Significant Effect Research Articles

The effect of review quality on purchase intention in cross-border e-commerce: The case of Hungary

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of review quality (a situational stimulus) on consumers' risk perception and purchase intention in cross-border e-commerce based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model. In doing so, quantitative research involving 400 Hungarian respondents was performed. The data were analysed using composite-based structural equation modelling (SEM). The study concludes that an experience created through highly qualified online reviews of previous consumers has a significant effect on mitigating consumers' risk perception while increasing their purchase intentions. The study also differentiates two aspects of risk, including perceived risk and affective risk, and reveals the two-fold mechanism of the decision-making journey. These results enrich the existing literature by supporting the use of the SOR model and introducing review quality as a situational stimulus to explain consumers' risk perception and purchase behaviours in cross-border e-commerce. Additionally, the study also provides valuable guidance in website design that can stimulate purchasing while lowering online perceived risk.

The development and impact of an app for a smart drug interaction reminder system.

Improved access to media and medical knowledge has elicited stronger public health awareness. This study developed a smart drug interaction reminder system for patients to increase knowledge and reduce nurse workload. This study used a single-group pre-test/post-test design and applied mining techniques to analyze the weight and probability of interaction among various medicines. Data were collected from 258 participants at a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan using convenience sampling. An app was used to give patients real-time feedback to obtain access to information and remind them of their health issues. In addition to guiding the patients on medications, this app measured the nurses' work satisfaction and patients' knowledge of drug interaction. The results indicate that using information technology products to assist the app's real-time feedback system promoted nurses' work satisfaction, improved their health education skills, and helped patients to better understand drug interactions. Using information technology to provide patients with real-time inquiring functions has a significant effect on nurses' load reduction. Thus, smart drug interaction reminder system apps can be considered suitable nursing health education tools and the SDINRS app can be integrated into quantitative structure-activity relationship intelligence in the future.

PENGARUH CSR TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN PERUSAHAAN DENGAN UKURAN PERUSAHAAN SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERATING

This study aims to determine the effect of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on company financial performance as proxied by Return On Assets, Return On Equity, and Net Profit Margin moderated by company size partially in mining sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange.The research population includes all mining sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the 2018-2021 period. The sample in this study was determined by purposive sampling method. The data analysis technique in this research is descriptive and verification. Hypothesis testing uses the Structural Equation Modeling Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) analysis model. The results of the study show that (1) Corporate Social Responsibility has a positive and significant effect on Return On Assets. (2) Corporate Social Responsibility has no effect on Return On Equity. (3) Corporate Social Responsibility has a positive and significant effect on Net Profit Margin. (4) Company size weakens the effect of the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility on Return On Assets. (5) Company size weakens the effect of the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility on Return On Equity. (6) This is indicated by the p-value of Net Profit Margin.

PENGARUH KEIKUTSERTAAN DALAM KEGIATAN EKSTRAKURIKULER TERHADAP PRESTASI BELAJAR MELALUI KEDISIPLINAN BELAJAR SISWA SEKOLAH MENENGAH ATAS

This study explores the impact of student participation in extracurricular activities on learning achievement mediated by learning discipline. This research was conducted at SMA Negeri 1 Seberida, Indragiri Hulu Regency, with a sample of 30 students in class XI IPS. This research uses a quantitative approach with descriptive quantitative research type, the data analysis used to test the hypothesis is path analysis. The results showed that extracurricular activities have a positive but insignificant direct and indirect effect on learning achievement mediated by student discipline. The results of this study confirm previous research which states that there is a positive and significant effect of participation in extracurricular activities on discipline and learning achievement. However, this study was able to show that discipline and learning achievement can be controlled by school management policies in maintaining student discipline and achievement.

