-
Biological Trace Element Research Mar 2022Selenium (Se) is an important microelement with numerous positive effects on human health and diseases. It is important to specify that the status and consumption of Se... (Review)
Review
Selenium (Se) is an important microelement with numerous positive effects on human health and diseases. It is important to specify that the status and consumption of Se are for a specific community as the levels of Se are extremely unpredictable between different populations and regions. Our existing paper was based on the impacts of Se on human health and disease along with data on the Se levels in Middle Eastern countries. Overall, the findings of this comprehensive review show that the consumption and levels of Se are inadequate in Middle Eastern nations. Such findings, together with the growing awareness of the importance of Se to general health, require further work primarily on creating an acceptable range of blood Se concentration or other measures to determine optimal Se consumption and, consequently, to guarantee adequate Se supplementation in populations at high risk of low Se intake.
Topics: Humans; Nutritional Status; Selenium; Selenoproteins
PubMed: 33884538
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02716-z -
Polish Archives of Internal Medicine Feb 2022The first modern description of respiratory syndrome of aspirin hypersensitivity was published over half of the century ago, but the pathogenesis of the disease is still... (Review)
Review
The first modern description of respiratory syndrome of aspirin hypersensitivity was published over half of the century ago, but the pathogenesis of the disease is still elusive. Just a few years after discovery how aspirin works, Andrew Szczeklik and his co‑workers described that asthmatics with aspirin hypersensitivity cross‑react to the whole class of nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs. It took rest of his life to seek for an answer on how this disease, nowadays referred to as N ‑ERD, develops and how it can be treated. In the meantime, cysteinyl leukotrienes, leukotriene modifying drugs, and novel subpopulations of lymphocytes were discovered. This review on aspirin hypersensitivity documents a progress in our understanding of mechanisms of hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs. Current concepts about origin of the disease integrate advances in the field of allergology and inflammatory mechanisms of asthma. However, pharmacological inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis by nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs has a pivotal role in these investigations. Presented is a central role of prostaglandin E2 , a double‑faced lipid immunoregulatory mediator whose deficiency is related to the administration of an anti‑inflammatory drug. Discussed are cysteinyl leukotrienes, the most reliable biomarkers of aspirin hypersensitivity and cells of innate immunity capable of leukotrienes production. Involvement of blood platelets and recently described mucosal basophils are areas of ongoing studies in the disease. Aspirin hypersensitivity is an acquired condition; therefore, the search for genetic predisposition using classic association studies was inconclusive. There is a new hope to explain mechanisms of aspirin hypersensitivity by studies of innate lymphoid cells, which have a central role in the regulation of respiratory mucosa function in asthma.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Aspirin; Asthma; Asthma, Aspirin-Induced; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Leukotrienes; Lymphocytes
PubMed: 35226440
DOI: 10.20452/pamw.16219 -
Innere Medizin (Heidelberg, Germany) Mar 2024Due to the availability of disease-modifying anti-asthmatic drugs (DMAADs), especially inhaled steroids (alone or in combination with long-acting bronchodilators),... (Review)
Review
Due to the availability of disease-modifying anti-asthmatic drugs (DMAADs), especially inhaled steroids (alone or in combination with long-acting bronchodilators), biologics and modern allergen immunotherapy, the treatment of asthma has fundamentally changed. The aims of modern asthma precision medicine are prevention of symptoms and the induction and maintenance of asthma remission (long-term asthma control, freedom from exacerbations and stable lung function without the use of systemic steroids). A treat to target approach is used as for other chronic inflammatory diseases in internal medicine: the aim is to achieve remission by an individually tailored treatment with DMAADs; however, the prerequisite for modern asthma precision medicine is asthma phenotyping, including a detailed medical history, lung function testing, allergological diagnostics and measurement of type 2 markers (blood eosinophils and, if available, exhaled nitric oxide, FeNO).
Topics: Humans; Precision Medicine; Asthma; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Bronchodilator Agents; Steroids
PubMed: 38360901
DOI: 10.1007/s00108-024-01666-7 -
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases Jul 2022Marek's disease (MD) is a re-emerging viral disease of chickens and a serious economic threat to the poultry industry worldwide. Continuous surveillance with molecular...
Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Marek's disease virus virulence-associated genes from vaccinated flocks in southern India reveals circulation of virulent MDV genotype.
Marek's disease (MD) is a re-emerging viral disease of chickens and a serious economic threat to the poultry industry worldwide. Continuous surveillance with molecular investigation is essential to monitor the emergence of virulent Marek's disease virus (MDV) strains and to devise any appropriate vaccination strategy and implement bio-security programmes. In the present study, we investigated the cases of MD outbreaks in vaccinated poultry flocks. The MD outbreak was confirmed through necropsy (mainly visceral tumours), histopathology and viral gene specific PCR. The pathotypes of the field MDV strains were assessed by molecular analysis of three virulence-associated genes, meq, pp38 and vIL-8. The Meq sequence of the field strains analyzed in this study lacked the 59 aa unique to mild strains, indicating that they are potentially virulent strains. Mutation at position 71 and the presence of five proline rich repeats in the transactivation domain, both associated with virulence were observed in these strains; however, the signature sequences specific to very virulent plus strains were absent. Phylogenetic analysis of meq oncogene sequences revealed clustering of the field strains with North Indian strains and with a very virulent plus ATE 2539 strain from Hungary. Analyses of pp38 protein at positions 107 and 109 and vIL-8 protein at positions 4 and 31 showed signatures of virulence. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of oncogene and virulence-associated genes of field MDVs from vaccinated flock indicated that these strains possessed molecular features of virulent strains.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Genotype; Herpesvirus 2, Gallid; Marek Disease; Phylogeny; Poultry; Poultry Diseases; Virulence
PubMed: 34403565
DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14289 -
Neurology Apr 2023The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) is commonly used to assess olfaction and screen for early detection of disorders including Parkinson... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) is commonly used to assess olfaction and screen for early detection of disorders including Parkinson (PD) and Alzheimer disease. Our objective was to develop updated percentiles, based on substantially larger samples than previous norms, to more finely discriminate age- and sex-specific UPSIT performance among ≥50-year-old adults who may be candidates for studies of prodromal neurodegenerative diseases.
METHODS
The UPSIT was administered cross-sectionally to participants recruited between 2007-2010 and 2013-2015 for the Parkinson Associated Risk Syndrome (PARS) and Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort studies, respectively. Exclusion criteria included age <50 years and a confirmed or suspected PD diagnosis. Demographics, family history, and prodromal features of PD including self-reported hyposmia were collected. Normative data including mean, SDs, and percentiles were derived by age and sex.
RESULTS
The analytic sample included 9,396 individuals (5,336 female and 4,060 male), aged 50-95 years, who were predominantly White, non-Hispanic US residents. UPSIT percentiles were derived and are provided across 7 age categories (50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and ≥80 years) for female and male participants separately; relative to existing norms, subgroups included between 2.4 and 20 times as many participants. Olfactory function declined with age and was better among women than men; accordingly, the percentile corresponding to a given raw score varied markedly by age and sex. UPSIT performance was comparable among individuals with vs without first-degree family history of PD. Comparisons of self-reported hyposmia vs UPSIT percentiles indicated a strong association (χ < 0.0001) but minimal agreement (Cohen simple kappa [95% CI]: = 0.32 [0.28-0.36] for female participants; 0.34 [0.30-0.38] for male participants).
DISCUSSION
Updated age/sex-specific UPSIT percentiles are provided for ≥50-year-old adults who reflect a population likely to be recruited into studies of prodromal neurodegenerative diseases. Our findings highlight the potential advantages of evaluating olfaction relative to age and sex instead of in absolute terms (i.e., based on raw UPSIT scores) or based on subjective (i.e., self-reported) measures. This information addresses the need to support studies of disorders including PD and Alzheimer disease by providing updated normative data from a larger sample of older adults.
TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION
NCT00387075 and NCT01141023.
