scholarly journals Measles: An Overview of a Re-Emerging Disease in Children and Immunocompromised Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Misin ◽  
Roberta Maria Antonello ◽  
Stefano Di Bella ◽  
Giuseppina Campisciano ◽  
Nunzia Zanotta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Cells ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Immunocompromised Patients ◽  
Host Organism ◽  
Scientific Interest ◽  
Special Groups ◽  
The Social ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Severity Of The Disease ◽  
Measles Incidence

Despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine, in 2018, around 350,000 measles cases were reported worldwide, which resulted in an estimate of 142,300 deaths from measles. Additionally, in 2017, global measles cases spiked, causing the death of 110,000 people, mostly children under the age of 5 years and immunocompromised adults. The increase in measles incidence is caused by the ongoing reduction of vaccination coverage. This event has triggered public and scientific interest. For this reason, we reviewed the pathophysiology of measles infection, focusing on mechanisms by which the virus spreads systemically through the host organism. By reaching the lymphocytes from the airways through a “trojan horse” strategy, measles induces an immunosuppression status. H and F glycoproteins, both expressed in the envelope, ensure attachment of the virus to host cells and spreading from one cell to another by binding to several receptors, as described in detail. The severity of the disease depends both on the age and underlying conditions of patients as well as the social and health context in which epidemics spread, and is often burdened by sequelae and complications that may occur several years after infection. Particular attention was paid to special groups that are more susceptible to severe or atypical measles. An overview of microbiology, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment completes and enriches the review.

scholarly journals Sarcoptes Infestation. What Is Already Known, and What Is New about Scabies at the Beginning of the Third Decade of the 21st Century?

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 868
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Talaga-Ćwiertnia
Keyword(s):  
21St Century ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Therapeutic Options ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Important Work ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Social ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
New Treatments

Currently, there are three known subtypes of scabies: ordinary, crusted, and bullous. The worldwide prevalence of scabies remains high in the 21st century. To decrease the social, economic, and psychological impact on the enormous population infected, a lot of important work has been completed over the last 20 years concerning the management of scabies. For example, a standardization of guidelines for the treatment of scabies has been completed and programs have been designed for the prevention and treatment in endemic populations, called mass drug administrations. Unfortunately, these only apply to the ordinary form of scabies. Moreover, resistance to the drugs currently used in treatment is growing, which imposes the need to search for new treatments. For this purpose, new acaricides are being developed to enhance the therapeutic options for the patients’ benefit and effectively treat this disease. There is also the necessity for prevention before the development of scabies. An effective vaccine has the potential to protect people before this disease, especially in endemic areas. Unfortunately, there are no such vaccines against Sarcoptes yet.

RE-IDENTIFYING REGISTER DATA BY SURVEY DATA USING CLUSTER ANALYSIS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

2002 ◽  
Vol 10 (05) ◽  
pp. 589-607 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHANN BACHER ◽  
RUTH BRAND ◽  
STEFAN BENDER
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Register Data ◽  
Special Groups ◽  
The Social ◽  
Sampling Fraction ◽  
Statistical Agencies ◽  
Life History Study ◽  
Sample Fraction

More and more empirical researchers from universities or research centres like to use register or survey data collected by statistical agencies or the social security system, since these data can by used for several empirical studies, e.g. the analysis of special groups or quantitative effects of economic or social policies. Most of the data required have to be (factually) anonymised before they are disseminated to preserve confidentiality. In the area of statistics on households and individuals this path has been pursued in Germany for several years. The transmission of de facto anonymised datafiles has proved to be a good form of co-operation between scientists and statisticians. Factual anonymity of the data depends on the costs and benefits of a potential re-identification. The paper assumes that the intruder only accepts low costs. Therefore he uses a cluster analysis module that is available in a standards statistical software package to re-identify persons. After a description of the method different factors influencing the re-identification risk are studied using German employment statistics (register data) and the German Life History Study (survey data). The factors are: sample fraction and number of (irrelevant) variables. The results show, that the number of identifiable persons is remarkable high. Furthermore it can be confirmed with the cluster analysis that the number of re-identifiable records increases with increasing sampling fraction and that irrelevant variables reduce this number.