Minimal Social Cues, Body Proportion, Head Shape, and Participant’s Gender on the Trustworthiness of Social Robots

Exploring and validating factors that may influence the trustworthiness of social robots is of great significance to improving the effect of human-robot interaction. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of several design factors on people’s perceptions of the trustworthiness of social robots. The research variables were social cues (ie, watching-eyes configuration, control configuration, and neutral configuration), head shape (ie, round head and rectangular head), body proportion (ie, low body proportion and high body proportion), and participant’s gender (ie, male and female). Twelve static synthetic social robots were created and presented to the participants as digital pictures. A total of 175 participants took part in the experiment through the online survey via the convenience sampling method. The generated results were as follows: (1) The robots with round heads appear to be more trustworthy than those with rectangular heads. (2) Robots with high body proportion are considered to be more trustworthy than robots with low body proportion. (3) Minimal social cues and body proportion of robots also have a significant interaction effect on improving the trustworthiness of robots. In the watching-eyes configuration, high body proportion is considered more trustworthy than low body proportion. On one hand, the results of this study can provide a good reference for the appearance form of social robots in human-robot interaction to serve human beings, and on the other hand, it also lays a foundation for further exploring the influence of social cues elicited by a series of social robot appearances and social behaviors regarding the trustworthiness of social robots.

Data-driven analysis of chemicals, proteins and pathways associated with peanut allergy: from molecular networking to biological interpretation

Peanut allergy is majorly related to severe food induced allergic reactions. Several food including cow’s milk, hen’s eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans and pistachios), fish and shellfish are responsible for more than 90 % of food allergies. Here, we provide promising insights using a large-scale data-driven analysis, comparing the mechanistic feature and biological relevance of different ingredients presents in peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans and pistachios) and soybean. Additionally, we have analysed the chemical compositions of peanuts in different processed form raw, boiled and dry-roasted. Using the data-driven approach we are able to generate new hypotheses to explain why nuclear receptors like the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and its isoform and their interaction with dietary lipids may have significant effect on allergic response. The results obtained from this study will direct future experimental and clinical studies to understand the role of dietary lipids and PPAR-isoforms to exert pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory functions on cells of the innate immunity and influence antigen presentation to the cells of the adaptive immunity.

Silymarin Improves Thyroid Function in Lithium-treated Bipolar Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most important side effects of lithium carbonate. Silymarin is a flavonolignan extracted from the milk thistle Silybum marianum (L.), which has remarkable antioxidant and therapeutic properties. This clinical trial study aimed to evaluate the effect of silymarin on thyroid function and serum antioxidant status in patients with lithium-treated bipolar disorder. Methods: Bipolar patients with a depression episode and a history of at least six months of lithium use were randomly divided into placebo-control (n=18) and intervention (n=19) groups. In addition to standard medication, patients in the intervention and control groups received silymarin (140 mg) and placebo tablets daily for ten weeks, respectively. Finally, thyroid function and serum antioxidant status were evaluated along with clinical signs at the beginning and the tenth week. Results: Following the administration of silymarin, a significant increase was observed in total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.004) and total thiol molecules (p = 0.005) levels in serum compared to the placebo group. Although silymarin had no significant effect on serum triiodothyronine (T3) and lithium levels, it could significantly improve the secretory status of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH; p = 0.002) and Thyroxine (T4; p = 0.02) hormones in comparison to the placebo group. Conclusion: The current study showed that silymarin might be effective for thyroid function in lithium- treated bipolar patients by improving body’s antioxidant status. Trial Registration Number: IRCT20190811044513N2

Effects of Growth Factors on the Differentiation of Dental Stem Cells: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Part I).

