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Topic Review
Cyclodextrin Nanosponges
Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CD NSs) are innovative polymers deriving from starch and are exploited in numerous fields, such as agroscience, pharmaceutical, biomedical and biotechnological sectors. It is important to analyze the key points of their historical development to understand how they progressed from relatively simple crosslinked networks to today’s multifunctional polymers. The name “nanosponge” appeared for the first time in the 1990s due to their nanoporous, sponge-like structure and responded to the need to overcome the limitations of native cyclodextrins (CDs), particularly their water solubility and inability to encapsulate charged and large molecules efficiently. Since CD NSs were introduced, efforts have been made over the years to understand their mechanism of action and their capability to host molecules with low or high molecular weight, charged, hydrophobic or hydrophilic by changing the type of cyclodextrin, crosslinker and degree of crosslinking used. Since the ’60s many advances have been made as emerges from the growing number of studies carried out, which suggests that NS research is far from reaching its conclusion.
  • 1.4K
  • 28 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Foodborne Diseases
Foodborne diseases (FBDs) comprise a broad spectrum of illnesses that result from the ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs or water. FBDs can occur at any stage, from production to food consumption, and contamination may be the result of environmental contamination, such as pollution of water, soil, or air [1]. FBDs represent one of the most critical public health problems in the world, especially in developing countries that present serious shortcomings in infrastructure and basic sanitation [2–5]. With the knowledge to prevent FBDs, and the concerns about the increase in FBD cases arising in households, it is essential to evaluate homes’ good food preparation practices.
  • 1.4K
  • 10 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer represents a heterogenous disease whose incidence has increased in the last decades. Although three main different subtypes have been described, molecular characterization is progressively being included in the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm of these patients. In fact, thyroid cancer is a landmark in the oncological approach to solid tumors as it harbors key genetic alterations driving tumor progression that have been demonstrated to be potential actionable targets. Within this promising and rapid changing scenario, current efforts are directed to improve tumor characterization for an accurate guidance in the therapeutic management. In this sense, it is strongly recommended to perform tissue genotyping to patients that are going to be considered for systemic therapy in order to select the adequate treatment, according to recent clinical trials data.
  • 1.4K
  • 21 Jul 2020
Topic Review
FGF/FGFR Pathway in GIST
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are rare neoplasms of mesenchymal origin arising in the gastrointestinal tract. The vast majority are characterized by mutually-exclusive activating mutations in KIT or Platelet-derived growth factor alpha (PDGFRA) receptors, or less frequently by succinate dehydrogenase complex (SDH) or NF1 inactivation, with very rare cases harboring mutant BRAF or RAS alleles. Approximately 5% of GISTs lack any of such mutations and are called quadruple wild-type (WT) GISTs. Recently, Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)/FGF-receptor (FGFR) signaling emerged as an activated pathway in different molecular subgroups of GISTs due to activating mutations, oncogenic gene fusions, or autocrine/paracrine signaling.
  • 1.4K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Diabetic Complications: Oxidative Stress/Inflammation
Oxidative stress and inflammation are considered major drivers in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, including renal and cardiovascular disease. A symbiotic relationship also appears to exist between oxidative stress and inflammation. Several emerging therapies target these crucial pathways, to alleviate the burden of the aforementioned diseases. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses, a pathological state which not only leads to direct cellular damage but also an inflammatory cascade that further perpetuates tissue injury. Emerging therapeutic strategies tackle these pathways in a variety of ways, from increasing antioxidant defenses (antioxidants and Nrf2 activators) to reducing ROS production (NADPH oxidase inhibitors and XO inhibitors) or inhibiting the associated inflamma-tory pathways (NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors, lipoxins, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and AT-1 re-ceptor antagonists).
  • 1.3K
  • 14 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Mitochondria and NLRP3 Inflammasome Interplay
Mitochondria are the power plants of the cell responsible not only for the generation of cellular energy required for myriad functions but also are important hubs for metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and Ca2+ homeostasis. Inflammasomes are a group of intracellular multicomplexes located in the cytosol which detect PAMPs and DAMPs and produce the activation, maturation, and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-1β and IL-18).
