Research areas

This section of the ME/CFS Research Register (beta version) provides an overview of areas of medical research connected with ME/CFS research. By clicking on one of the research areas below, you will be directed to a separate page. There you will find research projects, types, and networks, as well as working groups, selected people, publications and event items connected with the research area. You may also use the search function to look for specific topics or people, for example. A more comprehensive and systematic overview of the research areas listed under this section will be published later. A description of the current scope of the ME/CFS Research Register (beta) can be found on the starting page (Home).

83 of 83 research areas

Acid-base disruption

Acidosis and alkalosis viewed collectively. Acidosis is a pathologic condition of acid accumulation or depletion of base in the body. The two main types of acidosis are respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis, due to metabolic acid build up. Alkalosis is a pathological condition that removes acid or adds base to the body fluids. The two main types of alkalosis are respiratory alkalosis a...

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Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)

A transmembrane glycoprotein with an extracellular catalytic domain which functions as a carboxypeptidase. It cleaves a single C-terminal residue from a distinct range of substrates. The catalytic efficiency is 400-fold higher with Angiotensin II as a substrate than with Angiotensin I. ACE2 is also is a functional receptor for the spike glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and HCOV-NL63...

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Antibodies that react with self-antigens (autoantigens) of the organism that produced them. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68001323)

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10

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24

Autoimmune comorbidities

The presence of more than one autoimmune condition in the same organism. (Description adapted from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/comorbidity)

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0

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5

Autoimmune disorders are characterised by the production of antibodies that react with host tissues or immune effector cells that are autoreactive to endogenous peptides. (Description adapted from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68001327 and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/680567...

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Autonomic dysfunction

Diseases of the parasympathetic or sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system, which has components located in the central nervous systems and peripheral nervous system. Autonomic dysfunction may be associated with hypothalamic diseases, brain stem disorders, spinal cord diseases, and peripheral nervous system diseases. Manifestations include impairments of vegetative functions in...

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Bacterial infections

Infections by bacteria, general or unspecified. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68001424)

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1

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1

Biobanks are large collections of human biological materials linked to relevant personal and health information, which may include health records, family history, lifestyle and genetic information that are held predominantly for use in health and medical research. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/artic...

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Blood cell alterations

Changes in the appearance and functionality of blood cells. Includes alterations to the morphology as well as deformability of red blood cells, i.e. their ability to change shape as they pass through narrow spaces, such as the microvasculature. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68004907)

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2

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0

The part of the central nervous system that is contained within the skull. The developed brain consists of cerebrum, cerebellum, and others structures in the brain stem. Diseases of the of the central nervous system pertain to any component of the brain (including the cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, brain stem, and cerebellum) or the spinal cord. (Description adapted from:

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Non-invasive methods of visualising the central nervous system, especially the brain, by various imaging modalities. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68059906)

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1

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1

Capillary rarification

Rarification of the minute vessels that connect arterioles and venules. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68002196)

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0

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2

Cardiovascular dysfunction

The cardiovascular system includes the heart and the blood vessels by which blood is pumped and circulated throgh the body. Cardiovascular diseases describe pathological conditions involving the cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood vessels or the pericardium. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/6800231...

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Cell-mediated autoimmunity

Autoimmune conditions characterised by a specific cell mediated response to the body's own tissues. (Description adapted from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/313696)

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0

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4

Central nervous system dysfunction

Diseases of any component of the brain (including the cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, brain stem, and cerebellum) or the spinal cord. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68002493)

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4

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3

Cerebral perfusion

Cerebrovascular circulation describes the circulation of blood through the blood vessels of the brain. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68002560)

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2

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1

Coagulation abnormalities

Blood coagulation describes the process of interaction of blood coagulation factors that results in an insoluble fibrin clot. Blood coagulation disorders describe hemorrhagic and thrombotic disorders that occur as a consequence of abnormalities in blood coagulation due to a variety of factors such as coagulation protein disorders, blood platelet disorders, blood protein disorders or nutritio...

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Cognitive dysfunction

Cognitive dysfunction pertains to diminished or impaired mental and/or intellectual function. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68060825)

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3

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Members of Coronaviridae which cause respiratory or gastrointestinal disease in a variety of vertebrates. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68017934)

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1

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3

Cross-reactive autoantibodies

Cross-reactivity describes a serological reactions in which an antiserum against one antigen reacts with a non-identical but closely related antigen. Cross-reactive autoantibodies are a form of autoantibodies that bind to a pathogenic structure but also to molecular patterns of the host. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih....

