MyMedR

Displaying publications 3881 - 3900 of 5426 in total

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Analysis of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi by Outer Membrane Protein (OMP) Profiling, Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE)

Kumar Y, Mani KR, Tahlan AK

Trop Life Sci Res, 2019 Jan;30(1):57-71.
PMID: 30847033 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2019.30.1.4

A number of countries, including developed countries, still have typhoid fever as a major problem resulting in frequent outbreaks. The importance of controlling spread of typhoid fever is well known and necessitates periodic studies to delineate epidemiological relationships. Although phage typing remains to be the preferred conventional method for characterisation of typhoid bacilli, it is of limited use due to prevalence of few predominant phage types in the country like India. Therefore, an effort has been made to assess three molecular methods [Outer Membrane Protein (OMP) Profiling, Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE)] for typing of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. 128 Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolates were identified using biotyping and serotyping followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. These isolates were further subjected to OMP analysis, RAPD and PFGE. PFGE (114 unique clusters) was found to be the most discriminatory method followed by RAPD (94 unique clusters) and OMP profiling (50 unique clusters). Multidrug resistant strains were well discriminated by all three methods used in the study. PFGE still remains the most preferred method for detailed epidemiological investigations. However, random amplification of polymorphic DNA and outer membrane protein profiling can also be considered for molecular discrimination of the isolates in the laboratories lacking high-end facilities.

Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
Haemoglobin Constant Spring (HbA2: c.427T>C) and Haemoglobin Adana (HbA2: c.179G>A) in jaundiced Malaysian term neonates with clinically significant hyperbilirubinemia

Shwe S, Boo NY, Ong HK, Chee SC, Maslina M, Ling MMM, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2020 Aug;42(2):253-257.
PMID: 32860378

INTRODUCTION: Haemoglobin Constant Spring (Hb CoSp) and Haemoglobin Adana (Hb Adana), are two non-deletion type of α-thalassemia reported in Malaysia. Owing to their structural instability, they cause hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia. This observational study was part of a large study investigating multiple factors associated with severe neonatal jaundice. In this part we aimed to determine the prevalence of Hb CoSp and Hb Adana and their association with clinically significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (SigNH, total serum bilirubin (TSB>290µmol/L)) among jaundiced Malaysian term neonates.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inclusion criteria were normal term-gestation neonates admitted consecutively for phototherapy. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method was applied on DNA extracted from dry blood spot specimens of each neonate to detect for Hb CoSp and Hb Adana gene. Positive samples were verified by gene sequencing.
RESULTS: Of the 1121 neonates recruited (719 SigNH and 402 no-SigNH), heterozygous Hb CoSp gene was detected in only two (0.27%) neonates. Both were SigNH neonates (0.3% or 2/719). No neonate had Hb Adana variant.
CONCLUSION: Hb CoSp was not common but could be a risk factor associated with SigNH. No Hb Adana was detected.

Matched MeSH terms: Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Stomatocytic elliptocytosis and 'neutrophil drumsticks' as a marker of stem cell engraftment

S-Abdul-Wahid F, Soon-Keng C

Br J Haematol, 2002 Mar;116(4):731.
PMID: 11886374
Matched MeSH terms: Acute Disease
Fulltext An evidence-based clinical pathway for the diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis: A systematic review

Sivaratnam L, Nawi AM, Abdul Manaf MR

Int J Mycobacteriol, 2020 6 1;9(2):107-115.
PMID: 32474531 DOI: 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_207_19

To achieve the World Health Organization end TB Strategy, early detection, and prompt treatment of not only pulmonary but also extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) should be achieved. The most common EPTB is tuberculous lymphadenitis, and the diagnosis is typically time-consuming. This review aimed to identify the best diagnostic pathway for preventing treatment delay and thus further complications. A systematic keyword search was done using four databases and other relevant publications and using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flowchart to search for relevant articles that met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the articles was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the articles were summarized based on the test for diagnosing tuberculous lymphadenitis. A total of ten articles were included for the synthesis of results, which compared the sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic test for tuberculous lymphadenitis. The most promising test is the Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/RIF, which has high sensitivity and specificity, but costs much more in comparison to the other tests. An ideal diagnostic method should include the combination of relevant patient history, clinical examination, and laboratory and radiological testing to avoid delays in treatment, misdiagnosis, and further complications.

