Human monkeypox - After 40 years, an unintended consequence of smallpox eradication.

Monkeypox is one of the many zoonotic viruses that belong to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family with a similar clinical appearance to smallpox. The symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, and lymphadenopathy. The transmission of monkeypox occurs from infected animals to humans or through direct contact (sexual or skin-to-skin), respiratory droplets, and clothing such as towels. The incidence of monkeypox is rising drastically over the world. This short communication discusses the causes of the rising monkeypox cases and emphasizes strategies to prevent the spread of the virus.

Promising role of temelimab in multiple sclerosis treatment.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic debilitating neurological disease affecting young adults. The disease involves immune-mediated demyelination of nerve fibers and neurons that leads to disruption of brain-body communication, leading to permanent nerve damage. MS-associated retrovirus envelope protein (MSRV-Env) has been detected in the blood and lesions of MS patients, and its role is suggested in the pathogenesis of MS. Temelimab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that targets the MSRV-Env protein and neutralizes its action. Several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug in MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systemic search was conducted from electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) from inception to 11th sept 2021. All statistical analysis was conducted in Review Manager 5.4.1. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were selected. Those studies were selected which compared Temelimab therapy to inactive control. The primary outcome of interest was drug safety and efficacy; information about immunogenicity was also included. Random-effect model was used to pool the studies, and the result was reported in the risk ratio (RR) with corresponding 95% Confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Phase I, Phase II-a and Phase II-b trials demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of Temelimab. Our analysis showed statistically non-significant Risk Ratio (RR) of Adverse events in Temelimab group than that in placebo group (1.01 [0.70,1.46]; p-value = 0.94; I2 = 0%) . Considering the effect of Temelimab on brain lesions, pooled result showed statistically significant Risk Ratio (RR) of brain lesions in placebo group than that in Temelimab group (0.75 [0.69,0.81), p-value < 0.00001, I2 = 0% CONCLUSION: Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the trials assessing the safety and efficacy of Temelimab demonstrate that the drug is safe as well as favourable for use in MS patients.

Effects of Vitamin D on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity and Autoimmunity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study aims to assess the role of vitamin D on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and its effects on systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI), anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), C3, C4, and fatigue in patients with SLE. A systemic search was conducted using three electronic databases, i.e., PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Review Manager 5.4.1 (The Cochrane Collaboration, The Nordic Cochrane Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark) was employed for statistical analysis. All studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. A random-effect model was used to pool the studies, and the result was reported in the standard mean difference (SMD) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval. Six randomized controlled trials were selected. Five outcomes were assessed (SLEDAI, anti-dsDNA, C3, C4, and fatigue) to evaluate the role of vitamin D in SLE patients. A significant decrease in SLEDAI (SMD = -0.85 (-1.12, -0.58); p < 0.00001; I2   = 42%) and a non-significant decrease in anti-dsDNA (SMD = -0.09 (-0.03, 0.12); p = 0.42; I2   = 0%) was noted. A significant increase in levels of C3 (SMD = 0.30 (0.09, 0.51); p = 0.006; I2 = 0%) and fatigue (SMD = -1.27 (-2.38, -0.16); p = 0.02; I2 = 56%) was noted when vitamin D was used. Insignificant difference was observed in C4 (SMD = 0.20 (-0.02, 0.41); p = 0.07; I2   = 0%). Vitamin D in SLE patients showed a significant decrease in SLEDAI scores and a significant increase in C3 levels. The effect of vitamin D on fatigue was inconclusive. No significant difference in anti-dsDNA and C4 levels was noted.