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1.
Advances in the biosynthesis of tetraacetyl phytosphingosine, a key substrate of ceramides.
Zhang, X, Zhang, X, Lin, L, Wang, K, Ji, XJ
Synthetic and systems biotechnology. 2025;(1):1-9
Abstract
Ceramides, formed by the dehydration of long-chain fatty acids with phytosphingosine and its derivatives, are widely used in skincare, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Due to the exceedingly low concentration of phytosphingosine in plant seeds, relying on the extraction method is highly challenging. Currently, the primary method for obtaining phytosphingosine is the deacetylation of tetraacetyl phytosphingosine (TAPS) derived from fermentation. Wickerhamomyces ciferrii, an unconventional yeast from the pods of Dipteryx odorata, is the only known microorganism capable of naturally secreting TAPS, which is of great industrial value. In recent years, research and applications focused on modifying W. ciferrii for TAPS overproduction have increased rapidly. This review first describes the discovery history, applications, microbial synthesis pathway of TAPS. Research progress in using haploid breeding, mutagenesis breeding, and metabolic engineering to improve TAPS production is then summarized. In addition, the future prospects of TAPS production using the W. ciferrii platform are discussed in light of the current progress, challenges, and trends in this field. Finally, guidelines for future researches are also emphasized.
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2.
Anammox-based technologies: A review of recent advances, mechanism, and bottlenecks.
Adams, M, Issaka, E, Chen, C
Journal of environmental sciences (China). 2025;:151-173
Abstract
The removal of nitrogen via the ANAMMOX process is a promising green wastewater treatment technology, with numerous benefits. The incessant studies on the ANAMMOX process over the years due to its long start-up and high operational cost has positively influenced its technological advancement, even though at a rather slow pace. At the moment, relatively new ANAMMOX technologies are being developed with the goal of treating low carbon wastewater at low temperatures, tackling nitrite and nitrate accumulation and methane utilization from digestates while also recovering resources (phosphorus) in a sustainable manner. This review compares and contrasts the handful of ANAMMOX -based processes developed thus far with plausible solutions for addressing their respective bottlenecks hindering full-scale implementation. Ultimately, future prospects for advancing understanding of mechanisms and engineering application of ANAMMOX process are posited. As a whole, technological advances in process design and patents have greatly contributed to better understanding of the ANAMMOX process, which has greatly aided in the optimization and industrialization of the ANAMMOX process. This review is intended to provide researchers with an overview of the present state of research and technological development of the ANAMMOX process, thus serving as a guide for realizing energy autarkic future practical applications.
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3.
Current practice in intermediate risk differentiated thyroid cancer - a review.
do Prado Padovani, R, Duarte, FB, Nascimento, C
Reviews in endocrine & metabolic disorders. 2024;(1):95-108
Abstract
Although the overall prognosis for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is excellent, a subset of patients will experience disease recurrence or may not respond to standard treatments. In recent years, DTC management has become more personalized in order to enhance treatment efficacy and avoid unnecessary interventions.In this context, major guidelines recommend post-surgery staging to assess the risk of disease persistence, recurrence, and mortality. Consequently, risk stratification becomes pivotal in determining the necessity of postoperative adjuvant therapy, which may include radioiodine therapy (RIT), the degree of TSH suppression, additional imaging studies, and the frequency of follow-up.However, the intermediate risk of recurrence is a highly heterogeneous category that encompasses various risk criteria, often combined, resulting in varying degrees of aggressiveness and a recurrence risk ranging from 5 to 20%. Furthermore, there is not enough long-term prognosis data for these patients. Unlike low- and high-risk DTC, the available literature is contradictory, and there is no consensus regarding adjuvant therapy.We aim to provide an overview of intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid cancer, focusing on criteria to consider when deciding on adjuvant therapy in the current context of personalized approach, including molecular analysis to enhance the accuracy of patient management.
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4.
Natural products targeting macroautophagy signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy: Recent evidence and perspectives.
Chen, Y, Tan, X, Zhang, W, Li, Y, Deng, X, Zeng, J, Huang, L, Ma, X
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2024;(3):1623-1650
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), presently the second leading cause of global cancer-related mortality, continues to pose significant challenges in the realm of medical oncology, impacting both clinical drug selection and mechanistic research. Recent investigations have unveiled autophagy-related signaling as a promising avenue for HCC treatment. A growing body of research has highlighted the pivotal role of autophagy-modulating natural products in inhibiting HCC progression. In this context, we provide a concise overview of the fundamental autophagy mechanism and delineate the involvement of autophagic signaling pathways in HCC development. Additionally, we review pertinent studies demonstrating how natural products regulate autophagy to mitigate HCC. Our findings indicate that natural products exhibit cytotoxic effects through the induction of excessive autophagy, simultaneously impeding HCC cell proliferation by autophagy inhibition, thereby depriving HCC cells of essential energy. These effects have been associated with various signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK, AMPK, Wnt/β-catenin, Beclin-1, and ferroautophagy. These results underscore the considerable therapeutic potential of natural products in HCC treatment. However, it is important to note that the present study did not establish definitive thresholds for autophagy induction or inhibition by natural products. Further research in this domain is imperative to gain comprehensive insights into the dual role of autophagy, equipping us with a better understanding of this double-edged sword in HCC management.
