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Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Epidemiology of Poliomyelitis in the United States and Its Recognition as an Infectious Disease from the Mid-19th Century to the Early 20th Century
This study reviews the role of epidemiology in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century, which led to recognition that poliomyelitis is an infectious disease and set the stage for subsequent developments in virology and immunology, the development of inactivated and live attenuated polio vaccines, and a dramatic worldwide decrease in poliomyelitis mortality and morbidity. Epidemiological studies in the United States were systematically reviewed from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries. Isolated cases and scattered small outbreaks of poliomyelitis in the mid-19th century led to epidemics of increasing size by the end of the century, causing public consternation, especially as the disease was considered “new” and had a predilection for young children. By the 1890s, the seasonal pattern of epidemics suggested that poliomyelitis might have an infectious etiology, but direct evidence of communicability or contagiousness was lacking, so an infectious etiology was not widely suspected until the early 20th century. Reports of bacterial isolations from spinal fluid and postmortem tissues suggested that poliomyelitis might be a bacterial disease, and simultaneous outbreaks of paralytic disease in humans and animals suggested a possible zoonotic basis. Although experimental studies showed that it was theoretically possible for flies to serve as vectors of poliovirus, and occasional cases of polio were likely caused by fly-borne transfer of poliovirus from human feces to human food, a fly abatement field trial showed convincingly that flies, whether biting or non-biting, could not explain the bulk of cases during polio epidemics. In conclusion, the early application of epidemiological evidence beginning in the late 19th century strongly suggested the infectious nature of the disease, distinct from previously identified conditions. Subsequent advances in virology and immunology from 1909 to 1954 proved that poliomyelitis was a viral disease with no natural animal host and made feasible the development of an inactivated trivalent poliovirus vaccine by Salk, and, subsequently, a live-attenuated trivalent poliovirus vaccine by Sabin.
  • 2.9K
  • 21 Aug 2025
Topic Review
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen causing devastating acute and chronic infections in individuals with compromised immune systems. Its highly notorious persistence in clinical settings is attributed to its ability to form antibiotic-resistant biofilms. Biofilm is an architecture built mostly by autogenic extracellular polymeric substances which function as a scaffold to encase the bacteria together on surfaces, and to protect them from environmental stresses, impedes phagocytosis and thereby conferring the capacity for colonization and long-term persistence.
  • 2.9K
  • 03 Dec 2020
Topic Review
NAC Transcription Factors
The NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) family of proteins is one of the largest plant-specific transcription factor (TF) families and its members play varied roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses.
  • 2.9K
  • 08 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Shared Residential Landscapes
This paper uses the concept of urban commons to develop a conceptual framework to inform the design and management of shared residential landscapes in the UK. The framework is founded on an exploration of the implications of applying the traditional ‘commons’ idea within the urban context. Urban spatial concepts and theories, such as informal urbanism, territory, placekeeping and partnerships, are drawn upon to build these implication into a framework that provides a new urban, spatial and place perspective on the urban commons concept. In addressing the urban implications for commons through spatial theories, four preliminary concepts are developed. These include; 1) the emergent common mindset in a complex-adaptive assemblage, 2) a spatial arrangement that reflects a shared territorial perception of ‘ours’, 3) opportunities for adaption and occupation of space as placemaking and 4) the reorientation of professional roles in delivering urban commons. The framework creates a foundation for further research on the design and long-term management of shared residential landscapes as urban commons to benefit the everyday social lives of residential communities.
  • 2.9K
  • 06 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Cellular Senescence in Cancer
Cellular senescence is a state of stable cell cycle arrest that can be triggered in response to various insults and is characterized by distinct morphological hallmarks, gene expression profiles, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Importantly, cellular senescence is a key component of normal physiology with tumor suppressive functions.
  • 2.9K
  • 14 Feb 2021
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Navigating the Digital Landscape: Challenges and Barriers to Effective Information Use on the Internet
The advent of the internet has fundamentally transformed how people access and interact with information. The digital landscape offers easy access to educational materials and healthcare and can support informed decision making. It also presents significant challenges in effectively using this information. This entry discusses the multifaceted barriers that can impede individuals from fully benefiting from the internet’s information resources. Key challenges include discerning between accuracy and misinformation, the uneven distribution of digital literacy, disparities in access to technology, and motivational barriers in seeking reliable information. Additionally, the growing involvement of artificial intelligence (AI) in content curation, regulation, and moderation introduces opportunities and ethical dilemmas. These factors complicate efforts to support the accuracy and trustworthiness of the information shared through digital platforms.
