Topic Review
Han:SPRD Rat as Preclinical Model of Polycystic Kidney
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) stands as the most prevalent hereditary renal disorder in humans, ultimately culminating in end-stage kidney disease. Animal models carrying mutations associated with polycystic kidney disease have played an important role in the advancement of ADPKD research. The Han:SPRD rat model, carrying an R823W mutation in the Anks6 gene is a well-documented animal model of inherited PKD with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, closely mirroring several features of human ADPKD, including renal hyperplasia, azotemia, and extrarenal manifestations. The mutated protein, named Samcystin, is localized in cilia of tubular epithelial cells and seems to be involved in cystogenesis. The homozygous Anks6 mutation leads to end-stage renal disease and death, making it a critical factor in kidney development and function. 
  • 122
  • 29 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Nectria pseudotrichia Associated with Camellia Canker Disease
Camellia japonica is a native tree species with high economic value that is widely cultivated in southern China. Canker disease was a serious threat to the growth of camellia trees. However, the pathogen causing this disease in China has not yet been reported. 
  • 256
  • 01 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Phytophthora sansomeana
Phytophthora sansomeana has been shown to be a causal agent of Phytophthora root rot (PRR) in soybean in addition to P. sojae. The emergence and spread of a second pathogen causing PRR poses a significant threat to soybean production.
  • 394
  • 20 Sep 2022
Topic Review
5-Azacitidine Treatment in Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients
This entry focused on the impact of the treatment with the hypomethylating agent 5-azacitidine on the redox status and inflammation in 24 MDS patients. Globally, MDS patients showed less redox status in terms of a reduction in the GSSG/GSH ratio and in the LPO levels, as well as increased CAT activity compared with healthy subjects, with no changes in SOD, GPx, and GRd activities, or  AOPP levels. When analyzing the evolution from early to advanced stages of the disease, we found that the GPx activity, GSSG/GSH ratio, LPO, and AOPP increased, with a reduction in CAT. GPx changes were related to the presence of risk factors such as high-risk IPSS-R or mutational score. Moreover, there was an increase in IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α plasma levels, with a further increase of IL-2 and IL-10 from early to advanced stages of the disease. However, we did not observe any association between inflammation and oxidative stress.
  • 344
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
5-HT2B Receptor in Fibrosing ILD
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompasses a heterogeneous group of more than 200 conditions, of which primarily idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, ILD associated with autoimmune diseases and sarcoidosis may present a progressive fibrosing (PF) phenotype. Despite different aetiology and histopathological patterns, the PF-ILDs have similarities regarding disease mechanisms with self-sustaining fibrosis, which suggests that the diseases may share common pathogenetic pathways. Previous studies show an enhanced activation of serotonergic signaling in pulmonary fibrosis, and the serotonin (5-HT)2 receptors have been implicated to have important roles in observed profibrotic actions.
  • 442
  • 19 Jan 2021
Topic Review
A Complex Disease: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a complex disease often driven by activating mutations or amplification of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, which expresses a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase. Targeted anti-EGFR treatments include small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), among which gefitinib and erlotinib are the best studied, and their function more often imaged. TKIs block EGFR activation, inducing apoptosis in cancer cells addicted to EGFR signals. 
  • 690
  • 28 Feb 2022
Topic Review
A Telemedicine Approach to Covid-19
        COVID-19 is an RNA virus that has caused a pandemic leading to death and disability on a global scale. The virus gains entry into the cell using host protein angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor. The viral envelope fuses with the cell membrane through the endosomal pathway, allowing the viral particle to enter the host cell, where it can release its RNA and replicate. After an initial asymptomatic period, common presenting signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection are non-specific and may include those of a common cold or influenza such as fever, dry cough, myalgia, headache and fatigue. Sore throat and nasal congestion may also be noted. Gastrointestinal and other symptoms may occur and loss of sense of taste and smell is a frequent early symptom that may distinguish COVID-19 from other respiratory infections. The virus is highly contagious and there is no cure. In order to avoid transmission, social distancing, mask wearing and reduced person-to-person interaction are key.  Definitive diagnosis is based on reverse-transcription PCR of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples. The clinical spectrum of the disease ranges from mild to moderate or severe. In order to minimize spread of COVID-19 to both patients and healthcare workers, virtual evaluation of suspected cases is being widely implemented and has necessitated an adjustment to the new medium by all participants. The use of virtual technology for real-time telemedicine assessment for COVID-19 provisional diagnosis and categorization of severity allows patients to receive an appropriate level of care without endangering others. We created a protocol for implementing a remote visit using a computer or mobile device. This enables patient assessement without direct contact to determine the need to visit a healthcare facility or alternatively, to be managed at home. If stable, the patient can isolate and be monitored so that should their condition worsen, they can be directed to in-person care at a hospital. Vigilance in checking on the patient's condition is crucial because those who develop severe COVID-19 may not experience dyspnea and other signs of rapid deterioration until about 5-8 days after symptom onset.  
  • 766
  • 04 Feb 2021
Topic Review
ABCDE Model of Sarcoidosis Care
The importance of comprehensive care in sarcoidosis is generally acknowledged [12,13]. Here, we describe the ABCDE model, that can be used to structure comprehensive sarcoidosis management in order to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients (Figure 1). This model includes the following components: the Assessment of symptoms and patient’s needs, Backing patients by providing support and education, treatment of Complaints and Comorbidities, Disease-modifying treatment, and the involvement of Extrapulmonary specialists. As disease activity, organ involvement, and patients’ preferences may vary during the disease course, regular reassessment is essential. The ABCDE model can provide guidance to clinicians during the first work-up and follow-up of patients with sarcoidosis.
  • 1.6K
  • 23 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Acinetobacter baumannii
Acinetobacter baumannii is regarded as a life-threatening pathogen associated with community-acquired and nosocomial infections, mainly pneumonia.
  • 701
  • 14 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Acute Coronary Syndrome in Elders
Coronary artery disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, and its prevalence increases with age. The growing number of older patients and their differential characteristics make its management a challenge in clinical practice.
  • 534
  • 28 Sep 2021
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