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
RBUD
RBUD, read-based metagenomics profiling for unestablished database, is a new functional potential analysis approach for whole microbial genome shotgun sequencing. Based on whole metagenome shotgun sequencing data, it can be used to analysis microbial species and functions, especially for the study without relevant reference database. RBUD method is optimized by omitting the steps of contigs assembly and ORF prediction which improves the utilization of sequencing data and shortens the time of data analysis. In addition, RBUD method includes the steps of establishing databases of microorganisms from different sources to expand its application, which is a great help for small-sample research and can avoid the lack of reference database. By compared RBUD with the existing methods in practical applications, RBUD has great advantages in both species and functional analysis.
  • 1.6K
  • 21 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Drug Resistance in Cedecea neteri
Cedecea, a genus in the Enterobacteriaceae family, includes several opportunistic pathogens reported to cause an array of sporadic acute infections, most notably of the lung and bloodstream. One species, Cedecea neteri, is associated with cases of bacteremia in immunocompromised hosts and has documented resistance to different antibiotics, including β-lactams and colistin. Despite the potential to inflict serious infections, knowledge about drug resistance determinants in Cedecea is limited.
  • 1.6K
  • 31 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Biodiversity of Hypersaline Environments
Halophiles are the salt-loving organisms. They are found in all three domains of life, namely Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya, and occur in saline and hypersaline environments worldwide. They are already a valuable source of various biomolecules for biotechnological, pharmaceutical, cosmetological and industrial applications. 
  • 1.6K
  • 21 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Morel in Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soils
Morel is a popular edible mushroom with considerable medicinal and economic value which has garnered global popularity. Given the susceptibility of morels to HM accumulation, the quality and output of morels are at risk, posing a serious food safety concern that hinders the development of the morel industry.
  • 1.6K
  • 09 Oct 2023
Topic Review
ESKAPE Bacteria in the Dog
ESKAPE bacteria (i.e., Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) are a group of common opportunistic pathogens associated mainly with nosocomial infections.
  • 1.6K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Enteric Nervous System
The gastrointestinal tract has the function of digesting food, absorbing the nutrients, and forming a barrier against harmful agents, but it is also an immune-hormonal system. Functional aspects of this system, such as peristaltic movements, substance transport, and local blood flow, are regulated by an intrinsic network of neuronal ganglia known as the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS provides motor excitatory neurons, innervate muscle layers, secretory glands, and the lymphatic vascular system. It is the largest and most complex part of the peripheral nervous system, being organized into distinct neuron networks within the gut wall, where individual small ganglia are interconnected by dense fiber bundles. These nerve plexuses are organized into two layers of neuronal ganglia and enteroglial cells that are interconnected: The myenteric plexus (Auerbach plexus) and the submucosa plexus (Meissner plexus). The ENS forms a complete sensory-motor reflex composed of intrinsic primary afferent neurons (IPANs), interneurons, and motor neurons.
  • 1.6K
  • 14 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Elite Rhizobia Strains in Africa
Grain legumes play a significant role in smallholder farming systems in Africa because of their contribution to nutrition and income security and their role in fixing nitrogen. Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) serves a critical role in improving soil fertility for legumes. Dinitrogen can be reduced to ammonium (NH3) through the Haber–Bosch process or via biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) utilizing some soil bacteria or archaea (diazotrophs). Rhizobia belong to Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria, a group of Gram-negative bacteria that forms nodules on roots (sometimes stems) of leguminous plants to fix nitrogen in a symbiotic relationship with their host plants. The rhizobia–legume symbiosis is the most studied plant–microbial mutualism because of the importance of nitrogen fixation for almost all agricultural systems.
  • 1.6K
  • 21 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Targeting Gut Microbial Biofilms
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global public health issue which poses a substantial humanistic and economic burden on patients, healthcare systems and society. In recent years, intestinal dysbiosis has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of CRC, with specific pathogens exhibiting oncogenic potentials such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, Escherichia coli and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis having been found to contribute to CRC development. More recently, it has been shown that initiation of CRC development by these microorganisms requires the formation of biofilms. Gut microbial biofilm forms in the inner colonic mucus layer and is composed of polymicrobial communities. Biofilm results in the redistribution of colonic epithelial cell E-cadherin, increases permeability of the gut and causes a loss of function of the intestinal barrier, all of which enhance intestinal dysbiosis. This literature review aims to compile the various strategies that target these pathogenic biofilms and could potentially play a role in the prevention of CRC. We explore the potential use of natural products, silver nanoparticles, upconverting nanoparticles, thiosalicylate complexes, anti-rheumatic agent (Auranofin), probiotics and quorum-sensing inhibitors as strategies to hinder colon carcinogenesis via targeting colon-associated biofilms.
