sensitive P2Y6 receptors (P2Y6Rs) which regulate phagocytosis/pruning of excessive synapses during individual development and refine synapses in an activity-dependent manner during adulthood. In addition, this type of receptor plays a decisive role in primary (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, neuropathic pain) and secondary (epilepsy, ischemic-, mechanical-, or irradiation-induced) neurodegeneration. A whole range of microglial cytokines controlled by P2Y6Rs, such as the interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), leads to neuroinflammation, resulting in neurodegeneration. Hence, small molecular antagonists of P2Y6Rs and genetic knockdown of this receptor provide feasible ways to alleviate inflammation-induced neurological disorders but might also interfere with the regulation of the synaptic circuitry. The present review aims at investigating this dual role of P2Y6Rs in microglia, both in shaping neural circuits by targeted phagocytosis and promoting neurodegenerative illnesses by fostering neuroinflammation through multiple transduction mechanisms.

Cellular senescence: A new perspective on the suppression of periodontitis (Review).

Cellular senescence, characterized by cell cycle arrest, can result in tissue dysfunction when senescent cells persist and accumulate. Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition caused by the interaction between bacteria and the immune system of the host, primarily manifests as damage to periodontal tissues. Aging and inflammation are interlinked processes that exacerbate each other. The progression of localized chronic periodontal inflammation is often accelerated in conjunction with tissue and organ aging. The presence of senescent cells and release of inflammatory cytokines, immune modulators, growth factors and proteases that are associated with the senescence‑associated secretory phenotype contribute to the deterioration of periodontal tissues. The present review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of cellular senescence and its potential impact on periodontitis, offering novel insights for modulating the inflammatory microenvironment of periodontal tissues.

Business models transformation in the creative industries: Performing arts organizations in the post-COVID era

Rapid changes in the business models (BMs) of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) have occurred recently, owing largely to the dynamics accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and technological evolution, which have resulted in a strong interconnection between social, cultural, and digital challenges. The present review highlights the main changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the BM of 12 Italian performing arts organizations using a mixed research methodology (qualitative and quantitative) carried out through semi-structured interviews, a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis, and an analysis of the economic-financial data of the organizations involved. The paper presents the study’s main findings and contrasts them with some recent scientific research on BM, allowing for comparison and debate on significant issues developed (new technologies and social and environmental impact). The uniqueness of the approach employed in this review lies in recognizing these characteristics, particularly the challenges of sustainability, as critical in producing value for CCI.

Roles of deubiquitinases in urologic cancers (Review).

Human health is endangered by the occurrence and progression of urological cancers, including renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer and bladder cancer, which are usually associated with the activation of oncogenic factors and inhibition of cancer suppressors. The primary mechanism for protein breakdown in cells is the ubiquitin-proteasome system, whilst deubiquitinases contribute to the reversal of this process. However, both are important for protein homeostasis. Deubiquitination may also be involved in the control of the cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis, and dysregulated deubiquitination is associated with the malignant transformation, invasion and metastasis of urologic malignancies. Therefore, a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms underlying deubiquitination in urological cancers may provide novel strategies and insights for diagnosis and treatment. The present review aimed to methodically clarify the role of deubiquitinating enzymes in urinary system cancers as well as their prospective application prospects for clinical treatment.

Intelligent Packaging Systems with Anthocyanin: Influence of Different Polymers and Storage Conditions

With the aim of meeting the growing demand for safe food, intelligent packaging has emerged, which monitors the conditions of the food and informs the consumer about its quality directly at the time of purchase. Among intelligent packaging options, colorimetric indicator films, which change color in response to changes in the food, such as the release of volatile compounds, have been widely studied. Among them, pH indicator films composed of dyes sensitive to small variations in the pH value of the food surface have received greater attention in recent years. Anthocyanins, which are natural pigments, have stood out as one of the most commonly used sources of dyes in the production of these indicator films. In this context, the present review aims to present an updated overview of research employing anthocyanins in indicator films, including their stability under different storage conditions, the influence of different polymers used in their production, and alternative techniques for maintaining stability.