Perceptual Phenomena and Personality in Sensory Deprivation

1968 ◽  
Vol 114 (517) ◽  
pp. 1499-1508 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Leff
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Deprivation ◽  
Prisoners Of War ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Scientific Interest ◽  
Common Features ◽  
The People ◽  
The Social ◽  
Normal Human ◽  
Series Of Experiments ◽  
The Common

From time to time, normal human beings not suffering from any mental illness have reported experiences either akin to or identical with hallucinations (Byrd, 1938; Slocum, 1948; Ritter, 1954; Bombard, 1955). The common features in these reports have been the social isolation of the people involved and the physical hardships of their living conditions. They have usually been solitary mariners or polar explorers. Scientific interest was not aroused in these phenomena until directed to them by the experiences of prisoners of war in Korea who had undergone “brain-washing” techniques. At this time, Hebb and his colleagues began a series of experiments which opened up an era of widespread research into the field of Sensory Deprivation.

scholarly journals Physical Linkage of Naturally Complexed Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins Enhances Immunogenicity

2007 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 1223-1229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henriette Macmillan ◽  
Junzo Norimine ◽  
Kelly A. Brayton ◽  
Guy H. Palmer ◽  
Wendy C. Brown
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Membrane Proteins ◽  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Outer Membrane Proteins ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
T Cell Epitopes ◽  
Carrier Effect ◽  
Major Surface

ABSTRACTThe outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of bacterial pathogens are essential for their growth and survival and especially for attachment and invasion of host cells. Since the outer membrane is the interface between the bacterium and the host cell, outer membranes and individual OMPs are targeted for development of vaccines against many bacterial diseases. Whole outer membrane fractions often protect against disease, and this protection cannot be fully reproduced by using individual OMPs. Exactly how the interactions among individual OMPs influence immunity is not well understood. We hypothesized that one OMP rich in T-cell epitopes can act as a carrier for an associated OMP which is poor in T-cell epitopes to generate T-dependent antibody responses, similar to the hapten-carrier effect. Major surface protein 1a (MSP1a) and MSP1b1 occur as naturally complexed OMPs in theAnaplasma marginaleouter membrane. Previous studies demonstrated that immunization with the native MSP1 heteromer induced strong immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to both proteins, but only MSP1a stimulated strong CD4+T-cell responses. Therefore, to test our hypothesis, constructs of CD4+T-cell epitopes from MSP1a linked to MSP1b1 were compared with individually administered MSP1a and MSP1b1 for induction of MSP1b-specific IgG. By linking the T-cell epitopes from MSP1a to MSP1b1, significantly higher IgG titers against MSP1b1 were induced. Understanding how the naturally occurring intermolecular interactions between OMPs influence the immune response may lead to more effective vaccine design.

scholarly journals Theileria equi claudin like apicomplexan microneme protein contains neutralization-sensitive epitopes and interacts with components of the equine erythrocyte membrane skeleton

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Onzere ◽  
Lindsay Fry ◽  
Richard Bishop ◽  
Marta Silva ◽  
Reginaldo Bastos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Membrane Skeleton ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Theileria Equi ◽  
Anion Exchange Protein ◽  
Microneme Protein

Abstract Theileria equi (T. equi) is a widely distributed apicomplexan parasite that causes severe hemolytic anemia in equid species. There is currently no effective vaccine for control of the parasite and understanding the mechanism that T. equi utilizes to invade host cells may be crucial for vaccine development. Unlike most apicomplexan species studied to date, the role of micronemes in T. equi invasion of host cells is unknown. We therefore assessed the role of the T. equi claudin-like apicomplexan microneme protein (CLAMP) in the invasion of equine erythrocytes as a first step towards understanding the role of this organelle in the parasite. Our findings show that CLAMP is expressed in the merozoite and intra-erythrocytic developmental stages of T. equi and in vitro neutralization experiments suggest that the protein is involved in erythrocyte invasion. Proteomic analyses indicate that CLAMP interacts with the equine erythrocyte α-and β- spectrin chains in the initial stages of T. equi invasion and maintains these interactions while also associating with the anion-exchange protein, tropomyosin 3, band 4.1 and cytoplasmic actin 1 after invasion. Additionally, serological analyses show that T. equi-infected horses mount robust antibody responses against CLAMP indicating that the protein is immunogenic and therefore represents a potential vaccine candidate.