Topics: Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Alzheimer Disease; Anosmia; Olfaction Disorders; Parkinson Disease; Smell; Cross-Sectional Studies
PubMed: 36849448
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207077 -
Science (New York, N.Y.) Dec 2023The pronounced growth in livestock populations since the 1950s has altered the epidemiological and evolutionary trajectory of their associated pathogens. For example,...
The pronounced growth in livestock populations since the 1950s has altered the epidemiological and evolutionary trajectory of their associated pathogens. For example, Marek's disease virus (MDV), which causes lymphoid tumors in chickens, has experienced a marked increase in virulence over the past century. Today, MDV infections kill >90% of unvaccinated birds, and controlling it costs more than US$1 billion annually. By sequencing MDV genomes derived from archeological chickens, we demonstrate that it has been circulating for at least 1000 years. We functionally tested the oncogene, one of 49 viral genes positively selected in modern strains, demonstrating that ancient MDV was likely incapable of driving tumor formation. Our results demonstrate the power of ancient DNA approaches to trace the molecular basis of virulence in economically relevant pathogens.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Herpesvirus 2, Gallid; Lymphoma; Marek Disease; Virulence; Phylogeny
PubMed: 38096384
DOI: 10.1126/science.adg2238 -
Veterinary Microbiology Jan 2022The present study was undertaken to quantify the Marek's Disease Virus (MDV) serotypes in vaccinated commercial layer flocks at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 60-90 days post...
The present study was undertaken to quantify the Marek's Disease Virus (MDV) serotypes in vaccinated commercial layer flocks at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 60-90 days post vaccination (dpv) and to correlate the pathogenic Gallid herpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2, MDV1) load with vaccine viral load of Gallid herpesvirus 3 (GaHV-3, MDV2) and Meleagridis herpesvirus 1 (MeHV-1, MDV3). A total of 25 commercial layer flocks were selected in and around Namakkal district of Tamil nadu, India and the feather pulp (FP) and blood samples were collected. Out of 25 flocks, 14 were revaccinated with bivalent vaccine, six were revaccinated with monovalent vaccine apart from the initial bivalent vaccination done at hatchery and five flocks were not revaccinated. SYBR green based real time PCR was used for absolute quantification of MDV serotypes. The pathogenic MDV1 load had shown an increasing trend until 21 dpv followed by a dip and again had shown a constant uptick between 60 and 90 dpv in the flocks that went on to develop MD outbreak. The flocks which had not encountered any Marek's Disease outbreak had shown increasing trend of MDV2 and 3 load until 21 dpv followed by a slight decrease but maintained a higher load when compared to MDV 1 which had marked a sharp decline between 60 and 90 dpv. Outbreak of MD was observed in seven (28%) out of 25 flocks between 18 and 27 weeks of age. It includes, two out of fourteen farms (14%) revaccinated with bivalent vaccine, two out of six farms (33%) revaccinated with MDV3 vaccine and three out of five farms (60%) without revaccination. The overall mean of vaccine viral load at various stages of dpv was constantly low where as pathogenic MDV 1 load was constantly high between 60 and 90 dpv in the flocks that went on to develop Marek's Disease during later part of life.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Herpesvirus 2, Gallid; India; Marek Disease; Vaccination; Vaccines, Combined
PubMed: 34923248
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109305 -
Journal of Health Care For the Poor and... 2021Previously incarcerated individuals report high rates of chronic disease and reduced health care access. We characterized the impact of recent incarceration in jail or...
BACKGROUND
Previously incarcerated individuals report high rates of chronic disease and reduced health care access. We characterized the impact of recent incarceration in jail or prison on chronic disease burden and health care utilization.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
Incarceration data over 10 years were matched to health system data and patients were classified by recent incarceration status. Each cohort was stratified by gender and neighborhood socioeconomic status for utilization analysis. Main outcomes were chronic disease incidence and health care utilization. Incarceration had a significant but small effect on chronic disease incidence. Incarceration had a moderate to large effect on emergency department and behavioral health utilization, with additional differences seen by gender and socioeconomic status.
