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Topic Review
Inorganic Nanoparticles Carrying Amphotericin B
Amphotericin B is the oldest antifungal molecule which is still currently widely used in clinical practice. Recently, its redox properties (i.e., both prooxidant and antioxidant) have been highlighted in the literature as mechanisms involved in both its activity and its toxicity. Interestingly, similar properties can be described for inorganic nanoparticles. Moreover, in a majority of the published studies, inorganic nanoparticles carrying Amphotericin B are described as having a synergistic activity directly related to the rupture of the redox homeostasis of the pathogen (i.e., fungi, parasites, and yeasts). Consequently, due to the unique properties of inorganic nanoparticles (e.g., magnetism, intrinsic anti-infectious properties, stimuli-triggered responses, etc.), these nanomaterials (i.e., inorganic nanoparticles carrying Amphotericin B) may represent a new generation of medicine that can synergistically enhance the antimicrobial properties of Amphotericin B.
  • 471
  • 24 Oct 2023
Topic Review
ESAT-6 a Major Virulence Factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) virulence relies on its ability to manipulate host macrophages, where it establishes intracellular niches to cross mucosal barriers and avoid pathogen destruction. First, Mtb subverts the endocytic pathway, preventing phagolysosome fusion and proteolytic digestion. Second, it activates innate immune responses to induce its transmigration into the lung parenchyma. There, infected macrophages attract more permissive cells, expanding intracellular niches. Mtb induces the adaptive responses that stimulate its containment and encourage a long life inside granulomas. Finally, the pathogen induces necrotic cell death in macrophages, granuloma destruction, and lung cavitation for transmission. Common to all these events is the major virulence factor: the “early secreted antigenic target of 6 kDa” (ESAT-6, also called EsxA). The loss or gain of mycobacterial virulence is closely linked to the ability of mycobacteria to produce and secrete ESAT-6, and the extension of virulence is correlated with the amount of protein secreted. ESAT-6 secretion from the bacilli requires both the expression of the esx-1 locus for the type VII secretion apparatus and the transcription of both the ESAT-6 gene (esxA) and the culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10) gene (esx-B) contained in the RD1 region of the genome. In addition, it requires the protein EspA, which is not encoded in the esx-1 locus but in the extended espACD operon adjacent to RD8. All species and strains deleted in the esx-1 locus, the internal RD1 region, or the esx-1 extended locus espACD exhibit an attenuated phenotype. Mutants with deletions on ESX-1 of Mtb are attenuated in virulence, translating into reduced survival of mycobacteria in cultured macrophages or in experimental animal models of TB. Curiously, the saprophyte species M. smegmatis (Ms) also encodes for an ESX-1 apparatus; however, it does not appear to confer Ms virulence capabilities, as demonstrated by its inability to survive in human macrophages or in amoeba in the environment. Predatory amoeba may have contributed to the evolutionary pressure that selected mycobacterial pathogens for intracellular survival. 
  • 470
  • 25 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Long COVID-19 in Children
Long Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) refers to the persistence of symptoms related to the infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This condition is described as persistent and can manifest in various combinations of signs and symptoms, such as fatigue, headache, dyspnea, depression, cognitive impairment, and altered perception of smells and tastes. Long COVID-19 may be due to long-term damage to different organs—such as lung, brain, kidney, and heart—caused by persisting viral-induced inflammation, immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, diffuse endothelial damage, and micro thrombosis.
  • 469
  • 26 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Different Biomedical Cell Products in COVID-19 Treatment
SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is a single-stranded RNA virus, infectious agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a real challenge for the protective immunity. Some people do not respond to vaccination by acquiring an appropriate immunological memory. The risk groups for this particular infection such as the elderly and people with compromised immunity (cancer patients, pregnant women, etc.) have the most serious problems in developing an adequate immune response. Therefore, dendritic cell (DC) vaccines that are loaded ex vivo with SARS-CoV-2 antigens in the optimal conditions are promising for immunization. Lymphocyte effector cells with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-lymphocytes) are currently used mainly as anti-tumor treatment. However, CAR-lymphocytes may be successfully employed to treat viral diseases including COVID-19. Allogenic anti-SARS-CoV-2 CAR-NK-cells may be used as an emergency treatment.
  • 468
  • 18 May 2022
Topic Review
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Viral Infection and Host Responses
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a critical role in response to stress such as infection. They initiate the removal of cell debris, exert major immunoregulatory activities, control pathogens, and lead to a remodeling/scarring phase. Interestingly, many viruses and particularly those associated to chronic infection and inflammation may hijack and polarize MSC’s immune regulatory activities to their own advantages. Virus will remain in the MSC perivascular niche while being protected from immune attack. In the context of immunodepression (e.g. organ transplantation) the hidden viruses may rebound and causing tissue injuries. 
  • 468
  • 01 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Plitidepsin: profile & anti-SARS-CoV-2 implications
Current standard treatment of COVID-19 lacks in effective antiviral options. Plitidepsin, a cyclic depsipeptide authorized in Australia for patients with refractory multiple myeloma, has recently emerged as a candidate anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent.
  • 467
  • 24 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Autophagy in Virus Infection
Virus-infected cells trigger a robust innate immune response and facilitate virus replication. Autophagy is a cellular degradation pathway operated at the basal level to maintain homeostasis and is induced by external stimuli for specific functions. The degradative function of autophagy is considered a cellular anti-viral immune response. However, autophagy is a double-edged sword in viral infection; viruses often benefit from it, and the infected cells can also use it to inhibit viral replication. In addition to viral regulation, autophagy pathway proteins also function in autophagy-independent manners to regulate immune responses. Since viruses have co-evolved with hosts, they have developed ways to evade the anti-viral autophagic responses of the cells. 