scholarly journals In silico and in vitro Demonstration of Homoharrintonine Antagonism of RBD-ACE2 Binding and its Anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombogenic Properties in a 3D human vascular lung model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Saxena ◽  
Kranti Meher ◽  
Madhuri Rotella ◽  
Subhramanyam Vangala ◽  
Satish Chandran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Active Sites ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Antiviral Drugs ◽  
Lung Model ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Since 2019 the world has seen severe onslaught of SARS-CoV-2 viral pandemic. There is an urgent need for drugs that can be used to either prevent or treat the potentially fatal disease COVD-19. To this end, we screened FDA approved antiviral drugs which could be repurposed for COVID-19 through molecular docking approach in the various active sites of receptor binding domain (RBD). The RBD domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is a promising drug target due to its pivotal role in viral-host attachment. Specifically, we focussed on identifying antiviral drugs which could a) block the entry of virus into host cells, b) demonstrate anti-inflammatory and/or anti-thrombogenic properties. Drugs which poses both properties could be useful for prevention and treatment of the disease. While we prioritized a few antiviral drugs based on molecular docking, corroboration with in vitro studies including a new 3D human vascular lung model strongly supported the potential of Homoharringtonine, a drug approved for chronic myeloid leukaemia to be repurposed for COVID-19. This natural product drug not only antagonized the biding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD binding to human angiotensin receptor 2 (ACE-2) protein but also demonstrated for the first time anti-thrombogenic and anti-leukocyte adhesive properties in a human cell model system. Overall, this work provides an important lead for development of rapid treatment of COVID-19 and also establishes a screening paradigm using molecular modelling and 3D human vascular lung model of disease to identify drugs with multiple desirable properties for prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Laser Therapy in the Complex Prevention and Treatment of Covid-19 (Preliminary Results)

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 01-04
Author(s):  
V.A. Mikhaylov
Keyword(s):  
Laser Radiation ◽  
Laser Therapy ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Vascular Walls ◽  
Cell Immunity ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Severity Of The Disease

This article presents preliminary results of treatment of 51 patients with COVID 19 (Moscow Region, Russia). These patients were subjected to various schemes of immune stimulation for the prevention and treatment of this disease. Were compared-Percutaneus laser therapy (PLT), Intravenous Laser Blood Irradiation (ILBI), Drug stimulation and their combination. The results showed: 1. In the treatment of COVID-19, the use of various types of immunomodulation and anticoagulants proved to be most effective. 2. The combination of ILBI and TLT with immunomodulators proved to be the most effective in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. 3. Immediate use of immunomodulators at the very beginning of COVID-19 reduces the severity of the disease, and facilitates its course. Background and Aims: We started to use laser therapy in 1988. When used in different categories of cancer patients, it was found that various types of laser radiation stimulate the immune system. We started to use this peculiarity of laser therapy to boost the immune status of sickly patients with weakened immune systems, as well as for prevention and treatment of respiratory viral infections (e.g. influenza, parainfluenza, acute respiratory infections). We performed various types of Immunostimulation in 51 patients from Russia and evaluated its influence both on the morbidity and the course of COVID-19. Rationale: Laser radiation (890-910 nm) stimulates cell immunity, increasing the amount of active T-lymphocytes. The wavelength of 630-640 nm is the most effective for irradiation both the blood and the vascular walls. At this wavelength photons are absorbed by oxygen, microcirculation improves, decrease blood viscosity, and direct impact on the nerve and muscle elements of the vascular wall influences the activity of the vascular and nervous systems. Conclusion: The laser therapy practice we have been exercising for over 30 years has shown that it produces good immunostimulating effects. The use of various laser therapy methods combined with immunomodulatory drugs allow to reduce the number of patients infected with COVID-19, and reduce the severity of the disease.