Exploring the frontiers: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of robotics in science education

The present bibliometric review focuses on the 50 research articles indexed in Scopus Database in robotics science education (RSE) between the years 2012 and 2024. The analysis of publications shows the steady growth rates which is especially notable for 2021 thereby specifying the growing demand in the field. These are researchers from universities named The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, The Kaunas University of Technology, and the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. The funding bodies that have greatly supported research work include National Science Foundation, CAS-TWAS Scholarships, and EPF Lausanne. The current study emphasizes that the topic of robotics in the learning process involves tendencies of the social sciences, engineering, computer science, psychology and other sciences. The United States leads in publication output, followed by countries like Greece, Turkey, and Lithuania, highlighting a global interest in leveraging robotics for educational innovation geographically. The location of the research studies points to the fact that, there is a need to reach out to various countries as a way of encouraging the use of robotics in the STEM curriculum. The following analysis offers insights into the current trends, risks, and opportunities of robotic innovations in education study and underlined the need for a continuous stakeholders’ discourse on the best use of robots in enhancing science learning. This bibliometric analysis emphasizes the dynamic growth, disciplinary integration, and international collaboration characterizing RSE, underscoring the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation to realize its transformative potential in STEM education.

Unveiling the potentials and action mechanisms of Citri reticulatae Pericarpium as an anti‐inflammatory food

AbstractModern lifestyle has led human body under a frequent exposure of chronic inflammation. Intriguingly, extensive studies have indicated that Citri reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), the dried peel of Citrus reticulata Blanco and its cultivated varieties, has immense potential as an anti‐inflammatory food. Therefore, the present review aims to summarize advances in utilizing CRP for the prevention and controlling of inflammation under various pathological conditions. In particular, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the bioactive compounds present in CRP, with a specific focus on polymethoxyflavones and their transformations during aging process. Moreover, the underlying mechanism responsible for the anti‐inflammatory effects primarily involves the inhibition of inflammatory factors through signaling pathways, such as mitogen‐activated protein kinases and nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2–antioxidant pathways. The interaction with gut microbiota also contributes to the anti‐inflammatory potential of CRP. In summary, this review offers valuable insights into the health benefits of CRP and its constituents, laying a solid foundation for the further development of CRP into anti‐inflammatory foods.

How do athletes perform well under pressure? A meta-study

ABSTRACT Many studies have explored athlete performance under pressure, with recent emphases on choking prevention and definitions of clutch performance. Whilst these two areas may benefit sport performance research, it may also be important to explore the prominent factors in facilitating athlete performance under pressure to promote the development of interventions targeting clutch performance in the future. In the present review, we synthesised qualitative research on athlete performance under pressure to highlight the psychological factors and strategies useful in facilitating performance under pressure in sport. Given the difficulties in reviewing and conducting quantitative research on these concepts (e.g. there currently is no validated measure of pressure), we chose to review qualitative research. Database searchers were conducted in September 2022, August 2023, and August 2024. This resulted in the identification and meta-synthesis of 29 articles reporting qualitative findings. Athletes, coaches, and sporting practitioners considered self-efficacy, demand appraisal, mental toughness, and task-focused resource allocation as important in facilitating athlete performance under pressure. Pre-performance routines, imagery techniques, self-talk, goal setting, cognitive restructuring, and simulated pressure training were also reported as useful strategies to facilitate athlete performance under pressure.

Probiotic SYNBIO® Blend’s Impact on Constipation in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Aims: Research on probiotics for constipation management is still growing, and plays a crucial role in the definition of a management strategy for bowel wellbeing, constipation, and related outcomes. The present systematic review and meta-analysis of the beneficial effects of the SYNBIO® blend, to consolidate the data from various clinical trials, was conducted. Methods: A literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases was conducted. The search was limited to clinical trials that used the SYNBIO® blend, either as dietary supplements or probiotic-enriched foods. Independently, two reviewers evaluated the trial’s quality and extracted all data. A 95% confidence interval (CI) of a weighted mean difference (MD) was used to pool continuous data. For the analysis, Review Manager version 5.4 was used. Results: Seven clinical trials involving a total of 1095 subjects were included in the analysis. Overall, the SYNBIO® blend significantly improved constipation relief by 0.75 (95% CI: 0.31 to 1.19; p = 0.0008) in 52% of the subjects, and significantly increased intestinal regularity by 1.90 compared to the placebo (95% CI: 1.02 to 2.78; p < 0.0001) in more than 60% of individuals. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: The SYNBIO® blend was found to significantly improve overall constipation, intestinal regularity, abdominal pain, and intestinal cramping. This suggests that people with these specific symptoms could benefit from this probiotic combination.

