Topic Review
Affibody- and DARPin-Conjugated Nanomaterials in Cancer Therapy
Affibodies and designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) are synthetic proteins originally derived from the Staphylococcus aureus virulence factor protein A and the human ankyrin repeat proteins, respectively. The use of these molecules in healthcare has been recently proposed as they are endowed with biochemical and biophysical features heavily demanded to target and fight diseases, as they have a strong binding affinity, solubility, small size, multiple functionalization sites, biocompatibility, and are easy to produce; furthermore, impressive chemical and thermal stability can be achieved, especially when using affibodies. In this sense, several examples reporting on affibodies and DARPins conjugated to nanomaterials have been published, demonstrating their suitability and feasibility in nanomedicine for cancer therapy.
  • 435
  • 22 May 2023
Topic Review
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Canine Prostates
Ultrasonography is the best imaging technique for real-time assessment of the reproductive organs and pregnancy in both human and veterinary medicine. Among the most advanced ultrasound techniques developed, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is widely applied in reproductive imaging of humans and small animals. CEUS is based on intravenous injection of gas-filled microbubbles that allow real-time ultrasound tracking of the perfusion of tissues by following contrast circulation into the vascular bed. It has been used for the evaluation of canine prostate as an animal model for human medicine, as well as in veterinary medicine. In human medicine studies, it proved useful in assessing prostatic physiological and pathological conditions, like individuation of tumors, and in monitoring the effects of thermal therapy for prostatic carcinoma. In veterinary medicine, CEUS findings weren't specific for the different types of prostatic diseases (e.g., prostatitis vs benign prostatic hyperplasia), except for adenocarcinoma, whilst it worked well in the evaluation of prostatic blood flow. 
  • 447
  • 22 May 2023
Topic Review
High-Fat Diet on Disease Development of PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder among women at reproductive age, which can contribute to menstrual irregularities or an absence of menstruation, high androgen levels, and related metabolic and psychological consequences. PCOS is frequently associated with abdominal adiposity, insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk factors.
  • 296
  • 22 May 2023
Topic Review
Transcription Factors Involved in the Virus Stress Responses
Transcription factors, which possess DNA-binding domains, play a significant role in controlling the transcription regulation and developmental processes, as well as responses to environmental cues in plants.
  • 249
  • 22 May 2023
Topic Review
Pseudomonas syringae as a Bacterial Plant Pathogen
Plant diseases caused by the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae are serious problems for various plant species worldwide. Accurate detection and diagnosis of P. syringae infections are critical for the effective management of these plant diseases.
  • 412
  • 22 May 2023
Topic Review
Neuropathological Hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to dementia and patient death. AD is characterized by intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque deposition, and neurodegeneration. Diverse alterations have been associated with AD progression, including genetic mutations, neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier (BBB) impairment, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and metal ion imbalance
  • 481
  • 22 May 2023
Topic Review
Functions of Organelle Membrane Extensions in Mammalian Cells
Within cells, there are numerous compartments called ‘organelles’ that perform a range of specialised functions required to support life. Organelles are constantly adapting to their environment, changing shape and cooperating with each other depending on the cellular needs, which is essential for cell health as defects in these processes lead to human diseases. Organelles within eukaryotic cells are not isolated static compartments, instead being morphologically diverse and highly dynamic in order to respond to cellular needs and carry out their diverse and cooperative functions. 
  • 227
  • 22 May 2023
Topic Review
Dietary Fibers and Intestinal Microbiota Affects T2D
Foods contain dietary fibers which can be classified into soluble and insoluble forms. The nutritional composition of fast foods is considered unhealthy because it negatively affects the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Dietary fiber is resistant to digestive enzymes in the gut, which modulates the anaerobic intestinal microbiota (AIM) and fabricates SCFAs. Acetate, butyrate, and propionate are dominant in the gut and are generated via Wood–Ljungdahl and acrylate pathways. In pancreatic dysfunction, the release of insulin/glucagon is impaired, leading to hyperglycemia. SCFAs enhance insulin sensitivity or secretion, beta-cell function, leptin release, mitochondrial function, and intestinal gluconeogenesis in human organs, which positively affects type 2 diabetes (T2D). Research models have shown that SCFAs either enhance the release of peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) from L-cells (entero-endocrine), or promotes the release of leptin hormone in adipose tissues through G-protein receptors GPR-41 and GPR-43. Dietary fiber is a component that influences the production of SCFAs by AIM, which may have beneficial effects on T2D.
  • 507
  • 22 May 2023
Topic Review
Salivary Gland Cancers
Salivary gland cancers (SGCs) are diagnosed using histopathological examination, which significantly contributes to their progression, including lymph node/distant metastasis or local recurrence. In the current World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Head and Neck Tumors: Salivary Glands (5th edition), malignant and benign epithelial tumors are classified into 21 and 15 tumor types, respectively. All malignant tumors have the potential for lymph node/distant metastasis or local recurrence. In particular, mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC), salivary duct carcinoma, salivary carcinoma, not otherwise specified (NOS, formerly known as adenocarcinoma, NOS), myoepithelial carcinoma, epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma, and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (PA) are relatively prevalent. 
  • 422
  • 22 May 2023
Topic Review
Strategies for the Control of Biofilms
Biofilm formation in healthcare is an issue of considerable concern, as it results in increased morbidity and mortality, imposing a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. Biofilms are highly resistant to conventional antimicrobial therapies and lead to persistent infections. Hence, there is a high demand for novel strategies other than conventional antibiotic therapies to control biofilm-based infections. There are two approaches which have been employed so far to control biofilm formation in healthcare settings: one is the development of biofilm inhibitors based on the understanding of the molecular mechanism of biofilm formation, and the other is to modify the biomaterials which are used in medical devices to prevent biofilm formation.
  • 376
  • 22 May 2023
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