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5.
Exploring the Potential of Plant-Derived Exosome-like Nanovesicle as Functional Food Components for Human Health: A Review.
Liu, Y, Ren, C, Zhan, R, Cao, Y, Ren, Y, Zou, L, Zhou, C, Peng, L
Foods (Basel, Switzerland). 2024;(5)
Abstract
Plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (PELNs) are bilayer membrane-enclosed nanovesicles secreted by plant cells, serving as carriers of various substances such as proteins, RNA, and metabolites. The mounting evidence suggests that PELN plays a crucial role in transmembrane signaling, nutrient transportation, apoptosis, and regulation of gut microbiota composition. This makes it a promising "dark nutrient" for plants to modulate human physiology and pathogenesis. A comprehensive understanding of PELN formation, uptake, and functional mechanisms can offer novel insights into plant nutrition and functional properties, thereby facilitating the precise development of plant-based foods and drugs. This article provides a summary of PELN extraction and characterization, as well as absorption and delivery processes. Furthermore, it focuses on the latest discoveries and underlying physiological mechanisms of PELN's functions while exploring future research directions.
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6.
Roles and competencies of the clinical psychologist in adult diabetes care-A consensus report.
Snoek, FJ, Anarte-Ortiz, MT, Anderbro, T, Cyranka, K, Hendrieckx, C, Hermanns, N, Indelicato, L, McGuire, BE, Mocan, A, Nefs, G, et al
Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association. 2024;(5):e15312
Abstract
AIMS: Psychological care is recognised as an integral part of quality diabetes care. We set out to describe the roles and competencies of the clinical psychologist as a member of the multidisciplinary adult diabetes care team, focused on secondary care. METHODS The authors are clinically experienced psychologists involved in adult diabetes care, from Australia, Europe and North America, and active members of the international psychosocial aspects of diabetes study group. Consensus was reached as a group on the roles and competencies of the clinical psychologist working in adult diabetes secondary care, building both on expert opinion and a selective review and discussion of the literature on psychological care in diabetes, clinical guidelines and competency frameworks. RESULTS The clinical psychologist fulfils multiple roles: (1) as a clinician (psychological assessment and therapy), (2) as advisor to the healthcare team (training, consulting), (3) as a communicator and promotor of person-centred care initiatives and (4) as a researcher. Four competencies that are key to successfully fulfilling the above-mentioned roles in a diabetes setting are as follows: (a) specialised knowledge, (b) teamwork and advice, (c) assessment, (d) psychotherapy (referred to as STAP framework). CONCLUSIONS The roles and competencies of clinical psychologists working in diabetes extend beyond the requirements of most university and post-graduate curricula. There is a need for a comprehensive, accredited specialist post-graduate training for clinical psychologists working in diabetes care, building on the proposed STAP framework. This calls for a collaborative effort involving diabetes organisations, clinical psychology societies and diabetes psychology interest groups.
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7.
Epithelial barrier theory in the context of nutrition and environmental exposure in athletes.
Kistler, W, Villiger, M, Villiger, B, Yazici, D, Pat, Y, Mitamura, Y, Ardicli, S, Skolnick, S, Dhir, R, Akdis, M, et al
Allergy. 2024
Abstract
Exposure to toxic substances, introduced into our daily lives during industrialization and modernization, can disrupt the epithelial barriers in the skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems, leading to microbial dysbiosis and inflammation. Athletes and physically active individuals are at increased risk of exposure to agents that damage the epithelial barriers and microbiome, and their extreme physical exercise exerts stress on many organs, resulting in tissue damage and inflammation. Epithelial barrier-damaging substances include surfactants and enzymes in cleaning products, laundry and dishwasher detergents, chlorine in swimming pools, microplastics, air pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and diesel exhaust. Athletes' high-calorie diet often relies on processed foods that may contain food emulsifiers and other additives that may cause epithelial barrier dysfunction and microbial dysbiosis. The type of the material used in the sport equipment and clothing and their extensive exposure may increase the inflammatory effects. Excessive travel-related stress, sleep disturbances and different food and microbe exposure may represent additional factors. Here, we review the detrimental impact of toxic agents on epithelial barriers and microbiome; bring a new perspective on the factors affecting the health and performance of athletes and physically active individuals.