To evaluate the biological interaction between dental stem cells (DSCs) and different growth factors in the field of regenerative endodontics. A systematic search was conducted in the electronic databases up to October 2021. This study followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Ex vivo studies evaluating the biological interactions of DSCs and growth factors were included. The meta-analysis was performed according to the type of growth factor. The outcomes were cell viability/ proliferation and mineralization. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were estimated using the random-effect maximum-likelihood method (P < .05). Additional analysis was performed to find any potential source of heterogeneity. Twenty articles were included in the systematic review; meta-analysis was performed for fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-β1) (n = 5). Results showed that use of FGF-2 significantly increased cell proliferation on day 1-(SMD = 3.56, P = 0.00), 3-(SMD = 9.04, P = 0.00), 5-(SMD = 8.37, P = 0.01), and 7 (SMD=8.51, P=0.00) than the control group. TGF-ß1 increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity more than control only on day 3 (SMD = 3.68, P = 0.02). TGF-β1 had no significant effect on cell proliferation on days 1 and 3 (P > 0.05) and on ALP activity on days 5 and 7 (P > 0.05). Meta-regression analysis showed that different covariates (i.e., cell type, passage number, and growth factors' concentration) could significantly influence the effect sizes at different follow- ups (P < 0.05). Specific growth factors might enhance the proliferation and mineralization of DSCs; however, the obtained evidence was weak. Due to the high heterogeneity among the included studies, other growth factors' inhibitory/stimulatory effects on DSCs could not be evaluated.

Effects of prebiotics on the fermentation of traditional suancai of Northeast China

Suancai is a traditional fermented vegetable widely consumed in Northeast China. In this study, different prebiotics were used to improve the quality of suancai. Four prebiotics (inulin (INU), xylooligosaccharide (XOS), galactooligosaccharide (GOS), and stachyose (STA)) were shown to reduce the pH value and increase the content of total titratable acidity (TTA) in suancai, while the contents of most organic acids were also increased. The addition of prebiotics had significant effects on the bacterial microbiota during the suancai fermentation process. All prebiotics were shown to contribute to the growth of Lactobacillus. The suancai sample with fructooligosaccharides (FOS) had the highest relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Besides, INU and XOS could increase the abundance of Weissella. To evaluate the quality of suancai fermented with prebiotics, profiles of volatile flavor compounds (VOCs) and free amino acids (FAA) were analyzed. The prebiotics affected the VOCs and FAA profiles via transforming the bacterial microbiota. In addition, the addition of prebiotics also changed the taste profiles of the suancai samples. This study is among the first attempts to reveal the effects of different prebiotics on suancai fermentation, and the findings provide a foundation to develop new ways for improving the quality of suancai.

Folate-chitosan Coated Quercetin Liposomes for Targeted Cancer Therapy.

Although quercetin exhibits promising anti-tumor properties, its clinical application is limited due to inherent defects and a lack of tumor targeting. This study aimed to prepare and characterize active targeting folate-chitosan modified quercetin liposomes (FA-CS-QUE-Lip), and its antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo was also studied. Box-Behnken Design (BBD) response surface method was used to select the optimal formulation of quercetin liposomes (QUE-LP). On this basis, FA-CS-QUE-LP was obtained by connecting folic acid chitosan complex (FA-CS) and QUE-LP. The release characteristics in vitro of QUE-LP and FA-CS-QUE-LP were studied. Its inhibitory effects on HepG2 cells were studied by the MTT method. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in vivo were studied in healthy Wistar mice and S180 tumor-bearing mice, respectively. The average particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency of FA-CS-QUELP were 261.6±8.5 nm, 22.3±1.7 mV, and 98.63±1.28 %, respectively. FA-CS-QUE-LP had a sustained release effect and conformed to the Maloid-Banakar release model (R2=0.9967). The results showed that FA-CS-QUE-LP had higher inhibition rates on HepG2 cells than QUE-Sol (P<0.01). There was a significant difference in AUC, t1/2, CL and other pharmacokinetic parameters among QUE-LP, FA-CS-QUE-LP, and QUE-Sol (P<0.05). In in vivo antitumor activity study, the weight inhibition rate and volume inhibition rate of FA-CS-QUE-LP were 30.26% and 37.35%, respectively. FA-CS-QUE-LP exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on HepG2 cells, influenced the pharmacokinetics of quercetin in mice, and demonstrated a certain inhibitory effect on S180 tumor-bearing mice, thus offering novel avenues for cancer treatment.

