Your browser does not fully support modern features. Please upgrade for a smoother experience.
Subject:
All Disciplines Arts & Humanities Biology & Life Sciences Business & Economics Chemistry & Materials Science Computer Science & Mathematics Engineering Environmental & Earth Sciences Medicine & Pharmacology Physical Sciences Public Health & Healthcare Social Sciences
Sort by:
Most Viewed Latest Alphabetical (A-Z) Alphabetical (Z-A)
Filter:
All Topic Review Biography Peer Reviewed Entry Video Entry
Topic Review
Invasive Fusariosis in Patients with Hematologic Diseases
Invasive fusariosis is a serious fungal disease affecting high-risk hematologic patients, especially AML patients receiving induction remission chemotherapy and allogeneic HCT recipients. The most frequent clinical presentation is disseminated disease, with fever, metastatic skin lesions, pneumonia, and positive blood cultures. The outcome is largely dependent on recovery of host defenses, with virtually a 100% death rate in persistently neutropenic patients, despite monotherapy or combination antifungal therapy.
  • 880
  • 28 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Gut Microbiota and Leaky Gut in Food Allergy
Food allergies (FAs) are pathological immune reactions triggered by normally innocuous food protein antigens. Gut microbiota are one of the main actors in the complex mechanism of sensitization. The term “leaky gut” defines a status of weakening or disruption of the intestinal barrier, in which substances that are normally confined in the intestinal cavity pass through the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. Leaky gut has garnered significant interest due to its potential role in the onset of FA.
  • 876
  • 09 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Kiwifruit’s Allergy in Children
Kiwifruit allergy is an emerging pathological condition in both general and pediatric populations with a wide range of symptoms linked to variable molecular patterns, justifying systemic and cross-reactions with other allergens (i.e., latex, pollen, and fruit). Skin prick test (SPT), specific serum IgE (Act d 1, Act d 2, Act d 5, Act d 8, and Act d 10) directed against five out of thirteen molecular allergens described in the literature, and oral test challenge with kiwifruit are available for defining diagnosis. 
  • 875
  • 21 Jul 2023
Topic Review
Intravesical Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma
Intravesical instillations are based on two fundamental assumptions: restoration of the urothelial barrier or topical anti-inflammatory action. One of the drugs used for topical anti-inflammatory action is Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO). This substance has proven to be useful due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and muscle relaxant properties and is also able to block mast cell degranulation.
  • 874
  • 25 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Relationship between Subjective Cognitive Complaints and Executive Functions
Subjective cognitive complaints correspond to a heterogeneous construct that frequently occurs in the early stages of older adult life. Despite being a common source of worry for middle-aged people, it can be underestimated when clinical and neuropsychological assessments discard any underlying pathological processes. Negative age stereotyping but also self-stereotyping can contribute to doing so. Although its diagnosis is a challenge, its implication as a possible predictor of mild cognitive impairment or dementia increases the interest in its early diagnosis and intervention.
  • 870
  • 21 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Promising Immunotherapeutic Modalities for B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Over Over the last few years, treatment principles have been changed towards more targeted therapy in many B-cell lymphoma subtypes and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Immunotherapeutic modalities, namely monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy commonly use B-cell-associated antigens (CD19, CD20, CD22, and CD79b) as one of their targets. T-cell engagers (TCEs), a subclass of bsAbs, work on a similar mechanism as CAR-T cell therapy without the need of previous T-cell manipulation. Currently, several anti-CD20xCD3 TCEs have demonstrated promising efficacy across different lymphoma subtypes with slightly better outcomes in the indolent subset. Anti-CD19xCD3 TCEs are being developed as well but only blinatumomab has been evaluated in clinical trials yet. Results are not so impressive as those with anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy. Antibody-drug conjugates targeting different B-cell antigens (CD30, CD79b, CD19) seem to be effective in combination with mAbs, standard chemoimmunotherapy, or immune checkpoint inhibitors. Further investigation will show whether immunotherapy alone or in combinatory regimens has potential to replace chemotherapeutic agents from the first line treatment.
