You're using an outdated browser. Please upgrade to a modern browser for the best 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
LAs in Pain, Inflammation, and Other Clinical Conditions
The use of low-dose local anesthetics in low concentrations for therapeutic, non-anesthetic purposes, known as neural therapy, has significantly transformed patient care by providing rapid, effective, long-lasting and safe relief of pain, inflammation and other clinical conditions while minimizing recovery time. 
  • 899
  • 05 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Evolution of Chemistries and Pharmaceutical Properties of ASOs
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a dominant genetic disease in which the expansion of long CTG trinucleotides in the 3′ UTR of the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene results in toxic RNA gain-of-function and gene mis-splicing affecting mainly the muscles, the heart, and the brain. The CUG-expanded transcripts are a suitable target for the development of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies. Antisense therapy is an attractive strategy making it possible to target almost every gene by simply modifying the base sequence. 
  • 898
  • 15 Nov 2022
Topic Review
N-Acetyl-Beta-D-Glucosaminidase in Kidney Injury
Acute and chronic kidney diseases are an evolving continuum for which reliable biomarkers of early disease are lacking. The potential use of glycosidases, enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, in kidney disease detection has been under investigation since the 1960s. N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) is a glycosidase commonly found in proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs).
  • 898
  • 18 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Metformin in Diabetes Mellitus&Ovarian Cancer
Since multiple reports established an association between diabetes mellitus and various cancers, emerging studies have surfaced to understand the effects of metformin as an anti-cancer agent. Although there was previous, but conflicting evidence, of a relationship between diabetes and ovarian cancer (OvCa), recent studies have supported this association. The mechanism of cancer development in patients with diabetes is likely to involve hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, chronic inflammation, reactive oxygen species, regulation of cellular homeostasis, and activation of various pathways that lead to tumor cell proliferation. Preclinical evidence indicating that metformin, a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, may protect against OvCa. Metformin exerts anti-cancer properties by activating the MAPK pathway, inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, increasing tumor suppressor genes, inducing G2/M cycle arrest, and various other processes. Several studies have shown the efficacy of metformin as an adjunct with standard chemotherapeutic agents due to its synergistic effects on OvCa cells.
  • 896
  • 30 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Photodynamic Therapy and Hyperthermia
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in humans. Despite the progress in cancer treatment, and an increase in the effectiveness of diagnostic methods, cancer is still highly lethal and very difficult to treat in many cases. Combination therapy, in the context of cancer treatment, seems to be a promising option that may allow minimizing treatment side effects and may have a significant impact on the cure. It may also increase the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapies. Moreover, combination treatment can significantly increase delivery of drugs to cancerous tissues. Photodynamic therapy and hyperthermia seem to be ideal examples that prove the effectiveness of combination therapy. These two kinds of therapy can kill cancer cells through different mechanisms and activate various signaling pathways. Both PDT and hyperthermia play significant roles in the perfusion of a tumor and the network of blood vessels wrapped around it. 
  • 889
  • 08 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Nanomedicine
Fast diagnosis and more efficient therapies for cancer surely represent one of the huge tasks for the worldwide researchers’ and clinicians’ community. In the last two decades, our understanding of the biology and molecular pathology of cancer mechanisms, coupled with the continuous development of the material science and technological compounds, have successfully improved nanomedicine applications in oncology. 
  • 888
  • 24 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Brief Introduction
Nearly a billion adults around the world are affected by a disease that is characterized by upper airway collapse while sleeping called obstructive sleep apnea or OSA. The progression and lasting effects of untreated OSA include an increased risk of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, stroke, and heart failure. There is often a decrease in quality-of-life scores and an increased rate of mortality in these patients. 
  • 888
  • 17 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Metformin and Metabolism in Cancer Cells
Metformin has been a long-standing prescribed drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its beneficial effects on virus infection, autoimmune diseases, aging and cancers are also recognized. Metformin modulates the differentiation and activation of various immune-mediated cells such as CD4+ and CD+8 T cells. The activation of adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway may be involved in this process.
