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1.
J Pak Med Assoc ; 74(4): 788-790, 2024 Apr.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38751280

RESUMO

Endomyocardial fibrosis secondary to hyper-eosinophilic syndrome also known as Loeffler's Endocarditis is a rare cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy. If left untreated, it carries a very high morbidity and mortality rate. The case of a 20 years old girl, a known case of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis since the age of 13 years was reported at Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabad on 14th May 2022. She presented with an acute history of shortness of breath and cough for two weeks. Her initial echocardiogram showed suspicion of Loeffler's Endocarditis, which is attributed to be an adverse effect of etanercept- a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, which she had been prescribed for her arthritis. The patient is currently being managed with high doses of steroids, therapeutic anticoagulation with rivaroxaban, carvedilol for tachycardia and mycophenolate mofetil as an immunosuppressant.


Assuntos
Artrite Juvenil , Fibrose Endomiocárdica , Etanercepte , Humanos , Feminino , Artrite Juvenil/tratamento farmacológico , Artrite Juvenil/complicações , Fibrose Endomiocárdica/tratamento farmacológico , Fibrose Endomiocárdica/etiologia , Adulto Jovem , Etanercepte/uso terapêutico , Etanercepte/efeitos adversos , Síndrome Hipereosinofílica/tratamento farmacológico , Síndrome Hipereosinofílica/complicações , Síndrome Hipereosinofílica/diagnóstico , Ecocardiografia
2.
J Pak Med Assoc ; 72(7): 1369-1372, 2022 Jul.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36156562

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To find out the association between poor glycaemic levels and biochemical and haematological abnormalities in patients of corona virus disease-2019. METHODS: The prospective, observational, cohort study was conducted at the Combined Military Hospital, Quetta, Pakistan, from September 2020 to February 2021, and comprised all patients who tested positive for coronavirus disease-2019 on polymerase chain reaction test and were subsequently admitted. The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of random blood glucose level at the time of admission; ≥11.1mmol/l (206mg/dl) in group A and 4-11.1mmol (74-206mg/dl) in group B. Association between categorical variables was evaluated and hazard ratio was measured. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 349 patients, there were 56(16%) in group A; 40(71.4%) males and 16(28.6%) females with age range 39-61 years. There were 293(84%) subjects in group B; 239(81.5%) males and 54(18.5%) females with age range 27-53 years. Overall, 75(21.4%) patients were known type 2 diabetics. A significant association was found between poor glycaemic control and raised levels of C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, troponin, creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine and D-dimers (p<0.05). Inter-group differences were significant for acute kidney injury, acute liver injury, Intensive care unit admission for coagulation abnormalities and for overall mortality (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Poor glycaemic control was found to be a risk factor for developing multisystem complications in patients of coronavirus disease-2019.


Assuntos
COVID-19 , Adulto , Alanina Transaminase , Glicemia/análise , Proteína C-Reativa/análise , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Estudos de Coortes , Creatina , Creatina Quinase Forma MB , Creatinina , Feminino , Ferritinas , Humanos , L-Lactato Desidrogenase , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Prospectivos , SARS-CoV-2 , Centros de Atenção Terciária , Troponina
3.
Toxicol Ind Health ; 31(11): 1037-43, 2015 Nov.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23625908

RESUMO

In the present study, we evaluated the pharmacological and toxicological effects of Teucrium stocksianum. The crude extract of T. stocksianum (Ts.Cr) and its subsequent organic fractions: n-hexane (Ts.Hex), chloroform (Ts.CHCl3) and ethyl acetate (Ts.EtAc) exhibited 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity with different potencies. Ts.EtAc was found to be most potent. Ts.Cr, Ts.Hex, Ts.CHCl3 and Ts.EtAc showed significant bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri and Bacillus subtilis at their extent. Ts.Cr, Ts.Hex, Ts.CHCl3 and Ts.EtAc displayed fungicidal action against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium solani at various minimum inhibitory concentrations. Ts.Cr and Ts.EtAc exhibited marked inhibition of Leishmania tropica growth, observed after 48 and 96 hrs of treatment. These data indicate that the T. stocksianum methanolic extract and its resultant fractions possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and antileishmanial activities. Thus, the present research unearths the scientific base for T. stocksianum medicinal application as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.