Drug Targets, Current and Future Therapeutics for the Treatment of Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis with their Clinical Applications: A Critical Review

Abstract: Multi drug-resistant or extensive drug resistance Mycobacterium tuberculosis poses numerous challenges for health care workers and for public health authorities. Treating multidrug resistant or extensive drug resistance tuberculosis continues to be a difficult task, as a longer regimen is associated with a higher number of adverse drug events and economic burden and has a significant negative effect on health care resources. Many trials and observational studies were conducted. Few studies are underway to develop the universal regimen and improve the outcomes related to multi or extensive drug resistance tuberculosis with a shorter regimen duration. The current review will discuss which drug inhibits what target, their synthesis, genetic aspects, repurposed drugs, novel drugs, and extensive trials for the treatment of multi or extensive drug resistance tuberculosis.

Current State and Future Perspective of Diabetic Wound Healing Treatment: Present Evidence from Clinical Trials.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that is becoming more common and is characterised by sustained hyperglycaemia and long-term health effects. Diabetes-related wounds often heal slowly and are more susceptible to infection because of hyperglycaemia in the wound beds. The diabetic lesion becomes harder to heal after planktonic bacterial cells form biofilms. A potential approach is the creation of hydrogels with many functions. High priority is given to a variety of processes, such as antimicrobial, pro-angiogenesis, and general pro-healing. Diabetes problems include diabetic amputations or chronic wounds (DM). Chronic diabetes wounds that do not heal are often caused by low oxygen levels, increased reactive oxygen species, and impaired vascularization. Several types of hydrogels have been developed to get rid of contamination by pathogens; these hydrogels help to clean up the infection, reduce wound inflammation, and avoid necrosis. This review paper will focus on the most recent improvements and breakthroughs in antibacterial hydrogels for treating chronic wounds in people with diabetes. Prominent and significant side effects of diabetes mellitus include foot ulcers. Antioxidants, along with oxidative stress, are essential to promote the healing of diabetic wounds. Some of the problems that can come from a foot ulcer are neuropathic diabetes, ischemia, infection, inadequate glucose control, poor nutrition, also very high morbidity. Given the worrying rise in diabetes and, by extension, diabetic wounds, future treatments must focus on the rapid healing of diabetic wounds.

Role of Flavonoids in Modulation of Mitochondria Dynamics during Oxidative Stress.

Flavonoids are a widespread category of naturally occurring polyphenols distinguished by the flavan nucleus in plant-based foods and beverages, known for their various health benefits. Studies have suggested that consuming 150-500 mg of flavonoids daily is beneficial for health. Recent studies suggest that flavonoids are involved in maintaining mitochondrial activity and preventing impairment of mitochondrial dynamics by oxidative stress. This review emphasized the significance of studying the impact of flavonoids on mitochondrial dynamics, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. This review analysed and summarised the findings related to the impact of flavonoids on mitochondria from publicly available search engines namely Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Any disruption in mitochondrial dynamics can contribute to cellular dysfunction and diseases, including cancer, cardiac conditions, and neurodegeneration. Flavonoids have been shown to modulate mitochondrial dynamics by regulating protein expression involved in fission and fusion events. Furthermore, flavonoids exhibit potent antioxidant properties by lowering the production of ROS and boosting the performance of antioxidant enzymes. Persistent inflammation is a characteristic of many different disorders. This is because flavonoids also alter the inflammatory response by controlling the expression of numerous cytokines and chemokines involved in the inflammatory process. Flavonoids exhibit an impressive array of significant health effects, making them an effective therapeutic agent for managing various disorders. Further this review summarised available mechanisms underlying flavonoids' actions on mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative stress to recognize the optimal dose and duration of flavonoid intake for therapeutic purposes. This review may provide a solid foundation for developing targeted therapeutic interventions utilizing flavonoids, ultimately benefiting individuals afflicted with various disorders.

