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
Nanomedicine as a Potential Tool against Monkeypox
Human monkeypox is a rare viral zoonosis that was first identified in 1970; since then, this infectious disease has been marked as endemic in central and western Africa. Questions about the necessity of developing a vaccine persist. Developing a nanomedicine-based preventative strategy might be prudent, particularly with the rapid growth of the use of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in medical research.
  • 940
  • 10 Mar 2023
Topic Review
SARS-CoV-2 and the Risk Assessment
In December 2019, several cases of atypical pneumonia were detected in Wuhan city, Hubei province, inland China. The initial outbreak was of considerable size first in China subsequently spread to the rest of the world. Immediately after the epidemic (which according to the World Health Organization had risen to pandemic status), the problem of whether or not to update the occupational risk assessment arose, also considering how the biological risk from SARS CoV-2 should be understood: specific or generic. To this end, we conducted a literature review to identify national health legislation and policies, examining how Italy has addressed the COVID-19 emergency in occupational health planning, in order to develop considerations on the need to update the Risk Assessment Document following the pandemic status. The data that emerged from the review of current legislation allowed us to conclude that the risk from SARS-CoV-2 is in most work activities to be understood as a generic or aggravated generic risk, requiring the employer to apply and control the preventive measures suggested by health authorities to contain the spread of the virus.
  • 936
  • 14 May 2021
Topic Review
HPV Oncoproteins and Innate Immunity
The growth of human papillomavirus (HPV)-transformed cells depends on the ability of the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7, especially those from high-risk HPV16/18, to manipulate the signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, cell death, and innate immunity. Emerging evidence indicates that E6/E7 inhibition reactivates the host innate immune response, reversing what until then was an unresponsive cellular state suitable for viral persistence and tumorigenesis. Given that the disruption of distinct mechanisms of immune evasion is an attractive strategy for cancer therapy, the race is on to gain a better understanding of E6/E7-induced immune escape and cancer progression. Here, we review recent literature on the interplay between E6/E7 and the innate immune signaling pathways cGAS/STING/TBK1, RIG-I/MAVS/TBK1, and Toll-like receptors (TLRs). The overall emerging picture is that E6 and E7 have evolved broad-spectrum mechanisms allowing for the simultaneous depletion of multiple rather than single innate immunity effectors. The cGAS/STING/TBK1 pathway appears to be the most heavily impacted, whereas the RIG-I/MAVS/TBK1, still partially functional in HPV-transformed cells, can be activated by the powerful RIG-I agonist M8, triggering the massive production of type I and III interferons (IFNs), which potentiates chemotherapy-mediated cell killing. Overall, the identification of novel therapeutic targets to restore the innate immune response in HPV-transformed cells could transform the way HPV-associated cancers are treated.
  • 934
  • 10 Mar 2021
Topic Review
SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Algeria
To explore the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Algeria, a dataset comprising ninety-five genomes originating from SARS-CoV-2 sampled from Algeria and other countries worldwide, from 24 December 2019, through 4 March 2021, was thoroughly examined. 
  • 932
  • 24 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Mosquito-Borne Viruses and Non-Human Vertebrates
Mosquito-borne viruses are well recognized as a global public health burden amongst humans, but the effects on non-human vertebrates is rarely reported. 
  • 929
  • 18 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Mutations of SARS-CoV-2 RBD
The genetic mutation of SARS-CoV-2 -especially RBD- might be linked to the viral properties that influence the viral transmission mode and severity of COVID-19 as well as RBD conformation. One of the dominant variants during COVID-19 pandemic has been the D614G mutation (not in the RBD region) of S glycoprotein; several reports have claimed that this mutation is able to increase the infectivity and stability of SARS-CoV-2. Up until now, most neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 have been targeting its RBD. However, there have been several mutations reported in SARS-CoV-2 RBD, such as N501Y, L452R, S477N, E484K, A502S, N439K, S494P, T478K, K417N, and K417T. These mutations pose a threat due to their role in host cell entry via the hACE2 receptor, which might strengthen SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, conformation and stability of RBD, viral load, or resistance against neutralizing antibodies.
