Emerging Treatment Strategies for Diabetes Mellitus and Associated Complications: An Update

The occurrence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing rapidly at an accelerating rate worldwide. The status of diabetes has changed over the last three generations; whereas before it was deemed a minor disease of older people but currently it is now one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among middle-aged and young people. High blood glucose-mediated functional loss, insulin sensitivity, and insulin deficiency lead to chronic disorders such as Type 1 and Type 2 DM. Traditional treatments of DM, such as insulin sensitization and insulin secretion cause undesirable side effects, leading to patient incompliance and lack of treatment. Nanotechnology in diabetes studies has encouraged the development of new modalities for measuring glucose and supplying insulin that hold the potential to improve the quality of life of diabetics. Other therapies, such as β-cells regeneration and gene therapy, in addition to insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs, are currently used to control diabetes. The present review highlights the nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems and emerging treatment strategies of DM.

Role of methylation-related genes and microRNA revealed from RNA-Seq study of FHB susceptible hexaploid wheat NIL in response to pathogen stress

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a most important crop among the cereals, accounts for over 20% of the total calories and protein available in human food. However, Fusarium graminearum, a devastating Fusarium head blight (FHB) pathogen of wheat, poses a greater threat to quality wheat grain production as it produces obnoxious mycotoxins. Presently, FHB is a minor disease in India but can cause significant yield and quality losses if rain occurs during mid-anthesis. In plants, epigenetics including DNA methylation and sRNA accumulation regulates gene expression and plays a definitive role in the adaptation to adverse environmental conditions. In a previous study response of wheat to F. graminearum was investigated through transcriptome analysis of lines differing for 2DL FHB resistance QTLs. However, a comprehensive analysis of methylation-related genes in response to pathogen was not performed in that study or any other studies. We re-analyzed the RNA-Seq data of said study to reveal the roles of methylation-related genes in response to F. graminearum. Sixteen methylation-related genes were down-regulated in a susceptible line, 2-2890 (pedigree of line). GO associated these genes with L-methionine salvage from methylthioadenosine and S-adenosylmethionine and steroid biosynthesis (p-value 0.001). Co-expression analysis of this NIL with methionine S-methyl-transferase gene (MSM; TraesCS1A02G013800) resulted in 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR; TraesCS5A02G269300). HMGCR was negatively correlated (-1.00) with genes encoding pathogenesis-related and detoxification proteins and xylanase inhibitors. GO associated these genes with methionine S-methyl transferase (p-value 0.001). Expression of HMGCR was higher (Log2 levels from 3.25 to 4.00) in pathogen inoculated compared to MSM (Log2 levels from 1.25 to 3.25) in mock-inoculated samples. 43 genes were down-regulated by miR9678. These genes are associated with responses to biotic stimulus and glucan endo-1,4-beta-glucanase in GO.

Patient perspectives on endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis

Background Through shared decision-making, physicians and patients can elect endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) when maximal medical therapy fails in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this study, we aim to explore the most important themes with regards to patients’ perspectives on ESS. Our objective was to define the patient experience and ensure that we have congruent physician and patient goals for obtaining success. Methods Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 22 patients at a tertiary-care institution in Montreal. Three themes were established a priori: living with CRS, objectives and expectations and criteria for success. This thematic approach allowed the identification, analysis and reporting of patterns found across the data set. A phenomenological methodological orientation was used. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for continuous analysis. These were coded by hand by a single coder who read the transcripts multiple times and relistened to the recordings. Results Exploration of themes on patients’ perspectives on ESS for CRS yielded multiple anecdotal findings, and some recurring patterns. There is a tendency for patients to focus on one principal symptom that drives their decrease in QoL. Headaches and nasal congestion seemed to impact patients’ QoL the most amongst rhinologic symptoms. Hyposmia was rarely spontaneously by patients but was often a significant source of distress when prompted during interviews. Objectives and expectations seemed to be inversely proportional to number of previous surgeries and severity of symptoms preoperatively. There was a clear association between preoperative expectations and postoperative satisfaction. There was no clear pattern in the improvement magnitude or time improved postoperatively for patients to consider the surgery a success. Conclusions Patients’ level of satisfaction postoperatively and with their care in general is multifactorial. We believe the topic of goals and expectations regarding ESS should be discussed preoperatively for every patient with CRS. This includes patients with seemingly minor disease and patients naive to surgery, as can sometimes have exceedingly high expectations. Preoperative counselling must also include an assessment of what symptom is the most cumbersome to that particular patient, as patients tend to focus a lot on one or two symptoms. Postoperatively, we encourage clinicians to be attentive to the change in each patient’s principal complaints within the context of a personalized approach and to refer back to patients’ preoperative goals in their assessment of operative success. Graphical abstract

