Arctigenin, derived from Arctium lappa L., has multiple pharmacological activities, including immunoregulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, and neuroprotective effects. Nevertheless, the potential therapeutic target of arctigenin in modulating inflammation remains undefined. In the present study, we identified that arctigenin was a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) selective inhibitor for the first time. Arctigenin

Intro duction: Sunflower seeds possess higher oil content than do cereal crop seeds. Storage of sunflower seeds is accompanied by loss of seed vigor and oxidation of storage and membrane lipids. Objectives This study first reported that compound sodium nitrophenolate (CSN), a new plant growth modulator, improved the germination and seedling emergence of aged sunflower seeds. The present study provide

Introduction The development and prognosis of HCC involve complex molecular mechanisms, which affect the effectiveness of its treatment strategies. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) is related to the efficacy of immunotherapy, but the prognostic role of TMB-related genes in HCC has not yet been determined clearly. Objectives In this study, we identified TMB-specific genes with good prognostic value to

Introduction Longxuetongluo Capsule (LTC) is wildly applied to treat ischemic stroke in clinical practice in China. However, the pharmacological mechanism of LTC on ischemic stroke is still unstated. Objective Our research was designed to study the protective effect of LTC against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and reveal the underlying mechanism both in vivo and in vitro. Methods PC12

Background Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological disease whose aetiology is still unknown. Despite its prevalence among women of reproductive age, the pathology of the disease has not yet been elucidated and only symptomatic treatment is available. Endometriosis has high latency and diagnostic methods are both limited and invasive. Aim of Review The aim of this review is to summarise minimally

Background Transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A) Ca2+-activated Cl- channels have diverse physiological functions, such as epithelial secretion of Cl- and fluid and sensation of pain. Recent studies have demonstrated that TMEM16A contributes to the pathogenesis of infectious and non-infectious inflammatory diseases. However, the role of TMEM16A in inflammation has not been clearly elucidated. Aim of

Introduction Evolution of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) reached the point, which allows to obtain maximum internal quantum efficiency of 100 % partly using heavy-metal-free emitters exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). Such emitters are also predictively perfect candidates for new generation of optical sensors since triplet harvesting can be sensitive to different analytes

Background Because enzymes can control several metabolic pathways and regulate the production of free radicals, their simultaneous use with nanoplatforms showing protective and combinational properties is of great interest in the development of therapeutic nano-based platforms. However, enzyme immobilization on nanomaterials is not straightforward due to the toxic and unpredictable properties of nanoparticles

Background Some epidemiological studies have revealed vitamin D (VD) deficiency is closely linked with the prevalence of obesity, however, the role of VD in energy homeostasis is yet to be investigated, especially in central nervous system. Given that VD negatively regulates renin in adipose tissue, we hypothesized that central VD might play a potential role in energy homeostasis. Methods This study

Introduction To enhance photothermal treatment (PTT) efficiency, a delivery method that uses cell vector for nanoparticles (NPs) delivery has drawn attention and studied widely in recent years. Objectives In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of M1 activated macrophage as a live vector for delivering NPs and investigated the effect of NPs loaded M1 stimulated by Lipopolysaccharide on PTT efficiency

Background The treatment of patients with Staphylococcus aureus infections mainly relies on antistaphylococcal regimens that are established with effective antibiotics. In antibiotic therapy or while living in nature, pathogens often face the sub-inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of antibiotics due to drug pharmacokinetics, diffusion barriers, waste emission, resistant organism formation, and farming

Introduction Endothelial damage (ED) has been implicated in accelerating the development of atherosclerosis. The latter condition is a risk factor for developing several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) associated with high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Objectives In our previous studies, we found naringenin (Nar), a bioactive flavanone compound, to protect against mitochondrial damage and

Introduction Wild-type adult mice with intact interferon (IFN) system were neither susceptible to bluetongue virus (BTV) infection nor showed signs of morbidity/mortality. Establishment of immunologically competent wild-type adult mouse model with type I IFNs blockade is necessary to assess the pathogenesis, immune responses and testing of BTV vaccines. Objectives Present study aimed to establish and

Introduction: As pulmonary dysfunctions are prospective factors for developing cancer, efforts are needed to solve the limitations regarding applications in lung cancer. Fractional order respiratory impedance models can be indicative of lung cancer dynamics and tissue heterogeneity. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate how the existence of a tumorous tissue in the lung modifies the