  • 2.9K
  • 11 Nov 2024
Topic Review
Triarylmethyl Radical-Based High-Efficiency OLED
Perchlorotrityl radical (PTM), tris (2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) methyl radical (TTM), (3,5-dichloro-4-pyridyl) bis (2,4,6 trichlorophenyl) methyl radical (PyBTM), (N-carbazolyl) bis (2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) methyl radical (CzBTM), and their derivatives are stable organic radicals that exhibit light emissions at room temperature. Since these triarylmethyl radicals have an unpaired electron, their electron spins at the lowest excited state and ground state are both doublets, and the transition from the lowest excited state to the ground state does not pose the problem of a spin-forbidden reaction. When used as OLED layers, these triarylmethyl radicals exhibit unique light-emitting properties, which can increase the theoretical upper limit of the OLED’s internal quantum efficiency (IQE) to 100%.
  • 2.9K
  • 15 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Joining Laminated Electrical Steels
In recent years, the motor has been increasingly used to replace the conventional gasoline engine for carbon emission reduction, and the high-performance motor is urgently required. The stator and rotor in a motor are made of hundreds of joined and laminated electrical steels. This paper covers the current research in joining the laminated electrical steels for the motor application, together with the critical assessment of our understanding. It includes the representative joining method, modeling of the joining process, microstructure of the weld zone, mechanical strength and magnetic properties. The gaps in the scientific understanding, and the research needs for the expansion of joining laminated electrical steels, are provided.
  • 2.8K
  • 11 Nov 2020
Biography
Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange
Réginald Marie Garrigou-Lagrange OP (French: [gaʁigu lagʁɑ̃ʒ]; 21 February 1877 – 15 February 1964) was a French Catholic theologian and Dominican friar. He has been noted as a leading neo-Thomist of the 20th century, along with Jacobus Ramírez, Édouard Hugon, and Martin Grabmann.[1] He taught at the Dominican Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelicum, in Rome from 19
  • 2.8K
  • 28 Nov 2022
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
The Post-Pandemic Transformation of Art and Architecture Libraries
This entry considers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the processes and functions of art and architecture libraries in North America and distinguishes between temporary changes and those that will endure and are here to stay. COVID-19 impacted all aspects of human life, placing tremendous stress on institutions and individuals globally. Academic libraries responded to the crisis by bringing resources to communities remotely and keeping constituents engaged to maintain a sense of normalcy. While libraries in schools of architecture, art, and design, responded similarly to other academic libraries, they also had unique needs. This entry is informed by two surveys of art and architecture library staff and faculty, alongside a preliminary literature review. The results of the first survey were published in Art Documentation and the results and analysis of the second survey are forthcoming. Both temporary and long-standing changes were implemented to ensure uninterrupted service in academic institutions. Temporary solutions included extending loan periods, quarantining materials, enforcing social distancing, and expanding document delivery. Changes that will endure post-pandemic include the increased acquisition of digital materials, remote instruction and reference consultations, increased resource access, and the utilization of a vast array of technologies.
  • 2.8K
  • 01 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Experimental Studies of PCM Building Applications
The use of phase change material (PCM) as a thermal energy storage system integrated in new buildings, and as retrofits in old buildings, proved its merit as promising renewable energy source. Experimental investigations for the use of PCM in buildings gained attention where the experimental setups used are classified as: Large-scale, small-scale, retrofitting, and laboratory-based test facilities.
  • 2.8K
  • 22 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier Structure–Function Relationship
The molecular identity of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) was presented in 2012, forty years after the active transport of cytosolic pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix was first demonstrated. An impressive amount of in vivo and in vitro studies has since revealed an unexpected interplay between one, two, or even three protein subunits defining different functional MPC assemblies in a metabolic-specific context. These have clear implications in cell homeostasis and disease, and on the development of future therapies. Despite intensive efforts by different research groups using state-of-the-art computational tools and experimental techniques, MPCs’ structure-based mechanism remains elusive.
  • 2.8K
  • 27 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Synthetic Cathinones
New psychoactive substances represent a public health threat since they are not controlled by international conventions, are easily accessible online and are sold as a legal alternative to illicit drugs. Among them, synthetic cathinones are widely abused due to their stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. To circumvent the law, new derivatives are clandestinely synthesized and, therefore, synthetic cathinones keep emerging on the drug market, with their chemical and toxicological properties still unknown.
  • 2.8K
  • 08 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Mechanochemical Machines for Biorefining
Grinding and mechanical pretreatment are very popular methods utilized to enhance the reactivity of polymers and plant raw materials; however, the choice of devices and their modes of action is often performed through trial and error. An inadequate choice of equipment often results in inefficient grinding, low reactivity of the product, excess energy expenditure, and significant wear of the equipment.