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8.
Cutaneous Melanoma: An Overview of Physiological and Therapeutic Aspects and Biotechnological Use of Serine Protease Inhibitors.
Boleti, APA, Jacobowski, AC, Monteiro-Alfredo, T, Pereira, APR, Oliva, MLV, Maria, DA, Macedo, MLR
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2024;(16)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastatic melanoma stands out as the most lethal form of skin cancer because of its high propensity to spread and its remarkable resistance to treatment methods. METHODS In this review article, we address the incidence of melanoma worldwide and its staging phases. We thoroughly investigate the different melanomas and their associated risk factors. In addition, we underscore the principal therapeutic goals and pharmacological methods that are currently used in the treatment of melanoma. RESULTS The implementation of targeted therapies has contributed to improving the approach to patients. However, because of the emergence of resistance early in treatment, overall survival and progression-free periods continue to be limited. CONCLUSIONS We provide new insights into plant serine protease inhibitor therapeutics, supporting high-throughput drug screening soon, and seeking a complementary approach to explain crucial mechanisms associated with melanoma.
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9.
Approaches and reporting of alcohol and other drug testing for injured patients in hospital-based studies: A systematic review.
Lau, G, Ang, JY, Kim, N, Gabbe, BJ, Mitra, B, Dietze, PM, Reeder, S, Beck, B
Drug and alcohol review. 2024;(4):897-926
Abstract
ISSUE Hospital alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) testing is important for identifying AOD-related injuries; however, testing methods vary. This systematic review aimed to examine biological AOD testing methods from hospital-based studies of injured patients and quantify what proportion reported key information on those testing methods. APPROACH Observational studies published in English from 2010 onwards involving biological AOD testing for injured patients presenting to hospital were included. Studies examining single injury causes were excluded. Extracted data included concentration thresholds for AOD detection (e.g., lower limits of detection, author-defined cut-offs), test type (e.g., immunoassay, breathalyser) and approach (e.g., routine, clinical discretion), timing of testing, sample type and the proportion of injured cases tested for AODs. KEY FINDINGS Of 83 included studies, 76 measured alcohol and 37 other drugs. Forty-nine studies defined blood alcohol concentration thresholds (ranging from 0 to 0.1 g/100 mL). Seven studies defined concentration thresholds for other drugs. Testing approach was reported in 39/76 alcohol and 18/37 other drug studies. Sample type was commonly reported (alcohol: n = 69/76; other drugs: n = 28/37); alcohol was typically measured using blood (n = 60) and other drugs using urine (n = 20). Studies that reported the proportion of cases tested (alcohol: n = 53/76; other drugs: n = 28/37), reported that between 0% and 89% of cases were not tested for alcohol and 0% and 91% for other drugs. Timing of testing was often unreported (alcohol: n = 61; other drugs: n = 30). IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSION Variation in AOD testing methods alongside incomplete reporting of those methods limits data comparability and interpretation. Standardised reporting of testing methods will assist AOD-related injury surveillance and prevention.
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10.
Multiple Pickering emulsions stabilized by food-grade particles as innovative delivery systems for bioactive compounds.
Boostani, S, Sarabandi, K, Tarhan, O, Rezaei, A, Assadpour, E, Rostamabadi, H, Falsafi, SR, Tan, C, Zhang, F, Jafari, SM
Advances in colloid and interface science. 2024;:103174
Abstract
The most common carrier for encapsulation of bioactive components is still simple emulsion. Recently, bio-based novel emulsion systems such as multiple emulsions (MEs) and Pickering emulsions (PEs) have been introduced as innovative colloidal delivery systems for encapsulation and controlled release of bioactive compounds. Multiple PEs (MPEs), which carries both benefit of MEs and PEs could be fabricated by relatively scalable and simple operations. In comparison with costly synthetic surfactants and inorganic particles which are widely used for stabilization of both MEs and PEs, MPEs stabilized by food-grade particles, while having health-promoting aspects, are able to host the "clean label" and "green label" attributes. Nevertheless, in achieving qualified techno-functional attributes and encapsulation properties, the selection of suitable materials is a crucial step in the construction of such complex systems. Current review takes a cue from both MEs and PEs emulsification techniques to grant a robust background for designing various MPEs. Herein, various fabrication methods of MEs and PEs are described comprehensively in a physical viewpoint in order to find key conception of successful formulation of MPEs. This review also highlights the link between the underlying aspects and exemplified specimens of evidence which grant insights into the rational design of MPEs through food-based ingredients to introduces MPEs as novel colloidal/functional materials. Their utilization for encapsulation of bioactive compounds is discussed as well. In the last part, instability behavior of MPEs under various conditions will be discussed. In sum, this review aims to gain researchers who work with food-based components, basics of innovative design of MPEs.