Assuntos
Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Antiprotozoários/farmacologia , Sequestradores de Radicais Livres/farmacologia , Teucrium/química , Antibacterianos/química , Antifúngicos/química , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Antiprotozoários/química , Aspergillus flavus/efeitos dos fármacos , Aspergillus fumigatus/efeitos dos fármacos , Aspergillus niger/efeitos dos fármacos , Bacillus subtilis/efeitos dos fármacos , Escherichia coli/efeitos dos fármacos , Sequestradores de Radicais Livres/química , Fusarium/efeitos dos fármacos , Leishmania tropica/efeitos dos fármacos , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Extratos Vegetais/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Salmonella typhi/efeitos dos fármacos , Shigella flexneri/efeitos dos fármacos , Staphylococcus aureus/efeitos dos fármacos
4.
Vaccines (Basel) ; 12(7)2024 Jul 03.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39066375

RESUMO

Conventional immunization methods such as intramuscular injections lack effective mucosal protection against pathogens that enter through the mucosal surfaces. Moreover, conventional therapy often leads to adverse events and compromised immunity, followed by complicated outcomes, leading to the need to switch to other options. Thus, a need to develop safe and effective treatment with long-term beneficial outcomes to reduce the risk of relapse is mandatory. Mucosal vaccines administered across mucosal surfaces, such as the respiratory or intestinal mucosa, to prompt robust localized and systemic immune responses to prevent the public from acquiring pathogenic diseases. Mucosal immunity contains a unique immune cell milieu that selectively identify pathogens and limits the transmission and progression of mucosal diseases, such as allergic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It also offers protection from localized infection at the site of entry, enables the clearance of pathogens on mucosal surfaces, and leads to the induction of long-term immunity with the ability to shape regulatory responses. Regulatory T (Treg) cells have been a promising strategy to suppress mucosal diseases. To find advances in mucosal treatment, we investigated the therapeutic effects of intranasal pep27 mutant immunization. Nasal immunization protects mucosal surfaces, but nasal antigen presentation appears to entail the need for an adjuvant to stimulate immunogenicity. Here, a novel method is developed to induce Tregs via intranasal immunization without an adjuvant to potentially overcome allergic diseases and gut and lung inflammation using lung-gut axis communication in animal models. The implementation of the pep27 mutant for these therapies should be preceded by studies on Treg resilience through clinical translational studies on dietary changes.

5.
Cureus ; 16(1): e52938, 2024 Jan.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38405996

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Infective endocarditis is a microbial infection of the endocardial surface of the native and prosthetic valves. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge regarding the current guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis for infective endocarditis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians, cardiologists, and dentists in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The questionnaire was distributed as Google Forms among the required population, and responses were collected on a Google Response Sheet. RESULTS: The participants viewed rheumatic heart disease (83.7%) and heart transplant (96.7%) as the most vulnerable conditions that warrant the need for antibiotic prophylaxis. The other questions yielded average responses. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study emphasize the importance of adhering to standard guidelines and highlight the need for knowledge of the current guidelines.

6.
Cureus ; 16(2): e53411, 2024 Feb.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38435216

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with major adverse cardiovascular (group of events that affect heart and blood vessels) and cerebrovascular (events affecting blood vessels supplying the brain) events (MACCE) in patients with uraemia complicated with hypertension who required maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) treatment. METHODOLOGY: Clinical data and laboratory indicators of 156 uraemia patients complicated with hypertension were collected and retrospectively analysed. The patients were admitted to a tertiary care hospital (Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences AIMS) in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, from February 2018 to February 2022. The data was collected through consecutive sampling and patients were recruited after following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Eighty-one out of 156 patients were not complicated with MACCE, and 75 patients were complicated with MACCE during the MHD treatment cycle, with an incidence of 48.08%. Compared to the non-MACCE group, the MACCE group's diabetes, body mass growth rate, triglyceride (TG), NT-proBNP, standard deviation and coefficient of variance for systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP-SD, SBP-CV, DBP-SD, and DBP-CV) showed significant differences (P<0.05) between the groups. Diabetes, body mass growth rate, TG, NT-proBNP, SBP-SD, SBP-CV, DBP-SD, and DBP-CV with odds ratios of 3.074, 3.202, 2.188, 2.512, 2.357, 2.431, 2.299, and 2.062 respectively were risk factors for MACCE in uraemia patients with hypertension. CONCLUSION:  From the results of this study, we inferred that patients with uraemia and hypertension complicated by MACCE in the treatment cycle of MHD were related to diabetes, body mass growth rate, TG, NT-proBNP, SBP-SD, SBP-CV, DBP-SD, and DBP-CV.

