Topic Review
Crossiella in Caves
The genus Crossiella contains two species, C. equi, causing nocardioform placentitis in horses, and C. cryophila, an environmental bacterium.
  • 439
  • 19 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Galleria mellonella Immune System
The study of pathogenicity and virulence of fungal strains, in vivo in the preclinical phase, is carried out through the use of animal models belonging to various classes of mammals (rodents, leproids, etc.). Although animals are functionally more similar to humans, these studies have some limitations in terms of ethics (animal suffering), user-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, timing (physiological response time) and logistics (need for adequately equipped laboratories). A good in vivo model must possess some optimal characteristics to be used, such as rapid growth, small size and short life cycle. For this reason, insects, such as Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera), Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera) and Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera), have been widely used as alternative non-mammalian models. Due to their simplicity of use and low cost, the larvae of G. mellonella represent an optimal model above all to evaluate the virulence of fungal pathogens and the use of antifungal treatments (either single or in combination with biologically active compounds). A further advantage is also represented by their simple neuronal system limiting the suffering of the animal itself, their ability to survive at near-body ambient temperatures as well as the expression of proteins able to recognise combined pathogens following the three R principles (replacement, refinement and reduction). 
  • 50
  • 12 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (previously: Lactobacillus rhamnosus) is a bacterium that originally was considered to be a subspecies of L. casei, but genetic research found it to be a separate species in the L. casei clade, which also includes L. paracasei and L. zeae. It is a short Gram-positive homofermentative facultative anaerobic non-spore-forming rod that often appears in chains. Some strains of L. rhamnosus bacteria are being used as probiotics, and are particularly useful in treating infections of the female urogenital tract, most particularly very difficult to treat cases of bacterial vaginosis (or "BV"). The species Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Limosilactobacillus reuteri are commonly found in the healthy female genito-urinary tract and are helpful to regain control of dysbiotic bacterial overgrowth during an active infection. L. rhamnosus sometimes is used in dairy products such as fermented milk and as non-starter-lactic acid bacterium (NSLAB) in long-ripened cheese. While frequently considered a beneficial organism, L. rhamnosus may not be as beneficial to certain subsets of the population; in rare circumstances, especially those primarily involving weakened immune system or infants, it may cause endocarditis. Despite the rare infections caused by L. rhamnosus, the species is included in the list of bacterial species with qualified presumed safety (QPS) status of the European Food Safety Agency.
  • 673
  • 08 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Paeonia Suffruticosa
Paeonia suffruticosa is a name used for a group of culture varieties of tree peonies that are the result of hybridisation with species exclusively belonging to the subsection Vaginatae. The common name used in China is mǔdān (Chinese: 牡丹). Plants belonging to this group have been cultivated for millennia in China, initially only as a source of traditional Chinese medicine particularly the skin of its roots (牡丹皮; mǔdān pí). Already early on the plant was also cultivated for its ornamental value, and it is highly revered in Chinese culture.
  • 992
  • 30 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Plantago media L.
Belonging to the Plantaginaceae family, the hoary plantain (Plantago media L.) represents one of the lesser studied species from the Plantago genus. The potential applications of Plantago media (P. media) will be detailed in regard to other potential applications of Plantago species, in respect to recent literature data published.
  • 314
  • 22 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Salanoia durrelli
Salanoia durrelli, also known as Durrell's vontsira, is a Madagascar mammal in the family Eupleridae of the order Carnivora. It is most closely related to the brown-tailed mongoose (Salanoia concolor), with which it forms the genus Salanoia. The two are genetically similar, but morphologically distinct, leading scientists to recognize them as separate species. After an individual was observed in 2004, the animal became known to science and S. durrelli was described as a new species in 2010. It is found only in the Lac Alaotra area. A small, reddish-brown carnivore, Salanoia durrelli is characterized by broad feet with prominent pads, reddish-buff underparts, and broad, robust teeth, among other differences from the brown-tailed mongoose. In the only two weighed specimens, body mass was 600 and 675 g (21.2 and 23.8 oz). It is a marsh-dwelling animal that may feed on crustaceans and mollusks. The Lac Alaotra area is a threatened ecosystem, and S. durrelli may also be endangered by competition with introduced species.