  • 1.6K
  • 22 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Wood Antimicrobial Behavior Test Method
Some wood species have antimicrobial properties and a variety of methods are used to investigate them. For testing the effect of antimicrobial compounds, direct and indirect methods are used. Meanwhile, the survival of microbes is also tested on surfaces (or material in contact with microbes) to validate the safety of surfaces.
  • 1.5K
  • 29 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Respiratory System and its Microbiome
Several studies suggest the importance of preserving the micro-ecosystem of commensal, symbiotic and pathogenic microbes of the respiratory system, and, more recently, its relationship with the intestinal microbiome. However, recent studies investigate how it leads to the maintenance of human health, also in relation to some factors such as the effect of age, diet and others, making its composition and stability better understood.  
  • 1.5K
  • 09 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Arabidopsis RETICULON-LIKE4 (RTNLB4)
Agrobacterium tumefaciens genetically transforms plant cells by transferring the transfer-DNA (T-DNA) and virulence (Vir) proteins from bacteria via a VirB-encoded type IV secretion system into plants. The effectors manipulate plant proteins to assist in T-DNA transfer, integration, and expression in plant cells. The Arabidopsis reticulon-like (RTNLB) proteins are located in the endoplasmic reticulum and are involved in endomembrane trafficking in plant cells. We functionally characterized reticulon-like protein B4 (RTNLB4), which interacted with the A. tumefaciens VirB2 protein, a major component of A. tumefaciens T-pilus. Overexpression or knockdown of RTNLB4 affected the expression of A. tumefaciens elf18 peptide-induced plant defense-related genes and could affect Agrobacterium-mediated transformation rates. Pre-treatment with elf18 peptide decreased Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression efficiency more in wild-type seedlings than RTNLB4 O/E transgenic plants, which suggests that the induced defense responses in RTNLB4 O/E transgenic plants might be affected after bacterial elicitor treatments. We also showed that two VirB2 peptides induced the expression of defense-related genes and H2O2 production and inhibited seedling growth. These typical pathogen-associated molecular pattern-trigged immune responses were less induced in RTNLB4 overexpression transgenic plants. Our findings provide strong evidence that RTNLB4 has major roles in the A. tumefaciens elf18 and VirB2 peptide-derived plant defense responses. We believe this study advances our understanding of possible functions of the RTNLB4 protein in the A. tumefaciens infection process and plant immunity.
  • 1.5K
  • 01 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Bartonella henselae in a Biofilm
Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) is a gram-negative bacterium that causes cat scratch disease, bacteremia, and endocarditis, as well as other clinical presentations. B. henselae has been shown to form a biofilm in vitro that likely plays a role in the establishment and persistence of the bacterium in the host.
  • 1.5K
  • 28 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Varidnaviria
Varidnaviria is a realm of viruses that includes all DNA viruses that encode major capsid proteins that contain a vertical jelly roll fold. The major capsid proteins (MCP) form into pseudohexameric subunits of the viral capsid, which stores the viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and are perpendicular, or vertical, to the surface of the capsid. Apart from this, viruses in the realm also share many other characteristics, such as minor capsid proteins (mCP) with the vertical jelly roll fold, an ATPase that packages viral DNA into the capsid, and a DNA polymerase that replicates the viral genome. Varidnaviria was established in 2019 based on the shared characteristics of the viruses in the realm. There are two groups of viruses in Varidnaviria: viruses that have a double vertical jelly roll (DJR) folds in the MCP, assigned to the kingdom Bamfordvirae, and viruses that have a single vertical jelly roll (SJR) fold in the MCP, assigned to the kingdom Helvetiavirae. The DJR-MCP lineage is thought to be descended from the SJR-MCP lineage via a gene fusion event, and the SJR-MCP shows a close relation to nucleoplasmins, pointing to a possible origin of the realm's jelly roll fold MCP. Most identified eukaryotic DNA viruses belong to Varidnaviria. Marine viruses in the realm are highly abundant worldwide and are important in marine ecology. Many animal viruses in the realm are associated with disease, including adenoviruses, poxviruses, and the African swine fever virus. Poxviruses have been prominent in the history of medicine, especially smallpox, caused by Variola virus, which was the target of the first vaccine and which later became the first disease eradicated. The realm also notably includes giant viruses that are physically larger and contain a much larger number of genes than typical viruses.