7.
Future Cardiol ; 20(9): 479-484, 2024.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39007846

RESUMO

Background: This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the outcomes of graft angiography using these two approaches.Methods: Medical records and angiographic data of adult patients who underwent graft angiography between January 2020 and December 2022 were analyzed.Results: The study included 452 patients in the distal radial access (DRA) group and 960 patients in the femoral access group. Angiographic characteristics showed a higher prevalence of triple vessel disease in the femoral access group (29.8% vs. 20.8%; p = 0.012). The DRA group had a procedural success rate of 93.0%, while the femoral access group had a higher success rate of 95.8%. The odds ratio was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.46-0.94), indicating lower odds of procedural success in the DRA group.Conclusion: Our study suggests that both DRA and femoral access are effective and safe approaches for graft angiography after coronary artery bypass surgery.


This study compared graft angiography outcomes using wrist (distal radial) and groin (femoral) access in patients after coronary artery bypass surgery. Analyzing data from January 2020 to December 2022, 452 patients used wrist access, and 960 used groin access, with similar age and heart function across groups. Femoral access had more cases of triple vessel disease (29.8% vs. 20.8%) and a higher success rate (95.8% vs. 93.0%), with wrist access showing lower odds of procedural success. Despite this, both methods proved to be effective and safe.


Assuntos
Angiografia Coronária , Ponte de Artéria Coronária , Artéria Radial , Humanos , Artéria Radial/transplante , Estudos Retrospectivos , Feminino , Masculino , Angiografia Coronária/métodos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Ponte de Artéria Coronária/métodos , Artéria Femoral , Idoso , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/cirurgia , Doença da Artéria Coronariana/diagnóstico
8.
Biomol Ther (Seoul) ; 31(2): 148-160, 2023 Mar 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36694423

RESUMO

Depression is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with persistent stress and disruption of neuronal function. Persistent stress causes neuronal atrophy, including loss of synapses and reduced size of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These alterations are associated with neural dysfunction, including mood disturbances, cognitive impairment, and behavioral changes. Synaptic plasticity is the fundamental function of neural networks in response to various stimuli and acts by reorganizing neuronal structure, function, and connections from the molecular to the behavioral level. In this review, we describe the alterations in synaptic plasticity as underlying pathological mechanisms for depression in animal models and humans. We further elaborate on the significance of phytochemicals as bioactive agents that can positively modulate stress-induced, aberrant synaptic activity. Bioactive agents, including flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, and lignans, have been reported to upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and release, suppress neuronal loss, and activate the relevant signaling pathways, including TrkB, ERK, Akt, and mTOR pathways, resulting in increased spine maturation and synaptic numbers in the neuronal cells and in the brains of stressed animals. In clinical trials, phytochemical usage is regarded as safe and well-tolerated for suppressing stress-related parameters in patients with depression. Thus, intake of phytochemicals with safe and active effects on synaptic plasticity may be a strategy for preventing neuronal damage and alleviating depression in a stressful life.

9.
Curr Probl Cardiol ; 48(7): 101691, 2023 Jul.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36921651

RESUMO

This survey aimed to investigate the extent of bullying among junior physicians in cardiology departments, by way of an anonymous web-based questionnaire in Pakistan. A survey of Pakistan cardiology trainees was piloted as a cross-sectional qualitative survey of junior cardiologists (including resident physicians and senior registrars) from teaching institutes all over Pakistan. Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised was used as the tool for monitoring and reporting bullying nationwide. Of 1852 trainees, bullying was reported by 10.2% of males and 13.4% of females. Women had higher odds of reporting being bullied (odds ratio [OR] {95% confidence interval [CI]}: 1.42 [1.07-2.36]; P-value = 0.018), and the religious minority group (Hindu) reported more bullying (OR [95% CI]: 3.27 [2.16-4.73]; P-value < 0.001). Women were more likely than men to report sexist language (24.1% vs 7.5%; P-value < 0.001) while men reported more racist language (4.2% vs 16.5%; P-value < 0.001). Consultants in cardiology (75.4%) and other specialties (68.3%) commonly perpetrated bullying on cardiology trainees. Bullying in cardiology is a common finding and proportionally affects both males and females, religious minorities, and trainees working in tertiary care hospitals. In addition, females are reporting more sexist language being used by consultants as the majority.