Matched MeSH terms: Disease Eradication
Fulltext Loss of Interleukin-17RA Expression is Associated with Tumour Progression in Colorectal Carcinoma

Chai BY, Yip WK, Dusa N, Mohtarrudin N, Seow HF

Pathol Oncol Res, 2020 Oct;26(4):2291-2298.
PMID: 32462420 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-020-00820-4

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine found in various cancers. Current evidence indicates that IL-17 plays a vital role in tumour initiation and progression in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) via binding with its receptor, IL-17RA. However, the association between clinicopathological features and presence of IL-17 and IL-17RA protein in primary CRC tissues remains unclear. This study also investigates the difference between the presence of IL-17 and IL-17RA in the paired tumour tissues versus adjacent normal tissues. The presence of IL-17RA and IL-17 protein in primary CRC tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry. Associations between clinicopathological features and IL-17RA and IL-17 immunoreactivity, were analyzed by χ2 tests. We found that both IL-17RA (p = 0.001) and IL-17 (p = 0.025) in tumour cells of primary CRC tissues was significantly lower as compared to adjacent normal tissue. Positive immunoreactivity for IL-17RA and IL-17 were detected in 51.0% and 16.8% of tumour tissues, respectively. Furthermore, negative immunoreactivity of IL-17R was significantly associated with advanced stage according to TNM classifier (p = 0.027), high grade of tumour (p = 0.019), increased depth of tumour invasion (p = 0.023) and vascular invasion (p = 0.039). Positive IL-17 immunoreactivity was associated with advanced stage (p = 0.008) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.008). Thus, this study suggests that the loss of IL-17RA expression occurs as tumour progresses and this may predict the aggressiveness of tumour whilst expression of IL-17 promotes tumour progression and lymph node metastasis. Thus, loss of IL-17RA could be a useful prognostic biomarker for tumour progression in CRC patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Disease Progression
Fulltext Clinical validity of clinicopathological and prognostic significance of circulating tumor cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Jayaraj R, Shetty S, Kumaraswamy C, Raymond G, Ram M R, Govind SK, et al.

Oral Oncol, 2020 10;109:104727.
PMID: 32327312 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.104727
Matched MeSH terms: Disease Management
Evaluation of the malaria elimination policy in Brazil: a systematic review and epidemiological analysis study

Melo JO, Padilha MAO, Barbosa RTA, Alonso WJ, Vittor AY, Laporta GZ

Trop Biomed, 2020 Jun;37(2):513-535.
PMID: 33235398

After a centenary fight against malaria, Brazil has seen an opportunity for change with the proposal of the malaria elimination policy set by the Brazilian government, in line with malaria elimination policies in other Latin American countries. Brazilian malaria experts regard eliminating malaria by 2030 to be within reach. Herein we evaluated the likelihood that malaria elimination can be accomplished in Brazil through systematic review of the literature on malaria elimination in Brazil and epidemiological analysis. Fifty-two articles referring to malaria eradication/elimination in Brazil were analyzed to identify challenges and technological breakthroughs for controlling malaria. Monthly deaths (1979-2016) and monthly severe malaria cases (1998-2018) were analyzed according to age groups, geographic region and parasite species. As a result, we observed that the declining malaria burden was mostly attributable to a decline in Plasmodium falciparum-malaria. At the same time, the proportional increase of Plasmodium vivax-malaria in comparison with P. falciparum-malaria was notable. This niche replacement mechanism was discussed in the reviewed literature. In addition, the challenges to P. vivax-malaria elimination outnumbered the available technological breakthroughs. Although accumulated and basic information exists on mosquito vector biology, the lack of specific knowledge about mosquito vector taxonomy and ecology may hamper current attempts at stopping malaria in the country. An impressive reduction in malaria hospitalizations and mortality was seen in Brazil in the past 3 decades. Eliminating malaria deaths in children less than 5 years and P. falciparum severe cases may be achievable goals under the current malaria policy until 2030. However, eliminating P. vivax malaria transmission and morbidity seems unattainable with the available tools. Therefore, complete malaria elimination in Brazil in the near future is unlikely.

