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Fulltext Nipah virus infection: A review

Aditi, Shariff M

Epidemiol Infect, 2019 01;147:e95.
PMID: 30869046 DOI: 10.1017/S0950268819000086

Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging bat-borne pathogen. It was first identified 20 years ago in Malaysia and has since caused outbreaks in other parts of South and Southeast Asia. It causes severe neurological and respiratory disease which is highly lethal. It is highly infectious and spreads in the community through infected animals or other infected people. Different strains of the virus show differing clinical and epidemiological features. Rapid diagnosis and implementation of infection control measures are essential to contain outbreaks. A number of serological and molecular diagnostic techniques have been developed for diagnosis and surveillance. Difficulties in diagnosis and management arise when a new area is affected. The high mortality associated with infection and the possibility of spread to new areas has underscored the need for effective management and control. However, no effective treatment or prophylaxis is readily available, though several approaches show promise. Given the common chains of transmission from bats to humans, a One Health approach is necessary for the prevention and control of NiV infection.
Herpes zoster of gingiva in an older woman: a rare case report

Chopra A, Sivaraman K, Thomas BS

Gerodontology, 2017 Jun;34(2):280-283.
PMID: 27435832 DOI: 10.1111/ger.12246

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article is to highlight the distinguishing features of secondary varicella gingival infection in an older women.
BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster is an acute sporadic, painful viral infection in older people caused by the reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus. Herpes zoster affecting the gingiva without any dermal lesions is a rare pathological condition that mimics many intraoral vesiculobullous lesions. The ambiguous nature of this condition creates a diagnostic dilemma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 58-year-old woman presented with an acute, unilateral and persistent burning sensation and pain in the gingiva with desqaumating vesicullobulous lesion.
RESULTS: The women was diagnosed with secondary varicella zoster infection.
CONCLUSION: Herpes zoster of the gingiva could manifest as painful desquamative vesicular lesions, pulpal or other painful neuralgic condition in older individuals which need careful diagnosis before formulating appropiate treatment plan.
Fulltext Structure-Based Screening of Non-β-Lactam Inhibitors against Class D β-Lactamases: An Approach of Docking and Molecular Dynamics

Gupta D, Singh A, Somvanshi P, Singh A, Khan AU

ACS Omega, 2020 Apr 28;5(16):9356-9365.
PMID: 32363287 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c00356

The manifestation of class D β-lactamases in the community raises significant concern as they can hydrolyze carbapenem antibiotics. Hence, it is exceptionally alluring to design novel inhibitors. Structure-based virtual screening using docking programs and molecular dynamics simulations was employed to identify two novel non-β-lactam compounds that possess the ability to block different OXA variants. Furthermore, the presence of a nonpolar aliphatic amino acid, valine, near the active site serine, was identified in all OXA variants that can be accounted to block the catalytic activity of OXA enzymes.
Fulltext Effect of physical activity promotion on adiponectin, leptin and other inflammatory markers in prediabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Jadhav RA, Maiya GA, Hombali A, Umakanth S, Shivashankar KN

Acta Diabetol, 2021 Apr;58(4):419-429.
PMID: 33211181 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-020-01626-1

AIMS: Inflammatory stage in prediabetes is associated with increase in level of adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Physical activity promotion considered as a first-line therapeutic strategy to treat prediabetes. We have conducted the systematic review and meta-analysis to strengthen the evidence on the impact of physical activity promotion on inflammatory markers in prediabetes.
METHODS: Studies were identified using electronic search and manual search techniques by choosing keywords for prediabetes, physical activity and inflammatory marker. Randomized controlled trials on individuals diagnosed with prediabetes and provided intervention in the form of physical activity were included in this review. Adiponectin, leptin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α were the considered outcome measures.
RESULTS: Our search retrieved 1,688 citations, 31 full-text articles assessed for eligibility of inclusion. Nine studies satisfied the pre-specified criteria for inclusion. Meta-analysis found that physical activity with or without dietary or lifestyle modification reduces level of leptin (MD-2.11 ng/mL, 95% CI -3.81 - -0.42) and interleukin-6 (MD -0.15 pg/mL, 95% CI -0.25--0.04). It has no effect on level of adiponectin (MD 0.26 µg/mL, 95% CI -0.42- 0.93), C-reactive protein (MD -0.05 mg/L, 95% CI -0.33-0.23) and tumour necrosis factor-α (MD 0.67 pg/mL, 95% CI -2.56-3.89).
CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that physical activity promotion with dietary and lifestyle modification may reduce the level of leptin and interleukin-6 but are uncertain if there is any effect on levels of adiponectin, C-reactive protein and tumour necrosis factor-α in the individuals with prediabetes.
Fulltext Assessment of health equity consideration in masking/PPE policies to contain COVID-19 using PROGRESS-plus framework: a systematic review