Assuntos
Bullying , Cardiologia , Masculino , Humanos , Feminino , Estudos Transversais , Paquistão/epidemiologia , Inquéritos e Questionários
10.
Int Immunopharmacol ; 109: 108927, 2022 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35691272

RESUMO

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gut inflammatory disease characterized by extensive colitis and remission of the symptoms. The incidence rate and prevalence of IBD are increasing worldwide; IBD affects millions of people, has poorly defined etiology, and often results in a failure of pharmacological interventions. Regardless of the cause, mucosal healing is indispensable for the regeneration of inflamed mucosa to ensure intestinal homeostasis. Intranasal immunization with the pneumococcal pep27 mutant (Δpep27) has been reported as an avirulent and live vaccine that has been proposed to suppress immune-regulated disorders, eliciting long-lasting immunity. The dose-dependent activity of Δpep27 in the lungs was measured by transcriptome analysis to investigate the long-lasting immunogenic response against IBD. Novel therapeutic targets based on the modulation of Wnt signaling and T regulatory cells interconnected with other signaling cascades in the context of IBD were investigated by qPCR and immunoblotting. M1/M2 macrophages were quantified by FACS analysis. Dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis induced significant upregulation of Th2 and Th17 as well as noncanonical Wnt5, which subsequently inhibited regulatory T (Treg) expression. In contrast, Δpep27 immunization significantly attenuated the levels of Wnt5, proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress parameters, and infiltration of inflammatory cells and enhanced barrier integrity via T helper cell homeostasis and upregulation of M2 macrophages. The data of the present study suggested that Δpep27-elicited Tregs were able to repress Wnt5a expression, assisting with the restoration of immunological tolerance and providing a robust regenerative and antioxidant milieu.


Assuntos
Colite , Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais , Animais , Colite/induzido quimicamente , Sulfato de Dextrana , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Humanos , Mucosa Intestinal , Vacinas Pneumocócicas/efeitos adversos , Streptococcus pneumoniae , Linfócitos T Reguladores , Células Th17 , Proteína Wnt-5a/genética
11.
Microorganisms ; 10(9)2022 Sep 19.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36144473

RESUMO

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a highly prevalent gut inflammatory disorder. Complicated clinical outcomes prolong the use of conventional therapy and often lead to compromised immunity followed by adverse events and high relapse rates. Thus, a profound medical intervention is required. Previously, intranasal immunization of pneumococcal pep27 mutant (Δpep27) exhibited long-lasting protection against immune-related disorders. System biology analysis has predicted an inverse correlation between Δpep27 immunization and gastroenteritis. Recently, we established that Δpep27-elicited Tregs repressed Wnt5a expression and enhanced barrier integrity, suggesting the restoration of immunological tolerance. Therefore, we evaluated whether Δpep27 can alleviate IBD. Δpep27 dose-dependent response was analyzed in dextran sulfate sodium-induced mice using transcriptome analysis. Pro- and anti-inflammatory signatures were cross-correlated by quantitative PCR and western blot analyses. To address the hierarchy regulating the activity of caspase-14, an undefined marker in IBD, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), antibody-based neutralization studies were conducted. Fecal microbiome profiles were analyzed by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing. Δpep27 significantly attenuated dextran sulfate sodium-induced oxidative stress parameters, proinflammatory cytokines, caspase-14 expression level, and upregulated tight junction, anti-inflammatory genes IL-10 and TGF-ß1 via upregulation of Tregs to restore healthy gut microbiota. Neutralization studies unveiled that ∆pep27 had a remedial effect via Treg upregulation. Caspase-14, being an important mediator in the pathogenesis of IBD, can be an alternate therapeutic target in IBD. ∆pep27-increased Tregs repressed caspase-14 expression and reversed gut microbial dysbiosis, aiding to re-establish immunological tolerance.