  • 467
  • 17 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Applications of BoNT Detection
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are produced as protein complexes by bacteria of the genus Clostridium that are Gram-positive, anaerobic and spore forming (Clostridium botulinum, C. butyricum, C. baratii and C. argentinense spp.). BoNTs show a high immunological and genetic diversity. Therefore, fast, precise, and more reliable detection methods are still required to monitor outbreaks and ensure surveillance of botulism. The botulinum toxin field also comprises therapeutic uses, basic research studies and biodefense issues.
  • 467
  • 14 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Probiotics Supplementation on Infections in Athletes
It is well established that physical activity (PA) can have beneficial effects on the whole human body and strength its immune defenses. In fact, scientific evidence has established that regular PA is effective in the prevention of various chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity, depression, osteoporosis, and premature death. However, the effects of PA can be different depending on its intensity and duration. In fact, during heavy training and competitions, a higher incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, such as diarrhea and heartburn, and upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) can occur. This is due to acute post-exercise immune breakdowns and chronic suppression of immune factors, dependent on frequent strenuous exercise. Therefore, reducing these symptoms in athletes becomes a top priority. Evidence shows that probiotics could be useful in reducing the risk of development or the severity of GI or URT infections, but firther research in this field is still needed.
  • 466
  • 20 Sep 2022
Topic Review
SputnikV Vaccine
SputnikV is a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 developed by the Gamaleya National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology. 
  • 466
  • 25 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Mycobacteriophages as Diagnostics
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most impactful diseases of the modern era. Current diagnostics are struggling to meet the multifaceted challenges TB presents. Mycobacteriophages (specific phages active against mycobacterial species) are now being utilised to create promising new diagnostic technologies. Here we explore and review contemporary phage diagnostics targeting mycobacteria, while commenting on key areas warranting further investigation and development. 
  • 465
  • 29 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Direct Acting Antivirals during COVID-19
We sought to quantify changes in Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) utilization among different countries during the pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional time series analysis between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2020, using the IQVIA MIDAS database, which contains DAA purchase data for 54 countries.
  • 464
  • 05 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Vaccines for Human Papillomavirus-Associated Head and Neck Cancers
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized as a significant risk factor for head and neck cancers worldwide, and it is the most common cause of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States. Prophylactic HPV vaccines have demonstrated effectiveness against oral infection of HPV 16 and HPV 18. There are also various strategies in development of therapeutic HPV vaccines underway.
  • 464
  • 10 Jan 2022
Topic Review
The Diabetic Foot Ulcer
The term “neuropathy” in diabetes is a generic term that refers to the loss of sensation and steadiness of the distal limb. The loss of sensation affects peripheral blood movement. Therefore, dysregulating the protective sensation leads to systemic inflammatory status of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are characterized by a lack of angiogenesis and distal limb diabetic neuropathy.
  • 463
  • 30 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Tuberculosis Disease
Tuberculosis disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is estimated that 10 million people have developed tuberculosis disease globally, leading to 1.4 million deaths in 2019. Treatment of tuberculosis has been especially challenging due to the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensive drug-resistant (XDR-TB) tuberculosis. In addition to drug-resistant genotypes, the standard treatment of tuberculosis by first-line agents is also challenging due to toxicity and costs.
  • 462
  • 27 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Vector-Borne Tularemia
Tularemia is a zoonosis caused by the highly invasive bacterium Francisella tularensis. It is transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals or by vectors, such as ticks, mosquitos, and flies.
  • 462
  • 26 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Nanotechnology in γ-Herpesviruses Treatments
Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s sarcoma associated-herpesvirus (KSHV) are γ-herpesviruses that belong to the Herpesviridae family. In the last decade, many studies conducted by scientists and clinicians have indicated that nanotechnology and nanomedicine could improve the outcome of several treatments in γ-herpesvirus-associated diseases. 
  • 461
  • 26 Oct 2021
Topic Review
COVID-19 Vaccination and Alcohol Consumption: Justification of Risks
Since the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, pharmaceutical companies and research institutions have been actively working to develop vaccines, and the mass roll-out of vaccinations against COVID-19 began in January 2021. At the same time, during lockdowns, the consumption of alcoholic beverages increased. During the peak of vaccination, consumption remained at high levels around the world, despite the gradual relaxation of quarantine restrictions. Two of the popular queries on search engines were whether it is safe to drink alcohol after vaccination and whether this will affect the effectiveness of vaccines. Many studies have been published suggesting that excessive drinking not only worsens the course of an acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus but can also exacerbate post-COVID-19 syndrome. Despite all sorts of online speculation, there is no specific scientific data on alcohol-induced complications after vaccination in the literature. Most of the published vaccine clinical trials do not include groups of patients with a history of alcohol-use disorders.
  • 458
  • 02 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Hepatitis B Viral Protein HBx
With 296 million cases estimated worldwide, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV-encoded oncogene X protein (HBx), a key multifunctional regulatory protein, drives viral replication and interferes with several cellular signalling pathways that drive virus-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.
  • 458
  • 07 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Biomarkers during COVID-19
As the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 19) pandemic spreads worldwide, the massive numbers of COVID-19 patients have created a considerable healthcare burden for every country. The clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection is broad, ranging from asymptomatic to mild, moderate, severe, and critical. Most COVID-19 patients present with no or mild symptoms, but nearly one-fifth of all patients develop severe or life-threatening complications. In addition to localized respiratory manifestations, severe COVID-19 cases also show extra-pulmonary complications or induce multiorgan failure. Identifying, triaging, and treating patients at risk early is essential and urgent. Biomarkers are measurable biochemical substances used to recognize and indicate disease severity or response to therapeutic interventions. The information they provide is objective and suitable for delivering healthcare providers with a means of stratifying disease state in COVID-19 patients. 
  • 457
  • 25 Feb 2022
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