Olax dissitiflora Oliv. (small-fruited olax): Current status and future prospects as medicinal plant

Olax dissitiflora Oliv. (O. dissitiflora) has several medicinal uses, some of them known since prehistoric times. The present review compiles existing knowledge of the chemical and pharmacological properties, current medicinal uses, and further use potential and applications of O. dissitiflora. Multiple searches on existing literature on the medicinal, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of O. dissitiflora were conducted in online databases such as Scopus, JSTOR, PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct as well as using pre-electronic literature sources obtained from the university library. This study showed that the bark, leaves, roots and twigs of O. dissitiflora are used as aphrodisiac, emetic, mosquito repellent and purgative, and as traditional medicines against dental problems, gonorrhoea, hernia, venereal diseases and wounds. The phytochemical evaluation of the plant revealed that it contains reducing sugars, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, quinones, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, 21-epimachaerinic acid, oleanolic acid, hederagenin, oleanolic acid 3-O-glucuronide, amphotericin, santalbic acid, exocarpic acid and octadic-9,11-diynoic acid. The pharmacological assessments showed that the crude extracts and phytochemical compounds isolated from the species have antibacterial, antifungal, antiplasmodial, larvicidal and adulticidal activities. The collected ethnomedicinal and ethnopharmacological properties of O. dissitiflora documented in this review will assist to understand the therapeutic relevance and potential of the species as well as providing baseline data required for ethnopharmacological assessments required in the discovery of novel plant-based health products. There is also need for more studies focusing on phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and toxicological evaluations, in vivo and clinical research on O. dissitiflora to compliment and validate the ethnomedicinal properties of the species.

Advancements in Ocular Therapy: A Review of Emerging Drug Delivery Approaches and Pharmaceutical Technologies

Eye disorders affect a substantial portion of the global population, yet the availability of efficacious ophthalmic drug products remains limited. This can be partly ascribed to a number of factors: (1) inadequate understanding of physiological barriers, treatment strategies, drug and polymer properties, and delivery systems; (2) challenges in effectively delivering drugs to the anterior and posterior segments of the eye due to anatomical and physiological constraints; and (3) manufacturing and regulatory hurdles in ocular drug product development. The present review discusses innovative ocular delivery and treatments, encompassing implants, liposomes, nanoparticles, nanomicelles, microparticles, iontophoresis, in situ gels, contact lenses, microneedles, hydrogels, bispecific antibodies, and gene delivery strategies. Furthermore, this review also introduces advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing and hot-melt extrusion (HME), aimed at improving bioavailability, reducing therapeutic dosages and side effects, facilitating the design of personalized ophthalmic dosage forms, as well as enhancing patient compliance. This comprehensive review lastly offers insights into digital healthcare, market trends, and industry and regulatory perspectives pertaining to ocular product development.

Diapedesis leading to hematidrosis due to abrupt emotional suffering (Review).

Hematidrosis constitutes a rare imposing phenomenon encountered millennia ago. It involves the plexus of small, mostly superficial arteries, veins and sweat glands of various parts of the human body. Bloody sweat implies skin pathology. It has been connected to psychogenic impairment and lacks a clear etiology. The present study conducted a historical review using the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae®, Gallica-BNF and Google Books databases. The year 1900 was the mark for full-text works to be included. A second review of the modern literature, over the last 20 years, was carried out using the PubMed/MedLine database. In both eras, the terms h[a]emat[h]idrosis, diapedesis, sudor sanguineus, plus various others vocables of Hellenic and Latin origin, were used as key words. Cases of persons suffering hematidrosis during stigmata as partly connected to this study were surveyed and discussed separately. References were obtained from the classical Greece, late Hellenic antiquity and Roman era. A number of 70 cases were registered from the Renaissance to 1900, and 44 cases between 2007 and 2022. The later time interval is considered as the selection of references of all time, while the 1870 to 1884 interval followed. Differences in sex were observed (males, 60.6%; and females, 39.4%; vs. males, 25.6%; and females, 74.4%). The scalp, forehead, face, trunk, arms and legs were the most common areas of appearance in both time intervals. The eyes and ears were the most common areas of appearance in the modern era. As regards the limitations of the present review, it should be emphasized that not all historical cases were available for survey. Stigmata were studied independently. Records in etiology hypothesis, pathological description and the manifestation of a cluster of post-triggering effects described were similar over time. The modern way of life, major stressful events, a fear of death, hematological disorders, vessel derangements and deep faith may trigger hematidrosis. This spectacular acute event stimulates alertness in patients, family, caregivers and physicians, and may lead to social isolation and unnecessary diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions. The present narrative review aimed to connect science with history and religion, promote contemplation among health professionals and highlight a medical peculiarity. An open mind is warranted in order to comprehend phenomena in religion. Education for the family and a knowledge update for health professionals is also necessary.