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Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

A genus of the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Betaherpesviridae, infecting the salivary glands, liver, spleen, lungs, eyes, and other organs, in which they produce characteristically enlarged cells with intranuclear inclusions. Infection with Cytomegalovirus is also seen as an opportunistic infection in AIDS. (Description adapted from: ht...

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Digestive system dysfunction

Diseases in any part of the gastrointestinal tract. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68004066)

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0

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4

Electrolyte dysbalance

Dysbalance to electrolytes, i.e. substances that dissociate into two or more ions, to some extent, in water. Solutions of electrolytes conduct an electric current and can be decomposed by it (electrolysis). (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68004573).

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1

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3

Endothelial dysfunction

Endothelium is a layer of epithelium that lines the heart, blood vessels, lymph vessels, and the serous cavities of the body. The endothelium maintains an adequate homeostasis via its capacity to produce protective molecules. When this function is lost or damaged, endothelial dysfunction occurs, leading to a reduction in the capacity to maintain homeostasis and the development of pathologica...

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Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the type species of lymphocryptovirus, belonging to the subfamily of gammaherpesvirinae, infecting B-cells in humans. It is thought to be the causative agent of inectious mononucleosis (IM) and is strongly associated with oral hairy leukoplakia, burkitt lymphoma and other malignancies. IM is a common, acute infection usually caused by EBV. There is an increase in ...

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Glycoproteins found on the surfaces of cells, particularly in fibrillar structures. The proteins are lost or reduced when these cells undergo viral or chemical transformation. They are highly susceptible to proteolysis and are substrates for activated blood coagulation factor VIII. The forms present in plasma are called cold-insoluble globulins. (Description adapted from:

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G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) autoantibodies

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell surface receptors involved in signal transduction. They share a common structure and signal through heterotrimeric G-Proteins. GPCR-Autoantibodies are functional autoantibodies that bind to GPCR and activate second-messenger cascades in an uncontrolled manner. (Description adapted from:

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General research area that is not attributed to a specific organ dysfunction or research entity.

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Genetic risk factors

Genetic risc factors refer to the probability of an individual orgnanism carrying a specific disease-associated mutation, or of being affected with a specific genetic disorder. Genomics is the systematic study of the complete DNA sequences (genome) of organisms. It includes the construction of complete genetic, physical, and transcript maps, and the analysis of this structural genomic inform...

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All of the microbial organisms that naturally exist within the gastrointestinal tract. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2009927)

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0

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3

An interactive network between the gastrointestinal tract (gut) and the brain principally mediated through the enteric nervous system. Control of the gut activities during stress, for instance, is mediated by activation of neuroendocrine hormones. Conversely, intestinal microbiota associate with the central nervous system through the axis via microorganism-derived products. Some functional g...

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Hemic and lymphatic system disorders

Hematologic diseases and diseases of the lymphatic system viewed collectively. Hemic diseases include disorders involving the formed elements (e.g., erythrocyte aggregation, intravascular) and chemical components (e.g. blood protein disorders). Lymphatic diseases include disorders relating to lymph, lymph nodes, and lymphocytes. (Description adapted from:

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Herpes simplexvirus 1 (HHV-1)

The type species of Simplexvirus causing most forms of non-genital herpes simplex in humans. Primary infection occurs mainly in infants and young children and then the virus becomes latent in the dorsal root ganglion. It then is periodically reactivated throughout life causing mostly benign conditions. (Description adapted from: https://ww...

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Herpes simplexvirus 2 (HHV-2)

A species of Simplexvirus associated with genital infections (Herpes Genitalis). It is transmitted by sexual intercourse and close personal contact. (Description: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68018258)

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0

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3

Viruses belonging to the family of Herpesviridae, a family of enveloped, linear, double-stranded DNA viruses infecting a wide variety of animals. Subfamilies, based on biological characteristics, include: alphaherpesvirinae, betaherpesvirinae, gammaherpesvirinae. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68006566 &am...

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8

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12

Human deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase)

Deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) catalyses the magnesium-dependent hydrolysis of dUTP to dUMP and pyrophosphate, providing the substrate for methylation of uracil by thymidylate synthase and preventing accidental incorporation of uracil into DNA by DNA-polymerase. (Description adapted from ...

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Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)

Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a member of the roseolovirus genus of the Betaherpesvirales subfamily isolated from patients with AIDS and other lymphoproliferateive disorders. It infects and replicates in fresh and established lines of hematopoietic cells and cells of neural origin. It also appears to alter the activity of NK cells. HHV-6 antibodies are elevated in patients with AIDS, Sjögre...