Chhibber A, Kharat A, Kneale D, Welch V, Bangpan M, Chaiyakunapruk N

BMC Public Health, 2021 Sep 16;21(1):1682.
PMID: 34525995 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11688-7

INTRODUCTION: There is increasing evidence that COVID-19 has unmasked the true magnitude of health inequity worldwide. Policies and guidance for containing the infection and reducing the COVID-19 related deaths have proven to be effective, however the extent to which health inequity factors were considered in these policies is rather unknown. The aim of this study is to measure the extent to which COVID-19 related policies reflect equity considerations by focusing on the global policy landscape around wearing masks and personal protection equipment (PPE).
METHODS: A systematic search for published documents on COVID-19 and masks/PPE was conducted across six databases: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, ASSIA and Psycinfo. Reviews, policy documents, briefs related to COVID-19 and masks/PPE were included in the review. To assess the extent of incorporation of equity in the policy documents, a guidance framework known as 'PROGRESS-Plus': Place of residence, Race/ethnicity, Occupation, Gender/sex, Religion, Education, Socioeconomic status, Social capital, Plus (age, disability etc.) was utilized.
RESULTS: This review included 212 policy documents. Out of 212 policy documents, 190 policy documents (89.62%) included at least one PROGRESS-plus component. Most of the policy documents (n = 163, 85.79%) focused on "occupation" component of the PROGRESS-plus followed by personal characteristics associated with discrimination (n = 4;2.11%), place of residence (n = 2;1.05%) and education (n = 1;0.53%). Subgroup analysis revealed that most of the policy documents (n = 176, 83.01%) were focused on "workers" such as healthcare workers, mortuary workers, school workers, transportation workers, essential workers etc. Of the remaining policy documents, most were targeted towards whole population (n = 30; 14.15%). Contrary to "worker focused" policy documents, most of the 'whole population focused' policy documents didn't have a PROGRESS-plus equity component rendering them equity limiting for the society.
CONCLUSION: Our review highlights even if policies considered health inequity during the design/implementation, this consideration was often one dimensional in nature. In addition, population wide policies should be carefully designed and implemented after identifying relevant equity related barriers in order to produce better outcomes for the whole society.
Fulltext Improved inherited peripheral neuropathy genetic diagnosis by whole-exome sequencing

Drew AP, Zhu D, Kidambi A, Ly C, Tey S, Brewer MH, et al.

Mol Genet Genomic Med, 2015 Mar;3(2):143-54.
PMID: 25802885 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.126

Inherited peripheral neuropathies (IPNs) are a group of related diseases primarily affecting the peripheral motor and sensory neurons. They include the hereditary sensory neuropathies (HSN), hereditary motor neuropathies (HMN), and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). Using whole-exome sequencing (WES) to achieve a genetic diagnosis is particularly suited to IPNs, where over 80 genes are involved with weak genotype-phenotype correlations beyond the most common genes. We performed WES for 110 index patients with IPN where the genetic cause was undetermined after previous screening for mutations in common genes selected by phenotype and mode of inheritance. We identified 41 missense sequence variants in the known IPN genes in our cohort of 110 index patients. Nine variants (8%), identified in the genes MFN2, GJB1, BSCL2, and SETX, are previously reported mutations and considered to be pathogenic in these families. Twelve novel variants (11%) in the genes NEFL, TRPV4, KIF1B, BICD2, and SETX are implicated in the disease but require further evidence of pathogenicity. The remaining 20 variants were confirmed as polymorphisms (not causing the disease) and are detailed here to help interpret sequence variants identified in other family studies. Validation using segregation, normal controls, and bioinformatics tools was valuable as supporting evidence for sequence variants implicated in disease. In addition, we identified one SETX sequence variant (c.7640T>C), previously reported as a putative mutation, which we have confirmed as a nonpathogenic rare polymorphism. This study highlights the advantage of using WES for genetic diagnosis in highly heterogeneous diseases such as IPNs and has been particularly powerful in this cohort where genetic diagnosis could not be achieved due to phenotype and mode of inheritance not being previously obvious. However, first tier testing for common genes in clinically well-defined cases remains important and will account for most positive results.
Luteolin, a Potent Human Monoamine Oxidase-A Inhibitor and Dopamine D4 and Vasopressin V1A Receptor Antagonist

Park SE, Paudel P, Wagle A, Seong SH, Kim HR, Fauzi FM, et al.