International Prevalence of Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence Against Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

The aim of the present review was to systematically identify and examine current knowledge regarding the frequency of any form of technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) perpetrated against women aged 16 years and older. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist was applied when performing the present review. Observational studies reporting prevalence data for any form of TFSV against women aged 16 years and above were considered for inclusion. Four meta-analyses were conducted. One examined data pertaining to overall TFSV, while the other three each addressed a key dimension based on the type of victimization under study. Random-effects models were used to compute pooled estimate prevalences (95% CI). Included studies reported prevalence in 32 different countries at different time points, with 28,220 women being interviewed (16-97 years). A total of 1,437 potential articles were gathered from 8 databases and 17 studies were selected for analysis. Included studies exhibited a low risk of bias (12 strong methodological quality-5 medium). Rates of TFSV ranged from 2.2% to 84%. Global estimated prevalence was 30.60% (95% CI [24.08, 37.12]). The most frequently reported behaviors pertained to "digital sexual harassment" (28.54%) followed by "technology-facilitated aggression and coercion" (16.93%) and "image-based sexual abuse" (6.48%). Present findings shed light on a significant gap in understanding the experiences of adult women. The wide range of reported frequencies underscores the importance of unifying terms and standardizing measurement instruments, emphasizing the need for a cohesive approach to better comprehend and address the multifaceted nature of TFSV.

Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1 (PARP-1) Inhibitors in Diabetic Retinopathy: An Attractive but Elusive Choice for Drug Development.

Owing to its promiscuous roles, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is involved in various neurological disorders including several retinal pathologies. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus affecting the retina. In the present review, we highlight the importance of PARP-1 participation in pathophysiology of DR and discuss promising potential inhibitors for treatment. A high glucose level enhances PARP-1 expression; PARP inhibitors have gained attention due to their potential therapeutic effects in DR. They target different checkpoints (blocking nuclear transcription factor (NF-κB) activation; oxidative stress protection, influence on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, impacting neovascularization). Nowadays, there are several improved clinical PARP-1 inhibitors with different allosteric effects. Combining PARP-1 inhibitors with other compounds is another promising option in DR treatments. Besides pharmacological inhibition, genetic disruption of the PARP-1 gene is another approach in PARP-1-initiated therapies. In terms of future treatments, the limitations of single-target approaches shift the focus onto combined therapies. We emphasize the importance of multi-targeted therapies, which could be effective not only in DR, but also in other ischemic conditions.

Barriers to Pro-Environmental Behavior Change: A Review of Qualitative Research

In recent decades, reports of deforestation, mass extinctions, biodiversity loss, and emergencies like floods and droughts have clearly highlighted the impact of human activities on climate change. This underscores the need for significant lifestyle changes to mitigate this impact. Pro-environmental behavior (PEB) change involves adopting actions that protect the environment and reducing environmentally harmful activities to promote sustainability. While qualitative research may provide unique insights into PEB barriers that are challenging to capture through quantitative methods, reports of qualitative studies are scattered across different literatures with little integration. With the present review, we bring together qualitative studies on PEB barriers and examine whether those studies reveal barriers compatible with existing barrier frameworks from environmental psychology. We identified 38 qualitative studies on barriers to PEB change. Our analysis revealed that most of the barriers to individual pro-environmental action identified in qualitative studies align with environmental psychology frameworks. These barriers were experienced not only by individuals in their role as consumer or citizen, but also by community-level actors (e.g., seeking to implement pro-environmental policies) and industrial decision-makers (e.g., aiming to reduce the ecological footprint of their business activities). Our findings underscore the multifaceted nature of barriers to PEB change and emphasize the importance of addressing structural and institutional factors alongside individual-level interventions.