Utilizing Pharmacogenomic Data for a Safer Use of Statins among the Emirati Population.

Statins are the most prescribed lipid-lowering drugs worldwide. The associated adverse events, especially muscle symptoms, have been frequently reported despite their perceived safety. Three pharmacogenes, the solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1), ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), and cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) are suggested as safety biomarkers for statins. The Clinical Pharmacogenomic Implementation Consortium (CPIC) issued clinical guidelines for statin use based on these three genes. The present study aimed to examine variants in these pharmacogenes to predict the safety of statin use among the Emirati population. Analyzing 242 whole exome sequencing data at the three genes enabled the determination of the frequencies of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), annotating the haplotypes and the predicted functions of their proteins. In our cohort, 29.8% and 5.4% had SLCO1B1 decreased and poor function, respectively. The high frequency warns of the possibility of significant side effects of some statins and the importance of pharmacogenomic testing. We found a low frequency (6%) of the ABCG2:rs2231142 variant, which indicates the low probability of Emirati patients being recommended against higher rosuvastatin doses compared with other populations with higher frequencies of this variant. In contrast, we found high frequencies of the functionally impaired CYP2C9 alleles, which makes fluvastatin a less favorable choice. Among the sparse studies available, the present one demonstrates all SLCO1B1 and CYP2C9 function-impairing alleles among Emiratis. We highlighted how population-specific pharmacogenomic data can predict safer choices of statins, especially in understudied populations.

Bed Bug Infestation: An Updated Review.

In the past decade, there has been a global resurgence of bed bug infestations, especially in developed countries. Proper awareness and identification of bed bug infestations are essential to guide treatment and eradication. The purpose of this article is to familiarize physicians with bed bug bites so that they can effectively diagnose, treat, and address questions about bed bug bites and infestations. Bed bug bites are often painless. Typical reactions include pruritic, erythematous maculopapules occurring in clusters or in a linear or curvilinear distribution in exposed areas of the body. A small red punctum may be visualized at the center of the bite mark. Lesions that appear three in a row and papules on the upper eyelid associated with erythema and edema are highly suggestive of bites from bed bugs. Exaggerated local reactions such as vesicles, urticarial wheals, urticarial perilesional plaques, diffuse urticaria, bullae, and nodules may occur in previously sensitized individuals. Reactions to bed bug bites are self-limited. As such, treatment is mainly symptomatic. Topical pramoxine and oral antihistamines can be used to alleviate pruritus. Topical corticosteroids can be used for significant eruptions to control inflammation and pruritus, and to hasten resolution of the lesions. Integrated pest management, an approach for the eradication of bed bugs, includes monitoring devices (active monitors include the use of heat or carbon dioxide attractants and passive monitors include the use of sticky pads for trapping), and judicious use of nonchemical and chemical treatments known to be effective. Nonchemical interventions include keeping affected areas clean and free of clutter, vacuuming, washing linens with hot water, caulking wall holes and cracks where bugs can hide, proper disposal of highly infested items, and placement of bed bug traps/interceptors at the base of beds and furniture. Chemical interventions involve the use of insecticides such as synthetic pyrethroids, silicates, insect growth disruptors, carbamates, organophosphates, neonicotinoids, diethyl-meta-toluamide, chlorfenapyr, fipronil and plant essential oils. Insecticides should be used with caution to prevent over-exposure and toxicity (in particular, cardiovascular and neurologic toxicity), especially if there are young children around. It is important to note that multiple mechanisms of insecticide resistance exist and as such, chemical treatment should only be undertaken by trained professionals who understand the current literature on resistance. Both nonchemical and chemical technologies should be combined for optimal results. Bed bug infestations may cause diverse dermal reactions, stigmatization, poor self-esteem, emotional stress, anxiety, significant adverse effect on quality of life, and substantial socioeconomic burden to society. As such, their rapid detection and eradication are of paramount importance. Consultation with a professional exterminator is recommended to fully eradicate an infestation.