Matched MeSH terms: Disease Eradication
A Recombinant Subunit HSABA392 as a potential Vaccine for Haemorrhagic septicaemia disease in livestock

Rita DV, Swee KCW, Shamini C, Kang TL, Nurshamimi NR, Hussin AR, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):1075-1086.
PMID: 33601854

Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is a major disease in cattle and buffaloes, caused by certain serotypes of Pasteurella multocida, mainly B and E serotypes. Frequent HS outbreak has a major impact in many Asian countries, including Malaysia, where farmers encounter economic loss due to low milk production as well as death of their livestock. There are four types of vaccines available; broth bacterins, alum precipitated vaccine, aluminium hydroxide gel vaccine and oil adjuvant vaccine (OAV), but these vaccines can only provide short term immunity and therefore need to be administered annually. Hence, the development of a protein vaccine using recombinant antigen can be a potential candidate for the production of HS vaccine that would give longer immunity. We have successfully cloned the ABA392 gene fragment into a protein expression vector, pET-30a. The protein was expressed from our ABA392/pET30a clone and the immunogenicity of the protein has been tested on rats. This vaccine was able to trigger an immune response and therefore has the potential to be tested as suitable vaccine candidate in future studies. It is envisaged that this subunit vaccine will make a significant contribution in the management of HS among livestock in future.

Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
Malaria successes and challenges in Asia

Bhatia R, Rastogi RM, Ortega L

J Vector Borne Dis, 2013 Dec;50(4):239-47.
PMID: 24499845

Asia ranks second to Africa in terms of malaria burden. In 19 countries of Asia, malaria is endemic and 2.31 billion people or 62% of the total population in these countries are at risk of malaria. In 2010, WHO estimated around 34.8 million cases and 45,600 deaths due to malaria in Asia. In 2011, 2.7 million cases and > 2000 deaths were reported. India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Pakistan are responsible for >85% of the reported cases (confirmed) and deaths in Asia. In last 10 yr, due to availability of donor's fund specially from Global fund, significant progress has been made by the countries in Asia in scaling-up malaria control interventions which were instrumental in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality significantly. There is a large heterogeneity in malaria epidemiology in Asia. As a result, the success in malaria control/elimination is also diverse. As compared to the data of the year 2000, out of 19 malaria endemic countries, 12 countries were able to reduce malaria incidence (microscopically confirmed cases only) by 75%. Two countries, namely Bangladesh and Malaysia are projected to reach 75% reduction by 2015 while India is projected to reach 50-75% only by 2015. The trend could not be assessed in four countries, namely Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan and Timor-Leste due to insufficient consistent data. Numerous key challenges need to be addressed to sustain the gains and eliminate malaria in most parts of Asia. Some of these are to control the spread of resistance in Plasmodium falciparum to artemisinin, control of outdoor transmission, control of vivax malaria and ensuring universal coverage of key interventions. Asia has the potential to influence the malaria epidemiology all over the world as well as to support the global efforts in controlling and eliminating malaria through production of quality-assured ACTs, RDTs and long-lasting insecticidal nets.

Matched MeSH terms: Disease Eradication
Dynamics of malaria vector indices in two vegetation zones within North Eastern Adamawa State, Nigeria

Wahedi JA, Ande AT, Oduola AO, Obembe A, Tola M, Oyeniyi TA, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2020 Sep 01;37(3):637-649.
PMID: 33612778 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.3.637

