Encyclopedia
Scholarly Community
Encyclopedia
Entry
Video
Image
Journal
Book
News
About
Log in/Sign up
Submit
Entry
Video
Image
and
or
not
All
${ type }
To
Search
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:
Most Viewed
Latest
Alphabetical (A-Z)
Alphabetical (Z-A)
Filter:
All
Topic Review
Biography
Peer Reviewed Entry
Video Entry
Topic Review
SARS-CoV-2
In December of 2019, the first few cases of novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia were reported in Wuhan, China. Since then, in a series of novel reports, a research group from Nankai University of China (the Nankai group) presented several important findings of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2): (1) The alternative translations of Nankai CDS (a 465- or 468-bp genomic region) could produce more than 17 putative proteins of the betacoronavirus subgroup B (BB coronavirus); (2) A furin protease cleavage site (FCS) was discovered in the Spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2; (3) 5' UTR barcoding can be used for the detection, identification, classification and phylogenetic analysis of, but not limited to coronavirus; (4) The FCS in the SARS-CoV-2 genome was acquired through the combination of copy number variations of short tandem repeats and single nucleotide substitutions [4]; and (5) two criteria were proposed to determine the intermediate host(s).
1.9K
13 Apr 2021
Topic Review
ABCDE Model of Sarcoidosis Care
The importance of comprehensive care in sarcoidosis is generally acknowledged [12,13]. Here, we describe the ABCDE model, that can be used to structure comprehensive sarcoidosis management in order to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients (Figure 1). This model includes the following components: the Assessment of symptoms and patient’s needs, Backing patients by providing support and education, treatment of Complaints and Comorbidities, Disease-modifying treatment, and the involvement of Extrapulmonary specialists. As disease activity, organ involvement, and patients’ preferences may vary during the disease course, regular reassessment is essential. The ABCDE model can provide guidance to clinicians during the first work-up and follow-up of patients with sarcoidosis.
1.8K
23 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Primary Cilia and Calcium Signaling
The calcium ion (Ca2+) is a diverse secondary messenger with a near-ubiquitous role in a vast array of cellular processes. Cilia are present on nearly every cell type in either a motile or non-motile form; motile cilia generate fluid flow needed for a variety of biological processes, such as left–right body patterning during development, while non-motile cilia serve as the signaling powerhouses of the cell, with vital singling receptors localized to their ciliary membranes. Much of the research currently available on Ca2+-dependent cellular actions and primary cilia are tissue-specific processes. However, basic stimuli-sensing pathways, such as mechanosensation, chemosensation, and electrical sensation (electrosensation), are complex processes entangled in many intersecting pathways; an overview of proposed functions involving cilia and Ca2+ interplay will be briefly summarized here. Next, we will focus on summarizing the evidence for their interactions in basic cellular activities, including the cell cycle, cell polarity and migration, neuronal pattering, glucose-mediated insulin secretion, biliary regulation, and bone formation. Literature investigating the role of cilia and Ca2+-dependent processes at a single-cellular level appears to be scarce, though overlapping signaling pathways imply that cilia and Ca2+ interact with each other on this level in widespread and varied ways on a perpetual basis. Vastly different cellular functions across many different cell types depend on context-specific Ca2+ and cilia interactions to trigger the correct physiological responses, and abnormalities in these interactions, whether at the tissue or the single-cell level, can result in diseases known as ciliopathies; due to their clinical relevance, pathological alterations of cilia function and Ca2+ signaling will also be briefly touched upon throughout this review.
1.8K
02 Aug 2022
Topic Review
PET Biomarkers in Mitochondrial Dysfunction
There is a need to disentangle the etiological puzzle of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, whose clinical phenotypes arise from known, and as yet unknown, pathways that can act distinctly or in concert. Enhanced sub-phenotyping and the identification of in vivo biomarker-driven signature profiles could improve the stratification of patients into clinical trials and, potentially, help to drive the treatment landscape towards the precision medicine paradigm. The rapidly growing field of neuroimaging offers valuable tools to investigate disease pathophysiology and molecular pathways in humans, with the potential to capture the whole disease course starting from preclinical stages. Positron emission tomography (PET) combines the advantages of a versatile imaging technique with the ability to quantify, to nanomolar sensitivity, molecular targets in vivo. There is an increasing body of literature implicating dysfunction of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum dynamics, energy metabolism and oxidative stress within the molecular paradigm of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The development of novel PET radioligands enables the in vivo investigation of mitochondrial and ER dysfunction in age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
1.8K
21 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Urinary Biomarkers for Bladder Cancer
Blue light cystoscopy (BLC) is the most recent clinical approach in the detection and diagnosis of bladder cancer, a common type of cancer with a high rate of recurrence. Representing a significant advance over previous approaches, this photodynamic diagnostic technique uses a photosensitiser prodrug as an adjunct to white light cystoscopy to enhance the in vivo detection of malignant tissues in the bladder based on their distinctive fluorescence. Whilst it does improve detection rates, BLC remains an invasive and costly procedure. Meanwhile, a variety of noninvasive urine detection methods and related microdevices have been developed. In the following section, we provide the current context for urinary biomarker testing, including commercially available tests and recent development involving microdevices.