J Agric Food Chem, 2020 Sep 30;68(39):10719-10729.
PMID: 32869630 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c04502

Luteolin, a flavonoid widely distributed in the plant kingdom, contains two benzene rings and hydroxyl groups, and this structural specificity contributes to its diverse biological activities. However, no previous studies have simultaneously investigated the therapeutic potency of luteolin isolated from a plant as an antipsychotic and antidepressant. Here, luteolin exhibited selective inhibition of hMAO-A (IC50 = 8.57 ± 0.47 μM) over hMAO-B (IC50 > 100 μM). In silico proteochemometric modeling predicted promising targets of luteolin, and verification via cell-based G protein-coupled receptor functional assays showed that luteolin is a selective antagonist of the vasopressin receptor V1AR (IC50 = 19.49 ± 6.32 μM) and the dopamine D4 receptor (IC50 = 39.59 ± 1.46 μM). Molecular docking showed the tight binding of luteolin with a low binding score and the high stability of the luteolin-receptor complex, corroborating its functional effect. Thus, hMAO-A, hD4R, and hV1AR are prime targets of luteolin and potential alternatives for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.
Enabling cross-country learning and exchange to support universal health coverage implementation

Oliveira Hashiguchi L, Conlin M, Roberts D, McGee K, Marten R, Nachuk S, et al.

Health Policy Plan, 2024 Jan 23;39(Supplement_1):i125-i130.
PMID: 38253439 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czad097

As countries transition from external assistance while pursuing ambitious plans to achieve universal health coverage (UHC), there is increasing need to facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among them. Country-led and country-owned knowledge management is foundational to sustainable, more equitable external assistance for health and is a useful complement to more conventional capacity-building modalities provided under external assistance. In the context of external assistance, few initiatives use country-to-country sharing of practitioner experiences, and link learning to receiving guidance on how to adapt, apply and sustain policy changes. Dominant knowledge exchange processes are didactic, implicitly assuming static technical needs, and that practitioners in low- and middle-income countries require problem-specific, time-bound solutions. In reality, the technical challenges of achieving UHC and the group of policymakers involved continuously evolve. This paper aims to explore factors which are supportive of experience-based knowledge exchange between practitioners from diverse settings, drawing from the experience of the Joint Learning Network (JLN) for UHC-a global network of practitioners and policymakers sharing experiences about common challenges to develop and implement knowledge products supporting reforms for UHC-as an illustration of a peer-to-peer learning approach. This paper considers: (1) an analysis of JLN monitoring and evaluation data between 2020 and 2023 and (2) a qualitative inquiry to explore policymakers' engagement with the JLN using semi-structured interviews (n = 14) with stakeholders from 10 countries. The JLN's experience provides insights to factors that contribute to successful peer-to-peer learning approaches. JLN relies on engaging a network of practitioners with diverse experiences who organically identify and pursue a common learning agenda. Meaningful peer-to-peer learning requires dynamic, structured interactions, and alignment with windows of opportunity for implementation that enable rapid response to emerging and timely issues. Peer-to-peer learning can facilitate in-country knowledge sharing, learning and catalyse action at the institutional and health system levels.
Fulltext Gastric ulcer healing by chebulinic acid solid dispersion-loaded gastroretentive raft systems: preclinical evidence

Negi P, Gautam S, Sharma A, Rathore C, Sharma L, Upadhyay N, et al.

Ther Deliv, 2022 Feb;13(2):81-93.
PMID: 35075915 DOI: 10.4155/tde-2021-0062

Background: Chebulinic acid (CA), a component in Terminalia chebula, exhibits antiulcer activity, but has poor aqueous solubility. Raft-forming systems incorporating solid dispersions (SDs) of CA, were developed to overcome its poor biopharmaceutical properties and to prolong the gastric residence time for maximum activity. Methods: SDs were formulated by a solvent evaporation method using Eudragit EPO. Raft formulations consisted of sodium alginate as a polymer. Results: Release of CA in the dissolution medium was 40%, whereas SDs showed 95.45% release. The CA raft system (20 mg/kg) showed curative efficacy in an alcohol-induced gastric ulcer model and increased protection when compared with omeprazole (10 mg/kg) and CA suspension (20 mg/kg). Conclusion: These studies demonstrated SD raft systems to be a promising approach for antiulcer therapy by CA.
Exploring the effect of Crinum latifolia in obesity: possible role of oxidative, angiogenic, and inflammatory pathways