Effect of Cox’s Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior Combined with Huangqi and Dangshen Decoction on Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Huangqi and Dangshen have significant medicinal and medical value as natural bio-based materials, but there are few studies on female pelvic floor dysfunction. We aimed to explore the effect of the Cox’s interaction model of client health behavior (Cox-IMCHB) combined with Huangqi and Dangshen decoction on female pelvic floor dysfunction. 166 postpartum patients with Qi-deficiency syndrome of pelvic floor dysfunction were selected from Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University hospital and divided into two groups, Group A and Group B, each consisting of 83 cases. The allocation was done using the random number table method. Patients in Group A received routine nursing and biofeedback electrical stimulation treatment, while patients in Group B received Cox-IMCHB combined with Huangqi and Dangshen decoction based on Group A. We compared the clinical efficacy, syndrome efficacy, pelvic floor muscle strength scores, sexual life quality scores, VAS score, pelvic floor functional exercise compliance score, and the incidence of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse between the two groups. The results showed that Group B had better clinical efficacy and syndrome efficacy, as well as a higher total effective rate (clinical efficacy: 91.57% vs. 72.29%; syndrome efficacy: 95.18% vs. 74.70%). Moreover, compared to Group A, Group B had higher scores of pelvic floor muscle strength and sexual life quality, a lower proportion of mild pain (85.54% vs. 71.08%), and higher scores of pelvic floor functional exercise compliance. The scores of pelvic floor functional exercise compliance in both groups tended to increase with time, and there was an interactive effect between groups and time (intergroup effect: F = 322.900, time effect: F = 186.200, interaction effect: F = 27.410). The incidence of urinary incontinence (2.41% vs. 14.46%, ϰ2 = 6.319) and pelvic organ prolapse (3.61% vs. 16.87%, ϰ2 = 9.608) in group B was lower (all P &gt; 0.05). The combination of Cox-IMCHB with Huangqi and Dangshen decoction can improve the pelvic function and exercise compliance of patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, relieve pain, and have significant clinical effects, which are worthy of promotion and application.

The bacteriostatic effect of a new controlled-release carotenoids-silver nanoparticle

Discuss the bacteriostatic effect of a novel controlled release silver nanoparticles carotenoids-silver nanoparticle. Detect the optimal extraction conditions for carotenoids through material liquid ratio, different ultrasonic temperatures and times; Detect the optimal synthesis conditions of carotenoids-silver nanoparticle through different volume ratios, UV irradiation times, and temperatures; Detect the bacteriostatic effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus albus using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Oxford cup agar plate diffusion method. The experiment proved that the best extraction effect of carotenoids was achieved when the volume ratio of orange peel powder to ethanol was 1:25, the ultrasound time was 40 min, and the temperature was 50 °C; When the amount of carotenoid extract added is 12 mL, the concentration of silver nitrate is 8 mmol/l, the UV irradiation time is 40 min, and the ultrasound temperature is 60 °C, the synthesized carotenoids-silver nanoparticle has the highest absorbance value; carotenoids-silver nanoparticle have strong inhibitory effects on the growth of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus albus. As the concentration increases, the bacteriostatic effect also becomes stronger, especially the strongest inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus albus. It was shown that carotenoids-silver nanoparticle has significant bacteriostatic effects, providing new ideas for the development of bacteriostatic agents in plant resources.

Ferroptosis in Glaucoma: A Promising Avenue for Therapy.