  • 928
  • 01 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Influence on Habitat on Neotropical Rodents Viral Diversity
Ecosystem disturbances and resulting decreases of host species richness have been associated with the emergence of zoonotic diseases. Among vertebrates, rodents are important reservoirs of numerous viruses, including some with significant impacts on public health. Exploring the viral diversity in Neotropical rodents, we provide significant insights into zoonotic viruses in Amazonia, and emphasize that habitats and host’s dietary ecology drive viral diversity. Linking richness and abundance of viruses to the ecology and responses to habitat disturbance of their hosts should be starting points for a better understanding of viral emergence, prediction of at-risk situation, and implementation of early control and mitigation measures.
  • 928
  • 01 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Long Terminal Repeat Promoters of Endogenous Retroviruses
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) became a part of the eukaryotic genome through endogenization millions of years ago. Moreover, they have lost their innate capability of virulence or replication. Nevertheless, in eukaryotic cells, they actively engage in various activities that may be advantageous or disadvantageous to the cells. The mechanisms by which transcription is triggered and implicated in cellular processes are complex. Owing to the diversity in the expression of transcription factors (TFs) in cells and the TF-binding motifs of viruses, the comprehensibility of ERV initiation and its impact on cellular functions are unclear. Currently, several factors are known to be related to their initiation. TFs that bind to the viral long-terminal repeat (LTR) are critical initiators. 
  • 927
  • 14 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Families of Viruses that Affect Passeriformes
Interest in emerging viruses is growing because some can cause serious or lethal disease in humans and animals. The number of cloacal virome studies is also growing, however, these usually focus on poultry and other domestic birds, These studies reveal a wide variety of viruses, although the pathogenic significance of most newly discovered viruses is uncertain. Analysis of viruses detected in wild birds is complex and often biased towards waterfowl because of the obvious interest in avian influenza or other zoonotic viruses. Less is known about the viruses present in the order Passeriformes, which comprises approximately 60% of extant bird species. This review aims to compile the most significant contributions, from traditional and metagenomic studies, on the viruses that affect passerines. It highlights most passerine species have never been sampled. Some viruses, especially Flaviviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Poxviridae and Togaviridae, and arguably others, are considered emerging because of increased incidence or avian mortality/morbidity, spread to new geographical areas or hosts and their zoonotic risk. However, many of these viruses have only recently been described in passerines using metagenomics and their role in the ecosystem is unknown.
  • 926
  • 27 Oct 2023
Topic Review
The Vaccine against Human Cytomegalovirus
Human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) is one of the most common causes of congenital infection in the post-rubella era, representing a major public health concern. Although most cases are asymptomatic in the neonatal period, congenital CMV (cCMV) disease can result in permanent impairment of cognitive development and represents the leading cause of non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss. Moreover, even if hCMV mostly causes asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic infections in immunocompetent hosts, it may lead to severe and life-threatening disease in immunocompromised patients. Since immunity reduces the severity of disease, in the last years, the development of an effective and safe hCMV vaccine has been of great interest to pharmacologic researchers. Both hCMV live vaccines—e.g., live-attenuated, chimeric, viral-based—and non-living ones—subunit, RNA-based, virus-like particles, plasmid-based DNA—have been investigated. Encouraging data are emerging from clinical trials, but a hCMV vaccine has not been licensed yet. Major difficulties in the development of a satisfactory vaccine include hCMV’s capacity to evade the immune response, unclear immune correlates for protection, low number of available animal models, and insufficient general awareness. Moreover, there is a need to determine which may be the best target populations for vaccine administration. The aim of the present paper is to examine the status of hCMV vaccines undergoing clinical trials and understand barriers limiting their development.
  • 924
  • 07 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Artificial Intelligence in the COVID-2019
COVID-2019 pandemic lead to a raised interest on the development of new treatments through Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is a suitable tool to quickly analyze large amounts of data or to estimate drug repurposing against COVID-2019.
  • 923
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Chicks Infected by Salmonella enteritidis
Chicks showed heterogeneous responses to S. enteritidis infection. Enhanced intestinal barrier function and cecal microbiota structure, especially a higher abundance of Desulfovibrio_piger, may help chicks resist S. enteritidis invasion. 
  • 916
  • 25 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Hepatitis B reactivation
Hepatitis B reactivation is a common complication in lymphoma patients under immunosuppressive treatment with potentially serious and life-threating consequences. 
