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Topic Review
Cryptococcal Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) presents as an exaggerated immune reaction that occurs during dysregulated immune restoration in immunocompromised patients in late-stage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who have commenced antiretroviral treatments (ART). Virtually any opportunistic pathogen can provoke this type of immune restoration disorder.
  • 674
  • 27 Feb 2021
Topic Review
Nasal Cells for Cystic Fibrosis
The emergence of highly effective CFTR modulator therapy has led to significant improvements in health care for most patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). For some, however, these therapies remain inaccessible due to the rarity of their individual CFTR variants, or due to a lack of biologic activity of the available therapies for certain variants. One proposed method of addressing this gap is the use of primary human cell-based models, which allow preclinical therapeutic testing and physiologic assessment of relevant tissue at the individual level. Nasal cells represent one such tissue source and have emerged as a powerful model for individual disease study. The ex vivo culture of nasal cells has evolved over time, and modern nasal cell models are beginning to be utilized to predict patient outcomes. 
  • 672
  • 08 May 2021
Topic Review
MiRNAs as Biomarkers of AD
Pathogenic processes underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD) affect synaptic function from initial asymptomatic stages, long time before the onset of cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Therefore, reliable biomarkers enabling early AD diagnosis and prognosis are needed to maximize the time window for therapeutic interventions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as promising cost-effective and non-invasive biomarkers for AD, since they can be readily detected in different biofluids, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. Moreover, a growing body of evidence indicates that miRNAs regulate synaptic homeostasis and plasticity processes, suggesting that they may be involved in early synaptic dysfunction during AD.
  • 671
  • 20 Mar 2021
Topic Review
The Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer
The transition between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotype is emerging as a key determinant of tumor cell invasion and metastasis. It is a plastic process in which epithelial cells first acquire the ability to invade the extracellular matrix and migrate into the bloodstream via transdifferentiation into mesenchymal cells, a phenomenon known as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and then reacquire the epithelial phenotype, the reverse process called mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), to colonize a new organ. During all metastatic stages, metabolic changes, which give cancer cells the ability to adapt to increased energy demand and to withstand a hostile new environment, are also important determinants of successful cancer progression.
  • 671
  • 24 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Irisin and Secondary Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a progressive multifactorial skeletal disorder characterized by the deterioration of bone microarchitecture and increased susceptibility to fracture risk.
  • 667
  • 19 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Role of ncRNAs in Cardiac Infarction and Regeneration
Myocardial infarction is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease worldwide, and it is defined as cardiomyocyte cell death due to a lack of oxygen supply. Such a temporary absence of oxygen supply, or ischemia, leads to extensive cardiomyocyte cell death in the affected myocardium. Notably, reactive oxygen species are generated during the reperfusion process, driving a novel wave of cell death. Consequently, the inflammatory process starts, followed by fibrotic scar formation. Limiting inflammation and resolving the fibrotic scar are essential biological processes with respect to providing a favorable environment for cardiac regeneration that is only achieved in a limited number of species. Distinct inductive signals and transcriptional regulatory factors are key components that modulate cardiac injury and regeneration. The impact of non-coding RNAs has begun to be addressed in many cellular and pathological processes including myocardial infarction and regeneration.
  • 667
  • 19 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Obesity and Breast  Adipose Tissue Fibrosis
Obesity is a rising health concern and is linked to a worsened breast cancer prognosis. Tumor desmoplasia, which is characterized by elevated numbers of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the deposition of fibrillar collagens within the stroma, may contribute to the aggressive clinical behavior of breast cancer in obesity. A major component of the breast is adipose tissue, and fibrotic changes in adipose tissue due to obesity may contribute to breast cancer development and the biology of the resulting tumors. Adipose tissue fibrosis is a consequence of obesity that has multiple sources.