History of Sheath Rot Disease in Indonesia and Disease Severity in Two Rice Production Centres of West Java

The observation conducted from 2000 to 2018 found that rice sheath rot has become an emerging disease in several regions. The disease was able to reduce quality and quantity of rice yield. This research objective was to study the history and status of rice sheath rot caused by Sarocladium oryzae. Data was obtained from literature study, farmer interview, and field survey. Data were used to calculate disease incidence followed by visual observation of the symptoms caused by this disease. Identification of sheath rot pathogen was done using microscopic and molecular techniques using specific primers. Rice sheath rot was first reported in Indonesia as a minor disease in 1987 and has only currently become an important disease. This fungus generally causes rice sheath rot in Karawang and Cianjur Regency. Disease incidence of rice sheath rot was 12.56% without considering the varieties at all generative growth stages. Average disease incidence on all rice varieties observed was 12.64%, except for IR 42 (0%). The level of rice plants damage due to rice sheath rot in Cianjur was higher than Karawang with average disease incidence of 11.58% and 9.27%, respectively. Rice sheath rot symptoms have often been found in the last 10 years with average level of damage of 3%‒18% and yield loss of 10%-15%. This disease has proven to be important and has become a challenge in rice cultivation. The fungus that infect rice plants in Karawang and Cianjur had different morphotypes, namely KP, KP2, KP3, PW3, and PW03. The amplification results showed that all fungal isolates were S. oryzae.

Recent Advances in Novel Antiviral Therapies against Human Adenovirus

Human adenovirus (HAdV) is a very common pathogen that typically causes minor disease in most patients. However, the virus can cause significant morbidity and mortality in certain populations, including young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Currently, there are no approved therapeutics to treat HAdV infections, and the standard treatment relies on drugs approved to combat other viral infections. Such treatments often show inconsistent efficacy, and therefore, more effective antiviral therapies are necessary. In this review, we discuss recent developments in the search for new chemical and biological anti-HAdV therapeutics, including drugs that are currently undergoing preclinical/clinical testing, and small molecule screens for the identification of novel compounds that abrogate HAdV replication and disease.

Study on the Effect of Varun Twak Lepa in Management of Vyanga

Vyanga is a disease, which decreases the glowing complexion of the face and affects the skin. Among many diseases concerned with the cosmetic values, Vyanga is common disease one of them known to us from thousands of years. Acharya Sushruta and Vagbhatta has mentioned Vyanga as Kshudra Roga. Though it is considered as Kshudra Roga(minor disease), but it has got a major importance as a cosmetic problem in the society. Vyanga can be correlated with melasma, it is the common pigmentary disorder characterised by symmetrical hyper pigmented macules on face. Aim-To study on the effect of Varun Twak Lepa in management of Vyanga. In this study, the trial drugs used were Varun Twak Lepa for topical application. Material and methods- A total 40 patients of Vyanga were selected from OPD and IPD of Kayachikitsa. Observation and results- To study the effect of Varun Twaka Lepa assessment of patient were done on the basis of MSI score. In all three types, dermal, epidermal and mixed significant result was found on 20th and 30th day. In comparison of three types of melasma more significant result was found in epidermal type.