  • 1.5K
  • 20 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Microalgae Encapsulation
Microalgae are microorganisms with a singular biochemical composition, including several biologically active compounds with proven pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, among others. These properties make microalgae an interesting natural resource to be used as a functional ingredient, as well as in the prevention and treatment of diseases, or cosmetic formulations. Nevertheless, natural bioactives often possess inherent chemical instability and/or poor solubility, which are usually associated with low bioavailability. As such, their industrial potential as a health-promoting substance might be severely compromised. In this context, encapsulation systems are considered as a promising and emerging strategy to overcome these shortcomings due to the presence of a surrounding protective layer.
  • 1.5K
  • 23 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Fungal Fuel Cells in Energy Production
Traditional methods have certain limitations and complexities for bioenergy production, which motivates the search for new ways of sustainable bioenergy production and wastewater treatment. Biological strategies have opened new avenues to the treatment of wastewater using oxidoreductase enzymes for the degradation of pollutants. Fungal-based fuel cells (FFCs), with their catalysts, have gained considerable attention among scientists worldwide. They are a new, ecofriendly, and alternative approach to nonchemical methods due to easy handling. FFCs are efficiently used in wastewater treatment and the production of electricity for power generation. 
  • 1.5K
  • 18 Apr 2023
Topic Review
The Microbial Hypothesis of Alzheimer’s Disease
The potential contribution of pathogenic microbes to dementia-inducing disease is a subject of considerable importance. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurocognitive disease that slowly destroys brain function, leading to cognitive decline and behavioral and psychiatric disorders. The histopathology of AD is associated with neuronal loss and progressive synaptic dysfunction, accompanied by the deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in the form of parenchymal plaques and abnormal aggregated tau protein in the form of neurofibrillary tangles. The AD pathogen hypothesis states that pathogens and microbes act as triggers, interacting with genetic factors to initiate the accumulation of Aβ, hyperphosphorylated tau protein (p-tau), and inflammation in the brain. Evidence indicates that Borrelia sp., HSV-1, VZV (HHV-2), HHV-6/7, oral pathogens, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Candida albicans can infect the central nervous system (CNS), evade the immune system, and consequently prevail in the AD brain.
  • 1.5K
  • 06 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Streptobacillus Moniliformis
Streptobacillus moniliformis is a non-motile, Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium that is a member of the family Leptotrichiaceae. The genome of S. moniliformis is one of two completed sequences of the order Fusobacteriales. Its name comes from the Greek word streptos for "curved" or "twisted", and the Latin words bacillus meaning "small rod" and moniliformis for "necklace". S. moniliformis is microaerophilic, requiring less oxygen than is present in the atmosphere for its growth.
  • 1.5K
  • 03 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Computational Modeling of Human Microbiome
The human microbiome has been identified as a potentially significant contributor to human health, but the composition and role that the microbiome plays varies across body sites.  Technological improvements have enabled large-scale studies of the human microbiome and this review focuses on the data and health impacts that have been analyzed to date associated with the skin, oral, gut, and vaginal microbiomes.  One major challenge in this area that remains is to gain a better mechanistic understanding of the microbial consortium function and dynamics and how it impacts the human host.  Computational approaches can help analyze some of the interactions and complexity of the microbiome-host interactions and thus, discussion on relevant computational studies associated with the human microbiome are also presented.
  • 1.5K
  • 01 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis in Mood Disorders
The microbiota–gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication pathway that enables the gut microbiota to communicate with the brain through direct and indirect signaling pathways to influence brain physiology, function, and even behavior. Several taxonomic changes in the gut microbiota have been reported in neurodevelopmental disorders, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. 
  • 1.5K
  • 17 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Honeybee Microbiota
Numerous honeybee (Apis mellifera) products, such as honey, propolis, and bee venom, are used in traditional medicine to prevent illness and promote healing. Therefore, this insect has a huge impact on humans’ way of life and the environment. While the population of A. mellifera is large, there is concern that widespread commercialization of beekeeping, combined with environmental pollution and the action of bee pathogens, has caused significant problems for the health of honeybee populations. One of the strategies to preserve the welfare of honeybees is to better understand and protect their natural microbiota. 
  • 1.5K
  • 05 Sep 2021
  • Page
  • of
  • 51
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