OBJECTIVE: To compare changes in symptomology, food allergen sensitization and aeroallergen sensitization in a cross-sectional study of children <2 years and 2-10 years.
METHODS: A total of 192 allergic children (aged <2 years, 35 children; aged 2-10 years, 157 children) underwent specific IgE (>0.35 kU/L) to common food (egg white, cow's milk, cod fish, wheat, peanut, soya, peanut, and shrimp) and house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Blomia tropicalis).
RESULTS: In children <2 years, atopic dermatitis (65.7%) was the most common symptom whereas in children 2-10 years it was rhinoconjunctivitis (74.5%). Higher sensitization rate to eggs (p < 0.01) and cow's milk (p = 0.044) was seen in <2 years group when compared to the 2-10 years group, but no significant differences for shrimp (p = 0.29), wheat (p = 0.23) and soya (p = 0.057). Interestingly, sensitization to peanut (p = 0.012) and fish (p = 0.035) was significantly decreased in the 2-10 years group. Sensitization to house dust mites (p < 0.01) dramatically increased in the older children.
CONCLUSION: Our study supports concept of atopic march from a developing country like Malaysia.
Material and Methods: A retrospective observational study from September 2013 to August 2015 was conducted at a tertiary level medical teaching institution. The clubfeet were classified according to the Harold and Walker classification. Radiographic parameters assessed were the talocalcaneal angle (AP, lateral), talus-first metatarsal angle (AP, lateral) and calcaneal-fifth metatarsal angle. The scar and the functional score, according to Laaveg and Ponseti, were evaluated as outcome measures at the final follow-up.
Results: Twenty-four children with a mean age of 43.7 ± 24.7 months were enrolled in the study. There was a total of 36 clubfeet: 21 (65.6%) with a poor functional outcome; 12 (37.4%) with excellent to good scar in both horizontal and vertical components. There was a statistical significance between the pre-operative and post-operative radiological parameters (p<0.05). None of the patients presented with any limitation of activities of daily living despite the poor functional outcome in many of the children. There was no significant association between the qualities of scar (horizontal, vertical) and the functional outcome with age at presentation, pre-operative Harold and Walker classification and pre-operative radiographic angles.
Conclusion: Surgical intervention in terms of ala carte posteromedial soft tissue release could not produce a good outcome over four years in CTEV. The threshold for surgery in CTEV should be high, given the poor results.
METHODS: We employed the HDAC inhibitor (HDACi) sodium phenylbutyrate (PBA) to address this question in an in vitro RT4 SC inflammation model and an in vivo sciatic nerve transection injury model to examine the effects of HDAC inhibition on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, we assessed the outcomes of suppression of extended inflammation on the regenerative potential of nerves by assessing axonal regeneration, remyelination, and reinnervation.
RESULTS: Significant reductions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNFα]) expression and secretion were observed in vitro following PBA treatment. PBA treatment also affected the transient changes in nuclear factor κB (NFκB)-p65 phosphorylation and translocation in response to LPS induction in RT4 SCs. Similarly, PBA mediated long-term suppressive effects on HDAC3 expression and activity. PBA administration resulted in marked inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion at the site of transection injury when compared with that in the hydrogel control group at 6-week post-injury. A conducive microenvironment for axonal regrowth and remyelination was generated by increasing expression levels of protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) and myelin basic protein (MBP) in regenerating nerve tissues. PBA administration increased the relative gastrocnemius muscle weight percentage and maintained the intactness of muscle bundles when compared with those in the hydrogel control group.
CONCLUSIONS: Suppressing the lengthened state of inflammation using PBA treatment favors axonal regrowth and remyelination following nerve transection injury. PBA treatment also regulates pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by inhibiting the transcriptional activation of NFκB-p65 and HDAC3 in SCs in vitro.
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review explores the impact of different types of cannabidiol on AD, unveiling their neuroprotective mechanisms.
METHODS: The research used PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases with keywords like "Alzheimer's disease" and "Cannabidiol." Studies were evaluated based on title, abstract, and relevance to treating AD with CBD. No restrictions on research type or publication year. Excluded were hypothesis papers, reviews, books, unavailable articles, etc.
RESULTS: Microsoft Excel identified 551 articles, with 92 included in the study, but only 22 were thoroughly evaluated. In-vivo and in-silico studies indicate that CBD may disrupt Aβ42, reduce pro-inflammatory molecule release, prevent reactive oxygen species formation, inhibit lipid oxidation, and counteract Aβ-induced increases in intracellular calcium, thereby protecting neurons from apoptosis.
CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the study indicates that CBD and its analogs reduce the production of Aβ42. Overall, these findings support the potential of CBD in alleviating the underlying pathology and symptoms associated with AD, underscoring the crucial need for further rigorous scientific investigation to elucidate the therapeutic applications and mechanisms of CBD in AD.
METHODS: Adhering the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO database, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to October 2024. Nested Knowledge was used for screening and data extraction. Studies reporting quantitative data on the prevalence or mortality of dengue and leptospirosis co-infections were included. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using the Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Statistical analyses, including prevalence and mortality estimation, sensitivity analysis were conducted using R, with heterogeneity evaluated by the I² statistic.
RESULTS: Out of 3,982 records, 14 studies met the eligibility criteria, yielding a pooled prevalence of dengue and leptospirosis co-infection at 2.33% (95% CI: 1.41-3.46%) across 16,638 participants, with significant heterogeneity (I² = 90%). The prediction interval for co-infection ranged from 0.05 to 7.27%. The pooled mortality rate among co-infected patients was 9.96% (95% CI: 0-53.49%), with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 71%). The prediction interval for mortality ranged from 0.00 to 100%. Publication bias was indicated by an LFK index of 2.52.
CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis revealed a moderate prevalence and a notable mortality rate for dengue and leptospirosis co-infections, with significant variability observed across different studies. Further research into the immunopathology and the implementation of integrated surveillance systems could enhance the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment strategies in regions where these diseases are endemic.