12.
J Ginseng Res ; 44(2): 194-204, 2020 Mar.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32148400

RESUMO

The detrimental impact of air pollution as a result of frequent exposure to fine particles posed a global public health risk mainly to the pulmonary disorders in pediatric and geriatric population. Here, we reviewed the current literature regarding the role of ginseng and/or its components as antimicrobials, especially against pathogens that cause respiratory infections in animal and in vitro models. Some of the possible mechanisms for ginseng-mediated viral inhibition suggested are improvements in systemic and mucosa-specific antibody responses, serum hemagglutinin inhibition, lymphocyte proliferation, cell survival rate, and viral clearance in the lungs. In addition, ginseng reduces the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8) and chemokines produced by airway epithelial cells and macrophages, thus preventing weight loss. In case of bacterial infections, ginseng acts by alleviating inflammatory cytokine production, increasing survival rates, and activating phagocytes and natural killer cells. In addition, ginseng inhibits biofilm formation and induces the dispersion and dissolution of mature biofilms. Most clinical trials revealed that ginseng, at various dosages, is a safe and effective method of seasonal prophylaxis, relieving the symptoms and reducing the risk and duration of colds and flu. Taken together, these findings support the efficacy of ginseng as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for respiratory infections.

13.
J Coll Physicians Surg Pak ; 30(10): 1026-1029, 2020 Oct.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33143821

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features and biochemical markers in COVID-19 patients at a tertiary care hospital, in Multan. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Pathology, Combined Military Hospital, Multan, Pakistan, from March to June 2020. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-three cases of all ages admitted in Isolation ward, Combined Military Hospital, Multan with COVID-19 were included. Clinical features like fever, cough and shortness of breath were recorded. Blood sample was collected in plain tube for biochemical features like serum albumin, ferritin, AST, LDH, CRP and urea, which were analysed in Pathology Department of the Hospital. Association of the clinical features and these biochemical markers were determined. RESULTS: In 63 patients, only one (1.6%) patient was between 1 to 12 years, 42 (66.7 %) belonged to 13 to 45 years while 20 (31.7%) patients were between 46 to 95 years. Mean age was 41.39+15.68 years. Forty-eight (76.2%) patients were males and 15 (23.8%) females. Thirteen (20.6%) patients presented with fever, 14 (22.2%) had productive cough and only 3 (4.8%) patients were aware of known history of contact. Median (IQR) value of serum ferritin, LDH, albumin, AST, CRP and urea were 176.5 (252) ng/ml, 284 (96) IU/L, 42 (7) g/L, 28 (22) U/L, 3.9 (11) mg/L and 4.25 (1.6) mmol/L, respectively. CONCLUSION: Pakistani patients with COVID-19 disease showed variable pattern of clinical features. Specific biochemical markers, particularly serum ferritin, may help in diagnosis. Key Words: Covid-19, Clinical features, Biochemical features, Multan, Pakistan.


Assuntos
Betacoronavirus , Biomarcadores/sangue , Infecções por Coronavirus/sangue , Pandemias , Pneumonia Viral/sangue , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , COVID-19 , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Infecções por Coronavirus/diagnóstico , Infecções por Coronavirus/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Paquistão/epidemiologia , Pneumonia Viral/diagnóstico , Pneumonia Viral/epidemiologia , Fatores de Risco , SARS-CoV-2 , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Adulto Jovem
14.
J Ginseng Res ; 44(4): 593-602, 2020 Jul.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32617039

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Heat stress orchestrates neurodegenerative disorders and results in the formation of reactive oxygen species that leads to cell death. Although the immunomodulatory effects of ginseng are well studied, the mechanism by which ginseng alleviates heat stress in the brain remains elusive. METHODS: Rats were exposed to intermittent heat stress for 6 months, and brain samples were examined to elucidate survival and antiinflammatory effect after Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) treatment. RESULTS: Intermittent long-term heat stress (ILTHS) upregulated the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, increasing infiltration of inflammatory cells (hematoxylin and eosin staining) and the level of proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor α, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6], leading to cell death (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay) and elevated markers of oxidative stress damage (myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde), resulting in the downregulation of antiapoptotic markers (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) and expression of estrogen receptor beta and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, key factors in regulating neuronal cell survival. In contrast, KRG mitigated ILTHS-induced release of proinflammatory mediators, upregulated the mRNA level of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10, and increased myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde levels. In addition, KRG significantly decreased the expression of the proapoptotic marker (Bax), did not affect caspase-3 expression, but increased the expression of antiapoptotic markers (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL). Furthermore, KRG significantly activated the expression of both estrogen receptor beta and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. CONCLUSION: ILTHS induced oxidative stress responses and inflammatory molecules, which can lead to impaired neurogenesis and ultimately neuronal death, whereas, KRG, being the antioxidant, inhibited neuronal damage and increased cell viability.

