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Topic Review
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances able to mimic or to interfere with the endocrine system, thus altering key biological processes such as organ development, reproduction, immunity, metabolism and behavior. High concentrations of EDCs are found in several everyday products including plastic bottles and food containers and they could be easily absorbed by dietary intake. In recent years, considerable interest has been raised regarding the biological effects of EDCs, particularly Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, on human pregnancy and fetal development. Several evidence obtained on in vitro and animal models as well as by epidemiologic and population studies strongly indicated that endocrine disruptors could negatively impact fetal and placental health by interfering with the embryonic developing epigenome, thus establishing disease paths into adulthood. Moreover, EDCs could cause and/or contribute to the onset of severe gestational conditions as Preeclampsia (PE), Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) and gestational diabetes in pregnancy, as well as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular complications in reproductive age. Therefore, despite contrasting data being present in the literature, endocrine disruptors must be considered as a therapeutic target. Future actions aimed at reducing or eliminating EDC exposure during the perinatal period are mandatory to guarantee pregnancy success and preserve fetal and adult health.
  • 1.8K
  • 27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9
Gelatinases (matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9) are enzymes from the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) family, which are associated with collagen degradation. MMP-2 is capable of cleaving gelatine, types I and IV collagens, while MMP-9 is incapable of direct proteolysis of collagen I and digests collagen type IV. MMP-2 and -9 are both important regulators of vascular and uterine remodeling in a healthy pregnancy. Alterations in the collagen structure of the uterus and spiral arteries are observed in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Dysregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 has been implicated in abnormal vasodilation, placentation, and uterine expansion in preeclampsia. Early preeclampsia detection is paramount for risk stratification and prevention of further complications. Understanding the role of MMP-2 and-9 in uteroplacental and vascular remodeling could help design new approaches for prediction and management of preeclampsia.
  • 1.8K
  • 02 Apr 2021
Topic Review
The Role of Melatonin in Pregnancy
Melatonin is a lipophilic hormone synthesized and secreted mainly in the pineal gland, acting as a neuroendocrine transducer of photoperiodic information during the night. In addition to this activity, melatonin has shown an antioxidant function and a key role as a regulator of physiological processes related to human reproduction. Several studies have evaluated its role in ovarian dysfunction, ovarian ageing, embryo maturation and gynecological cancer. 
  • 1.6K
  • 01 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Fowler’s Syndrome
Fowler’s syndrome is characterized by a large bladder capacity, reduced sensation, increased maximal urethral closure pressure, and detrusor underactivity.
  • 1.6K
  • 22 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Anatomy of Pelvic Autonomic Nerve System
The pelvic autonomic nerve system is a complex network divided into three parts—the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems. The enteric nervous system controls the functions of the gastrointestinal tract and is not associated with the autonomic innervation of the pelvis. Therefore, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve plexuses innervate the pelvic viscera. The superior hypogastric plexus (SHP), sympathetic trunk, hypogastric nerves (HNs), and most parts of the inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) contribute to the sympathetic system of the pelvis.
  • 1.6K
  • 15 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Chronic Inflammation in PCOS
PCOS as the most common endocrine disorder of women in their reproductive age affects between 5–15% of the female population. Apart from its cardinal symptoms, like irregular and anovulatory cycles, hyperandrogenemia and a typical ultrasound feature of the ovary, obesity, and insulin resistance are often associated with the disease. Furthermore, PCOS represents a status of chronic inflammation with permanently elevated levels of inflammatory markers including IL-6 and IL-18, TNF-α, and CRP. Inflammation, as discovered only recently, consists of two processes occurring concomitantly: active initiation, involving “classical” mediators including prostaglandins and leukotrienes, and active resolution processes based on the action of so-called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). These novel lipid mediator molecules derive from the essential ω3-poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) DHA and EPA and are synthesized via specific intermediates. The role and benefits of SPMs in chronic inflammatory diseases like obesity, atherosclerosis, and Diabetes mellitus has become a subject of intense research during the last years and since PCOS features several of these pathologies, this review aims at summarizing potential roles of SPMs in this disease and their putative use as novel therapeutics. 