Studies profiling community and zonal malaria entomological risk indices are required to identify high risk areas where targeted control resources are most needed or likely to have the greatest impact on reducing risk of malaria infection. This study presents a first report on malaria vector risk indices in two vegetation zones within Adamawa state, Nigeria. Endophilic mosquitoes were collected for one year in selected communities in the Guinea and Sudan savanna zones within the State. Plasmodium falciparum Sporozoite and human blood meal ELISA assays were carried out on the female Anopheles mosquitoes collected. Sibling species composition of the An. gambiae complex were determined using PCR assays. Mean numbers of mosquitoes in the Guinea savanna communities were significantly (t = 7.73, DF = 11, p < 0.001) higher than the Sudan. Man-biting rates (F = 2.76, p = 0.13) of Anopheles mosquitoes were higher in the Guinea but not significantly different from Sudan savanna. Sporozoite rates of mosquitoes within the Guinea savanna were 2.7 times higher than the Sudan. The predominant Anopheles coluzzii species encountered in the state had higher overall human blood indices (0.63) and sporozoite rates (6.9%) compared to An. gambiae (0.39, 1.9%) and An. arabiensis (0.58, 2.3%) respectively. Overall annual human blood indices (0.59) of mosquitoes in Adamawa were lower compared to reports from other States. Prevalence and higher transmission risks indices of endophilic An. coluzzii mosquitoes reveal the need for LLIN and management of relatively permanent An. coluzzii breeding sites in the State. Widespread cattle rearing lifestyle and lower human blood indices of mosquitoes in the study area suggest the need to investigate cattle blood indices of the mosquitoes in the state. Higher entomological risk indices in the Guinea Savanna zone provide baseline information for prioritization of malaria vector control supplies within the State.

Matched MeSH terms: Disease Vectors
Phylogenetic analysis of nucleoprotein gene of Rabies virus in Malaysia from 2015 to 2018

Leow BL, Khoo CK, Syamsiah Aini S, Roslina H, Faizah Hanim MS

Trop Biomed, 2021 Jun 01;38(2):72-78.
PMID: 33973576 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.2.043

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease caused by rabies virus (RABV) and remains a public health problem in Malaysia. Malaysia was declared rabies-free in 2012, however rabies outbreaks occurred at few states in Peninsular Malaysia three years later; and for the first time, in Sarawak (East Malaysia) in 2017 which has caused more than 20 human deaths. This study describes the phylogenetic analysis of the complete nucleoprotein (N) gene of RABV from animal samples in Malaysia from year 2015 to 2018. The N gene of 17 RABVs from Perlis, Kedah and Sarawak were amplified and sequenced. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid similarities of N gene analysis indicated that there is high similarity among the local RABVs. Phylogenetic analysis of the N gene revealed that all Malaysia RABVs belonged to the Asian clade. Among these, RABVs from Peninsular Malaysia were clustered together with RABVs from Thailand, Vietnam and other Southeast Asia countries except Indonesia. However, RABVs from Sarawak were grouped together with Indonesian strains from Kalimantan. Our study provides baseline genetic information of the potential origins of the circulating RABVs in Malaysia. This crucial information helped the authority in policies making and strategies to be taken in outbreak control. Continuous surveillance program to monitor the disease trend, strict border control, vaccination of dog and cat population and public awareness are important steps to control the spread of the RABV.

Matched MeSH terms: Disease Outbreaks
Shift in parasitic infections during the Corona pandemic: a hospital-based retrospective study

Hawash Y, Ismail KH, Abdel-Wahab M

Trop Biomed, 2021 Jun 01;38(2):94-101.
PMID: 34172696 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.2.038

The Corona pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) calls on the Saudi government to take action to control the infection. The government closed borders, prohibited travel, limited outdoor movements, and told primary and secondary care facilities to reduce all regular non-urgent health services. It is not known whether these measures have impacted the prevalence of parasitic intestinal infections. This study has therefore been carried out to investigate this issue. Dataset of 217 stool samples submitted to the King Faisal Medical Complex (KFMC) Microbiology Laboratory in Taif, Saudi Arabia for parasitological examination during the pandemic (January-June 2020) and 649 samples submitted during the corresponding months of the previous year (January-June 2019) were extracted and analyzed. Overall, 24.1% (209/866) of samples were parasitespositives; 26.6% (173/649) before and 16.5% (36/217) during the pandemic, with 79% reduction. There was a significant difference in gender-parasitism between the two periods where the majority of parasitism were for males (p<0.001). Infections were frequent in patients aged 5- 14 years both before (84/649; 12.9%) and during (12/217; 5.5%) the pandemic, with significant difference observed between the two cohorts (p<0.002). Moreover, the majority of infected patients were non-Saudi (67.9%; 142/209), with a significant difference in nationality reported, (p=0.024). Protozoa were identified in 21.8% (189) of all samples investigated, of which, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba coli, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Cryptosporidium species were identified in 6.1% (53), 5.4% (47), 5.0% (44), 2.8% (25), and 2.3% (20), respectively. Helminths were diagnosed in 2.3% (20/866) of samples. Eggs of hookworm, Ascaris, Taenia spp, and Hymenolepis nana were detected in 0.9% (8), 0.5% (5), 0.3% (3) and 0.4% (4), respectively. In parallel with our research hypothesis, a substantial decrease in the burden of intestinal parasitic infections was recorded with the lock-down measures taken during the Corona pandemic.