  • 886
  • 30 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Ultrastructure in Transthyretin Amyloidosis
Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is caused by systemic deposition of wild-type or variant amyloidogenic TTR (ATTRwt and ATTRv, respectively). ATTRwt amyloidosis has traditionally been termed senile systemic amyloidosis, while ATTRv amyloidosis has been called familial amyloid polyneuropathy. Although ATTRwt amyloidosis has classically been regarded as one of the causes of cardiomyopathy occurring in the elderly population, recent developments in diagnostic techniques have significantly expanded the concept of this disease. For example, this disease is now considered an important cause of carpal tunnel syndrome in the elderly population. The phenotypes of ATTRv amyloidosis also vary depending on the mutation and age of onset. Peripheral neuropathy usually predominates in patients from the conventional endemic foci, while cardiomyopathy or oculoleptomeningeal involvement may also become major problems in other patients. Electron microscopic studies indicate that the direct impact of amyloid fibrils on surrounding tissues leads to organ damage, whereas accumulating evidence suggests that nonfibrillar TTR, such as oligomeric TTR, is toxic, inducing neurodegeneration. Microangiopathy has been suggested to act as an initial lesion, increasing the leakage of circulating TTR. Regarding treatments, the efficacy of liver transplantation has been established for ATTRv amyloidosis patients, particularly patients with early-onset amyloidosis. Recent phase III clinical trials have shown the efficacy of TTR stabilizers, such as tafamidis and diflunisal, for both ATTRwt and ATTRv amyloidosis patients. 
  • 882
  • 19 Jul 2021
Topic Review
The Side Effects Reported after COVID-19 Immunization
Studies found that all immunizations were safe, with very few or no Side Effects (SEs); however, the form of SEs was shown to be more persistent in DNA- and mRNA-based vaccines, whereas inactivated viral vaccines were associated with longer-duration SEs. Overall, SEs were shown to be more prevalent in women and youngsters. Certain instances of adverse responses have also been observed, although their pathological relationship with COVID-19 immunization has yet to be determined.
  • 881
  • 14 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Controversies in Pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous and extremely common disease with symptoms that vary with the age of the patient, typically characterized by hyperandrogenism, chronic oligo-anovulation, and/or several metabolic disorders. The syndrome includes various phenotypes, and the pathogenesis is multifactorial, often involving insulin resistance. This feature is closely related to ovarian dysfunction, inflammation, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic disorders, which characterize and complicate the syndrome. Therapy currently considers both lifestyle improvements and medications, and must be tailored on a case-by-case basis. To date, the published studies have not arrived at a definition of the most suitable therapy for each individual case and many of the drugs used are still off-label.
  • 880
  • 24 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Viral Vector-Based Melanoma Gene Therapy
Gene therapy applications of oncolytic viruses represent an attractive alternative for cancer treatment. A broad range of oncolytic viruses, including adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, alphaviruses, herpes simplex viruses, retroviruses, lentiviruses, rhabdoviruses, reoviruses, measles virus, Newcastle disease virus, picornaviruses and poxviruses, have been used in diverse preclinical and clinical studies for the treatment of various diseases, including colon, head-and-neck, prostate and breast cancer as well as squamous cell carcinoma and glioma. The majority of studies have focused on immunotherapy and several drugs based on viral vectors have been approved. However, gene therapy for malignant melanoma based on viral vectors has not been utilized to its full potential yet.
  • 876
  • 30 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Telephone Counseling
Telephone counseling refers to any type of psychological service performed over the telephone. Telephone counseling ranges from individual, couple or group psychotherapy with a professional therapist to psychological first aid provided by para-professional counselors. In-person therapists often advise clients to make use of telephone crisis counseling to provide the client with an avenue to obtain support outside of therapy if they cannot be reached in an emergency or at the conclusion of a therapeutic relationship. Telephone counseling is also provided by crisis hotlines, quitlines, and child helplines.