Glaucoma, a blind-leading disease largely since chronic pathological intraocular high pressure (ph-IOP). Hitherto, it is reckoned incurable for irreversible neural damage and challenges in managing IOP. Thus, it is significant to develop neuroprotective strategies. Ferroptosis, initially identified as an iron-dependent regulated death that triggers Fenton reactions and culminates in lipid peroxidation (LPO), has emerged as a focal point in multiple tumors and neurodegenerative diseases. Researches show that iron homeostasis play critical roles in the optic nerve (ON) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), suggesting targeted treatments could be effective. In glaucoma, apart from neural lesions, disrupted metal balance and increased oxidative stress in trabecular meshwork (TM) are observed. These disturbances lead to extracellular matrix excretion disorders, known as sclerotic mechanisms, resulting in refractory blockages. Importantly, oxidative stress, a significant downstream effect of ferroptosis, is also a key factor in cell senescence. It plays a crucial role in both the etiology and risk of glaucoma. Moreover, ferroptosis also induces non-infectious inflammation, which exacerbate glaucomatous injury. Therefore, the relevance of ferroptosis in glaucoma is extensive and multifaceted. In this review, the study delves into the current understanding of ferroptosis mechanisms in glaucoma, aiming to provide clues to inform clinical therapeutic practices.

Anti-obesity effects of fucoidan from Sargassum thunbergii in adipocytes and high fat diet induced obese mice through inhibiting adipogenic specific transcription factor

The prevalence of obesity has increased and is a health concern worldwide. Due to the concerns regarding synthetic anti-obesity treatments, nowadays natural products become a trend. Previous studies proved that there is a potential to use marine algae as anti-obesity agents. Therefore, in this study, the lipid inhibitory effect of crude polysaccharide of amyloglucosidase-assisted hydrolysate from Sargassum thunbergii (STAC) and its fucoidan fractions (STAFs) on 3T3-L1 cells and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice were investigated. According to the results, the STAF3, showed the highest xylose content and exhibited significant inhibitory effects on lipid accumulation by downregulating adipogenic and lipogenic proteins in 3T3-L1 cells. Furthermore, oral supplementation with STAC significantly declined gain in body weight and fat weight, and serum lipid contents in an HFD-induced obesity mouse model. Structural and chemical characterizations demonstrated that purified STAF3 has consistent surface morphology and small particle size, with similar structural characteristics as commercial fucoidan. Together, these results indicate that STAC and purified STAF3 from Sargassum thunbergia is a potent source to develop as ananti-obesity agents or functional food products to counter obesity.

Therapeutic Intervention of Serine Protease Inhibitors against Hepatitis C Virus.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a globally prevalent and hazardous disorder that is responsible for inducing several persistent and potentially fatal liver diseases. Current treatment strategies offer limited efficacy, often accompanied by severe and debilitating adverse effects. Consequently, there is an urgent and compelling need to develop novel therapeutic interventions that can provide maximum efficacy in combating HCV while minimizing the burden of adverse effects on patients. One promising target against HCV is the NS3-4A serine protease, a complex composed of two HCV-encoded proteins. This non-covalent heterodimer is crucial in the viral life cycle and has become a primary focus for therapeutic interventions. Although peginterferon, combined with ribavirin, is commonly employed for HCV treatment, its efficacy is hampered by significant adverse effects that can profoundly impact patients' quality of life. In recent years, the development of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has emerged as a breakthrough in HCV therapy. These agents exhibit remarkable potency against the virus and have demonstrated fewer adverse effects when combined with other DAAs. However, it is important to note that there is a potential for developing resistance to DAAs due to alterations in the amino acid position of the NS3-4A protease. This emphasizes the need for ongoing research to identify strategies that can minimize the emergence of resistance and ensure long-term effectiveness. While the combination of DAAs holds promise for HCV treatment, it is crucial to consider the possibility of drug-drug interactions. These interactions may occur when different DAAs are used concurrently, potentially compromising their therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, carefully evaluating and monitoring potential drug interactions are vital to optimize treatment outcomes. In the pursuit of novel therapeutic interventions for HCV, the field of computational biology and bioinformatics has emerged as a valuable tool. These advanced technologies and methodologies enable the development and design of new drugs and therapeutic agents that exhibit maximum efficacy, reduced risk of resistance, and minimal adverse effects. By leveraging computational approaches, researchers can efficiently screen and optimize potential candidates, accelerating the discovery and development of highly effective treatments for HCV, treatments.