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Coyle CM, Bustos JA, Garcia HH. Current challenges in neurocysticercosis: recent data and where we are heading. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2024; 37:313-319. [PMID: 39088697 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000001036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is still a significant contributor to neurological disease in vast regions of the world, and increasingly diagnosed in nonendemic countries because of travel and immigration from endemic settings. There is a need for clinicians in endemic and nonendemic regions to understand the complexities of its diagnosis and management. RECENT FINDINGS Recent information on the performance and use of available imaging and immunodiagnostic tools as well as antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory therapeutic regimes were assessed. SUMMARY Imaging and serology data should be assessed in the context of the specific type of NCC to improve diagnostic precision. In terms of therapeutic approaches, more controlled data is required on the efficacy and safety of combined antiparasitic therapy, and antiseizure and anti-inflammatory regimes should be optimized to minimize perilesional damage and reduce the risk of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Coyle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Javier A Bustos
- Center for Global Health, School of Health Sciences, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC)
| | - Hector H Garcia
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano heredia, (UPCH)
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Perú
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2
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Sherman BE, Harris BB, Turk-Browne NB, Sinha R, Goldfarb EV. Hippocampal Mechanisms Support Cortisol-Induced Memory Enhancements. J Neurosci 2023; 43:7198-7212. [PMID: 37813570 PMCID: PMC10601369 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0916-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress can powerfully influence episodic memory, often enhancing memory encoding for emotionally salient information. These stress-induced memory enhancements stand at odds with demonstrations that stress and the stress-related hormone cortisol can negatively affect the hippocampus, a brain region important for episodic memory encoding. To resolve this apparent conflict and determine whether and how the hippocampus supports memory encoding under cortisol, we combined behavioral assays of associative memory, high-resolution fMRI, and pharmacological manipulation of cortisol in a within-participant, double-blinded procedure (in both sexes). Behaviorally, hydrocortisone promoted the encoding of subjectively arousing, positive associative memories. Neurally, hydrocortisone led to enhanced functional connectivity between hippocampal subregions, which predicted subsequent memory enhancements for emotional associations. Cortisol also modified the relationship between hippocampal representations and associative memory: whereas hippocampal signatures of distinctiveness predicted memory under placebo, relative integration predicted memory under cortisol. Together, these data provide novel evidence that the human hippocampus contains the necessary machinery to support emotional associative memory enhancements under cortisol.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Our daily lives are filled with stressful events, which powerfully shape the way we form episodic memories. For example, stress and stress-related hormones can enhance our memory for emotional events. However, the mechanisms underlying these memory benefits are unclear. In the current study, we combined functional neuroimaging, behavioral tests of memory, and double-blind, placebo-controlled hydrocortisone administration to uncover the effects of the stress-related hormone cortisol on the function of the human hippocampus, a brain region important for episodic memory. We identified novel ways in which cortisol can enhance hippocampal function to promote emotional memories, highlighting the adaptive role of cortisol in shaping memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brynn E Sherman
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104
| | - Bailey B Harris
- Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Nicholas B Turk-Browne
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
| | - Rajita Sinha
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
| | - Elizabeth V Goldfarb
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06510
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511
- National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06477
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Zhang K, Chen L, Li Y, Paez AG, Miao X, Cao D, Gu C, Pekar JJ, van Zijl PCM, Hua J, Bakker A. Differential Laminar Activation Dissociates Encoding and Retrieval in the Human Medial and Lateral Entorhinal Cortex. J Neurosci 2023; 43:2874-2884. [PMID: 36948584 PMCID: PMC10124959 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1488-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The hierarchically organized structures of the medial temporal lobe are critically important for episodic memory function. Accumulating evidence suggests dissociable information processing pathways are maintained throughout these structures including in the medial and lateral entorhinal cortex. Cortical layers provide an additional dimension of dissociation as the primary input to the hippocampus derives from layer 2 neurons in the entorhinal cortex, whereas the deeper layers primarily receive output from the hippocampus. Here, novel high-resolution T2-prepared functional MRI methods were successfully used to mitigate susceptibility artifacts typically affecting MRI signals in this region providing uniform sensitivity across the medial and lateral entorhinal cortex. During the performance of a memory task, healthy human subjects (age 25-33 years, mean age 28.2 ± 3.3 years, 4 female) showed differential functional activation in the superficial and deep layers of the entorhinal cortex associated with task-related encoding and retrieval conditions, respectively. The methods provided here offer an approach to probe layer-specific activation in normal cognition and conditions contributing to memory impairment.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study provides new evidence for differential neuronal activation in the superficial versus deep layers of the entorhinal cortex associated with encoding and retrieval memory processes, respectively, in cognitively normal adults. The study further shows that this dissociation can be observed in both the medial and the lateral entorhinal cortex. The study was achieved by using a novel functional MRI method allowing us to measure robust functional MRI signals in both the medial and lateral entorhinal cortex that was not possible in previous studies. The methodology established here in healthy human subjects lays a solid foundation for subsequent studies investigating layer-specific and region-specific changes in the entorhinal cortex associated with memory impairment in various conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaihua Zhang
