Topic Review
Zika Virus and Infantile Microcephaly
Zika virus is a newly emerging disease with little previous information related to its clinical, epidemiological and socioeconomic effects. The complexityof prevention, treatment and care to infected women and neonates, makes Zika one of the major public health problems. We provide an overview of Zika virus infection and the risk of microcephaly in the context of perinatal public health.
  • 820
  • 06 Nov 2020
Topic Review
Zika Virus
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emergent arthropod-borne virus whose outbreak in Brazil has brought major public health problems. Infected individuals have different symptoms, including rash and pruritus, which can be relieved by the administration of antiallergics. In the case of pregnant women, ZIKV can cross the placenta and infect the fetus leading to congenital defects. We have identified that mast cells in the placentae of patients who had Zika during pregnancy can be infected. This led to our investigation on the possible role of mast cells during a ZIKV infection, using the HMC-1 cell line. We analyzed their permissiveness to infection, release of mediators and ultrastructural changes. Flow cytometry detection of ZIKV-NS1 expression 24h post infection in 45.3% of cells showed that HMC-1 cells are permissive to ZIKV infection. Following infection, β-hexosaminidase was measured in the supernatant of the cells with a notable release at 30 min. In addition, an increase in TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and VEGF levels were measured at 6h and 24h post infection. Lastly, different intracellular changes were observed in an ultrastructural analysis of infected cells. Our findings suggest that mast cells may represent an important source of mediators that can activate other immune cell types during a ZIKV infection, which has the potential to being a major contributor in the spread of the virus in cases of vertical transmission.
  • 1.0K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Zika Vaccine Development
Zika virus (ZIKV), an emerging arthropod-borne flavivirus.The situation prompted scientists to increase research on antivirals and vaccines against the virus. These efforts are still ongoing as the pathogenesis and immune evasion mechanisms of ZIKV have not yet been fully elucidated. Understanding the viral disease mechanism will provide a better landscape to develop prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against ZIKV. Currently, no specific vaccines or drugs have been approved for ZIKV. However, some are undergoing clinical trials. Notably, different platforms have been evaluated for the design of vaccines, including DNA, mRNA, viral vectors, virus-like particles (VLPs), inactivated virus, live attenuated virus, peptide and protein-based vaccines, passive immunizations by using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), and vaccines that target vector-derived antigens. These vaccines have been shown to induce specific humoral and cellular immune responses and reduce viremia and viral RNA titers, both in vitro and in vivo.
  • 293
  • 20 Feb 2023
Topic Review
ZIC2 Gene
Zic family member 2
  • 402
  • 24 Dec 2020
Topic Review
ZFYVE26 Gene
Zinc finger FYVE-type containing 26: the ZFYVE26 gene provides instructions for making a protein called spastizin.
  • 374
  • 24 Dec 2020
Topic Review
ZFP57 Gene
ZFP57 zinc finger protein
  • 499
  • 24 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Zetaproteobacteria
The class Zetaproteobacteria is the sixth and most recently described class of the Proteobacteria. Zetaproteobacteria can also refer to the group of organisms assigned to this class. The Zetaproteobacteria were originally represented by a single described species, Mariprofundus ferrooxydans, which is an iron-oxidizing neutrophilic chemolithoautotroph originally isolated from Loihi Seamount in 1996 (post-eruption). Molecular cloning techniques focusing on the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene have also been used to identify a more diverse majority of the Zetaproteobacteria that have as yet been unculturable. Regardless of culturing status, the Zetaproteobacteria show up worldwide in estuarine and marine habitats associated with opposing steep redox gradients of reduced (ferrous) iron and oxygen, either as a minor detectable component or as the dominant member of the microbial community. Zetaproteobacteria have been most commonly found at deep-sea hydrothermal vents, though recent discovery of members of this class in near-shore environments has led to the reevaluation of Zetaproteobacteria distribution and significance.
  • 973
  • 18 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Zellweger Spectrum Disorder
Zellweger spectrum disorder is a group of conditions that have overlapping signs and symptoms and affect many parts of the body.
  • 474
  • 24 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Zebrafish Research
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a versatile and invaluable model organism in scientific research. These small, freshwater fish have gained prominence due to their transparency, rapid development, and genetic tractability. Zebrafish embryos are transparent, allowing researchers to observe developmental processes in real time, making them ideal for studies in developmental biology. Their genetic makeup can be easily manipulated, enabling forward and reverse genetics studies, including the use of advanced techniques like CRISPR-Cas9. Zebrafish have made significant contributions to various research areas, such as neurobiology, where their neural development and behaviors are studied. They are also crucial in disease modeling, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapies. Furthermore, zebrafish play a pivotal role in drug discovery, toxicology, regenerative medicine, and environmental studies. Despite certain limitations, their unique attributes continue to drive breakthroughs in scientific understanding and medical advancements.
  • 292
  • 09 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Zebrafish Nephron Segment Development
Nephrons are the functional units which comprise the kidney. Each nephron contains a number of physiologically unique populations of specialized epithelial cells that are organized into discrete domains known as segments.
  • 403
  • 24 Mar 2023
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