  • 2.8K
  • 03 Dec 2020
Topic Review
The Hussaini Encyclopedia
The Hussaini Encyclopedia (Arabic - دائرة المعارف الحسينية - Dāʾirat al-maʿārif al-Ḥusaynīyah) is a one-of-a-kind encyclopedia in Arabic, completely themed on the third Holy Imam, Husayn ibn Ali, his biography, thought and way of conduct, as well as on the social circle of personalities around him and also of places, chronicles and various other related subjects. This encyclopedia consisted of 700 volumes and well over 95 million words. Sheikh Mohammed Sadiq Al-Karbassi, author of the voluminous Arabic encyclopedia dedicated to Imam al-Hussain started his work by establishing the Hussaini Center for Research in London in 1993. The Hussaini Encyclopedia is a historic study of al-Hussain which provides a heritage owing to its impact on all events, particularly the aftermath of battle of Karbala with its impact being observed in recent times.
  • 2.8K
  • 01 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Abecedarian Approach
The Abecedarian Approach is an early intervention and contains a broad-spectrum adult/child curriculum. The Approach has been studied in three longitudinal randomized controlled trials in the USA, starting in 1972 and continuing today. Recent research studies in multiple countries have examined the Abecedarian Approach during the first three years of life. The collective findings from these studies lead to the conclusion that human development is malleable, especially in the years before school entry, and that high-quality early intervention exerts positive, early, and long-lasting influences on cognitive development, social development, and mental health. 
  • 2.8K
  • 30 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Kazakhstan’s Fisheries Sector
Kazakhstan, a former Soviet republic that is now independent, lies near the center of arid Eurasia. Its sparse hydrographic network includes a small number of large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, many ponds and smaller streams, as well as littoral zones bordering the Caspian Sea and the Aral Sea. A diverse fisheries sector, initially based on wild fish capture and later including aquaculture, developed in these waters during the Soviet era, when animal agriculture was unable to meet the protein needs of Soviet citizens. The sector, which was originally centered on the Volga–Caspian basin, was tightly managed by Moscow and benefitted from coordinated investments in research, infrastructure, and human resources, as well as policies to increase the consumption of fish products. Independence in 1991 administered a political and economic shock that disrupted these relationships.
  • 2.8K
  • 07 May 2022
Topic Review
Fungal Proteases
Proteases are obtained from plants, animals, and microorganisms. Plants and animals’ proteases are more complex as compared to microorganisms. Fungal proteases are used as detergents for the removal of stains by hydrolyzing the peptide bond among the protein molecules.
  • 2.8K
  • 14 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Mitochondrial ROS and Nrf2
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are byproducts of aerobic respiration and signaling molecules that control various cellular functions. Nrf2 governs the gene expression of endogenous antioxidant synthesis and ROS-eliminating enzymes in response to various electrophilic compounds that inactivate the negative regulator Keap1. Accumulating evidence has shown that mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) activate Nrf2, often mediated by certain protein kinases, and induce the expression of antioxidant genes and genes involved in mitochondrial quality/quantity control. Mild physiological stress, such as caloric restriction and exercise, elicits beneficial effects through a process known as “mitohormesis”. Exercise induces NOX4 expression in the heart, which activates Nrf2 and increases endurance capacity. Mice transiently depleted of SOD2 or overexpressing skeletal muscle-specific UCP1 exhibit Nrf2-mediated antioxidant gene expression and PGC1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis. ATF4 activation may induce a transcriptional program that enhances NADPH synthesis in the mitochondria and might cooperate with the Nrf2 antioxidant system. In response to severe oxidative stress, Nrf2 induces Klf9 expression, which represses mtROS-eliminating enzymes to enhance cell death. Nrf2 is inactivated in certain pathological conditions, such as diabetes, but Keap1 down-regulation or mtROS elimination rescues Nrf2 expression and improves the pathology. These reports aid us in understanding the roles of Nrf2 in pathophysiological alterations involving mtROS.
  • 2.8K
  • 30 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Fungal Degradation of Wood
Wood durability researchers have long described fungal decay of timber using the starkly simple terms of white, brown and soft rot, along with the less destructive mold and stain fungi. These terms have taken on an almost iconic meaning but are only based upon the outward appearance of the damaged timber. Long-term deterioration studies, as well as the emerging genetic tools, are showing the fallacy of simplifying the decay process into such broad groups.
  • 2.8K
  • 17 Dec 2020
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