- School of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Neurosection, Division of MRI Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Liuyi Chen
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Yinghao Li
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Neurosection, Division of MRI Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
- Biomedical Engineering
| | - Adrian G Paez
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Neurosection, Division of MRI Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Xinyuan Miao
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Neurosection, Division of MRI Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Di Cao
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Neurosection, Division of MRI Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
- Biomedical Engineering
| | - Chunming Gu
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Neurosection, Division of MRI Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
- Biomedical Engineering
| | - James J Pekar
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Neurosection, Division of MRI Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Peter C M van Zijl
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Neurosection, Division of MRI Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Jun Hua
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Neurosection, Division of MRI Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Arnold Bakker
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
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Tambini A, Miller J, Ehlert L, Kiyonaga A, D’Esposito M. Structured memory representations develop at multiple time scales in hippocampal-cortical networks. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.06.535935. [PMID: 37066263 PMCID: PMC10104124 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.06.535935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Influential views of systems memory consolidation posit that the hippocampus rapidly forms representations of specific events, while neocortical networks extract regularities across events, forming the basis of schemas and semantic knowledge. Neocortical extraction of schematic memory representations is thought to occur on a protracted timescale of months, especially for information that is unrelated to prior knowledge. However, this theorized evolution of memory representations across extended timescales, and differences in the temporal dynamics of consolidation across brain regions, lack reliable empirical support. To examine the temporal dynamics of memory representations, we repeatedly exposed human participants to structured information via sequences of fractals, while undergoing longitudinal fMRI for three months. Sequence-specific activation patterns emerged in the hippocampus during the first 1-2 weeks of learning, followed one week later by high-level visual cortex, and subsequently the medial prefrontal and parietal cortices. Schematic, sequence-general representations emerged in the prefrontal cortex after 3 weeks of learning, followed by the medial temporal lobe and anterior temporal cortex. Moreover, hippocampal and most neocortical representations showed sustained rather than time-limited dynamics, suggesting that representations tend to persist across learning. These results show that specific hippocampal representations emerge early, followed by both specific and schematic representations at a gradient of timescales across hippocampal-cortical networks as learning unfolds. Thus, memory representations do not exist only in specific brain regions at a given point in time, but are simultaneously present at multiple levels of abstraction across hippocampal-cortical networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Tambini
- Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Jacob Miller
- Wu Tsai Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Luke Ehlert
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California. Irvine, CA
| | - Anastasia Kiyonaga
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Mark D’Esposito
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA
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Yasmin H, Giwa SO, Noor S, Sharifpur M. Thermal Conductivity Enhancement of Metal Oxide Nanofluids: A Critical Review. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13030597. [PMID: 36770558 PMCID: PMC9920789 DOI: 10.3390/nano13030597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in technology related to energy systems, such as heat exchangers, electronics, and batteries, are associated with the generation of high heat fluxes which requires appropriate thermal management. Presently, conventional thermal fluids have found limited application owing to low thermal conductivity (TC). The need for more efficient fluids has become apparent leading to the development of nanofluids as advanced thermal fluids. Nanofluid synthesis by suspending nano-size materials into conventional thermal fluids to improve thermal properties has been extensively studied. TC is a pivotal property to the utilization of nanofluids in various applications as it is strongly related to improved efficiency and thermal performance. Numerous studies have been conducted on the TC of nanofluids using diverse nanoparticles and base fluids. Different values of TC enhancement have been recorded which depend on various factors, such as nanoparticles size, shape and type, base fluid and surfactant type, temperature, etc. This paper attempts to conduct a state-of-the-art review of the TC enhancement of metal oxide nanofluids owing to the wide attention, chemical stability, low density, and oxidation resistance associated with this type of nanofluid. TC and TC enhancements of metal oxide nanofluids are presented and discussed herein. The influence of several parameters (temperature, volume/weight concentration, nano-size, sonication, shape, surfactants, base fluids, alignment, TC measurement techniques, and mixing ratio (for hybrid nanofluid)) on the TC of metal oil nanofluids have been reviewed. This paper serves as a frontier in the review of the effect of alignment, electric field, and green nanofluid on TC. In addition, the mechanisms/physics behind TC enhancement and techniques for TC measurement have been discussed. Results show that the TC enhancement of metal oxide nanofluids is affected by the aforementioned parameters with temperature and nanoparticle concentration contributing the most. TC of these nanofluids is observed to be actively enhanced using electric and magnetic fields with the former requiring more intense studies. The formulation of green nanofluids and base fluids as sustainable and future thermal fluids is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humaira Yasmin
- Department of Basic Sciences, Preparatory Year Deanship, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Solomon O. Giwa
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye P.M.B. 2002, Nigeria