Nijhawan P, Behl T, Chigurupati S, Sehgal A, Singh S, Sharma N, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2022 Jan 07.
PMID: 34997511 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18531-5

Obesity is a multifaceted disease encompassing deposition of an unnecessary amount of fat which upsurges the possibility of other complications, viz., hypertension and certain type of cancers. Although obesity results from combination of genetic factors, improper diet and inadequate physical exercise also play a major role in its onset. The present study aims at exploring the anti-obesity activity of Crinum latifolia leaf extract in obese rats. The leaves were extracted using hydroalcoholic extraction which was later diluted with water and given to obese rats. The dosing was started from the 4th week (by oral administration of extract of Crinum latifolia (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) and combination of Crinum latifolia leaf extract 200 mg/kg and orlistat 30 mg/kg) till the 10th week. Various angiogenic, antioxidant, biochemical, and inflammatory biomarkers were assessed at the end of the study. The obese symptoms were progressively reduced in treatment groups when compared to disease control groups. The angiogenic parameters and inflammatory parameters were consequently reduced in treatment groups. The oxidative parameters superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were gradually increased, while levels of TBARS were reduced in treatment groups showing antioxidant nature of leaf hydroalcoholic extract. The Crinum latifolia leaf extract possesses anti-obesity properties and therefore can be used as a therapeutic option in the management of obesity.
Targeting the vivid facets of apolipoproteins as a cardiovascular risk factor in rheumatoid arthritis

Sharma A, Sharma C, Sharma L, Wal P, Mishra P, Sachdeva N, et al.

Can J Physiol Pharmacol, 2024 May 01;102(5):305-317.
PMID: 38334084 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2023-0259

Mostly, cardiovascular diseases are blamed for casualties in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Customarily, dyslipidemia is probably the most prevalent underlying cause of untimely demise in people suffering from RA as it hastens the expansion of atherosclerosis. The engagement of inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), etc., is crucial in the progression and proliferation of both RA and abnormal lipid parameters. Thus, lipid abnormalities should be monitored frequently in patients with both primary and advanced RA stages. An advanced lipid profile examination, i.e., direct role of apolipoproteins associated with various lipid molecules is a more dependable approach for better understanding of the disease and selecting suitable therapeutic targets. Therefore, studying their apolipoproteins is more relevant than assessing RA patients' altered lipid profile levels. Among the various apolipoprotein classes, Apo A1 and Apo B are primarily being focused. In addition, it also addresses how calculating Apo B:Apo A1 ratio can aid in analyzing the disease's risk. The marketed therapies available to control lipid abnormalities are associated with many other risk factors. Hence, directly targeting Apo A1 and Apo B would provide a better and safer option.
Fulltext IPNA clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and management of children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome

Trautmann A, Vivarelli M, Samuel S, Gipson D, Sinha A, Schaefer F, et al.

Pediatr Nephrol, 2020 Aug;35(8):1529-1561.
PMID: 32382828 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-020-04519-1

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome newly affects 1-3 per 100,000 children per year. Approximately 85% of cases show complete remission of proteinuria following glucocorticoid treatment. Patients who do not achieve complete remission within 4-6 weeks of glucocorticoid treatment have steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). In 10-30% of steroid-resistant patients, mutations in podocyte-associated genes can be detected, whereas an undefined circulating factor of immune origin is assumed in the remaining ones. Diagnosis and management of SRNS is a great challenge due to its heterogeneous etiology, frequent lack of remission by further immunosuppressive treatment, and severe complications including the development of end-stage kidney disease and recurrence after renal transplantation. A team of experts including pediatric nephrologists and renal geneticists from the International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA), a renal pathologist, and an adult nephrologist have now developed comprehensive clinical practice recommendations on the diagnosis and management of SRNS in children. The team performed a systematic literature review on 9 clinically relevant PICO (Patient or Population covered, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) questions, formulated recommendations and formally graded them at a consensus meeting, with input from patient representatives and a dietician acting as external advisors and a voting panel of pediatric nephrologists. Research recommendations are also given.
Fulltext The Association of Estrogen Receptor-β Gene Variation With Salt-Sensitive Blood Pressure

