Taurine is a fundamental mediator of homeostasis that exerts multiple roles to confer protection against oxidant stress. The development of hypertension, muscle/neuroassociated disorders, hepatic cirrhosis, cardiac dysfunction and ischemia/reperfusion are examples of some injuries that are linked with oxidative stress. The present review gives a comprehensive description of all the underlying mechanisms of taurine, with the aim to explain its anti-oxidant actions. Taurine is regarded as a cytoprotective molecule due to its ability to sustain normal electron transport chain, maintain glutathione stores, upregulate anti-oxidant responses, increase membrane stability, eliminate inflammation and prevent calcium accumulation. In parallel, the synergistic effect of taurine with other potential therapeutic modalities in multiple disorders are highlighted. Apart from the results derived from research findings, the current review bridges the gap between bench and bedside, providing mechanistic insights into the biological activity of taurine that supports its potential therapeutic efficacy in clinic. In the future, further clinical studies are required to support the ameliorative effect of taurine against oxidative stress. Contents1. Introduction 2. The role of taurine in homeostasis 3. The role of taurine against oxidative stress and its underlying molecular mechanisms 4. The beneficial effect of taurine against neuro-associated disorders 5. The anti-oxidant efficacy of taurine against cardiacassociated oxidative stress 6. The regulatory importance of taurine in ischemia and reperfusion 7. The anti-oxidant efficacy of taurine against muscle-associated disorders 8. The anti-oxidant efficacy of taurine against hepatic-associated stress 9. The anti-oxidant properties of taurine in various toxicmediated insults 10. Conclusions

The coronavirus disease-2019 (coVid-19) pandemic, caused by the new coronavirus SarS-coV-2, has spread around the globe with unprecedented consequences for the health of millions of people. While the pandemic is still in progress, with new incidents being reported every day, the resilience of the global society is constantly being challenged. under these circumstances, the future seems uncertain. SarS-coV-2 coronavirus has spread panic among civilians and insecurity at all socio-political and economic levels, dramatically disrupting everyday life, global economy, international travel and trade. The disease has also been linked to the onset of depression in many individuals due to the extreme restriction measures that have been taken for the prevention of the rapid spreading of coVid-19. First, the socioeconomic , political and psychological implications of the coVid-19 pandemic were explored. Substantial evidence is provided for the consequences of the pandemic on all aspects of everyday life, while at the same time we unravel the role and the pursuits of national regimes during this unforeseen situation. The second goal of this review is related to the scientific aspect of the pandemic. Hence, we explain why SarS-coV-2 is not a so-called 'invisible enemy', and also attempt to give insight regarding the origin of the virus, in an effort to reject the conspiracy theories that have arisen during the pandemic. Finally, rational strategies were investigated for successful vaccine development. We are optimistic that this review will complement the knowledge of specialized scientists and inform non-specialized readers on basic scientific questions, and also on the social and economic implications of the coVid-19 pandemic. Contents 1. introduction 2. death and the solitude of the dead 3. Many questions arise from the words 'cost-profit' 4. The 'invisible enemy' from a scientific perspective 5. is SarS-coV-2 indeed invisible? 6. The right strategy for vaccine development 7. Treatments and vaccines 8. The 'competitive nature' of man and reality 9. The extreme rivalries among the powerful of the world may have an economic basis 10. There is irrefutable evidence that SarS-coV-2 is not only contagious but also highly related to social class 11. The conspiracy theories as an antidote to the scientific truth 12. Thoughts regarding international research on the viral origins 13. The lack of prevention strategies against the SarS-coV-2 pandemic 14. critical remarks 15. conclusions and thoughts for a better relationship between man and the environment

One of the fundamental discoveries in the field of biology is the ability to modulate the genome and to monitor the functional outputs derived from genomic alterations. In order to unravel new therapeutic options, scientists had initially focused on inducing genetic alterations in primary cells, in established cancer cell lines and mouse models using either RNA interference or cDNA overexpression or various programmable nucleases [zinc finger nucleases (ZNF), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN)]. Even though a huge volume of data was produced, its use was neither cheap nor accurate. Therefore, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system was evidenced to be the next step in genome engineering tools. CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-mediated genetic perturbation is simple, precise and highly efficient, empowering researchers to apply this method to immortalized cancerous cell lines, primary cells derived from mouse and human origins, xenografts, induced pluripotent stem cells, organoid cultures, as well as the generation of genetically engineered animal models. In this review, we assess the development of the CRISPR system and its therapeutic applications to a wide range of complex diseases (particularly distinct tumors), aiming at personalized therapy. Special emphasis is given to organoids and CRISPR screens in the design of innovative therapeutic approaches. Overall, the CRISPR system is regarded as an eminent genome engineering tool in therapeutics. We envision a new era in cancer biology during which the CRISPR-based genome engineering toolbox will serve as the fundamental conduit between the bench and the bedside; nonetheless, certain obstacles need to be addressed, such as the eradication of side-effects, maximization of efficiency, the assurance of delivery and the elimination of immunogenicity.

