HIV Rev-isited.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) proteome is expressed from alternatively spliced and unspliced genomic RNAs. However, HIV-1 RNAs that are not fully spliced are perceived by the host machinery as defective and are retained in the nucleus. During late infection, HIV-1 bypasses this regulatory mechanism by expression of the Rev protein from a fully spliced mRNA. Once imported into the nucleus, Rev mediates the export of unprocessed HIV-1 RNAs to the cytoplasm, leading to the production of the viral progeny. While regarded as a canonical RNA export factor, Rev has also been linked to HIV-1 RNA translation, stabilization, splicing and packaging. However, Rev's functions beyond RNA export have remained poorly understood. Here, we revisit this paradigmatic protein, reviewing recent data investigating its structure and function. We conclude by asking: what remains unknown about this enigmatic viral protein?

Acute oleander poisoning: A study of clinical profile from a tertiary care center in South India.

INTRODUCTION: Yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana), which belongs to the Apocyanaceae family, is a common shrub seen throughout the tropics. All parts of the plant contain high concentrations of cardiac glycosides which are toxic to cardiac muscle and the autonomic nervous system. Here, we describe the clinical profile of patients with oleander poisoning and their outcomes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This retrospective study was conducted over a period of 12 months (March 2016 to February 2017). The data was extracted from the inpatient electronic medical records. Adult patients with a diagnosis of acute yellow oleander poisoning were included in the study. Descriptive statistics were obtained for all variables in the study and appropriate statistical tests were employed to ascertain their significance. RESULTS: The study comprised 30 patients aged 30.77 ± 12.31 (mean ± SD) who presented at 12.29 ± 8.48 hours after consumption of yellow oleander. Vomiting (80%) was the most common presenting symptom. Metabolic abnormalities at presentation included hyperchloremia in 22 patients and metabolic acidosis (bicarbonate <24 mmol/L) in 29 patients. Fifteen (50%) patients had abnormal ECG, of which second-degree AV block was the commonest ECG abnormality seen in 4 (13.3%). Fifteen (50%) patients had transvenous temporary pacemaker insertion (TPI). Having a TPI significantly prolonged the duration of hospital stay (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.06-3.21, P 0.03). The mortality in the cohort was 2 (6.7%). CONCLUSION: In patients with yellow oleander poisoning, dyselectrolytemia with ECG abnormalities was common. TPI prolonged the duration of hospital stay. Further studies are required to know the indication for and to ascertain the effect of temporary pacing on survival.

Patterns of Adverse Drug Reaction in the Medical Wards of a Teaching Hospital: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition, an Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) is a response to a drug that is noxious and unintended and occurs at doses normally used in humans for the prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. The risk factors of ADR are multi-factorial and include poly-pharmacy, age, gender, race, genetics and inter-current disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a hospital based, prospective, observational cohort study undertaken in a tertiary care hospital in south India to assess the different patterns of adverse drug reaction in medical wards over 6 months. The severity of ADR was assessed using Hartwig Siegel scale and causality by Naranjo and WHO UMC Scale. Preventability was assessed using Schumock and Thornton scale and other parameters such as incidence, onset, duration, management and outcome were also assessed. Risk factors were assessed by bi-variate logistic regression analysis and length of hospital stay by T test. RESULTS: The incidence of ADR was 10.42% in medicine wards. The causality of ADR done by Naranjo scale showed that most of the ADRs were probable (7.38%). Anti-tubercular agents were the leading cause of ADR. Duration of hospitalization was significantly longer (7.18 ± 2.64 vs. 5.06 ± 2.13 days) in patients with ADR (Odds ratio 1.38, 95% Confidence interval 1.26 to 1.51). 7.28% of ADRs were moderately severe. Seriousness criteria assessment showed that 0.33% were serious reactions. Most of the ADRs were definitely preventable. Most of the ADRs were managed by discontinuing the suspected drug. The present study showed female gender predominance over males for ADRs and no relationship with age. CONCLUSION: Adverse drug reactions impose significant burden on hospitals through prolonging patient stay and by increasing admission rates. The occurrence of ADR in this study was higher when compared to that reported in previous studies. This study highlights the importance of ADR reporting among ADR reporting among health care professionals in hospital.