| | - Saima Noor
- Department of Basic Sciences, Preparatory Year Deanship, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohsen Sharifpur
- Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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Ali NB, Abdull Razis AF, Ooi DJ, Chan KW, Ismail N, Foo JB. Theragnostic Applications of Mammal and Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Latest Findings, Current Technologies, and Prospects. Molecules 2022; 27:3941. [PMID: 35745063 PMCID: PMC9228370 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The way cells communicate is not fully understood. However, it is well-known that extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved. Researchers initially thought that EVs were used by cells to remove cellular waste. It is now clear that EVs function as signaling molecules released by cells to communicate with one another, carrying a cargo representing the mother cell. Furthermore, these EVs can be found in all biological fluids, making them the perfect non-invasive diagnostic tool, as their cargo causes functional changes in the cells upon receiving, unlike synthetic drug carriers. EVs last longer in circulation and instigate minor immune responses, making them the perfect drug carrier. This review sheds light on the latest development in EVs isolation, characterization and, application as therapeutic cargo, novel drug loading techniques, and diagnostic tools. We also address the advancement in plant-derived EVs, their characteristics, and applications; since plant-derived EVs only recently gained focus, we listed the latest findings. Although there is much more to learn about, EV is a wide field of research; what scientists have discovered so far is fascinating. This paper is suitable for those new to the field seeking to understand EVs and those already familiar with it but wanting to review the latest findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Basheir Ali
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (K.W.C.); (N.I.)
| | - Der Jiun Ooi
- Department of Oral Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Bandar Saujana Putra, Jenjarom 42610, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kim Wei Chan
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (K.W.C.); (N.I.)
| | - Norsharina Ismail
- Natural Medicines and Products Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (K.W.C.); (N.I.)
| | - Jhi Biau Foo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia;
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Bustos J, Gonzales I, Saavedra H, Handali S, Garcia HH. Neurocysticercosis. A frequent cause of seizures, epilepsy, and other neurological morbidity in most of the world. J Neurol Sci 2021; 427:117527. [PMID: 34147957 PMCID: PMC8800347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis is endemic in most of the world and in endemic areas it accounts for approximately 30% of cases of epilepsy. Appropriate diagnosis and management of neurocysticercosis requires understanding the diverse presentations of the disease since these will vary in regards to clinical manifestation, sensitivity of diagnostic tests, and most importantly, therapeutic approach. This review attempts to familiarize tropical neurology practitioners with the diverse types of neurocysticercosis and the more appropriate management approaches for each.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bustos
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru; Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - I Gonzales
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
| | - H Saavedra
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
| | - S Handali
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Parasitic Diseases Branch, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - H H Garcia
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru; Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
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Goyal G, Kaur U, Lal V, Mahesh KV, Sehgal R. A study on neurcognitive disorders and demographic profile of neurocysticercosis patients. Trop Parasitol 2021; 11:108-112. [PMID: 34765532 PMCID: PMC8579763 DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_88_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocysticercosis is a common cerebral parasitic infestation, caused due to pork tapeworm infection the infestations risks parallels the socio-economic status, personal hygiene and education. The effect of NCC was assessed in neurocognition. OBJECTIVE To study demographic characteristics and neurocognitive domains of patients with Neurocysticercosis. METHODS Neurocysticercosis diagnosed patients by CT, MRI and LAMP tests. MMSE score was measured for assessment. RESULTS MMSE score were reduced in majority of the patients. In attention was the most common deficit found. Repeat MMSE assessment done in 6 patients showed an improvement of scores post therapy. CONCLUSION Cognitive involvement is common in NCC and is a major cause of morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunjan Goyal
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Upninder Kaur
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vivek Lal
- Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Karthik Vinay Mahesh
- Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rakesh Sehgal
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Inflammatory biomarkers in pregnant women with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13350. [PMID: 34172816 PMCID: PMC8233302 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92885-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic viral disease affecting also obstetric patients and uncertainties exist about the prognostic role of inflammatory biomarkers and hemocytometry values in patients with this infection. To clarify that, we have assessed the values of several inflammatory biomarkers and hemocytometry variables in a cohort of obstetric patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and we have correlated the values at admission with the need of oxygen supplementation during the hospitalization. Overall, among 62 (27.3%) pregnant women and 165 (72.7%) postpartum women, 21 (9.2%) patients received oxygen supplementation and 2 (0.9%) required admission to intensive care unit but none died. During hospitalization leukocytes (p < 0.001), neutrophils (p < 0.001), neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (p < 0.001) and C reactive protein (p < 0.001) decreased significantly, whereas lymphocytes (p < 0.001), platelets (p < 0.001) and ferritin (p = 0.001) increased. Lymphocyte values at admission were correlated with oxygen need, with a 26% higher risk of oxygen supplementation for each 1000 cells decreases. Overall, in obstetric patients hospitalized with COVID-19, C reactive protein is the inflammatory biomarker that better mirrors the course of the disease whereas D-dimer or ferritin are not reliable predictors of poor outcome. Care to the need of oxygen supplementation should be reserved to patients with reduced lymphocyte values at admission.