Intersecting Peptidomics and Bioactive Peptides in Drug Therapeutics

Abstract: Peptidomics is the study of total peptides that describe the functions, structures, and interactions of peptides within living organisms. It comprises bioactive peptides derived naturally or synthetically designed that exhibit various therapeutic properties against microbial infections, cancer progression, inflammation, etc. With the current state of the art, Bioinformatics tools and techniques help analyse large peptidomics data and predict peptide structure and functions. It also aids in designing peptides with enhanced stability and efficacy. Peptidomics studies are gaining importance in therapeutics as they offer increased target specificity with the least side effects. The molecular size and flexibility of peptides make them a potential drug candidate for designing protein-protein interaction inhibitors. These features increased their drug potency with the considerable increase in the number of peptide drugs available in the market for various health commodities. The present review extensively analyses the peptidomics field, focusing on different bioactive peptides and therapeutics, such as anticancer peptide drugs. Further, the review provides comprehensive information on in silico tools available for peptide research. The importance of personalised peptide medicines in disease therapy is discussed along with the case study. Further, the major limitations of peptide drugs and the different strategies to overcome those limitations are reviewed.

Electronic cigarettes and peri-implantitis: an umbrella review.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are offered to consumers as a healthier option than traditional tobacco. However, the long-term effect of non-heat-burning tobacco and e-cigarettes on periodontal and peri-implantitis is unknown. The present review evaluates the impact of electronic cigarettes on peri-implantitis and compares the results with traditional cigarettes and non-smokers. Systematic/meta-analysis studies were searched in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar until December 30, 2022. Five systematic/meta-analysis studies were identified based on the search strategy in the selected databases. The overall quality assessment of the studies showed acceptable evidence with high quality. All systematic review studies showed that compared to traditional tobacco smoke, electronic cigarettes might reduce or not change the clinical inflammatory symptoms of periodontitis and peri-implantitis, such as bleeding on probing, probing depth, peri-implant bone loss, and response to treatments. Electronic cigarettes contain nicotine, which can harm periodontal and implant health. On the other hand, a wide range of oral health consequences may be associated with using e-cigarettes. E-cigarette is a potential risk factor for the healing process and the results of implant treatment.

Regeneration and Genetic Transformation in Eucalyptus Species, Current Research and Future Perspectives

Eucalyptus is an important plantation tree with a high economic value in China. The tree contributes significantly to China’s timber production. The stable and efficient Eucalyptus regeneration system and genetic transformation system are of great significance for exploring the regulatory function and possible genetic breeding capacity of important genes in the species. However, as a woody plant, Eucalyptus has problems, such as a long generation cycle, strong specificity of the regeneration system, and a low genetic conversion rate, which seriously limit the rapid development of Eucalyptus genetics and breeding programs. The present review summarizes the status of research on Eucalyptus regeneration and genetic transformation, with a focus on the effects of explants, media, plant growth regulators (PGRs), and concentrations in the Eucalyptus regeneration process. In addition, the effects of genotype, Agrobacterium, antibiotics, preculture, and co-culture on the genetic transformation efficiency of Eucalyptus are discussed. Furthermore, the study also summarizes the problems encountered in Eucalyptus regeneration and genetic transformation, with reference to previous studies, and it outlines future developments and prospects. The aim was to provide a reference for solving the problems of genetic instability and the low transformation efficiency of eucalyptus, and to establish an efficient and stable eucalyptus regeneration and transformation system to accelerate the process of its genetic improvement.

Complex interplays: Asthma management and maternal‑fetal outcomes in pregnancy (Review).

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, poses unique challenges in pregnancy, impacting both maternal and fetal health. Of note, 8-13% of pregnant women suffer from asthma, a condition that can worsen, stabilize, or improve during pregnancy. These fluctuations necessitate a nuanced management strategy to ensure the health of both the mother and fetus. Adverse outcomes, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and increased cesarean delivery rates are associated with poorly controlled asthma. From a fetal perspective, the risks include preterm birth and a low birth weight. Physiological changes in pregnancy, such as an increased tidal volume and altered drug metabolism due to increased blood volume, complicate the management of asthma. The safety of asthma medications during pregnancy remains a significant concern, with ongoing research into their teratogenic effects. Recent advancements in treatment include the development of biologics and the increased use of personalized medicine, integrating pharmacogenomics and immunological profiling to tailor treatments to individual needs. Digital health tools have also emerged, enabling improved patient monitoring and management. The present review highlights the complex interplay between asthma management and pregnancy outcomes, advocating for comprehensive care approaches that consider the dynamic physiological changes during pregnancy. It underscores the need for ongoing research into the safety of medication and innovative therapeutic strategies to improve health outcomes for pregnant women with asthma and their babies.