Evaluating Azoxystrobin Seed Coating Against Maize Late Wilt Disease Using a Sensitive qPCR-Based Method

Harpophora maydis, a phytopathogenic fungus, causes late wilt, a severe vascular maize disease characterized by relatively rapid wilting of maize plants near fertilization. The disease is currently controlled using resistant varieties. Here, we evaluated seed coating efficiency with azoxystrobin against H. maydis in a series of in vitro and in vivo trials. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based method was developed and proved to be a sensitive, accurate tool for monitoring H. maydis DNA inside infected seeds, sprouts, and tissues of mature plants. In the early growth stages, the chemical coating drastically reduced the pathogen DNA prevalence in host tissues and minimized the suppressing effect on the plants’ biomass and development. In an infested field, the qPCR assay identified the pathogen 20 days after seeding, up to a month before conventional PCR detection. In the resistant fodder maize cultivar 32D99, which showed only minor disease symptoms, the seed coating blocked fungal progression and increased cob and plant weight by 39 and 60%, respectively. Nevertheless, this treatment was unable to protect a sensitive maize hybrid, cultivar Prelude, at the disease wilting breakout (60 days after sowing). These results encourage further examination of azoxystrobin and other fungicides in the field using the qPCR detection method to evaluate their efficiency.

CRISPR Cas-9 genome editing and Islam: A religious perspective

Background: Certainly, the ultimate aim of Islamic law is to “protect human life” either through mitigation of hardship or recognition of public interests reckons biomedical innovations allowable where-if cling by ethical, moral and legal principles. Assertively, if–CRISPR Cas- 9 genome editing–methods based on the guided principles of Islamic law and jurisprudence, as “harm has to be redressed” can be justified keeping in view the human dignity, honor and prestige. Hence, newer technologies can be adopted because “necessity renders prohibited things as permissible” with certain caveats. Arguably those who consider it as an evil must think over that “in the presence of two evils, the one whose injury is greater is avoided by the commission of the lesser”. Conclusion: Therefore if Cas-9 based method leaning towards evils, even then it can be acceptable in case where an atypical germ-line sequence can affect the next generation, which is indeed a great evil, and “the lesser of evils is preferred over the greater one” renders it permissible with a view it might enhance human health and living standard. Conversely, curing a minor disease if causing another equal infirmity or greater should be rendered forbidden as “harm cannot be removed by harm”, then, “a greater harm can be removed by a lesser one” germ-line editing/alteration in severe cases will be allowed on the basis of necessity. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.18(1) 2019 p.7-13

Viral Diseases of Crops in Nepal

Viral diseases are the important diseases next to the fungal and bacterial in Nepal. The increase in incidence and severity of viral diseases and emergence of new viral diseases causes the significant yield losses of different crops in Nepal. But the research and studies on plant viral diseases are limited. Most of the studies were focused in viral diseases of rice (Rice tungro virus and Rice dwarf virus), tomato (Yellow leaf curl virus) and potato (PVX and PVY). Maize leaf fleck virus and mosaic caused by Maize mosaic virus were recorded as minor disease of maize. Citrus Tristeza Virus is an important virus of citrus fruit in Nepal while Papaya ringspot potyvirus, Ageratum yellow vein virus (AYVV), Tomato leaf curlJava betasatellite and Sida yellow vein Chinaalphasatellite were recorded from the papaya fruit. The Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Zucchini yellow mosaic potyvirus (ZYMV) are the viral diseases of cucurbitaceous crop reported in Nepal. Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) found to infect the many crops Limabean, Kidney bean, blackgram and Mungbean. Bean common mosaic necrosis virus in sweet bean, Pea leaf distortion virus (PLDV), Cowpea aphid‐borne mosaic potyvirus (CABMV), Peanut bud necrosis virus (PBNV) in groundnut, Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Chili veinal mottle potyvirus (CVMV) and Tomatoyellow leaf curl gemini virus (TYLCV) were only reported and no any further works have been carried out. The 3 virus diseases Soyabean mosaic (SMV), Soybean yellow mosaic virus and Bud blight tobacco ring spot virus (TRSV) were found in soybean.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 6(2): 75-80

Status Ekonomi Jamur Patogen Tomat di Manokwari akibat Penggunaan Varietas Introduksi Baru

Economic status of fungi pathogenic on tomato was affected by introducing of new varieties of tomato in Manokwari. Observation on Amelia, Ratna and Permata, was found that fungus is responsible in a leaf disease, wilting, and fruit rot. Leaf disease was caused by Cercospora sp. And Corynespora sp. The fungus which causing a leaf disease in this observation was one of major disesase with disease intensity is 20 to 80 percent. Other disease such as wilt caused by Fusarium sp. and Sclerotinia sp.; and fruit rot caused by Colletotrichum sp. become a minor disease with disease intensity is 0 � 2 percent.