scholarly journals Computational analysis to repurpose drugs for COVID-19 based on transcriptional response of host cells to SARS-CoV-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuhai Li ◽  
Andrew P. Michelson ◽  
Randi Foraker ◽  
Ming Zhan ◽  
Philip R. O. Payne
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Transcriptional Response ◽  
Integrative Analysis ◽  
Lung Epithelial Cells ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Molecular Signaling ◽  
Molecular Signaling Pathways ◽  
Effective Drugs

Abstract Background The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has infected over 10 million people globally with a relatively high mortality rate. There are many therapeutics undergoing clinical trials, but there is no effective vaccine or therapy for treatment thus far. After affected by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), molecular signaling pathways of host cells play critical roles during the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2. Thus, it is significant to identify the involved molecular signaling pathways within the host cells. Drugs targeting these molecular signaling pathways could be potentially effective for COVID-19 treatment. Methods In this study, we developed a novel integrative analysis approach to identify the related molecular signaling pathways within host cells, and repurposed drugs as potentially effective treatments for COVID-19, based on the transcriptional response of host cells. Results We identified activated signaling pathways associated with the infection caused SARS-CoV-2 in human lung epithelial cells through integrative analysis. Then, the activated gene ontologies (GOs) and super GOs were identified. Signaling pathways and GOs such as MAPK, JNK, STAT, ERK, JAK-STAT, IRF7-NFkB signaling, and MYD88/CXCR6 immune signaling were particularly activated. Based on the identified signaling pathways and GOs, a set of potentially effective drugs were repurposed by integrating the drug-target and reverse gene expression data resources. In addition to many drugs being evaluated in clinical trials, the dexamethasone was top-ranked in the prediction, which was the first reported drug to be able to significantly reduce the death rate of COVID-19 patients receiving respiratory support. Conclusions The integrative genomics data analysis and results can be helpful to understand the associated molecular signaling pathways within host cells, and facilitate the discovery of effective drugs for COVID-19 treatment.

scholarly journals Cryptosporidium parvum Subtilisin-Like Serine Protease (SUB1) Is Crucial for Parasite Egress from Host Cells

2019 ◽  
Vol 87 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Nava ◽  
A. Clinton White ◽  
Alejandro Castellanos-González
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Serine Protease ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Argonaute 2 ◽  
Parasite Egress

ABSTRACT Despite the severity and global burden of Cryptosporidium infection, treatments are less than optimal, and there is no effective vaccine. Egress from host cells is a key process for the completion of the life cycle of apicomplexan parasites. For Plasmodium species, subtilisin-like serine protease (SUB1) is a key mediator of egress. For Toxoplasma species, calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are critical. In this study, we characterized Cryptosporidium SUB1 expression and evaluated its effect using an infection model. We found increased expression between 12 and 20 h after in vitro infection, prior to egress. We induced silencing of SUB1 (ΔSUB1) mRNA using SUB1 single-stranded antisense RNA coupled with human Argonaute 2. Silencing of SUB1 mRNA expression did not affect parasite viability, excystation, or invasion of target cells. However, knockdown led to a 95% decrease in the proportion of released merozoites in vitro (P < 0.0001). In contrast, silencing of CDPK5 had no effect on egress. Overall, our results indicate that SUB1 is a key mediator of Cryptosporidium egress and suggest that interruption of the life cycle at this stage may effectively inhibit the propagation of infection.

scholarly journals The Next Generation of Diabetes Translation: A Path to Health Equity

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 391-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debra Haire-Joshu ◽  
Felicia Hill-Briggs
Keyword(s):  
Social Determinants Of Health ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Diabetes Prevention ◽  
Individual Behavior ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Translation Research ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
The Social ◽  
Prevention And Treatment

Disparities in diabetes burden exist in large part because of the social determinants of health (SDOH). Translation research and practice addressing health equity in diabetes have generally focused on changing individual behavior or providing supportive approaches to compensate for, rather than directly target, SDOH. The purpose of this article is to propose a pathway for addressing SDOH as root causes of diabetes disparities and as an essential target for the next generation of interventions needed to achieve health equity in diabetes prevention and treatment. This review describes ( a) the current burden of diabetes disparities, ( b) the influence of SDOH on diabetes disparities, ( c) gaps in and implications of current translation research, and ( d) approaches to achieving health equity in the next generation of diabetes translation.

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