  • 1.3K
  • 23 May 2022
Topic Review
Gender of the Human Host to Fungal Infection
Host sex or gender influences the incidence of some fungal infections in humans such as aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, dermatophytosis, and candidiasis due to differences in immune response, behavior, and awareness for early detection and treatment. The dimensions of sex and gender are important determinants throughout the fungal infection process and in approaches to prevent or treat these infections, as well as in development of antifungal drugs. Failure to consider sex and gender may be detrimental to the holistic understanding of the processes involved in fungal infection.
  • 1.3K
  • 17 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes is associated with altered metabolism resulting in microvascular and macrovascular diseases and enhanced susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
  • 1.3K
  • 31 Jul 2020
Topic Review
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The application of metabolomics in searching for the mechanisms of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pathophysiology gives a promising insight into the research on PCOS. There is a need to investigate the metabolic pathways, which could be involved in the pathophysiology of PCOS and to find the metabolic markers of this disorder. Metabolomics is a valuable and rapidly expanding tool, enabling the discovery of novel metabolites, which may be the potential biomarkers of metabolic and endocrine disorders. 
  • 1.3K
  • 25 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Hajdu–Cheney Syndrome
Hajdu–Cheney syndrome (HCS) is a rare genetic disease that causes acroosteolysis and generalized osteoporosis, accompanied by a series of developmental skeletal disorders and multiple clinical and radiological manifestations. It has an autosomal dominant inheritance, although there are several sporadic non-hereditary cases.
  • 1.3K
  • 09 Sep 2020
Topic Review
Candida Infection
Candida species are common global opportunistic pathogens that could repeatedly and chronically cause oral mucosa infection and create an inflammatory environment, leading to organ dysfunction. Oral Candida infections may cause temporary or permanent damage to salivary glands, resulting in the destruction of acinar cells and the formation of scar tissue. Restricted function of the salivary glands leads to discomfort and diseases of the oral mucosa, such as dry mouth and associated infection.
  • 1.3K
  • 23 Feb 2021
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
Gross Pathology in COVID-19
The global infectious disease COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a new member of the Coronaviridae family. Though presented as a novel disease that primarily affects the respiratory system, multi-organ involvement has been well-noticed and documented since the beginning of the pandemic. When performed properly with adequate safety measures, autopsy provides the most valuable information to decipher the pathogenesis of this novel disease, therefore providing a basis for clinical management. In addition to reviewing the macroscopic changes in organs and tissues involved in COVID-19, the relevant microscopic alterations and possible pathogenesis are also discussed.
  • 1.3K
  • 31 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Therapeutic Pathways
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe disease characterized by the loss and obstructive remodeling of the pulmonary arterial wall, causing a rise in pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, which is responsible for right heart failure, functional decline, and death. The main molecular pathways involved in drugs are available for the treatment PAH involve nitric oxide, endothelin 1 and prostacyclin. Although, this condition continues to be life-threatening, and its long-term treatment is expensive.
  • 1.3K
  • 21 Jul 2020
Topic Review
Bartha K61 Strain
Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a member of the alphaherpesvirus subfamily of the herpesviruses and is the causative agent of Aujeszky’s disease in pigs, causing respiratory, neurological, and reproductive symptoms. Given the heavy economic losses associated with Aujeszky’s disease epidemics, great efforts were made to develop efficacious vaccines. One of the best modified live vaccines to this day is the attenuated Bartha K61 strain. The use of this vaccine in extensive vaccination programs worldwide has assisted considerably in the eradication of PRV from the domesticated pig population in numerous countries. The Bartha K61 strain was described in 1961 by Adorján Bartha in Budapest and was obtained by serial passaging in different cell cultures. Ever since, it has been intensively studied by several research groups, for example, to explore its efficacy as a vaccine strain, to molecularly and mechanistically explain its attenuation, and to use it as a retrograde neuronal tracer and as a vector vaccine. Given that the Bartha K61 vaccine strain celebrates its 60th birthday in 2021 with no sign of retirement, this review provides a short summary of the knowledge on its origin, characteristics, and use as a molecular tool and as a vaccine.