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Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7)

A species in the genus roseolovirus, of the family herpesviridae. It was isolated from activated, CD4-positive T-lymphocytes taken from the blood of a healthy human. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68016199)

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0

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1

Hypersensitivity

Altered reactivity to an antigen, which can result in pathologic reactions upon subsequent exposure to that particular antigen. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68006967)

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0

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1

Hyperventilation

A pulmonary ventilation rate faster than is metabolically necessary for the exchange of gases. It is the result of an increased frequency of breathing, an increased tidal volume, or a combination of both. It causes an excess intake of oxygen and the blowing off of carbon dioxide. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh...

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A decrease in the flow of blood through or around an organ or region of the body, including the brain. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68012039 & https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68002560)

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3

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3

A subdiscipline of genetics which deals with the genetic basis of the immune response. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68007125)

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1

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4

Immunological dysfunction

Immune system is the body's defense mechanism against foreign organisms or substances and deviant native cells. It includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response and consists of a complex of interrelated cellular, molecular, and genetic components. Diseases of the immune system are disorders caused by abnormal or absent immunologic mechanisms, whether humoral, cell-m...

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Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms or their toxins or by parasites that can cause pathological conditions or diseases. (Description adapted from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68007239)

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11

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17

A pathological process characterised by injury or destruction of tissues caused by a variety of cytologic and chemical reactions. It is usually manifested by typical signs of pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68007249)

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2

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9

Intestinal permeability

The role of the intestinal wall as a selective barrier defending against infiltration of bacteria and toxic molecules while allowing the passage or transport of nutrients, electrolytes, and water. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2106404)

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0

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1

Intracraniel pressure

Manometric pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid within the cranial cavity as measured by lumbar, cerebroventricular, or cisternal puncture. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68015170)

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0

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A hypoperfusion of the blood through an organ or tissue caused by a pathologic constriction or obstruction of its blood vessels, or an absence of blood circulation. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68007511)

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0

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1

Long non-coding RNA

A class of untranslated RNA molecules that are typically greater than 200 nucleotides in length and do not code for proteins. Members of this class have been found to play roles in transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional processing, chromatin remodeling, and in the epigenetic control of chromatin. (Description adapted from: https:...

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Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)

A clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of mast cell disorders in which there is aberrant release of mast cell mediators with little to no accompanying proliferation of mast cells. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2101194)

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0

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Emotional, psychological, and social well-being of an individual or group. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68008603)

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3

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7

The systematic identification and quantitation of all the metabolic products of a cell, tissue, organ, or organism under varying conditions. The metabolome of a cell or organism is a dynamic collection of metabolites which represent its net response to current conditions. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/6805543...

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Mitochondrial dysfunction

Mitochondrial diseases are conditions caused by abnormal function of the mitochondira. They may be caused by mutations, acquired or inherited, in mitochondrial DNA or in nuclear genes that code for mitochondrial components. They may also be the result of acquired mitochondria dysfunction due to adverse effects of drugs, infections, or other environmental causes. (Description adapted from: ...

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Musculoskeletal system disorder

Disorders of the muscles, bones, and cartilage of the body. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68009141)

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2

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8

Nervous system disorder

Nervous system is the entire nerve apparatus, composed of a central part, the brain and spinal cord, and a peripheral part, the cranial and spinal nerves, autonomic ganglia, and plexuses. Diseases of the nervous system include diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. This includes disorders of the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic ner...

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Neuroinflammation

Diseases characterised by inflammation of the nervous tissue. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2101228)

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0

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1

Neuronal damage

Damage to the basic cellular units of nervous tissue. The purpose of neurons is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the nervous system. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68009474).

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0

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2

Nutritional and metabolic system disorder

A collective term for nutritional disorders resulting from poor absorption or nutritional imbalance, and metabolic disorders resulting from defects in biosynthesis (anabolism) or breakdown (catabolism) of endogenous substances. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68009750)

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5

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10

Orthostatic intolerance

Symptoms of cerebral hypoperfusion or autonomic overaction which develop while the subject is standing, but are relieved on recumbency. Types of this include neurocardiogenic syncope, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/680549...

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Research area that is not attributed to a specific organ dysfunction or research entity.

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The type species of erythrovirus and the etiological agent of erythema infectiosum, a disease most commonly seen in school-age children. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68016732)

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0

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1

Organisation of medical and nursing care according to the degree of illness and care requirements in the hospital. The elements are intensive care, intermediate care, self-care, long-term care, and organized home care. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68011383)

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9

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13

Polytropic murine leukemia viruses (pMLV)

Murine leukemia viruses (MLV) are a species of gammaretroviruses, containing many well-defined strains, producing leukemia in mice. Disease is commonly induced by injecting filtrates of propagable tumors into newborn mice. Polytropic murine leukemia viruses (MLVs) are generated by recombination of ecotropic MLVs with members of a family of endogenous proviruses in mice. (Description adapted ...