Yersinia spp. are non-spore-forming Gram-negative bacilli. They comprise only three species known to cause disease in humans, namely Y. pestis, Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis. Since infective endocarditis (IE) is rarely caused by Yersinia, the management of these infections can be problematic due to the lack of experience. The purpose of this study was to systematically review all published cases of IE by Yersinia species in the literature. A systematic review of PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library (through 1 November 2020) for studies providing epidemiological, clinical and microbiological information as well as data on treatment and outcomes of IE caused by Yersinia species was performed. A total of 12 studies, containing data of 12 patients, were included. A prosthetic valve was present in 17% of patients. The mitral valve was the most commonly infected site, followed by the aortic valve. Fever, sepsis and embolic phenomena were common clinical signs, followed by heart failure. Aminoglycosides, cephalosporins and quinolones were the most commonly used antimicrobials. Clinical cure was noted in 83%, while overall mortality was 17%. This systematic review describes IE by Yersinia and provides information on patients’ epidemiology, clinical signs and the related therapeutic strategies and outcomes.

For one century, taurine is considered as an end product of sulfur metabolism. In this review, we discuss the beneficial effect of taurine, its haloamines and taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in both cancer and inflammation. We outline how taurine or its haloamines (N-Bromotaurine or N-Chlorotaurine) can induce robust and efficient responses against inflammatory diseases, providing insight into their molecular mechanisms. We also provide information about the use of taurine as a therapeutic approach to cancer. Taurine can be combined with other chemotherapeutic drugs, not only mediating durable responses in various malignancies, but also circumventing the limitations met from chemotherapeutic drugs, thus improving the therapeutic outcome. Interestingly, the lncRNA TUG1 is regarded as a promising therapeutic approach, which can overcome acquired resistance of cancer cells to selected strategies. In this regard, we can translate basic knowledge about taurine and its TUG1 lncRNA into potential therapeutic options directed against specific oncogenic signaling targets, thereby bridging the gap between bench and bedside. Contents 1. The role of taurine in inflammation 2. Formation of taurine haloamines 3. Anti-microbial properties of taurine haloamines 4. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of taurine haloamines 5. Therapeutic perspectives and clinical studies 6. Significance of lncRNA TUG1 lncRNA in cancer 7. The association of lncRNA TUG1 and chemoresistance 8. The role of taurine or lncRNA TUG1 as a prognostic marker 9. Conclusions

Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) contributes to homeostasis, mainly through its antioxidant and osmoregulatory properties. Taurine's influx and efflux are mainly mediated through the ubiquitous expression of the sodium/chloride-dependent taurine transporter, located on the plasma membrane. The significance of the taurine transporter has been shown in various organ malfunctions in taurine-transporter-null mice. The taurine transporter differentially responds to various cellular stimuli including ionic environment, electrochemical charge, and pH changes. The renal system has been used as a model to evaluate the factors that significantly determine the regulation of taurine transporter regulation. Contents 1. Taurine synthesis 2. Taurine transport 3. regulation of TauT transporter 4. Volume-insensitive and-sensitive taurine transport 5. Taurine deficient conditions 6. Taurine Transporter deficient mice (TauT KO) 7. Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MelaS) syndrome 8. conclusions

Since its first discovery as part of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) genome, the c-SRC (SRC) proto-oncogene has been proved a key regulator of cancer development and progression, and thus it has been highlighted as an attractive target for anti-cancer therapeutic strategies. Though the exact mechanisms of its action are still not fully understood, SRC protein mediates crucial normal cell functions, such as cell development, proliferation and survival, and its dysregulation is considered as an oncogenic signature and a driving force for cancer initiation. In the present review, we present a flashback to the history of the Src research, while focusing on the most important milestones in the field. Moreover, we investigate the proposed regulatory mechanisms and molecules that mediate its action in order to designate putative therapeutic targets and useful prognostic and/or diagnostic tools. Furthermore, we present and discuss existing therapeutic approaches that are explored in clinical settings. Contents 1. Introduction 2. Discovery of Rous sarcoma virus 3. Cellular origin of retroviral oncogenes 4. MicroRNAs as the fine tuners of SRC oncogenic signaling 5. miRNA-mediated SRC oncogenic signaling in selected cancer types 6. Exosomes as the fine tuners of oncogenic signaling 7. SRC inhibitors as anticancer agents in clinical trials 8. Conclusion

No abstract