15.
Cureus ; 12(1): e6657, 2020 Jan 14.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32082957

RESUMO

Background & Aim It is of great importance to carefully choose appropriate donors according to strict eligibility criteria, so as to guarantee an adequate and safe blood supply. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of deferral in blood donors and evaluate the different causes of deferral in Multan. Materials & Methods This prospective study was carried out at the Blood Bank of Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Multan. All donors who came for the donation of blood from 1st February to 30th September 2019 were evaluated after taking their consent. The data was analyzed to determine the frequency and causes of deferral using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results Among 3348 individuals presenting for blood donation, 433 (12.9%) were deferred (427 males and only six females). The mean age of deferred individuals was 28.96 + 6.42 years. The youngest individual was 18 years, while the eldest one was 51 years of age. Almost 65% of the individuals were less than 30 years of age. The most frequent cause of deferral was low hemoglobin. Anemia was the leading cause of deferral in more than half of the individuals (n = 221). Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was the second most frequent cause of deferral, seen in 83 (19.2%), followed by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (n = 49, 11.3%), syphilis (n = 36, 8.3%), thrombocytopenia (n = 18, 4.2%), and active infection (n = 14, 3.2%). Other rarer causes included early donation, thrombocytosis, polycythemia, pancytopenia, malaria, allergies, insulin, and tuberculosis. Conclusion Deferral for blood donation is a significant problem in Multan and accounts for almost 13% of all prospective blood donors. Our results stress the importance of addressing the problem of anemia which is the most prevalent cause of temporary deferral for blood donation in this region of the world.

16.
Front Microbiol ; 10: 2279, 2019.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31632380

RESUMO

Capsular polysaccharides (CPS), a major virulence factor in Streptococcus pneumoniae, become thicker during blood invasion while not during asymptomatic nasopharyngeal colonization. However, the underlying mechanism controlling this differential pneumococcal CPS regulation remain unclear. Here, we show how VncR, the response regulator of the vancomycin resistance locus (vncRS operon), regulates CPS expression in vncR mutants in three serotype (type 2, 3, and 6B) backgrounds upon exposure to serum lactoferrin (LF). Comparative analysis of CPS levels in the wild type (WT) of three strains and their isogenic vncR mutants after LF exposure revealed a strain-specific alteration in CPS production. Consistently, VncR-mediated strain-specific CPS production is correlated with pneumococcal virulence, in vivo. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assay and co-immunoprecipitation revealed an interaction between VncR and the cps promoter (cpsp) in the presence of serum. In addition, in silico analysis uncovered this protein-DNA interaction, suggesting that VncR binds with the cpsp, and recognizes the strain-specific significance of the tandem repeats in cpsp. Taken together, the interaction of VncR and cpsp after serum exposure plays an essential role in regulating differential strain-specific CPS production, which subsequently determines strain-specific systemic virulence. This study highlights how host protein LF contributes to pneumococcal VncR-mediated CPS production. As CPS plays a significant role in immune evasion, these findings suggest that drugs designed to interrupt the VncR-mediated CPS production could help to combat pneumococcal infections.

17.
Virulence ; 9(1): 1562-1575, 2018.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30246592

RESUMO

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), the major pathogen for pneumonia, commonly colonizes the lung, but the mechanism underlying the coordination of virulence factors during invasion via the host protein remains poorly understood. Bacterial lysis releases the components of the cell wall, and triggers innate immunity and the subsequent secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Previously, the virulence of the pep27 mutant was shown to be attenuated as a feasible candidate for vaccine development. However, the role of pep27 gene, belonging to the vancomycin-resistance locus (vncRS operon), in virulence, is largely unknown. This study demonstrates that transferrin in the host serum reduces the survival of the host during S. pneumoniae infections in mice. The exposure of the pneumococcal D39 strain to lactoferrin induced the vncRS operon, lysis, and subsequent in vivo cytokine production, resulting in lung inflammation. However, these responses were significantly attenuated in pneumococci harboring a mutation in pep27. Mechanistically, the VncS ligand, identified as lactoferrin, induced the vncRS operon and increased the in vivo mortality rates. Thus, serum-induced activation of vncRS plays an essential role in inducing pneumonia.