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Paul SS, Biswas G. Repurposed Antiviral Drugs for the Treatment of COVID-19: Syntheses, Mechanism of Infection and Clinical Trials. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 21:1123-1143. [PMID: 33355053 DOI: 10.2174/1389557521666201222145842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 is a public health emergency of international concern. Although considerable knowledge has been acquired with time about the viral mechanism of infection and mode of replication, yet no specific drugs or vaccines have been discovered against SARS-CoV-2 to date. There are few small molecule antiviral drugs like Remdesivir and Favipiravir, which have shown promising results in different advanced stages of clinical trials. Chloroquinine, Hydroxychloroquine, and Lopinavir- Ritonavir combination, although initially were hypothesized to be effective against SARSCoV- 2, are now discontinued from the solidarity clinical trials. This review provides a brief description of their chemical syntheses along with their mode of action, and clinical trial results available on Google and in different peer-reviewed journals till 24th October 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Goutam Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University, Panchanan Nagar, Cooch Behar 736101, India
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Giacobbo A, Rodrigues MAS, Zoppas Ferreira J, Bernardes AM, de Pinho MN. A critical review on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in water and wastewater. What do we know? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:145721. [PMID: 33610994 PMCID: PMC7870439 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak circulating the world is far from being controlled, and possible contamination routes are still being studied. There are no confirmed cases yet, but little is known about the infection possibility via contact with sewage or contaminated water as well as with aerosols generated during the pumping and treatment of these aqueous matrices. Therefore, this article presents a literature review on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in human excreta and its pathways through the sewer system and wastewater treatment plants until it reaches the water bodies, highlighting their occurrence and infectivity in sewage and natural water. Research lines are still indicated, which we believe are important for improving the detection, quantification, and mainly the infectivity analyzes of SARS-CoV-2 and other enveloped viruses in sewage and natural water. In fact, up till now, no case of transmission via contact with sewage or contaminated water has been reported and the few studies conducted with these aqueous matrices have not detected infectious viruses. On the other hand, studies are showing that SARS-CoV-2 can remain viable, i.e., infectious, for up to 4.3 and 6 days in sewage and water, respectively, and that other species of coronavirus may remain viable in these aqueous matrices for more than one year, depending on the sample conditions. These are strong pieces of evidence that the contamination mediated by contact with sewage or contaminated water cannot be ruled out, even because other more resistant and infectious mutations of SARS-CoV-2 may appear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Giacobbo
- Post-Graduation Program in Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (PPGE3M), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, n. 9500, Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS 91509-900, Brazil; Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials (CeFEMA), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, n. 1, Lisbon 1049-001, Portugal.
| | - Marco Antônio Siqueira Rodrigues
- Post-Graduation Program in Materials Technology and Industrial Processes, Pure Sciences and Technology Institute, Feevale University, Rodovia RS-239, n. 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93525-075, Brazil.
| | - Jane Zoppas Ferreira
- Post-Graduation Program in Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (PPGE3M), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, n. 9500, Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS 91509-900, Brazil.
| | - Andréa Moura Bernardes
- Post-Graduation Program in Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (PPGE3M), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, n. 9500, Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS 91509-900, Brazil.
| | - Maria Norberta de Pinho
- Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials (CeFEMA), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, n. 1, Lisbon 1049-001, Portugal; Chemical Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, n. 1, Lisbon 1049-001, Portugal.