  • 1.6K
  • 28 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Whole Ovary Cryopreservation and Transplantation
The aim of this systematic review is to shed light on the challenges of whole ovary cryopreservation and transplantation and to summarize the solutions that have been proposed so far in animal experiments and humans in order to stimulate further research in the field.
  • 1.6K
  • 16 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Gestational Diabetes and Its Prevention
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) complicates between 5 and 12% of pregnancies, withassociated maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications. The ideal screening and diagnostic criteriato diagnose and treat GDM have not been established, and in recent years, significant research has been undertaken to identify a first-trimester biomarker that can predict GDM later in pregnancy, enable early intervention, and reduce GDM-related adverse outcomes. This review summarizes current data on first-trimester biomarkers, the advantages, and thelimitations.
  • 1.5K
  • 30 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Wet Nurses in Spanish Monarchy
In Spain, the wet nurse had a prominent place in the Court of Philip II (1540–1580), suckling princes. These wet nurses were treated as ladies, as they came from wealthy families related to royalty. The services of wet nurses from neighbouring localities to the court were used. They had to be of good appearance and in excellent health. They were hired because of the need for survival of the infants, children of Philip II. The functions of the four wives of Philip II were relegated to reproduction, childcare, family and monarchical duties. They used empirical medicine in the form of prescriptions for beauty, hygiene and feminine care. The wet nurses were the driving force that promoted the health of babies through breastfeeding.
  • 1.5K
  • 28 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia
The pathogenesis of preeclampsia begins when a fertilized egg infiltrates the decidua, resulting in implantation failure (e.g., due to extravillous trophoblast infiltration disturbance and abnormal spiral artery remodeling). Thereafter, large amounts of serum factors (e.g., soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and soluble endoglin) are released into the blood from the hypoplastic placenta, and preeclampsia characterized by multiorgan disorder caused by vascular disorders develops. Successful implantation and placentation require immune tolerance to the fertilized egg as a semi-allograft and the stimulation of extravillous trophoblast infiltration. Recently, exosomes with diameters of 50–100 nm have been recognized to be involved in cell–cell communication. Exosomes affect cell functions in autocrine and paracrine manners via their encapsulating microRNA/DNA and membrane-bound proteins. The microRNA profiles of blood exosomes have been demonstrated to be useful for the evaluation of preeclampsia pathophysiology and prediction of the disease. In addition, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells have been found to have cancer-suppressing effects. These exosomes may repair the pathophysiology of preeclampsia through the suppression of extravillous trophoblast apoptosis and promotion of these cells’ invasive ability. Exosomes secreted by various cells have received much recent attention and may be involved in the maintenance of pregnancy and pathogenesis of preeclampsia. 
  • 1.5K
  • 20 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been reported in one-third of women worldwide at different life stages, due to the complex balance in the ecology of the vaginal microbiota. It is a common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge and is associated with other health issues. Since the first description of anaerobic microbes associated with BV like Gardnerella vaginalis in the 1950s, researchers have stepped up the game by incorporating advanced molecular tools to monitor and evaluate the extent of dysbiosis within the vaginal microbiome, particularly on how specific microbial population changes compared to a healthy state. Moreover, treatment failure and BV recurrence rate remain high despite the standard antibiotic treatment. Consequently, researchers have been probing into alternative or adjunct treatments, including probiotics or even vaginal microbiota transplants, to ensure successful treatment outcomes and reduce the colonization by pathogenic microbes of the female reproductive tract. 
  • 1.5K
  • 29 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Pelvic Girdle Pain
Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) refers specifically to musculoskeletal pain localised to the pelvic ring and can be present at its anterior and/or posterior aspects. Causes such as trauma, infection and pregnancy have been well-established, while patients with hypermobile joints are at greater risk of developing PGP.