  • 664
  • 12 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Chemical Induction of Arthritis in Rodents
Arthritis, a prevalent group of musculoskeletal disorders characterized by joint inflammation, poses a significant global public health challenge. To develop effective treatments, it is imperative to comprehend the causes and mechanisms underlying arthritis. One valuable avenue of study involves inducing arthritis in animal models, particularly rodents, using various chemical agents. These chemical-induced arthritis models have played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of arthritis pathogenesis, immune system involvement, and potential therapeutic interventions. This research explores the wide array of chemicals employed to induce arthritis in rodents, elucidating their mechanisms of action and contributions to arthritis research. Animal models, especially rodents like mice and rats, have proven indispensable in replicating key aspects of human arthritis, facilitating investigations into underlying mechanisms, therapy testing, and drug safety assessment. The entry delves into the intricacies of various chemical-induced arthritis models, such as adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA), collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis, and monosodium urate (MSU)-induced gouty arthritis. Each model offers unique insights into different facets of arthritis, whether autoimmune or degenerative in nature. While these models have greatly expanded our knowledge, it is essential to acknowledge their limitations and prioritize ethical considerations in animal research. The scientific community is dedicated to refining these models, exploring alternative approaches, and integrating advanced technologies like genetic engineering and computational simulations to enhance our understanding of arthritis and minimize animal suffering. As we move forward, the synergy of rodent models with cutting-edge techniques holds immense promise in advancing arthritis research. This progress not only deepens our comprehension of the condition but also hastens the development of personalized therapies and diagnostic tools, ultimately improving the lives of millions affected by arthritis. In the ongoing battle against arthritis, these rodent models remain vital guiding lights, steering us toward better treatments and improved quality of life.
  • 663
  • 25 Sep 2023
Topic Review
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins functions
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play an important role in bone formation and repair. Recent studies underscored their essential role in the normal development of several organs and vascular homeostasis in health and diseases. Elevated levels of BMPs have been linked to the development of cardiovascular complications of diabetes mellitus. However, their particular role in the pathogenesis of microvascular dysfunction associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) is still under-investigated.
  • 661
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Control of Xylella fastidiosa subsp.pauca
Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca is the causal agent of “olive quick decline syndrome” in Salento (Apulia, Italy). On April 2015, we started interdisciplinary studies to provide a sustainable control strategy for this pathogen that threatens the multi-millennial olive agroecosystem of Salento. 
  • 659
  • 08 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Intraoperative Flow Cytometry
Flow Cytometry is an analytical technique with the ability to quantify cell phenotype and to categorize cell populations on the basis of their characteristics. Intraoperative Flow Cytometry (iFC) is the use of flow cytometry during tumor excision for rapid diagnosis of cancer cells and determination of tumor margins.
  • 657
  • 11 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Invasive Mold Disease
The incidence of invasive mold disease (IMD) has significantly increased over the last decades, and IMD of the central nervous system (CNS) is a particularly severe form of this infection. Solid data on the incidence of CNS IMD in the pediatric setting are lacking, in which Aspergillus spp. is the most prevalent pathogen, followed by mucorales. CNS IMD is difficult to diagnose, and although imaging tools such as magnetic resonance imaging have considerably improved, these techniques are still unspecific. As microscopy and culture have a low sensitivity, non-culture-based assays such as the detection of fungal antigens (e.g., galactomannan or beta-D-glucan) or the detection of fungal nucleic acids by molecular assays need to be validated in children with suspected CNS IMD.
  • 657
  • 23 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Torkildsen’s Ventriculocisternostomy First Applications
Human skeletal remains are considered as real biological archives of each subject’s life. Generally, traumas, wounds, surgical interventions, and many human pathologies suffered in life leave identifiable marks on the skeleton, and their correct interpretation is possible only through a meticulous anthropological investigation of skeletal remains. The study here presented concerns the analysis of a young Slavic soldier’s skeleton who died, after his imprisonment, in the concentration camp of Torre Tresca (Bari, Italy), during the Second World War (1946). In particular, the skull exhibited signs of surgical activity on the posterior cranial fossa and the parieto-occipital bones. They could be attributed to surgical procedures performed at different times, showing various degrees of bone edge remodeling. Overall, it was possible to correlate the surgical outcomes highlighted on the skull to the Torkildsen’s ventriculocisternostomy (VCS), the first clinically successful shunt for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in hydrocephalus, which gained widespread use in the 1940s. For this reason, the skeleton we examined represents a rare, precious, and historical testimony of an emerging and revolutionary neurosurgical technique, which differed from other operations for treating hydrocephalus before the Second World War and was internationally recognized as an efficient procedure before the introduction of extracranial shunts.