  • 867
  • 15 Nov 2021
Topic Review
The Role of PINK1 in Parkinson’s Disease
The progressive reduction of the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra is thefundamental process underlying Parkinson’s disease (PD), while the mechanism of susceptibilityof this specific neuronal population is largely unclear. Disturbances in mitochondrial function havebeen recognized as one of the main pathways in sporadic PD since the finding of respiratory chainimpairment in animal models of PD. Studies on genetic forms of PD have provided new insight onthe role of mitochondrial bioenergetics, homeostasis, and autophagy. PINK1 (PTEN-inducedputative kinase 1) gene mutations, although rare, are the second most common cause ofrecessively inherited early-onset PD, after Parkin gene mutations. Our knowledge of PINK1 andParkin function has increased dramatically in the last years, with the discovery that a processcalled mitophagy, which plays a key role in the maintenance of mitochondrial health, is mediatedby the PINK1/Parkin pathway. In vitro and in vivo models have been developed, supporting therole of PINK1 in synaptic transmission, particularly affecting dopaminergic neurons. It is ofparamount importance to further define the role of PINK1 in mitophagy and mitochondrialhomeostasis in PD pathogenesis in order to delineate novel therapeutic targets.
  • 867
  • 22 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Management of Asthma in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a systemic disorder characterized by peripheral eosinophilia, severe eosinophilic asthma, sinusitis, transient pulmonary infiltrates, and features of medium/small-vessel vasculitis. EGPA belongs to the group of anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides, although only 30 to 40% of patients display ANCA positivity, which is mainly of myeloperoxidase (MPO) specificity. Particularly, ANCA-positive patients typically show vasculitic features. Interleukin (IL)-5 has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in determining eosinophilic airway inflammation in EGPA patients. Specifically, maturation, activation, and survival of eosinophils especially depend on IL-5 availability. Therefore, blocking IL-5 biological activity may be a rewarding strategy for control of eosinophilic inflammation. Several monoclonal antibodies with the ability to interfere with the biological activity of IL-5 have been developed, namely, mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab.
  • 867
  • 02 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Immunomodulatory Activity of Antimicrobial Peptides
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in humans are represented by three main families: defensins, cathelicidins, histatins. Defensins, depending on the type of disulfide bond arrangement, are divided into alpha- and beta-defensins. Alpha- and beta-defensins are constitutively produced by neutrophils, lymphocytes, and epithelial cells of the skin and mucous membranes.
  • 856
  • 18 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Clinical Manifestations of Human Exposure to Fungi
Biological particles, along with inorganic gaseous and particulate pollutants, constitute an ever-present component of the atmosphere and surfaces. Among these particles are fungal species colonizing almost all ecosystems, including the human body. Although inoffensive to most people, fungi can be responsible for several health problems, such as allergic fungal diseases and fungal infections. Worldwide fungal disease incidence is increasing, with new emerging fungal diseases appearing yearly. Reasons for this increase are the expansion of life expectancy, the number of immunocompromised patients (immunosuppressive treatments for transplantation, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency diseases), the number of uncontrolled underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus), and the misusage of medication (e.g., corticosteroids and broad-spectrum antibiotics). 
  • 852
  • 05 May 2023
Topic Review
Diastolic Cardiac Function by MRI
Most cardiac studies focus on evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function. However, the assessment of diastolic cardiac function is becoming more appreciated, especially with the increasing prevalence of pathologies associated with diastolic dysfunction like heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Diastolic dysfunction is an indication of abnormal mechanical properties of the myocardium, characterized by slow or delayed myocardial relaxation, abnormal LV distensibility, and/or impaired LV filling.
  • 851
  • 04 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Paradoxical Hidradenitis Suppurativa during Biologic Therapy
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease usually occurring after puberty with painful, deep-seated, inflammatory lesions in the apocrine gland-bearing areas of the body. Paradoxical reactions during biologic treatments may be defined as the appearance or exacerbation of a pathological condition that usually responds to this class of drug while treating a patient for another condition.
  • 848
  • 23 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Respiratory Viral Infection and Epithelial Immunity in Asthma
Viral respiratory tract infections are associated with asthma development and exacerbation in children and adults. In the course of immune responses to viruses, airway epithelial cells are the initial platform of innate immunity against viral invasion. Patients with severe asthma are more vulnerable than those with mild to moderate asthma to viral infections.