Manosroi W, Tan JW, Rariy CM, Sun B, Goodarzi MO, Saxena AR, et al.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2017 11 01;102(11):4124-4135.
PMID: 28938457 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-00957

Context: Hypertension in young women is uncommon compared with young men and older women. Estrogen appears to protect most women against hypertension, with incidence increasing after menopause. Because some premenopausal women develop hypertension, estrogen may play a different role in these women. Genetic variations in the estrogen receptor (ER) are associated with cardiovascular disease. ER-β, encoded by ESR2, is the ER predominantly expressed in vascular smooth muscle.
Objective: To determine an association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in ESR2 with salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) and estrogen status in women.
Methods: Candidate gene association study with ESR2 and SSBP conducted in normotensive and hypertensive women and men in two cohorts: International Hypertensive Pathotype (HyperPATH) (n = 584) (discovery) and Mexican American Hypertension-Insulin Resistance Study (n = 662) (validation). Single nucleotide polymorphisms in ESR1 (ER-α) were also analyzed. Analysis conducted in younger (<51 years, premenopausal, "estrogen-replete") and older women (≥51 years, postmenopausal, "estrogen-deplete"). Men were analyzed to control for aging.
Results: Multivariate analyses of HyperPATH data between variants of ESR2 and SSBP documented that ESR2 rs10144225 minor (risk) allele carriers had a significantly positive association with SSBP driven by estrogen-replete women (β = +4.4 mm Hg per risk allele, P = 0.004). Findings were confirmed in Hypertension Insulin-Resistance Study premenopausal women. HyperPATH cohort analyses revealed risk allele carriers vs noncarriers had increased aldosterone/renin ratios. No associations were detected with ESR1.
Conclusions: The variation at rs10144225 in ESR2 was associated with SSBP in premenopausal women (estrogen-replete) and not in men or postmenopausal women (estrogen-deplete). Inappropriate aldosterone levels on a liberal salt diet may mediate the SSBP.
Fulltext Proteomic Analysis of the Human Anterior Pituitary Gland

Yelamanchi SD, Tyagi A, Mohanty V, Dutta P, Korbonits M, Chavan S, et al.

OMICS, 2018 12;22(12):759-769.
PMID: 30571610 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2018.0160

The pituitary function is regulated by a complex system involving the hypothalamus and biological networks within the pituitary. Although the hormones secreted from the pituitary have been well studied, comprehensive analyses of the pituitary proteome are limited. Pituitary proteomics is a field of postgenomic research that is crucial to understand human health and pituitary diseases. In this context, we report here a systematic proteomic profiling of human anterior pituitary gland (adenohypophysis) using high-resolution Fourier transform mass spectrometry. A total of 2164 proteins were identified in this study, of which 105 proteins were identified for the first time compared with high-throughput proteomic-based studies from human pituitary glands. In addition, we identified 480 proteins with secretory potential and 187 N-terminally acetylated proteins. These are the first region-specific data that could serve as a vital resource for further investigations on the physiological role of the human anterior pituitary glands and the proteins secreted by them. We anticipate that the identification of previously unknown proteins in the present study will accelerate biomedical research to decipher their role in functioning of the human anterior pituitary gland and associated human diseases.
Fulltext Worldwide Survey of COVID-19-Associated Arrhythmias

Coromilas EJ, Kochav S, Goldenthal I, Biviano A, Garan H, Goldbarg S, et al.

Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol, 2021 03;14(3):e009458.
PMID: 33554620 DOI: 10.1161/CIRCEP.120.009458

[Figure: see text].
Fulltext A comprehensive health effects assessment of the use of sanitizers and disinfectants during COVID-19 pandemic: a global survey

Hashemi F, Hoepner L, Hamidinejad FS, Haluza D, Afrashteh S, Abbasi A, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Jun;30(28):72368-72388.
PMID: 37166731 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27197-6

COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91,056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on the use of sanitizers and disinfectants and health was collected using an electronic questionnaire, which was translated into 26 languages via web-based platforms. The findings of this study suggest that detergents, alcohol-based substances, and chlorinated compounds emerged as the most prevalent chemical agents compared to other sanitizers and disinfectants examined. Most frequently reported health issues include skin effects and respiratory effects. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds (sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine) with all possible health effects under investigation (p-value <0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohols and alcohols-based materials were associated with skin effects (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87-2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye effects (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74-1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90-2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). The use of sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine also had a high chance of having respiratory effects. The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics especially when they are used or overused.

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