  • 657
  • 11 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease
Animal models of Alzheimer's disease are essential tools in scientific research, allowing scientists to study the complex mechanisms underlying this devastating neurodegenerative disorder. These models are invaluable because they provide controlled environments, genetic manipulations, and shorter lifespans that expedite our understanding of Alzheimer's disease. Transgenic mouse models, which involve the introduction of human AD-associated genes, have been instrumental in elucidating the molecular basis of the disease. Knockout mouse models help pinpoint the role of specific genes in AD, shedding light on their functions and interactions. Rat models, with their larger brains and more complex behaviors, offer a balance between mice and primates, enabling more detailed analyses of cognitive deficits. Non-mammalian models, such as fruit flies and nematodes, provide cost-effective, high-throughput platforms for genetic and drug screening. Non-human primate models, due to their close resemblance to human brain structure and function, offer translational relevance but raise ethical and resource concerns. Canine models, reflecting naturally occurring cognitive dysfunction, offer a unique perspective. Porcine models, with their anatomical similarities to humans, hold promise for future research. In conclusion, these diverse animal models collectively contribute to our understanding of Alzheimer's disease, each offering unique insights and advantages. The choice of model depends on research objectives, and the combined use of multiple models enhances our quest to unravel Alzheimer's complexities.
  • 656
  • 11 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Follicular-Derived Thyroid Cancer Molecular Landscape
Follicular cell-derived thyroid tumors originate from follicular cells in the thyroid gland. These tumors encompass 95% of all thyroid malignancies and include well-differentiated, poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers. The molecular landscape of follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer is variable according to the different tumor subtypes.
  • 655
  • 10 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Fibroblast Growth Factor/Receptor System in Ocular Tumors
Ocular tumors are a family of rare neoplasms that develop in the eye. Depending on the type of cancer, they mainly originate from cells localized within the retina, the uvea, or the vitreous. Even though current treatments (e.g., radiotherapy, transpupillary thermotherapy, cryotherapy, chemotherapy, local resection, or enucleation) achieve the control of the local tumor in the majority of treated cases, a significant percentage of patients develop metastatic disease. In recent years, new targeting therapies and immuno-therapeutic approaches have been evaluated. Nevertheless, the search for novel targets and players is eagerly required to prevent and control tumor growth and metastasis dissemination. The fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/FGF receptor (FGFR) system consists of a family of proteins involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including cancer. Indeed, tumor and stroma activation of the FGF/FGFR system plays a relevant role in tumor growth, invasion, and resistance, as well as in angiogenesis and dissemination.
  • 653
  • 24 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Role of Oxidative Stress in Tuberculous Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be triggered by various factors, including infectious agents like viruses and bacteria and non-infectious contributors such as cancer or head injuries. The impact of meningitis on the central nervous system involves disruptions in the blood–brain barrier, cellular infiltrations, and structural alterations. 
  • 651
  • 07 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Role of cAMP-Specific PDE Inhibition in Attenuating Neuroinflammation
Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is an important second messenger in the central nervous system (CNS) that modulates these processes. A sustained drop in cAMP levels is observed during SCI, and elevating cAMP is associated with improved functional outcomes in experimental models. cAMP is regulated in a spatiotemporal manner by its hydrolyzing enzyme phosphodiesterase (PDE). Growing evidence suggests that inhibition of cAMP-specific PDEs (PDE4, PDE7, and PDE8) is an important strategy to orchestrate neuroinflammation and regeneration in the CNS.
  • 649
  • 15 May 2023
Topic Review
Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii;).
  • 648
  • 09 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System and SARS-CoV-2
SARS-CoV-2 impairs the renin-angiotensin-aledosterone system via binding ACE2 enzyme. ACE2 plays a key role in the biosynthesis of angiotensin (1-7), catalyzing the conversion of angiotensin 2 into angiotensin (1-7) and the reaction of angiotensin synthesis (1-9), from which angiotensin is (1-7) produced under the influence of ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme).
  • 648
  • 13 May 2021
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