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Topic Review
Mineral Deficiency
Mineral deficiency is a lack of the dietary minerals, the micronutrients that are needed for an organism's proper health. The cause may be a poor diet, impaired uptake of the minerals that are consumed, or a dysfunction in the organism's use of the mineral after it is absorbed. These deficiencies can result in many disorders including anemia and goitre. Examples of mineral deficiency include, zinc deficiency, iron deficiency, and magnesium deficiency.
  • 1.3K
  • 02 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a rare neoplasm of the lymphatic system representing one of the most common cancers in young adults. The disease is characterized by a low number of malignant cells (Hodgkin- and  Reed-Sternberg cells) deriving from B-lymphocytes and an extensive inflammatory microenvironment This unique histopathological picture and its pathogenesis are still only partially understood. 
  • 1.3K
  • 08 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Capsule-Based Dry Powder Inhalers
Capsule-based dry powder inhalers (cDPIs) are widely utilized in the delivery of pharmaceutical powders to the lungs. In these systems, the fundamental nature of the interactions between the drug/formulation powder, the capsules, the inhaler device, and the patient must be fully elucidated in order to develop robust manufacturing procedures and provide reproducible lung deposition of the drug payload. 
  • 1.3K
  • 23 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Exosome-Derived MicroRNAs of Human Milk
Multiple biologically active components of human milk support infant growth, health and development. Milk provides a wide spectrum of mammary epithelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MEVs) for the infant. Although the whole spectrum of MEVs appears to be of functional importance for the growing infant, the majority of recent studies report on the MEV subfraction of milk exosomes (MEX) and their miRNA cargo, which are in the focus of this entry.
  • 1.2K
  • 23 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
Pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms (MTBC) primarily cause pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB); however, MTBC are also capable of causing disease in extrapulmonary (EP) organs, which pose a significant threat to human health worldwide. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for about 20–30% of all active TB cases and affects mainly children and adults with compromised immune systems. EPTB can occur through hematogenous, lymphatic, or localized bacillary dissemination from a primary source, such as PTB, and affects the brain, eye, mouth, tongue, lymph nodes of neck, spine, bones, muscles, skin, pleura, pericardium, gastrointestinal, peritoneum, and the genitourinary system as primary and/or disseminated disease. EPTB diagnosis involves clinical, radiological, microbiological, histopathological, biochemical/immunological, and molecular methods. However, only culture and molecular techniques are considered confirmatory to differentiate MTBC from any non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species. While EPTB due to MTBC responds to first-line anti-TB drugs (ATD), drug susceptibility profiling is an essential criterion for addressing drug-resistant EPTB cases (DR-EPTB). Besides antibiotics, adjuvant therapy with corticosteroids has also been used to treat specific EPTB cases. Occasionally, surgical intervention is recommended, mainly when organ damage is debilitating to the patient. 
  • 1.2K
  • 03 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Limosilactobacillus Reuteri in Diverticulitis
The microbiota is the set of commensal microorganisms, residing in the organism, helping proper functioning of organs and systems. The role that the microbiota plays in maintaining the health of vertebrates is widely accepted, particularly in the gastrointestinal system, where it is fundamental for immunity, development, and conversion of nutrients. Dysbiosis is an alteration of the microbiota which refers to a disturbed balance, which can cause a number of pathologies. Probiotics have proven to be effective in modulating the microbiota of the gastrointestinal system and, therefore, in promoting the health of the individual. In particular, Lactobacilli are a group of Gram-positive bacteria, which are able to produce lactic acid through glucose metabolism. They are present in different microenvironments, ranging from the vagina, to the mouth, to different tracts of the small intestine.
  • 1.2K
  • 20 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Small Molecular TKIs for EGFR Mutation in NSCLC
Molecular targeted therapy was reported to have fewer adverse effects and offer a more convenient route of administration compared with conventional chemotherapy. With the development of sequencing technology and research on the molecular biology of lung cancer, especially whole-genome information on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), various therapeutic targets have been unveiled. Among the NSCLC-driving gene mutations, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are the most common driver gene, and approximately 10% of Caucasian and more than 50% of Asian NSCLC patients have been found to have sensitive EGFR mutations. A variety of targeted therapeutic agents for EGFR mutations have been approved for clinical applications or are undergoing clinical trials around the world. This review is focused on the indications of approved small molecular kinase inhibitors for EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC, the mechanisms of drug resistance and the corresponding therapeutic strategies, as well as the principle of reasonable and precision molecular structure for drug development discovery of next-generation inhibitors for EGFR, which would accelerate anticancer drug discovery.
  • 1.2K
  • 09 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Melatonin in Cancer Treatment
Melatonin is a pleotropic molecule with numerous biological activities. Epidemiological and experimental studies have documented that melatonin could inhibit different types of cancer in vitro and in vivo.
  • 1.2K
  • 02 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Unnatural Gallotannins
Nature has been a source of inspiration for the development of new pharmaceutically active agents. Polyphenols, including gallotannins, are widely studied as they protect cells against oxidative damage and pathogen attack. A series of new unnatural gallotannins (GTs), derived from D-lyxose, D-ribose, D-rhamnose, D-mannose, and D-fructose have been designed and synthesized i order to study the protective and antimicrobial effects of synthetic polyphenols that are structurally related to plant-derived products. Apart from spectral analysis, their antioxidant activity was evaluated. Structurally different GTs were screened in vitro for their antimicrobial properties against a spectrum of staphylococci, enterococci, and mycobacteria. Furthermore, the antibiofilm activity of GTs against S. aureus, and their ability to inhibit sortase A were inspected. Experimental data suggest that synthetic GTs could be considered as promising candidates for pharmacological, biomedical, and food industry applications.