Assuntos
Proteínas de Bactérias/genética , Lactoferrina/genética , Óperon , Pneumonia Pneumocócica/patologia , Streptococcus pneumoniae/genética , Streptococcus pneumoniae/patogenicidade , Células A549 , Animais , Citocinas , Humanos , Imunidade Inata , Inflamação , Lactoferrina/farmacologia , Pulmão/imunologia , Pulmão/microbiologia , Masculino , Camundongos Nus , Mutação , Streptococcus pneumoniae/efeitos dos fármacos , Transferrina , Vancomicina/farmacologia , Virulência
18.
PLoS One ; 11(4): e0152230, 2016.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27043929

RESUMO

The intensive search of new and cleaner energy catches interest in recent years due to huge consumption of fossil fuels coupled with the challenge of energy and environmental sustainability. Production of renewable and environmentally benign energy from locally available raw materials is coming in the frontline. In this work, conversion of the combined biomass (cotton gin trash, cow manure, and Microalgae [Nannochloropsis oculata]) through batch pyrolysis has been investigated. The effect of temperature to the production of energy fuels such as bio-oil, char, and biogas have been simulated considering the yield and energy content as responses. Result of the investigation generally revealed that the proportions of the different biomass did not significantly affect the product yield and energy recovery. Significant effect of temperature is evident in the simulation result of energy recovery whereby maximum conversion was achieved at 400°C for char (91 wt%), 600°C for syngas (22 wt%), and 551°C for bio-oil (48 wt%). Overall energy conversion efficiency of 75.5% was obtained at 589°C in which 15.6 MJ/kg of mixed biomass will be elevated to pyrolysis products.


Assuntos
Biocombustíveis , Fibra de Algodão , Temperatura Alta , Esterco , Microalgas/química , Animais , Bovinos
20.
J Pak Med Assoc ; 55(10): 423-7, 2005 Oct.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16304849

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and outcome of graft versus host disease after allogeneic stem cell transplant in haematological disorders at Armed Forces Bone Marrow Transplant Centre, Rawalpindi from July 2001 to December 2004. METHODS: Eighty-six patients with various haematological disorders namely aplastic anaemia (n=32), b-Thalassaemia (n=25), CML (n=22), ALL (n=3), AML (n=1) Fanconi's anaemia (n=2), and Gaucher's disease (n=1), underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation. All patients received cyclosoprin, prednisolone and short course of methotrexate as GvHD prophylaxis. The patients who developed acute GvHD > grade-II or chronic extensive GvHD received steroids at a starting dose of 2 mg/kg body weight along with gradual increase in cyclosporine dosage (max dose 12.5 mg/kg). RESULTS: The overall incidence of acute GvHD grade-II to IV was 44.2% (n=38/86) where as the incidence of chronic extensive GvHD was 14% (n=12/86). Acute GvHD was 68% (n=17/25) in beta-Thalassaemia, 50% (n=11/22) in CML, 50% (n=2/4) in Acute Leukaemias and 25% (n=8/32) in Aplastic Anaemia. Chronic GvHD was 25% (n=1/4) in Acute Leukaemias, 18.8% (n=6/32) in Aplastic Anaemia, 18.2% (n=4/22) in CML and 4% (n=1/25) in beta-Thalassaemia. The overall survival in acute GvHD was 84.2% (n=32) where as the overall survival in chronic GvHD was 50% (n=6). The overall mortality in acute GvHD was 15.8% (n=6) and 50% in chronic GvHD (n=6). CONCLUSION: The morbidity and mortality due to severe acute and chronic GvHD remains high despite standard prophylaxis against GvHD. New strategies are needed to prevent and treat GvHD.


Assuntos
Ciclosporina/uso terapêutico , Glucocorticoides/uso terapêutico , Doença Enxerto-Hospedeiro , Doenças Hematológicas/cirurgia , Imunossupressores/uso terapêutico , Transplante de Células-Tronco , Doença Aguda , Adolescente , Adulto , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Quimioterapia Combinada , Feminino , Seguimentos , Doença Enxerto-Hospedeiro/tratamento farmacológico , Doença Enxerto-Hospedeiro/epidemiologia , Humanos , Incidência , Lactente , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Paquistão/epidemiologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Transplante Homólogo , Resultado do Tratamento
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