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Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

A syndrome of orthostatic intolerance combined with excessive upright tachycardia, and usually without associated orthostatic hypotension. All variants have in common an excessively reduced venous return to the heart (central hypovolemia) while upright. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68054972)

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1

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The systematic study of the complete complement of proteins (proteome) of organisms. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68040901)

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2

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1

Psychological comorbidities

The co-occurence of more than one disorder in the same individual. In its broadest sense, comorbidity can include the co-occurrence of medical and psychiatric disorders. (Description adapted from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/comorbidity)

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0

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The science dealing with the study of mental processes and behavior in man and animals. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68011584)

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0

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2

Renin angiotensin aldosteron system (RAAS)

A blood pressure regulating system of interacting components that include renin, angiotensinogen, engiotensin, converting enzyme; angiotensin I, angiotensin II, and angiotensinase. Renin, an enzyme produced in the kidney, acts on angiotensinogen, an alpha-2 globulin produced by the liver, forming angiotensin I. Angiotensin-converting enzyme, contained in the lung, acts on angiotensin I in th...

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An aspect of personal behavior or lifestyle, environmental exposure, inborn or inherited characteristic, which, based on epidemiological evidence, is known to be associated with a health-related condition considered important to prevent. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68012307)

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1

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2

Ross river virus

A species of alphavirus associated with epidemic exanthema and polyarthritis in Australia. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68012398)

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0

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1

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

A species of betacoronavirus causing atypical respiratory disease (COVID-19) in humans. The organism was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, China. The natural host is the Chinese intermediate horseshoe bat, rhinolophus affinis. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2052180)

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2

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3

Skeletal muscle dysfunction

Musculoskeletal diseases describe conditions that affect the muscles and their associated ligaments and other connective tissue and conditions of the bones and cartilage viewed collectively. (Descripton adapted from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68009140)

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2

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8

Sleep disturbances

Disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS, insomnias), excessive somnolence (DOES), sleep–wake schedule, and dysfunctions associated with sleep, sleep stages, or partial arousals (parasomnias). (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK401)

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0

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Small fibre neuropathy (SFN)

Disorder of the peripheral nerves that primarily impair small nerve fibers. The affected small nerve fibers include myelinated A-delta fibers (A fibres) and unmyelinated C fibres. Because these small fibers innervate skin and help control autonomic function, their neuropathy presents with neuropathic pain, reduced thermal and pain sensitivity, and autonomic dysfunction (e.g. abnormal sweatin...

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Small non-coding RNA

Small non-coding RNA (sncRNAs) comprise a family of noncoding RNA with sizes ranging ~ 21–34 nucleotides (nt) that play a critical role in the regulation of gene expression. Several types of sncRNA have been described, being microRNA (miRNA), endogenous small interfering RNA (endo-siRNA), and Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA). (Description adapted from:

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The act of assigning a perceived attribute that is deeply discrediting and is considered to be a violation of social norms. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68057545)

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0

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1

Thromboinflammation

Thrombosis with associated inflammation due to crosstalk between hemostasis and innate immune responses modulated by platelets. It is associated with many diseases such as COVID-19; Sickle Cell Anemia; and Thrombophlebitis. (Description adpated from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2101229)

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0

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1

Transcriptomics

The determination of the pattern of genes expressed at the level of genetic transcription, under specific circumstances or in a specific cell. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68020869)

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3

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1

Adverse reaction to the suspension of killed or attenuated microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa), antigenic proteins, synthetic constructs, or other bio-molecular derivatives, administered for the prevention, amelioration, or treatment of infectious and other diseases. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m...

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Varicella zoster virus (VZV)

The type species of varicellovirus causing chickenpox (varicella) and herpes zoster (shingles) in humans. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68014645)

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0

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3

Vascular dysfunction

Vascular dysfunction, which includes endothelial dysfunction, microvascular dysfunction, and stiffening of large arteries, results when the homeostatic function of relaxation and contraction of blood vessels is affected. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8709476)

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0

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6

Viral infections

Minute infectious agents whose genomes are composed of DNA or RNA, but not both. They are characterised by a lack of independent metabolism and the inability to replicate outside living host cells. (Descripton adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68014780)

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10

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15

Xenotropic murine leukemia virus–related virus (XMRV)

An endogenous gammaretrovirus from the germ line of mice but isolated from humans. It has close similarity to xenotropic murine leukemia virus. (Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68058008)

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0

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2