Matched MeSH terms: Communicable Disease Control
Thioredoxin-albumin fusion protein prevents copper enhanced zinc-induced neurotoxicity via its antioxidative activity

Tanaka KI, Shimoda M, Chuang VTG, Nishida K, Kawahara M, Ishida T, et al.

Int J Pharm, 2018 Jan 15;535(1-2):140-147.
PMID: 29122608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.11.012

Zinc (Zn) is a co-factor for a vast number of enzymes, and functions as a regulator for immune mechanism and protein synthesis. However, excessive Zn release induced in pathological situations such as stroke or transient global ischemia is toxic. Previously, we demonstrated that the interaction of Zn and copper (Cu) is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Furthermore, oxidative stress has been shown to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of various metal ions induced neuronal death. Thioredoxin-Albumin fusion (HSA-Trx) is a derivative of thioredoxin (Trx), an antioxidative protein, with improved plasma retention and stability of Trx. In this study, we examined the effect of HSA-Trx on Cu2+/Zn2+-induced neurotoxicity. Firstly, HSA-Trx was found to clearly suppress Cu2+/Zn2+-induced neuronal cell death in mouse hypothalamic neuronal cells (GT1-7 cells). Moreover, HSA-Trx markedly suppressed Cu2+/Zn2+-induced ROS production and the expression of oxidative stress related genes, such as heme oxygenase-1. In contrast, HSA-Trx did not affect the intracellular levels of both Cu2+ and Zn2+ after Cu2+/Zn2+ treatment. Finally, HSA-Trx was found to significantly suppress endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response induced by Cu2+/Zn2+ treatment in a dose dependent manner. These results suggest that HSA-Trx counteracted Cu2+/Zn2+-induced neurotoxicity by suppressing the production of ROS via interfering the related gene expressions, in addition to the highly possible radical scavenging activity of the fusion protein. Based on these findings, HSA-Trx has great potential as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of refractory neurological diseases.

Matched MeSH terms: Alzheimer Disease
Fulltext Ethno-medicine survey of medicinal plants used by villagers in Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia. [Abstract]

Shimmi SC, Kabir S, Parash MTH, Hossain ABMT, Khaing MS, Muhd Yunus R

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):65.
MyJurnal

ABSTRACTS FOR THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL BORNEO HEALTHCARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH CONFERENCE AND 4TH BORNEO TROPICAL MEDICINE
AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONGRESS. New Frontiers in Health: Expecting the Unexpected; Held at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia; On 3rd-5th September 2019
Introduction: The use of medicinal plants as a remedy and prevention of diseases based on practical skills, knowledge and therapies was passed down from one generation to the next. It was reported by WHO that, approximately a quarter of the modern drugs were derivatives of plants or herbs, used as traditional medicines. It has contributed greatly in the health care management as the main source of medicine for many of the rural population in Sabah. This preliminary study was carried out to observe the use of medicinal plants in different villages of Kudat and to know about the knowledge of the villagers related to possible side effects of these plants.
Methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study which was carried out in different villages of Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia between August and September 2018. The data were obtained through interviewing the people in different villages by using semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data.
Results: Among the 87 participants, 37.9% were male and 62.1% were female. Their mean age was 45.87 (±14.03) and they were mostly from Kadazan-Dusun (50.6%) and Rungus (42.5%). The highest level of education among the participants was SPM (20.7%). Roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits of 49 plant species were reported in the treatment of more than 30 types of health conditions. Anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, joint pain, hypercholesterolaemia, fever, asthma, malaria, vomiting and few acute illnesses are mentionable. Majority (71%) of the participants did not have any knowledge about possible side effects of the orally ingested or tropically applied medicinal plants.
Conclusion: There should be thorough research on dosage, mechanism of action and possible side effects of the medicinal plants and the results of these researches should reach the users of these plants.