  • 847
  • 10 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Atopic Dermatitis and Water
Water is a vital nutrient with innumerable functions for every living cell. The functions of human skin include protection against dehydration of the body. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic pruritic inflammatory skin disease that presents with dry skin, erythematous and eczematous lesions, and lichenification. 
  • 845
  • 08 Feb 2023
Topic Review
B Cells in Autoimmunity
B cells are key players in this relationship because activated and differentiated B cells produce secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which binds commensal bacteria to preserve a healthy microbial ecosystem.
  • 844
  • 18 May 2021
Topic Review
Hyaluronic Acid on Tendon Physiology
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a non-sulphated glycosaminoglycan formed by repetitive units of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl glucosamine. HA is widely present in the extracellular matrix in vertebrates and invertebrates to confer mechanical support, viscoelastic and hygroscopic properties, and anti-inflammatory effects to cells and tissue. HA is one of the fundamental components of cartilage and tendon tissue, contributing to their viscoelastic properties.
  • 843
  • 01 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Japanese Cedar Pollinosis
The incidence of Japanese cedar pollinosis is increasing significantly in Japan, and a recent survey suggested that about 40% of the population will develop this disease. However, spontaneous remission is rare. The increased incident rate of Japanese cedar pollinosis is a huge issue in Japan. Allergen immunotherapy is the only fundamental treatment that modifies the natural course of allergic rhinitis and provides long-term remission that cannot be induced by general drug therapy. Sublingual immunotherapy for Japanese cedar pollinosis has been developed and has been covered by health insurance since 2014 in Japan. The indication for children was expanded in 2018. Clinical trials of sublingual immunotherapy for Japanese cedar pollinosis have demonstrated its long-term efficacy and safety. It is recommended for patients who wish to undergo fundamental treatment regardless of the severity of the practical guidelines for the management of allergic rhinitis in Japan. For sublingual immunotherapy, a long-term treatment period of 3 years or longer is recommended to obtain stable therapeutic effects. 
  • 843
  • 25 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Norovirus Vaccines: Clinical Development and Challenges
Noroviruses are the major viral pathogens causing epidemic and endemic acute gastroenteritis with significant morbidity and mortality. While vaccines against norovirus diseases have been shown to be of high significance, the development of a broadly effective norovirus vaccine remains difficult, owing to the wide genetic and antigenic diversity of noroviruses with multiple co-circulated variants of various genotypes. In addition, the absence of a robust cell culture system, an efficient animal model, and reliable immune markers of norovirus protection for vaccine evaluation further hinders the developmental process.
  • 838
  • 14 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Association of miR-210 and Lung
MicroRNA is a class of non-coding RNA involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Aberrant expression of miRNAs is well-documented in molecular cancer biology. Extensive research has shown that miR-210 is implicated in the progression of multiple cancers including that of the lung, bladder, colon, and renal cell carcinoma. In recent years, exosomes have been evidenced to facilitate cell–cell communication and signaling through packaging and transporting active biomolecules such as miRNAs and thereby modify the cellular microenvironment favorable for lung cancers. MiRNAs encapsulated inside the lipid bilayer of exosomes are stabilized and transmitted to target cells to exert alterations in the epigenetic landscape. 
  • 834
  • 24 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Cardiac amyloidosis
Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is considered to be associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to ventricular tachyarrhythmias and electromechanical dissociation. 
  • 833
  • 07 Jun 2021
  • Page
  • of
  • 18
Featured Entry Collections
>>

Featured Reprints

>>
Encyclopedia of Digital Society, Industry 5.0 and Smart City
Encyclopedia of Engineering
Encyclopedia of Social Sciences
Encyclopedia of Medieval Royal Iconography
Academic Video Service
Feedback

Quick Survey

Encyclopedia MDPI is conducting a targeted survey to identify the specific barriers hindering efficient research. We invite you to spend 3 minutes defining the priorities for our next generation of structured knowledge tools.
Take Survey