  • 1.2K
  • 14 Sep 2021
Topic Review
TSPAN8
Tetraspanin 8 (TSPAN8) is a member of the tetraspanin superfamily that forms TSPAN8-mediated protein complexes by interacting with themselves and other various cellular signaling molecules. These protein complexes help build tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs) that efficiently mediate intracellular signal transduction. In physiological conditions, TSPAN8 plays a vital role in the regulation of biological functions, including leukocyte trafficking, angiogenesis and wound repair. Recently, reports have increasingly shown the functional role and clinical relevance of TSPAN8 overexpression in the progression and metastasis of several cancers.
  • 1.2K
  • 15 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Metformin and Insulin Resistance
Metformin is the most commonly used treatment to increase insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant (IR) conditions such as diabetes, prediabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and obesity. This study explores the underlying mechanisms of the metformin's effect on IR mainly through the changes in the glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4)-mediated glucose transport.
  • 1.2K
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Gut Microbiome and T2DM
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a disease that affects over 9% of the United States population and is closely linked to obesity. While obesity was once thought to stem from a sedentary lifestyle and diets high in fat, recent evidence supports the idea that there is more complexity pertinent to the issue. The human gut microbiome has recently been the focus in terms of influencing disease onset. Evidence has shown that the microbiome may be more closely related to T2DM than what was originally thought. High fat diets typically result in poor microbiome heath, which then shifts the gut into a state of dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can then lead to metabolic deregulation, including increased insulin resistance and inflammation, two key factors in the development of T2DM.
  • 1.2K
  • 23 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Tirzepatide in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Tirzepatide is a novel once-a-week dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, currently under trial to assess glycemic efficacy and safety in people with type 2 diabetes.
  • 1.2K
  • 11 Nov 2021
Topic Review
Nanomaterials as Inhibitors in EMT
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has emerged as a key regulator of cell invasion and metastasis in cancers. However, although EMT represents a relevant therapeutic target for cancer treatment, its application in the clinic is still limited due to various reasons, including appropriate drug delivery. Different nanomaterials may be used to counteract EMT induction, providing novel therapeutic tools against many different cancers. We discuss the application of various nanomaterials for EMT-based therapies in cancer, the therapeutic relevance of some of the proposed EMT targets, and the potential benefits and weaknesses of each approach.
  • 1.2K
  • 11 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Severe Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions
Adverse drug reaction (ADR) is a pressing health problem, and one of the main reasons for treatment failure with antiepileptic drugs. This has become apparent in the event of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), which can be life-threatening. Early diagnosis of SCARs that helps in the identification of the culprit drugs is important in the acute stages of the reaction. 
  • 1.2K
  • 16 May 2021
Topic Review
Gene Therapy in PolyQ SCAs
Polyglutamine spinocerebellar ataxias (PolyQ SCAs) are a group of 6 rare autosomal dominant diseases, which arise from an abnormal CAG repeat expansion in the coding region of their causative gene. These neurodegenerative ataxic disorders are characterized by progressive cerebellar degeneration, which translates into progressive ataxia, the main clinical feature, often accompanied by oculomotor deficits and dysarthria. Currently, PolyQ SCAs treatment is limited only to symptomatic mitigation, and no therapy is available to stop or delay the disease progression, which culminates with death.
  • 1.2K
  • 27 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Natural Photosensitizers in APDT
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) is constantly evolving and can minimize this antimicrobial resistance problem. Reactive oxygen species produced when nontoxic photosensitizers are exposed to light are the main functional components of APDT responsible for microbial destruction; therefore, APDT has a broad spectrum of target pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Various photosensitizers, including natural extracts, compounds, and their synthetic derivatives, are being investigated. Light, oxygen, and PSs in precise cooperation are the key factors determining APDT efficiency and are responsible for ROS production and the inactivation of the targeted cells.
  • 1.2K
  • 01 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Rheumatoid Arthritis Gene Therapy
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory joint disease affecting about 1% of the population worldwide. Current treatment approaches do not ensure a cure for every patient. Moreover, classical regimens are based on nontargeted systemic immune suppression and have significant side effects. Biological treatment has advanced considerably but efficacy and specificity issues remain. Gene therapy is one of the potential future directions for RA therapy, which is rapidly developing. Several gene therapy trials done so far have been of moderate success, but experimental and genetics studies have yielded novel targets. As a result, the arsenal of gene therapy tools keeps growing. Currently, both viral and nonviral delivery systems are used for RA therapy.
  • 1.2K
  • 13 Jul 2021
Topic Review
Nitrate in Type 2 Diabetes
Beneficial metabolic effects of inorganic nitrate (NO3−) and nitrite (NO2−) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been documented in animal experiments; however, this is not the case for humans. Although it has remained an open question, the redox environment affecting the conversion of NO3− to NO2− and then to NO is suggested as a potential reason for this lost-in-translation. Ascorbic acid (AA) has a critical role in the gastric conversion of NO2− to NO following ingestion of NO3−. In contrast to AA-synthesizing species like rats, the lack of ability to synthesize AA and a lower AA body pool and plasma concentrations may partly explain why humans with T2DM do not benefit from NO3−/NO2− supplementation. Rats also have higher AA concentrations in their stomach tissue and gastric juice that can significantly potentiate gastric NO2−-to-NO conversion.
  • 1.2K
  • 11 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Radiotherapy-Induced Ovarian Damage
Fertility preservation is an emerging discipline, which is of substantial clinical value in the care of young patients with cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation may induce ovarian damage in prepubertal girls and young women. Although many studies have explored the mechanisms implicated in ovarian toxicity during cancer treatment, its molecular pathophysiology is not fully understood.
  • 1.2K
  • 23 Jul 2021
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