1.8K
27 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Auditory neurons in inner ear
These neurons transmit auditory information in the form of electric signals from sensory hair cells to the first auditory nuclei of the brain stem, the cochlear nuclei. Congenital and acquired neurosensory hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide. An increasing body of evidence suggest that the primary auditory neurons degenerate due to noise exposure and aging more readily than sensory cells, and thus, auditory neurons are a primary target for regenerative therapy. A better understanding of the development and function of these neurons is the ultimate goal for long-term maintenance, regeneration, and stem cell re-placement therapy.
1.7K
04 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Cardiac Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the non-cellular component in the cardiac microenvironment, and serves essential structural and regulatory roles in establishing and maintaining tissue architecture and cellular function. The patterns of molecular and biochemical ECM alterations in developing and adult hearts depend on the underlying injury type and epigenetic guidelines.
1.7K
19 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Endocannabinoid Signaling in Parkinson’s Disease
This review focuses on what endocannabinoid means related to its possible action in the treatment of Parkinson's disease symptoms, also presenting the role of cannabinoid receptors in these symptoms, but also in terms of the cause and treatment of this pathology. Current pharmacotherapy of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is symptomatic and palliative, with levodopa/carbidopa therapy remaining the prime treatment, and nevertheless, being unable to modulate the progression of the neurodegeneration. No available treatment for PD can enhance the patient’s life-quality by regressing this diseased state. Various studies have encouraged the enrichment of treatment possibilities by discovering the association of the effects of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in PD. These reviews delineate the reported evidence from the literature on the neuromodulatory role of the endocannabinoid system and expression of cannabinoid receptors in symptomatology, cause, and treatment of PD progression, wherein cannabinoid (CB) signalling experiences alterations of biphasic pattern during PD progression. Published papers to date were searched via MEDLINE, PubMed, etc., using specific key words in the topic of our manuscript. Endocannabinoids regulate the basal ganglia neuronal circuit pathways, synaptic plasticity, and motor functions via communication with dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic signalling systems bidirectionally in PD. Further, gripping preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate the context regarding the cannabinoid compounds, which is supported by various evidence (neuroprotection, suppression of excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, glial activation, and additional benefits) provided by cannabinoid-like compounds (much research addresses the direct regulation of cannabinoids with dopamine transmission and other signalling pathways in PD). More data related to endocannabinoids efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic profiles need to be explored, providing better insights into their potential to ameliorate or even regress PD.
1.7K
01 Sep 2020
Topic Review
Porphyromonas Gingivalis and Systemic Diseases
The relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases, notably including atherosclerosis and diabetes, has been studied for several years. Porphyromonas gingivalis, a prominent component of oral microorganism communities, is the main pathogen that causes periodontitis. We comprehensively summarize the adverse effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis on multiple systems and a variety of diseases, from extensively studied fields (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, adverse pregnancy outcomes, etc.) to emerging areas (Alzheimer's Disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, depression, etc.). Although a few results remain controversial, it is now evident that Porphyromonas gingivalis should be regarded as a modifiable factor for several diseases.
1.7K
26 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Ferroptosis in Liver Diseases
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by intracellular lipid peroxide accumulation and redox imbalance. Ferroptosis shows specific biological and morphological features when compared to the other cell death patterns. The loss of lipid peroxide repair activity by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), the presence of redox-active iron and the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-containing phospholipids are considered as distinct fingerprints of ferroptosis. Several pathways, including amino acid and iron metabolism, ferritinophagy, cell adhesion, p53, Keap1/Nrf2 and phospholipid biosynthesis, can modify susceptibility to ferroptosis. Through the decades, various diseases, including acute kidney injury; cancer; ischemia-reperfusion injury; and cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and hepatic disorders, have been associated with ferroptosis. Here, we provide a short overview of the main biological and biochemical mechanisms of ferroptosis. The contribution of ferroptosis to the spectrum of liver diseases, acute or chronic is also reported. Finally, we discuss the use of ferroptosis as a therapeutic approach against hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of primary liver cancer.
1.6K
21 Jul 2020
Topic Review
Pathophysiology of Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a feared outcome of many pulmonary diseases which results in a reduction in lung compliance and capacity. The development of PF is relatively rare, but it can occur secondary to viral pneumonia, especially COVID-19 infection. While COVID-19 infection and its complications are still under investigation, researchers can look at a similar outbreak in the past to gain better insight as to the expected long-term outcomes of COVID-19 patient lung function.
1.6K
24 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Blood Neurofilament Light Chain
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a neuron specific structural protein which can be detected in the blood (serum and plasma). Elevate blood levels may serve as an important surrogate neuro-axonal injury in a variety of neurological conditions, already showing promising associations with outcomes of interest.