Introduction Incidents of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac arrest vary with time of the day, but the mechanism for this effect is not clear. We hypothesized that diurnal changes in the ability of cardiac mitochondria to control calcium homeostasis dictate vulnerability to cardiovascular events. Objectives Here we investigate mitochondrial calcium dynamics, respiratory function, and reactive

Introdu ction: Fractional Order Internal Model Control (FO-IMC) extends the capabilities of the classical IMC approach into the generalized domain of fractional calculus. When dealing with processes that exhibit time delays, implementation of such controllers in a classical feedback loop requires the approximation of the fractional order terms, as well as of the corresponding time delays. Objectives

Introduction Hearing impairment (HI) is characterized by complex genetic heterogeneity. The evolution of next generation sequencing, including targeted enrichment panels, has revolutionized HI diagnosis. Objectives In this study, we investigated genetic causes in 22 individuals with non-GJB2 HI. Methods We customized a HaloplexHS kit to include 30 genes known to be associated with autosomal recessive

Introduction The inertial stabilization platform (ISP) is widely used in the earth observation system to stably track the line of sight of the payload because it could isolate vibrations and angular motions of the aviation platform. Objectives an active magnetic actuator (AMA) system integrating the axial and the radial control is used to levitate the azimuth gimbal to improve attitude stabilization

Introduction MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of many biological functions, including embryo implantation and development. Recently, it has been reported that miRNAs in biofluids are predictive for physiological and pathological processes. Objectives In this study, we aim to investigate whether the miRNAs secreted by human embryos in culture medium can be used as embryonic biomarkers. Methods

Background Even though exosome-based therapy has been shown to be able to control the progression of different pathologies, the data revealed by pharmacokinetic studies warn of the low residence time of exogenous exosomes in circulation that can hinder the clinical translation of therapeutic exosomes. The macrophages related to the organs of the mononuclear phagocytic system are responsible primarily

Introduction: Cryptocurrencies have been attracting the attention from media, investors, regulators and academia during the last years. In spite of some scepticism in the financial area, cryptocurrencies are a relevant subject of academic research. Objectives: In this paper, several tools are adopted as an instrument that can help market agents and investors to more clearly assess the cryptocurrencies

Background The recent ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), still is an unsolved problem with a growing rate of infected cases and mortality worldwide. The novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is targeting the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and mostly causes a respiratory illness. Although acquired and resistance immunity

Background Biostimulation and toxicity constitute the continuous response spectrum of a biological organism against physicochemical or biological factors. Among the environmental agents capable of inducing biostimulation or toxicity are nanomaterials. On the <100 nm scale, nanomaterials impose both physical effects resulting from the corés and coronás surface properties, and chemical effects related

Introduction Cisplatin (CDDP) nephrotoxicity is one of the most significant complications limiting its use in cancer therapy. Objectives This study investigated the pivotal role played by thrombin in CDDP-mediated nephrotoxicity. This work also aimed to clarify the possible preventive effect of Dabigatran (Dab), a direct thrombin inhibitor, on CDDP nephrotoxicity. Methods Animals were grouped as follow;

Introduction Eugenol is a major component of essential oils of several plants, it exhibits significant antiparasitic and acaricidal activities, yet its molecular targets remain unknown. Objectives We aimed to systematically investigate the mechanism of action and the potential targets of eugenol against P. cuniculi, and evaluate the safety for laying the theoretical foundation for clinical application

Introduction The seed-associated microbiome has a strong influence on plant ecology, fitness, and productivity. Plant microbiota could be exploited for a more responsible crop management in sustainable agriculture. However, the relationships between seed microbiota and hosts related to the changes from ancestor species to breeded crops still remain poor understood. Objectives Our aim was i) to understand

Introduction Fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHFs), among other fibroblast growth factors, are increasingly found to be important regulators of ion channel functions. Although FHFs have been link to several neuronal diseases and arrhythmia, its role in inflammatory pain still remains unclear. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of FGF13 in inflammatory pain

Introduction Green algae seriously affect the quality and yield of Torreya grandis, it is important to explore new, environmentally friendly ways to control it. Objectives The present study aimed at preparing sustained-release algae-killing nanocapsules without pollution to the environment. Methods In this work, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), sodium alginate (SA), and chitosan (CTS) were used

