The Emerging Role of Non-Coding RNAs in the Regulation of Virus Replication and Resultant Cellular Pathologies

Non-coding RNAs, particularly lncRNAs and miRNAs, have recently been shown to regulate different steps in viral infections and induction of immune responses against viruses. Expressions of several host and viral lncRNAs have been found to be altered during viral infection. These lncRNAs can exert antiviral function via inhibition of viral infection or stimulation of antiviral immune response. Some other lncRNAs can promote viral replication or suppress antiviral responses. The current review summarizes the interaction between ncRNAs and herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein–Barr infections. The data presented in this review helps identify viral-related regulators and proposes novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of viral infection.

Precision and Advanced Nano-Phytopharmaceuticals for Therapeutic Applications

Phytopharmaceuticals have been widely used globally since ancient times and acknowledged by healthcare professionals and patients for their superior therapeutic value and fewer side-effects compared to modern medicines. However, phytopharmaceuticals need a scientific and methodical approach to deliver their components and thereby improve patient compliance and treatment adherence. Dose reduction, improved bioavailability, receptor selective binding, and targeted delivery of phytopharmaceuticals can be likely achieved by molding them into specific nano-formulations. In recent decades, nanotechnology-based phytopharmaceuticals have emerged as potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of various communicable and non-communicable diseases. Nanotechnology combined with phytopharmaceuticals broadens the therapeutic perspective and overcomes problems associated with plant medicine. The current review highlights the therapeutic application of various nano-phytopharmaceuticals in neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and gastro-intestinal disorders. We conclude that nano-phytopharmaceuticals emerge as promising therapeutics for many pathological conditions with good compliance and higher acceptance.

The probable role and therapeutic potential of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in SARS-CoV-2 induced coagulopathy

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is associated with a high mortality rate. The majority of deaths in this disease are caused by ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome) followed by cytokine storm and coagulation complications. Although alterations in the level of the number of coagulation factors have been detected in samples from COVID-19 patients, the direct molecular mechanism which has been involved in this pathologic process has not been explored yet. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is an intracellular pathway which plays a central role in cell survival. Also, in recent years the association between this pathway and coagulopathies has been well clarified. Therefore, based on the evidence on over-activity of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in SARS-CoV-2 infection, in the current review, the probable role of this cellular pathway as a therapeutic target for the prevention of coagulation complications in patients with COVID-19 is discussed.

Macrophage Involvement in Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ): A Comprehensive, Short Review

Antiresorptive agents such as bisphosphonates (BP) and denosumab are commonly prescribed for the management of primary bone malignancy, bone metastasis, osteoporosis, Paget disease, or other bone disorders. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the Jaws (MRONJ) is a rare but significant complication of antiresorptive medications. Duration, dose, and antiresorptive potency as well as concomitant diseases, additional medications, and local factors affect MRONJ incidence and severity. MRONJ pathophysiology is still poorly understood. Nevertheless, decreased bone resorption due to osteoclastic inhibition along with trauma, infection/inflammation, or blood supply inhibition are considered synergistic factors for disease development. In addition, previous data research examined the effects of antiresorptive medication on immune system components and introduced potential alterations on immune response as novel elements in MRONJ pathogenesis. Considering that macrophages are the first cells in the nonspecific immune response, it is not surprising that these multifaceted players attracted increased attention in MRONJ research recently. This current review attempted to elucidate the effects of antiresorptive medications on several aspects of macrophage activity in relation to the complex inflammatory microenvironment of MRONJ. Collectively, unravelling the mode of action and extent of macrophages’ potential contribution in MRONJ occurrence will provide novel insight in disease pathogenesis and potentially identify intrinsic therapeutic targets.

HBI-8000, HUYABIO Lead Clinical Program, Is a Selective Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor With Therapeutic Benefits in Leukemia and in Solid Tumors

HBI-8000 is a small molecule inhibitor of class I HDACs and has been approved for the treatment of PTCL, ATL and, in combination with exemestane, in a subpopulation of breast cancer. Given the roles of HDACs in normal and cancerous cells, there are currently multiple clinical trials, by HUYABIO International, to test the efficacy of HBI-8000 in monotherapy or in combination settings in leukemias and in solid tumors. The current review is focused on the applications of HDACi HBI-8000 in cancer therapy and its potential in combination with DDR agents.