  • 916
  • 24 May 2021
Topic Review
Parvovirus-Based Combinatorial Cancer Immunotherapy
Resistance to anticancer treatments poses continuing challenges to oncology researchers and clinicians. The underlying mechanisms are complex and multifactorial. However, the immunologically “cold” tumor microenvironment (TME) has recently emerged as one of the critical players in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, TME modulation through induction of an immunological switch towards inflammation (“warming up”) is among the leading approaches in modern oncology. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are seen today not merely as tumor cell-killing (oncolytic) agents, but also as cancer therapeutics with multimodal antitumor action. Due to their intrinsic or engineered capacity for overcoming immune escape mechanisms, warming up the TME and promoting antitumor immune responses, OVs hold the potential for creating a proinflammatory background, which may in turn facilitate the action of other (immunomodulating) drugs. This review deals with the smallest among all OVs, the H-1 parvovirus (H-1PV), and focuses on H-1PV-based combinatorial approaches, whose efficiency has been proven in preclinical and/or clinical settings. Special focus is given to cancer types with most devastating impact on life expectancy that urgently call for novel therapies.
  • 914
  • 11 Oct 2021
Topic Review
SARS-CoV-2 Receptors
Different host-cell receptors are utilized by viral proteins to recognize host cells, such as integrins, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), sialic acid receptors, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), and glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78).
  • 914
  • 07 Nov 2021
Topic Review
SARS-CoV-2 and Brain
The second year of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic has seen the need to identify and assess the long-term consequences of a SARS-CoV-2 infection on an individual’s overall wellbeing, including adequate cognitive functioning. ‘Cognitive COVID’ is an informal term coined to interchangeably refer to acute changes in cognition during COVID-19 and/or cognitive sequelae with various deficits following the infection. These may manifest as altered levels of consciousness, encephalopathy-like symptoms, delirium, and loss of various memory domains. Dysexecutive syndrome is a peculiar manifestation of ‘Cognitive COVID’ as well.
  • 911
  • 12 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Viral Interactions with Adaptor-Protein Complexes
Numerous viruses hijack cellular protein trafficking pathways to mediate cell entry or to rearrange membrane structures thereby promoting viral replication and antagonizing the immune response. Adaptor protein complexes (AP), which mediate protein sorting in endocytic and secretory transport pathways, are one of the conserved viral targets. We present here different mechanisms of viral interference with AP complexes and the functional consequences that allow for efficient viral propagation and evasion of host immune defense. The best described examples are interactions of human immunodeficiency virus and human herpesviruses with AP complexes. Several other viruses, like Ebola, Nipah, and SARS-CoV-2, are pointed out as high priority disease-causative agents supporting the need for deeper understanding of virus-AP interplay which can be exploited in the design of novel antiviral therapies
  • 906
  • 13 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Various Adeno-Associated Viruses Serotypes in Gene Therapy
Depending on their serotype, adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) can have specific tropism for specific organs and tissues of the body. There are different AAV serotypes that vary in many aspects. A variety of AAV features have made it an appealing viral vector candidate to be used in gene therapy applications. 
  • 905
  • 06 May 2023
Topic Review
Spumaretrovirus Assembly
Within the family of Retroviridae, foamy viruses (FVs) are unique and unconventional with respect to many aspects in their molecular biology, including assembly and release of enveloped viral particles. Both components of the minimal assembly and release machinery, Gag and Env, display significant differences in their molecular structures and functions compared to the other retroviruses. 
  • 905
  • 27 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Rift Valley Fever Phlebovirus
Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) infects humans and a wide range of ungulates and historically has caused devastating epidemics in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The most frequently observed lesion in animals and humans is randomly distributed necrosis, particularly in the liver. Lesions supportive of vascular endothelial injury include effusions in body cavities, pulmonary oedema, and haemorrhages in many tissues. Antigen-presenting cells in the skin are likely the early targets of the virus. Following suppression of type I IFN production and necrosis of dermal cells, RVFV spreads systemically, resulting in infection and necrosis of other cells in a variety of organs. Failure of both the innate and adaptive immune responses to control infection is exacerbated by apoptosis of lymphocytes. An excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine response leads to microcirculatory dysfunction. Additionally, impairment of the coagulation system results in widespread haemorrhages. Fatal outcomes result from multiorgan failure, oedema in many organs (including the lungs and brain), hypotension, and circulatory shock. 
  • 903
  • 15 Jun 2021
  • Page
  • of
  • 26
Featured Entry Collections
>>

Featured Books

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