  • 1.5K
  • 11 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Fetal Liver and Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a relatively common pregnancy pathological condition that was recently defined by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as hyperglycemia, with no obvious cause, first appearing or discovered during the pregnancy’s second or third trimester. It was suggested to include in this definition the preexisting, nonidentified cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (“overt diabetes”) and type 1 diabetes mellitus, but these are detected very early after the onset of the pregnancy. However, GDM develops later during the pregnancy and is usually detected between week 24 and week 28 of gestation.
  • 1.5K
  • 10 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers
Ovarian cancer is the eighth-most common cause of death among women worldwide. In the absence of distinctive symptoms in the early stages, the majority of women are diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease. Surgical debulking and systemic adjuvant chemotherapy remain the mainstays of treatment, with the development of chemoresistance in up to 75% of patients with subsequent poor treatment response and reduced survival. Therefore, there is a critical need to revisit existing, and identify potential biomarkers that could lead to the development of novel and more effective predictors for ovarian cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The capacity of these biomarkers to predict the existence, stages, and associated therapeutic efficacy of ovarian cancer would enable improvements in the early diagnosis and survival of ovarian cancer patients. 
  • 1.4K
  • 15 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Obstetric Brachial Palsy
Obstetric Brachial Palsy (OBP) is defined as a partial or total flaccid paralysis that affects the upper limb of the newborn due to brachial plexus injury occurring in normal delivery, and, more rarely, in cesarean section, often associated with shoulder dystocia
  • 1.4K
  • 05 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Nutrition in Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic, painful, estrogen-related inflammatory disease that affects approximately 10% of the female population. Endometriosis has a significant negative impact on quality of life. Nutrition may be involved in the development and severity of endometriosis. 
  • 1.4K
  • 14 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Transvaginal Ultrasound as Technique for Diagnosis of Endometriosis
Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is surely the first-line technique for the diagnosis of endometriosis. The possibility to perform a dynamic ultrasonographic examination can provide additional information that is not easily obtained with other imaging modalities.
  • 1.4K
  • 06 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Treat Preeclampsia by Targeting NFĸB by Drugs
Preeclampsia (PE) is characterised by high levels and activity of the transcription factor Nuclear Factor kappa B (NFĸB) in the maternal blood and placental cells. This factor is responsible for the regulation of over 400 genes known to influence processes related to inflammation, apoptosis and angiogenesis, and cellular responses to oxidative stress and hypoxia. Although high NFĸB activity induces hypoxia and inflammation, which are beneficial for the process of implantation, NFĸB level should be reduced in the later stages of physiological pregnancy to favour maternal immunosuppression and maintain gestation. It is believed that the downregulation of NFĸB activity by pharmacotherapy might be a promising way to treat preeclampsia. 
  • 1.4K
  • 10 May 2022
Topic Review
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Techniques in Endometrial Cancer
Lymph node status is important in predicting the prognosis and guiding adjuvant treatment in endometrial cancer. However, previous studies showed that systematic lymphadenectomy conferred no therapeutic values in clinically early-stage endometrial cancer but might lead to substantial morbidity and impact on the quality of life of the patients. The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node that tumor cells drain to, and sentinel lymph node biopsy has emerged as an acceptable alternative to full lymphadenectomy in both low-risk and high-risk endometrial cancer.
  • 1.4K
  • 23 Nov 2022
Topic Review
The Gender Gap in Infertility
The gender impact assessment (GIA) can be defined as an ex ante or ex post evaluation, analysis, or assessment of law, policy, or programme that helps to identify the likelihood of a decision having negative consequences for equality between women and men. GIA is aimed at improving the design and planning policy to prevent a negative effect on gender equality and improve gender equality through gender-oriented strategies.
  • 1.4K
  • 22 Jun 2021
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