Introduction Laser induced plasma micro-machining (LIPMM) has proved its superiority in micro-machining of hard and brittle materials due to less thermal defects, smaller heat affected zone and larger aspect ratio compared to conventional laser ablation. Objectives In order to improve characteristics and stability of induced plasma, this paper proposed magnetically controlled LIPMM (MC-LIPMM) to achieve

Introduction Fractional operators find their applications in several scientific and engineering processes. We consider a fractional guava fruit model involving a non-local additionally non-singular fractional derivative for the interaction into guava pests and natural enemies. The fractional guava fruit model is considered as a Lotka-Volterra nature. Objectives The main objective this work is to study

Introduction A population-specific genomic reference is important for research and clinical practice, yet it remains unavailable for Han Chinese (HC) in Taiwan. Objectives We report the first whole genome sequencing (WGS) database of HC (1000 Taiwanese genome (1KTW-WGS)) and demonstrate several applications to cardiovascular medicine. Methods Whole genomes of 997 HC were sequenced to at least 30X depth

Introduction Major depressive disorder is caused by gene–environment interactions, and the host microbiome has been recognized as an important environmental factor. However, the underlying mechanisms of the host–microbiota interactions that lead to depression are complex and remain poorly understood. Objectives The present study aimed to explore the possible mechanisms underlying gut microbiota dysbiosis-induced

Background Heterocyclic compounds have always been used as a core portion in the development of anticancer drugs. However, there is a pressing need for developing inexpensive and simple alternatives to high-cost and complex chemical agents-based catalysts for large-scale production of heterocyclic compounds. Also, development of some smart platforms for cancer treatment based on nanoparticles (NPs)

Introduction The fusion of fractional order differential equations and fuzzy numbers has been widely used in modelling different engineering and applied sciences problems. In addition to these, the Allee effect, which is of high importance in field of biology and ecology, has also shown great contribution among other fields of sciences to study the correlation between density and the mean fitness of

Introduction: Optimal charging of RC circuits is a well-studied problem in the integer-order domain due to its importance from economic and system temperature hazards perspectives. However, the fractional-order counterpart of this problem requires investigation. Objectives: This study aims to find approximate solutions of the most energy-efficient input charging function in fractional-order RC circuits

Background Micro-RNAs (miRNAS) are non-coding, small RNAs that have essential roles in different biological processes through silencing genes, they consist of 18-24 nucleotide length RNA molecules. Recently, miRNAs have been viewed as important modulators of viral infections they can function as suppressors of gene expression by targeting cellular or viral RNAs during infection. Aim of Review We describe

Introduction The novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread throughout the globe, causing a pandemic. In Egypt over 96,108 individuals were infected so far. Objective In the present study, the objective is to perform a complete genome sequence of SAR-CoV2 isolated from Egyptian coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. Methods Nasopharyngeal swabs were

Introduction The traditional clinical treatment of long segmental bone defects usually requires multiple operations and depends on donor availability. The 3D bio-printing technology constitutes a great potential therapeutic tool for such an injury. However, in situ 3D bio-printing remains a major challenge. Objectives In this study, we report the repair of long segmental bone defects by in situ 3D

Introduction Hard coatings are primarily based on carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides of transition metal elements such as W, Ti, Zr, etc. Zr-based hard coatings show good resistance to wear, erosion, and corrosion as well as exhibit high hardness, high temperature stability, and biocompatibility, making them suitable candidates for tribological, biomedical, and electrical applications. Objectives

Introd uction Chemotherapeutic drugs are the main intervention for cancer management, but many drawbacks impede their clinical applications. Nanoparticles as drug delivery systems (DDSs) offer much promise to solve these limitations. Objectives A novel nanocarrier composed of red blood cell (RBC)-derived vesicles (RDVs) surface-linked with doxorubicin (Dox) using glutaraldehyde (glu) to form Dox-gluRDVs

Photosystem II (PSII) protein complex plays an essential role in the entire photosynthesis process. Various protein factors are involved in the dynamics of the PSII complex. Here, we report the development and characterization of a loss-of-function mutant pap90 (PSII auxiliary protein- ∼90KDa; OsPAP90) from rice. The mutant showed reduced photosynthesis due to D1 protein instability that subsequently

Introduction Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are widespread among bacteria, archaea and fungi. They are classified into six types (I-VI) and have recently been proposed as novel drug targets. Objectives This study aimed to screen the pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii, known for its alarming antimicrobial resistance, for TA systems and identified a CptBA-like type IV TA, one of the least characterized systems