CONCLUSION
Incarceration's impact on quantity and type of health care utilization varies with socioeconomic status and gender. Future work should evaluate the impact of length or number of cycles of incarceration on health or health care utilization.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Cohort Studies; Humans; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Prisoners; Prisons
PubMed: 34421039
DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2021.0140 -
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.) Mar 2021Currently, diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) is challenging. Here, we aim to propose using the new palpation sign to diagnose AA and establish the effectiveness of...
INTRODUCTION
Currently, diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) is challenging. Here, we aim to propose using the new palpation sign to diagnose AA and establish the effectiveness of clinical examination using a proprietary diagnostic palpation procedure.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed 2,883 patients of all ages who were examined for suspected AA, of whom 532 patients required surgical intervention, using the new palpation sign. Patients were divided into three age categories. Based on the correlation between clinical data and histological findings, clinical examination finding was defined as false negative, false positive, and positive. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation between patients' sex and age distribution and clinical and histological findings.
RESULTS
There was a strong correlation (r > .95) for distribution of total number of examined patients (distributed in groups by sex and age) versus false-positive clinical findings, total number of examined patients (distributed in groups by sex and age) versus positive clinical findings, and total number of examined patients (distributed in groups by age) versus histology in phlegmonous and gangrenous appendicitis. Correlations (r = .94 and .90) were observed for distribution of total number of examined patients (distributed in groups by age) versus negative histological findings and Byron's obliterating appendicopathy. Pearson's chi-squared test showed no significant difference between expected and observed frequencies of both clinical and histologic findings.
CONCLUSIONS
The new palpation sign can be used to diagnose early and later stage appendicitis, especially in children and young women, and is very effective in indicating surgery for AA.
Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Appendicitis; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Palpation; Physical Examination; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 32986253
DOI: 10.1002/ca.23684 -
Avian Pathology : Journal of the W.V.P.A Feb 2021A double construct vaccine of turkey herpesvirus (HVT) was prepared that contains the fusion (F) gene from Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and the viral protein 2 (VP2)...
Efficacy of a turkey herpesvirus double construct vaccine (HVT-ND-IBD) against challenge with different strains of Newcastle disease, infectious bursal disease and Marek's disease viruses.
A double construct vaccine of turkey herpesvirus (HVT) was prepared that contains the fusion (F) gene from Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and the viral protein 2 (VP2) gene from infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Safety of the vaccine (HVT-ND-IBD) was confirmed and efficacy was evaluated after subcutaneous (SC) vaccination at 1 day of age or the route of vaccination. Challenges were performed with velogenic NDV strains (Texas GB and Herts Weybridge 33/56), with different strains of IBDV (classical strain STC; very virulent strain CS89 and variant E strain) and with Marek's disease virus (MDV) strain RB1B. Vaccination with HVT-ND-IBD induced a high level of protection against these challenges. Vaccination with HVT is often combined with Rispens CVI988 vaccine and live ND vaccines for higher and earlier, MD and ND protection, respectively. HVT-ND-IBD vaccination in combination with these vaccines showed MD protection as early as 4 days post vaccination and ND protection as early as 2 weeks post vaccination. The long protection as seen with HVT vaccination was confirmed by demonstrating protection against NDV up to 60 weeks. Finally, to evaluate the performance of the vaccine in commercial birds with maternally-derived antibodies, two field trials were performed, using vaccination in broilers and SC vaccination in combination with Rispens CVI988 vaccine in layer-type birds. The efficacy was confirmed for all components by challenges. These results demonstrate that HVT-ND-IBD is a safe and highly efficacious vaccine for simultaneous control of ND, IBD and MD. A double construct HVT vaccine with the NDV F and the IBDV VP2 genes was prepared. The vaccine protects against three important diseases: MDV, NDV and IBDV. and sub-cutaneous vaccination was evaluated in the field in commercial chickens.
Topics: Animals; Birnaviridae Infections; Chickens; Female; Herpesvirus 2, Gallid; Infectious bursal disease virus; Male; Marek Disease; Newcastle Disease; Newcastle disease virus; Poultry Diseases; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; Vaccination; Vaccines, Attenuated; Viral Vaccines
PubMed: 33063529
DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2020.1828567