Matched MeSH terms: Acute Disease
Fulltext The Role of Radical Prostatectomy and Radiotherapy in Treatment of Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Fahmy O, Khairul-Asri MG, Hadi SHSM, Gakis G, Stenzl A

Urol Int, 2017;99(3):249-256.
PMID: 28675891 DOI: 10.1159/000478789

BACKGROUND: The role of radical prostatectomy (RP) is still controversial for locally advanced prostate cancer (PC). Radiotherapy (RT) and hormonal therapy (HT) are usually used as a primary treatment.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic online search was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis statement. Eligible publications reporting the overall survival (OS) and/or disease-specific survival (DSS) were included. A total of 14 studies, including 17,869 patients, were considered for analysis. The impact of therapeutic modalities on survival was assessed, with a risk of bias assessment according to the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS: For RP, RT, and HT, the mean 10-year OS was 70.7% (95% CI 61.3-80.2), 65.8% (95% CI 48.1-83.3), and 22.6% (95% CI 4.9-40.3; p = 0.001), respectively. The corresponding 10-year DSS was 84.1% (95% CI 75.1-93.2), 89.4% (95% CI 70.1-108.6), and 50.4% (95% CI 31.2-69.6; p = 0.0127), respectively. Among all treatment combinations, RP displayed significant improvement in OS when included in the treatment (Z = 4.01; p < 0.001). Adjuvant RT significantly improved DSS (Z = 2.7; p = 0.007). Combination of RT and HT favored better OS in comparison to monotherapy with RT or HT (Z = 3.61; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Improved outcomes in advanced PC were detected for RP plus adjuvant RT vs. RP alone and RT plus adjuvant HT vs. RT alone with comparable survival results between both regimens. RP with adjuvant RT may present the modality of choice when HT is contraindicated.

Matched MeSH terms: Disease-Free Survival
Interleukin-13: A pivotal target against influenza-induced exacerbation of chronic lung diseases

Shastri MD, Allam VSRR, Shukla SD, Jha NK, Paudel KR, Peterson GM, et al.

Life Sci, 2021 Oct 15;283:119871.
PMID: 34352260 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119871

Non-communicable, chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) affect millions of individuals worldwide. The course of these CRDs (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis) are often punctuated by microbial infections that may result in hospitalization and are associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality, as well as reduced quality of life. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a key protein that regulates airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion. There has been much interest in IL-13 from the last two decades. This cytokine is believed to play a decisive role in the exacerbation of inflammation during the course of viral infections, especially, in those with pre-existing CRDs. Here, we discuss the common viral infections in CRDs, as well as the potential role that IL-13 plays in the virus-induced disease pathogenesis of CRDs. We also discuss, in detail, the immune-modulation potential of IL-13 that could be translated to in-depth studies to develop IL-13-based therapeutic entities.

Matched MeSH terms: Chronic Disease
Surgical management of cochlear implant in chronic otitis media patients: safe and sound

Goh BS, Marimuthu D, Wan Hashim WF, Abdullah A

Acta Otolaryngol, 2020 Nov;140(11):914-918.
PMID: 32692598 DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2020.1784463

INTRODUCTION: Cochlear implantation (CI) in cases with chronic otitis media (COM) was previously contraindicated but recent advances have made it possible.
OBJECTIVE: To review surgical and audiological outcomes of COM patients that underwent CI.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients above 18 years old.
RESULTS: Ten patients with complete data were included. Patients were aged 24-69 years old. Tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy were performed before CI. Imaging was performed to rule out ossifications. Eight patients underwent a standard canal wall up with either cochleostomy or round window approach. One patient had additional canalplasty and tympanoplasty and another one had blind sac procedure respectively. Analysis of the hearing aided level with CI and hearing aid showed significant benefit provided by the CI (Z = 2.803, p = .005).
DISCUSSION: Creating a dry and safe ear is important prior to CI. Definite hearing improvement is seen in all our cases that helped them to become independent again in their daily life. Hearing aid usage pre-CI might not be important as the hearing aids may continue to cause discharging ears and the benefits of hearing aids in severe to profound hearing loss are very minimal.
CONCLUSIONS: Cochlear implant is safe and effective in COM patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Chronic Disease
The effect of systemic ibuprofen on gingival inflammation in humans