  • 409
  • 10 Oct 2022
Topic Review
1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-one derivatives as FAAH Inhibitors
The fatty acid amide hydrolase enzyme (FAAH) belongs to the serine hydrolase superfamily. It is involved in the degradation of biologically active lipids. Enzyme inhibitors may exhibit analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and antidepressant activity. Importantly, blockade of FAAH does not cause undesirable side effects of direct cannabinoid agonists. Due to that fact, its blockade became an emerging strategy in the treatment of several central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral diseases. The development of novel effective FAAH inhibitors became a key focus in drug design. 
  • 476
  • 24 Sep 2021
Topic Review
2009 Flu Pandemic Vaccine
The 2009 flu pandemic vaccines were influenza vaccines developed to protect against the pandemic H1N1/09 virus. These vaccines either contained inactivated (killed) influenza virus, or weakened live virus that could not cause influenza. The killed vaccine was injected, while the live vaccine was given as a nasal spray. Both these types of vaccine were produced by growing the virus in chicken eggs. Around three billion doses were produced, with delivery in November 2009.Cite error: Closing missing for tag providing a strong protective immune response and having similar safety profile to the usual seasonal influenza vaccine. However, about 30% of people already had some immunity to the virus, with the vaccine conferring greatest benefit on young people, since many older people are already immune through exposure to similar viruses in the past. The vaccine also provided some cross-protection against the 1918 flu pandemic strain. Early results (pre-25 December 2009) from an observational cohort of 248,000 individuals in Scotland showed the vaccine to be effective at preventing H1N1 influenza (95.0% effectiveness [95% confidence intervals 76.0–100.0%]) and influenza-related hospital admissions (64.7% [95% confidence intervals 12.0–85.8%]). Developing, testing, and manufacturing sufficient quantities of a vaccine is a process that takes many months. According to Keiji Fukuda of the World Health Organization, "There's much greater vaccine capacity than there was a few years ago, but there is not enough vaccine capacity to instantly make vaccines for the entire world's population for influenza." The nasal mist version of the vaccine started shipping on 1 October 2009.
  • 774
  • 17 Oct 2022
Topic Review
2009 Swine Flu Pandemic Vaccine
The 2009 swine flu pandemic vaccines were influenza vaccines developed to protect against the pandemic H1N1/09 virus. These vaccines either contained inactivated (killed) influenza virus, or weakened live virus that could not cause influenza. The killed virus was injected, while the live virus was given as a nasal spray. Both these types of vaccine were produced by growing the virus in chicken eggs. Around three billion doses were produced, with delivery in November 2009.Cite error: Closing missing for tag providing a strong protective immune response and having a similar safety profile to the usual seasonal influenza vaccine. However, about 30% of people already had some immunity to the virus, with the vaccine conferring greatest benefit on young people, since many older people are already immune through exposure to similar viruses in the past. The vaccine also provided some cross-protection against the 1918 flu pandemic strain. Early results (pre-25 December 2009) from an observational cohort of 248,000 individuals in Scotland showed the vaccine to be effective at preventing H1N1 influenza (95.0% effectiveness [95% confidence intervals 76.0–100.0%]) and influenza-related hospital admissions (64.7% [95% confidence intervals 12.0–85.8%]). Developing, testing, and manufacturing sufficient quantities of a vaccine is a process that takes many months. According to Keiji Fukuda of the World Health Organization, "There's much greater vaccine capacity than there was a few years ago, but there is not enough vaccine capacity to instantly make vaccines for the entire world's population for influenza." The nasal mist version of the vaccine started shipping on 1 October 2009.
  • 425
  • 29 Nov 2022
Topic Review
2018 in Non-avian Dinosaur Archosaur Paleontology
Overview of the events of 2018 in non-avian dinosaur archosaur paleontology 
  • 214
  • 30 Oct 2022
  • Page
  • of
  • 135