TYPES OF PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS. INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR SILANIZATION. REVIEW

Background: Dental sealants have been used to reduce the incidence and severity of dental caries in the pits and fissures of teeth for over 40 years. Since that time, numerous scientific discoveries have led to the development of multiple generations of new sealant materials. Aim: The aim of this paper is to summarize the findings of reviews regarding the types of pit and fissure sealants, indications and contraindications for their use. Methods and materials: Previous systematic reviews on this topic were used as the basis for the current review. Cochrane, MEDLINE, Embase, and a few other bibliographic databases were searched for English and Bulgarian-language articles. The year of publication of the searched articles was limited from 2000 to 2020. Only articles in English and Bulgarian languages were read in full. Results: A total of 114 articles were identified by the literature search, the title and abstract of the articles were examined. Twenty-four original research studies met the inclusion criteria. They were read in full, and evidence was extracted for types of pit and fissure sealants, as well as indications and contraindications for their use. Conclusion: Evidence derived from the literature led to the conclusion that sealants are effective in preventing pit and fissure occlusal carious. The selection of the material used for silanization is made depending on a few factors that should be considered, such as patient's and tooth age, child's behavior and ability to isolate the surfaces which are going to be sealed. Regular examinations are required to be able to determine the need for reapplication of sealants and to maximize the effectiveness and results of the treatment.

Nephropathic Cystinosis: Pathogenic Roles of Inflammation and Potential for New Therapies

The activation of several inflammatory pathways has recently been documented in patients and different cellular and animal models of nephropathic cystinosis. Upregulated inflammatory signals interact with many pathogenic aspects of the disease, such as enhanced oxidative stress, abnormal autophagy, inflammatory cell recruitment, enhanced cell death, and tissue fibrosis. Cysteamine, the only approved specific therapy for cystinosis, ameliorates many but not all pathogenic aspects of the disease. In the current review, we summarize the inflammatory mechanisms involved in cystinosis and their potential impact on the disease pathogenesis and progression. We further elaborate on the crosstalk between inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis, and discuss the potential of experimental drugs for suppressing the inflammatory signals in cystinosis.

Carotid Interventions for Women: The Hazards and Benefits

The goal of the current review is to examine the hazards and benefits of carotid interventions in women and to provide recommendations for the indications for carotid intervention in female patients. Stroke and cerebrovascular disease are prevalent in women. There are inherent biological and other differences in men and women, which affect the manifestations and outcome of stroke, with women experiencing worse disability and higher mortality following ischemic stroke than men. Due to the underrepresentation of female patients in most clinical trials, the ability to make firm but alternative recommendations for women specifically on the management of carotid stenosis is challenging. Although some data suggest that women might have worse periprocedural outcomes as compared to men following all carotid revascularization procedures, there is also an abundance of data to support a similar risk for carotid procedures in men and women, especially with carotid endarterectomy and transcarotid artery revascularization. Therefore, the indications for carotid revascularization are the same in women as they are in men. The choice of a carotid revascularization procedure in women is based upon the same factors as in men and requires careful evaluation of a particular patient’s risk profile, anatomic criteria, plaque morphology, and medical comorbidities that might favor one technique over the other. When performing carotid revascularization procedures in women, tailored techniques and procedures to address the small diameter of the female artery are warranted.

The Role of EFL Teachers' Self-Efficacy and Emotional Resilience in Appraisal of Learners' Success

Different elements in education should be taken into account in the development of education which affects learners' success. Educators are one of the main elements of any educational program, primarily in mainstream education, and there is considerable research recognizing this and the fact that educators have a significant effect on learners' success. Therefore, education can be enhanced simply by enhancing educators' effectiveness. Moreover, because of the importance of educators' factors, many researchers have emphasized educator attributes over the last 20 years. In an attempt to better explain the interaction between educator-related concepts in the setting of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), educator self-efficacy has a significant impact on the educators' everyday lives as well as on their learners and is regarded as an important factor in successful education and instruction. Furthermore, as one of the characteristics, teacher resilience is a multifaceted and developmental concept that has newly captured the interest of some scholars, specifically in the last 20 years, allowing educators not only to face difficult situations to survive but also to recover and prosper. To this end, the current review tries to emphasize these two significant factors in regulating learners' success. Corresponding to this review, some suggestions for further research are provided and pedagogical implications are proposed.