1.6K
26 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia, usually defined as serum sodium concentration < 135 mEq/L, is the most common electrolyte abnormality encountered both in hospitalized patients and in the general population and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
1.6K
29 Jan 2022
Topic Review
HiPSC-Derived Cardiac Tissue
Relevant, predictive normal, or disease model systems are of vital importance for drug development. The difference between nonhuman models and humans could contribute to clinical trial failures despite ideal nonhuman results. As a potential substitute for animal models, human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) provide a powerful tool for drug toxicity screening, modeling cardiovascular diseases, and drug discovery.
1.6K
14 Dec 2020
Topic Review
COVID-19 Treatment
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has engulfed the world, affecting more than 180 countries. As a result, there has been considerable economic distress globally and a significant loss of life. Sadly, the vulnerable and immunocompromised in our societies seem to be more susceptible to severe COVID-19 complications. Notably, there are several significant risk factors for severe COVID-19 infection. These include the presence of poor nutritional status and pre-existing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes mellitus, chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), obesity, and various other diseases that render the patient immunocompromised. These diseases are characterized by systemic inflammation, which may be a common feature of these NCDs, affecting patient outcomes against COVID-19. As a result, various antiviral treatments and anti-inflammatory agents are under investigation for their potential therapeutic value. The section presented below originates from the following article [1].
1.6K
06 Nov 2020
Topic Review
FDA-Approved Multiple Sclerosis Drugs
The molecular effects of traditional and more recently FDA-approved Multiple Sclerosis (MS) drugs on four CNS cell types.
1.6K
26 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Allergy and Allergic Diseases Prevention
Prophylactic interventions for the prevention of allergic diseases differ depending on the timing and the stage in the ontogeny of the processes leading from sensitisation to clinical symptoms. They can be divided into primary, secondary and tertiary prophylaxis.
1.6K
25 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Electrochemical Detection for Antibody Detection
Detection of biomarkers has raised much interest recently due to the need for disease diagnosis and personalized medicine in future point-of-care systems. Among various biomarkers, antibodies are an important type of detection target due to their potential for indicating disease progression stage and the efficiency of therapeutic antibody drug treatment. In this review, electrochemical and optical detection of antibodies are discussed. Specifically, creating a non-label and reagent-free sensing platform and construction of an anti-fouling electrochemical surface for electrochemical detection are suggested. For optical transduction, a rapid and programmable platform for antibody detection using a DNA-based beacon is suggested as well as the use of bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) switch for low cost antibody detection. These sensing strategies have demonstrated their potential for resolving current challenges in antibody detection such as high selectivity, low operation cost, simple detection procedures, rapid detection, and low-fouling detection. This review provides a general update for recent developments in antibody detection strategies and potential solutions for future clinical point-of-care systems.
1.6K
23 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Cannabinoid Receptors
Spermatogenesis is a highly coordinated process that begins with division of spermatogonia, followed by meiosis to produce haploid spermatids, and finally the differentiation of haploid spermatids into mature spermatozoa. Several stages of male germ cell development are regulated by epigenetic mechanisms that are important for correct gamete development and functions. The use of Cannabis sativa has been demonstrated to induce spermatogenesis dysfunctions. Cannabis sativa (Marijuana) exerts its effect by binding to and activating cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 . In males, both the receptors CB1 and CB2, are involved in male germ cell development. Here we will discuss on the importance of cannabinoid receptors signaling in the regulation of several stages of male germ cell development and their role in mediating epigenetic modifications that may be transmitted to the next generation by sperm.
1.6K
31 Jul 2020
Topic Review
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that persists or recurs more than three months and may extend beyond the expected time of healing. Chronic pain occurs as a part of symptoms due to an underlying medical condition or remains despite successful treatment of the condition that originally caused it.
1.6K
11 Aug 2021
Page
of
39
Featured Entry Collections
>>
Featured Books
>>
Encyclopedia of Social Sciences
Chief Editor:
Kum Fai Yuen
Encyclopedia of COVID-19
Chief Editor:
Stephen Bustin
Encyclopedia of Fungi
Chief Editor:
Luis V. Lopez-Llorca
Encyclopedia of Digital Society, Industry 5.0 and Smart City
Chief Editor:
Sandro Serpa
Entry
Video
Image
Journal
Book
News
About
Log in/Sign up
New Entry
New Video
New Images
About
Terms and Conditions
Privacy Policy
Advisory Board
Contact
Partner
ScholarVision Creations
Feedback
Top
Feedback
×
Help Center
Browse our user manual, common Q&A, author guidelines, etc.
Rate your experience
Let us know your experience and what we could improve.
Report an error
Is something wrong? Please let us know!
Other feedback
Other feedback you would like to report.
×
Did you find what you were looking for?
Love
Like
Neutral
Dislike
Hate
0
/500
Email
Do you agree to share your valuable feedback publicly on
Encyclopedia
’s homepage?
Yes, I agree. Encyclopedia can post it.
No, I do not agree. I would not like to post my testimonial.
Webpage
Upload a screenshot
(Max file size 2MB)
Submit
Back
Close
×