  • 1.3K
  • 17 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon) is the causative agent of Fusarium wilt disease of watermelon; it is the most serious soil-borne pathogen around the globe. 
  • 1.3K
  • 29 Jun 2021
Topic Review
BBSOAS Neurodevelopmental Disorder: Clinical Manifestations and Mouse Models
Bosch–Boonstra–Schaaf Optic Atrophy Syndrome (BBSOAS; OMIM 615722; ORPHA 401777) is a genetic neurodevelopmental syndrome caused by the haploinsufficiency of the NR2F1 gene, a key transcriptional regulator of brain and eye development. Although intellectual disability, developmental delay and visual impairment are arguably the most common symptoms affecting BBSOAS patients, multiple additional features are often reported, including epilepsy, autistic traits and hypotonia. These features can be present alone or as comorbidities, with a severity degree that presumably varies depending on the type of NR2F1 genetic perturbation, following a still not well characterized genotype–phenotype correlation. Pathogenic BBSOAS point mutations are principally located in the two most conserved functional domains of the NR2F1 protein: the DNA-binding domain (DBD), responsible for the interaction with target gene regulatory sequences, and the ligand-binding domain (LBD), necessary for dimerization and co-factor binding. 
  • 1.3K
  • 27 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Incretin Hormones
The term incretin was introduced in 1932 to describe compounds produced by intestinal mucosa in response to nutrient ingestion, which were capable of reducing blood glucose. There are two known incretins: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) produced by the K cells of an upper gut and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) produced by the L cells of a lower gut. Incretins play a crucial role in stimulating insulin and glucagon secretion by the pancreas.
  • 1.3K
  • 18 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Space Weather on Human Physiopathology
While the exact nature and mechanisms of action still need to be better understood, some adverse effects of space weather have been related to the occurrence of magnetic storms. Triggered by solar emissions, it takes about one to three days for the effects to be felt on Earth, thus leaving enough time for a warning to be issued. Such a warning system is already in place, for instance in aviation and other human endeavors. Applications in the healthcare system have also emerged. Precisely because non-photic environmental cycles are notoriously wobbly, mapping their non-stationary characteristics in specific frequency ranges as they change over time may lay the foundation to research which features of space weather may influence what aspects of human physio-pathology. Mapping long-term periodicities shared between the environment and biota will facilitate making connections between the presence of non-photic cycles in the cosmos, how they may be affecting the ionosphere and influence weather on Earth, and how these changes can impact agriculture, nutrition, the presence of pathogens, and overall human health.
  • 1.3K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Bile Acids in Retinal Diseases
Bile acids (BAs) are amphipathic sterols primarily synthesized from cholesterol in the liver and released in the intestinal lumen upon food intake. BAs play important roles in micellination of dietary lipids, stimulating bile flow, promoting biliary phospholipid secretion, and regulating cholesterol synthesis and elimination. Emerging evidence, however, suggests that, aside from their conventional biological function, BAs are also important signaling molecules and therapeutic tools. In the last decade, the therapeutic applications of BAs in the treatment of ocular diseases have gained great interest. 
  • 1.3K
  • 22 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Exosome Treatment for Hearing Loss
There are reported types of hearing loss includes noise-induced, genetic, sudden, ototoxicity, and age-related hearing loss. The application of exosomes for prevention or treatment can be classified according to the type of hearing loss, suggesting that they may help restore abnormalities in chemical and biological mechanism. The fundamental recovery of inner hair cells by exosome is difficult, because both noise-induced and sudden hearing loss occur due to physical stimulation of hair cell death.
  • 1.3K
  • 11 Oct 2021
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