Taiyeb Ali TB, Waite IM

J Clin Periodontol, 1993 Nov;20(10):723-8.
PMID: 8276982

This clinical trial investigated the influence of short-term ibuprofen therapy on the early phase of the treatment of adult chronic periodontitis. The subjects were 17 patients in good general health referred for specialist periodontal treatment, having moderate chronic adult periodontitis. A series of assessments were made every 2 weeks over an 8-week period, including evaluations of oral hygiene, gingival inflammation and probing pocket depths. All participants received oral hygiene instruction, and following baseline examinations, had half the dentition, chosen at random, treated by scaling and root planing. The patients were randomly distributed into 2 groups, a test group receiving a 14-day course of 800 mg ibuprofen daily, in 4 divided doses, and a control group who did not receive any drug regime. At the 2-week assessment following the drug regime, significantly greater reduction in gingival bleeding, colour and pocketing was detected in the test compared with the control group. The beneficial effects were less evident thereafter. Although clinical application of the regime used in this study would not be justified by these results, further research into anti-inflammatory agents as an adjunct in the treatment of periodontal diseases could be considered, in the light of the beneficial effect on gingivitis in the early phase of periodontal treatment reported.

Matched MeSH terms: Chronic Disease
Fulltext Effect of diet on type 2 diabetes mellitus: A review

Sami W, Ansari T, Butt NS, Hamid MRA

Int J Health Sci (Qassim), 2017 Apr-Jun;11(2):65-71.
PMID: 28539866

Globally, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered as one of the most common diseases. The etiology of T2DM is complex and is associated with irreversible risk factors such as age, genetic, race, and ethnicity and reversible factors such as diet, physical activity and smoking. The objectives of this review are to examine various studies to explore relationship of T2DM with different dietary habits/patterns and practices and its complications. Dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle are the major factors for rapidly rising incidence of DM among developing countries. In type 2 diabetics, recently, elevated HbA1c level has also been considered as one of the leading risk factors for developing microvascular and macrovascular complications. Improvement in the elevated HbA1c level can be achieved through diet management; thus, the patients could be prevented from developing the diabetes complications. Awareness about diabetes complications and consequent improvement in dietary knowledge, attitude, and practices lead to better control of the disease. The stakeholders (health-care providers, health facilities, agencies involved in diabetes care, etc.) should encourage patients to understand the importance of diet which may help in disease management, appropriate self-care and better quality of life.

Matched MeSH terms: Disease Management
Association study of MCCC1/LAMP3 and DGKQ variants with Parkinson's disease in patients of Malay ancestry

Lim JL, Ng EY, Lim SY, Tan AH, Abdul-Aziz Z, Ibrahim KA, et al.

Neurol Sci, 2021 Oct;42(10):4203-4207.
PMID: 33559030 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05056-x

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown that variants in the 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase (MCCC1)/lysosome-associated membrane protein 3 (LAMP3) loci (rs10513789, rs12637471, rs12493050) reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) in Caucasians, Chinese and Ashkenazi-Jews while the rs11248060 variant in the diacylglycerol kinase theta (DGKQ) gene increases the risk of PD in Caucasian and Han Chinese cohorts. However, their roles in Malays are unknown. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association of these variants with the risk of PD in individuals of Malay ancestry.
METHODS: A total of 1114 subjects comprising of 536 PD patients and 578 healthy controls of Malay ancestry were recruited and genotyped using Taqman® allelic discrimination assays.
RESULTS: The G allele of rs10513789 (OR = 0.83, p = 0.001) and A allele of rs12637471 (OR = 0.79, p = 0.007) in the MCCC1/LAMP3 locus were associated with a protective effect against developing PD in the Malay population. A recessive model of penetrance showed a protective effect of the GG genotype for rs10513789 and the AA genotype for rs12637471. No association with PD was found with the other MCCC1/LAMP3 rs12493050 variant or with the DGKQ (rs11248060) variant. No significant associations were found between the four variants with the age at PD diagnosis.
CONCLUSION: MCCC1/LAMP3 variants rs10513789 and rs12637471 protect against PD in the Malay population.

Matched MeSH terms: Genetic Predisposition to Disease

Filters

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links