  • 876
  • 26 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetes
Oxidative stress is a critical factor in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes and its associated complications. The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the body’s antioxidant defence mechanisms leads to cellular damage and dysfunction. In diabetes, chronic hyperglycaemia and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to increased ROS production, further exacerbating oxidative stress. This oxidative burden adversely affects various aspects of diabetes, including impaired beta-cell function and insulin resistance, leading to disrupted glucose regulation. Additionally, oxidative stress-induced damage to blood vessels and impaired endothelial function contribute to the development of diabetic vascular complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, organs and tissues throughout the body, including the kidneys, nerves, and eyes, are vulnerable to oxidative stress, resulting in diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Strategies to mitigate oxidative stress in diabetes include antioxidant therapy, lifestyle modifications, and effective management of hyperglycaemia
  • 875
  • 18 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Obesity and Bone
The increase in body weight causes an increase in BMD (bone mineral density), both for a mechanical effect and for the greater amount of estrogens present in the adipose tissue. Nevertheless, despite an apparent strengthening of the bone witnessed by the increased BMD, the risk of fracture is higher.
  • 873
  • 05 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Vitamin D and Infectious Diseases
It is now 2 years since we have seen the impact of the CoronaVirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 worldwide, affecting millions of people and rates of mortality close to 6 million. Although we are beginning to see the real benefit of vaccines, in terms of reduced mortality rates, many individuals still remain to be vaccinated or do not respond to them leaving a large number of patients still experiencing severe respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19. In recent months, we have seen another surge in individuals infected with COVID-19 and mortality rates are also increasing. In the absence of effective therapies or vaccines, the medical and scientific community have extensively explored a range of current available therapeutic agents, mainly focused on targeting viral replication as well as managing severe respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19.  Vitamin D has emerged as one such candidate due to its recognized immunomodulatory effects. In this regard, the activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling pathway may generate beneficial effects in acute respiratory distress syndrome by decreasing the cytokine/chemokine storm, thus having an important immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory role.
  • 869
  • 07 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Medical Insights of Hemodiafiltration
Hemodiafiltration, a dialysis method that was implemented in clinics many years ago and that combines the two main principles of hemodialysis and hemofiltration—diffusion and convection—has had a positive impact on mortality rates, especially when delivered in a high-volume mode as a surrogate for a high convective dose. The achievement of high substitution volumes during dialysis treatments does not only depend on patient characteristics but also on the dialyzer (membrane) and the adequately equipped hemodiafiltration machine. 
  • 868
  • 07 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Antibiotics, Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are rare life-threatening bacterial infections characterized by an extensive necrosis of skin and subcutaneous tissues. Initial urgent management of NSTIs relies on broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, rapid surgical debridement of all infected tissues and, when present, treatment of associated organ failures in the intensive care unit. 
  • 867
  • 16 Sep 2021
Topic Review
The P2X7R and Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes is a worldwide emergency. Its chronic complications impose a heavy burden on patients, health systems, and on society as a whole. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes, and an established risk factor for blindness in adults. Over 15 years of investigation led to the identification of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a main pathogenic factor in diabetic retinopathy and to the introduction of highly effective anti-VEGF-based therapies, such as the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab or its fragment ranibizumab, which helped to prevent diabetes-related blindness in millions of patients. Recently, a pathogenic role for uncontrolled increases in the extracellular ATP concentration (eATP) and for overactivation of the purinergic receptor P2X7 (P2X7R) has been suggested. The P2X7R is an eATP-gated plasma membrane channel expressed in multiple tissues and organs, with a pleiotropic function in inflammation, immunity, cancer, and hormone and growth factor release. P2X7R stimulation or overexpression positively regulate the secretion and buildup of VEGF, thus promoting neo-angiogenesis in a wide variety of disease processes.
  • 865
  • 13 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Risk Stratification in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary thromboembolism is a very common cardiovascular disease, with a high mortality rate. This disease still represents a great challenge both in diagnosis and treatment. The heterogeneous clinical picture, often without pathognomonic signs and symptoms, represents a huge differential diagnostic problem even for experienced doctors. The decisions surrounding this therapeutic regimen also represent a major dilemma in the group of patients who are hemodynamically stable at initial presentation and have signs of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction proven by echocardiography and positive biomarker values (pulmonary embolism of intermediate–high risk).
  • 864
  • 14 Oct 2022
  • Page
  • of
  • 24
Featured Entry Collections
>>

Featured Books

>>
Encyclopedia of COVID-19
Encyclopedia of Engineering
Encyclopedia of Social Sciences
Encyclopedia of Digital Society, Industry 5.0 and Smart City
Academic Video Service
Feedback