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Barrick A, Champeau O, Chatel A, Manier N, Northcott G, Tremblay LA. Plastic additives: challenges in ecotox hazard assessment. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11300. [PMID: 33959427 PMCID: PMC8054737 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk of plastic debris, and specifically micro(nano)plastic particles, to ecosystems remains to be fully characterized. One particular issue that warrants further characterization is the hazards associated with chemical additives within micro(nano)plastic as they are not chemically bound within the polymers and can be persistent and biologically active. Most plastics contain additives and are therefore potential vectors for the introduction of these chemicals into the environment as they leach from plastic, a process that can be accelerated through degradation and weathering processes. There are knowledge gaps on the ecotoxicological effects of plastic additives and how they are released from parent plastic materials as they progressively fragment from the meso to micro and nano scale. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the ecotoxicity of plastic additives and identifies research needs to characterize the hazard they present to exposed biota. The potential ecological risk of chemical additives is of international concern so key differences in governance between the European Union and New Zealand to appropriately characterize their risk are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nicolas Manier
- French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks, Verneuil en Halatte, France
| | | | - Louis A Tremblay
- Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zealand.,University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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García-Bernalt Diego J, Fernández-Soto P, Muro A. LAMP in Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Focus on Parasites. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030521. [PMID: 33804255 PMCID: PMC8000616 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly those caused by parasites, remain a major Public Health problem in tropical and subtropical regions, with 10% of the world population being infected. Their management and control have been traditionally hampered, among other factors, by the difficulty to deploy rapid, specific, and affordable diagnostic tools in low resource settings. This is especially true for complex PCR-based methods. Isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques, particularly loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), appeared in the early 21st century as an alternative to PCR, allowing for a much more affordable molecular diagnostic. Here, we present the status of LAMP assays development in parasite-caused NTDs. We address the progress made in different research applications of the technique: xenomonitoring, epidemiological studies, work in animal models and clinical application both for diagnosis and evaluation of treatment success. Finally, we try to shed a light on the improvements needed to achieve a true point-of-care test and the future perspectives in this field.
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14
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Goyal G, Phukan AC, Hussain M, Lal V, Modi M, Goyal MK, Mahesh KV, Sehgal R. Identification of Taenia solium DNA by PCR in blood and urine samples from a tertiary care center in North India. J Neurol Sci 2020; 417:117057. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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15
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Antibody-Based Immunotherapy: Alternative Approaches for the Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8090327. [PMID: 32899183 PMCID: PMC7555584 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer and is associated with the highest mortality. Where melanoma is mostly unresponsive to conventional therapies (e.g., chemotherapy), BRAF inhibitor treatment has shown improved therapeutic outcomes. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) relies on a light-activated compound to produce death-inducing amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Their capacity to selectively accumulate in tumor cells has been confirmed in melanoma treatment with some encouraging results. However, this treatment approach has not reached clinical fruition for melanoma due to major limitations associated with the development of resistance and subsequent side effects. These adverse effects might be bypassed by immunotherapy in the form of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) relying on the ability of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to target specific tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and to be used as carriers to specifically deliver cytotoxic warheads into corresponding tumor cells. Of late, the continued refinement of ADC therapeutic efficacy has given rise to photoimmunotherapy (PIT) (a light-sensitive compound conjugated to mAbs), which by virtue of requiring light activation only exerts its toxic effect on light-irradiated cells. As such, this review aims to highlight the potential clinical benefits of various armed antibody-based immunotherapies, including PDT, as alternative approaches for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.
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16
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Garcia HH, Gonzalez AE, Gilman RH. Taenia solium Cysticercosis and Its Impact in Neurological Disease. Clin Microbiol Rev 2020; 33:e00085-19. [PMID: 32461308 PMCID: PMC7254859 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00085-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Taenia solium neurocysticercosis (NCC) is endemic in most of the world and contributes significantly to the burden of epilepsy and other neurological morbidity. Also present in developed countries because of immigration and travel, NCC is one of few diseases targeted for eradication. This paper reviews all aspects of its life cycle (taeniasis, porcine cysticercosis, human cysticercosis), with a focus on recent advances in its diagnosis, management, and control. Diagnosis of taeniasis is limited by poor availability of immunological or molecular assays. Diagnosis of NCC rests on neuroimaging findings, supported by serological assays. The treatment of NCC should be approached in the context of the particular type of infection (intra- or extraparenchymal; number, location, and stage of lesions) and has evolved toward combined symptomatic and antiparasitic management, with particular attention to modulating inflammation. Research on NCC and particularly the use of recently available genome data and animal models of infection should help to elucidate mechanisms of brain inflammation, damage, and epileptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector H Garcia
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Armando E Gonzalez
- Center for Global Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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