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Topic Review
The Microbiome and Cancer Development
Changes in the microbiome also induce complex changes in human cells. From a biological perspective, the normal cervicovaginal microbiome is composed mainly of Lactobacillus spp., thus exhibiting low bacterial diversity and protecting against carcinogenesis through various mechanisms. The lactobacilli secrete lactic acid, and the low vaginal pH promotes healthy local homeostasis. The lactobacilli also secrete cytokines, antimicrobial peptides, and other metabolites that protect the local epithelium. They promote a healthy level of physiological inflammation that stimulates the immune system to fight against pathogens. On the other hand, the dysbiotic cervicovaginal microbiome exhibits a high diversity of microorganisms, primarily obligate and strict anaerobes, that lead to a high vaginal pH. The bacteria promote the disruption of the epithelial barrier and secrete various metabolites and enzymes such as sialidase, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, reactive oxygen species, and other carcinogenic metabolites that lead to chronic inflammation and a dysregulated local metabolism. Further down the line, they also lead to genotoxicity and genomic instability, as well as altered proliferation and altered apoptosis. The dysbiotic environment also promotes angiogenesis. The chronic inflammation activates immune cells that secrete even more proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 or Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), resulting in even more reactive oxygen species that further promote carcinogenic mechanisms. Hence, there are many different mechanisms through which the microbiota can impact carcinogenesis.
  • 301
  • 13 Mar 2023
Topic Review
The Mediterranean Diet
A cornerstone of any healthy lifestyle program is the inclusion of a balanced diet that can prevent various diseases, including cardiovascular conditions. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has become one of the most studied and widely reported diets and has received a lot of attention. The MD is a dietary plan based on Crete’s traditional eating habits. 
  • 253
  • 25 Oct 2023
Topic Review
The Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria
Even if malaria is rare in Europe, it is a medical emergency and programs for its control should ensure both an early diagnosis and a prompt treatment within 24–48 h from the onset of the symptoms. The increasing number of imported malaria cases as well as the risk of the reintroduction of autochthonous cases encouraged laboratories in non-endemic countries to adopt diagnostic methods/algorithms. Microscopy remains the gold standard, but with limitations. Rapid diagnostic tests have greatly expanded the ability to diagnose malaria for rapid results due to simplicity and low cost, but they lack sensitivity and specificity. PCR-based assays provide more relevant information but need well-trained technicians.
  • 163
  • 22 Jan 2024
Topic Review
The Ketogenic Diet and Cardiovascular Diseases
The ketogenic diet has been shown to have a multifaceted effect on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Among other aspects, it has a beneficial effect on the blood lipid profile, even compared to other diets. It shows strong anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective potential, which is due, among other factors, to the anti-inflammatory properties of the state of ketosis, the elimination of simple sugars, the restriction of total carbohydrates and the supply of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, ketone bodies provide “rescue fuel” for the diseased heart by affecting its metabolism. They also have a beneficial effect on the function of the vascular endothelium, including improving its function and inhibiting premature ageing. The ketogenic diet has a beneficial effect on blood pressure and other CVD risk factors through, among other aspects, weight loss. The evidence cited is often superior to that for standard diets, making it likely that the ketogenic diet shows advantages over other dietary models in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
  • 244
  • 07 Sep 2023
Topic Review
The Influence of Heavy Metal
There are a multitude of sources of heavy metal pollution which have unwanted effects on this super organism, the soil, which is capable of self-regulation, but limited. Living a healthy life through the consumption of fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, edible products and by-products of animal origin, honey and bee products can sometimes turn out to be just a myth due to the contamination of the soil with heavy metals whose values, even if they are below accepted limits, are taken up by plants, reach the food chain and in the long term unbalance the homeostasis of the human organism. Plants, these miracles of nature, some with the natural ability to grow on polluted soils, others needing a little help by adding chelators or amendments, can participate in the soil detoxification of heavy metals through phytoextraction and phytostabilization.
  • 496
  • 04 Apr 2023
Topic Review Peer Reviewed
The Increase in Addiction during COVID-19
The increase in addiction during COVID-19 is a condition that emerged as an aftermath of COVID-19-related events, for instance, fear of the spread of COVID-19, self-abstention from many activities, and restrictions established by the lockdown measures. This condition includes substance addictions such as drugs and alcohol but also behavioral addictions such as gambling, gaming, pornography, and smartphone and internet misuse.
  • 1.2K
  • 13 Apr 2022
Topic Review
The Importance of Vaccination during COVID-19 Pandemic
The rapid spread and contagion of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), raised concern among the public and health authorities worldwide. Shortly after the first case was reported in Wuhan (China), the World Health Organization (WHO) defined COVID-19 as a pandemic. Since the pandemic began, one of the main effective and feasible ways to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 has been through vaccination.
  • 425
  • 21 Apr 2022
Topic Review
The Impact of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Male Fertility
Any compound or mixture of compounds, which interferes with any aspect of the endocrine system is classified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC). There is increasing evidence that male infertility is associated with the widespread exposure to EDCs, and in particular to obesogens. These compounds interfere with hormones involved in the regulation of metabolism and are associated with weight gain, being also able to change the functioning of the male reproductive axis and, consequently, the testicular physiology and metabolism that are pivotal for spermatogenesis. The disruption of these tightly regulated metabolic pathways leads to adverse reproductive outcomes. The permanent exposure to obesogens has raised serious health concerns. Evidence suggests that obesogens are one of the leading causes of the marked decline of male fertility and key players in shaping the future health outcomes not only for those who are directly exposed but also for upcoming generations. In addition to the changes that lead to inefficient functioning of the male gametes, obesogens induce alterations that are “imprinted” on the genes of the male gametes, establishing a link between generations and contributing to the transmission of defects.
  • 972
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
The Impact of Climate Change on Cholera
Water ecosystems can be rather sensitive to evolving or sudden changes in weather parameters. These changes can result in alterations in the natural habitat of pathogens, vectors, and human hosts, as well as in the transmission dynamics and geographic distribution of infectious agents. 
  • 535
  • 27 Jan 2022
Topic Review
The Health of Healthcare Professionals in Oncology
From the analysis of the scientific literature relating to the health of oncological patients, the need to consider the global dimension of health of individuals emerges, which subsumes the bodily dimension and involves all the actors who offer their contribution to it in different ways. In this direction, the state of the art of the health construct offered by healthcare professionals highlights a lack of scientific contributions to the specific subject although these professionals are fundamental figures in oncological diagnosis setups. A in the oncological field studied the competencies of patients and caregivers in the management of the implications of surgery: it emerged that oncological treatments have effects on all aspects of life; thus, the roles in an oncological situation need to develop new competencies in order to preserve life quality.
  • 267
  • 25 May 2022
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