Survival of Campylobacter jejuni in Amoebae enhances subsequent invasion of mammalian cells

Survival Assay ◽

The ubiquitous unicellular eukaryote, Acanthamoeba, is known to play a role in the survival and dissemination of Campylobacter jejuni. C. jejuni is the leading cause of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis world-wide and is a major public health problem. The ability of C. jejuni to interact and potentially invade epithelial cells is thought to be key for disease development in humans. We examined C. jejuni grown under standard laboratory conditions,11168HCBA with that harvested from within Acanthamoeba castellanii (11168HAC/CBA) or Acanthamoeba polyphaga (11168HAP/CBA), and compared their ability to invade different cell lines. C. jejuni harvested from within amoebae had a ~3.7-fold increase in invasiveness into T84 human epithelial cells and a striking ~11-fold increase for re-entry into A. castellanii cells. We also investigated the invasiveness and survivability of six diverse representative C. jejuni strains within Acanthamoeba spp., our results confirm that invasion and survivability is likely host cell dependent. Our survival assay data led us to conclude that Acanthamoeba spp. are a transient host for C. jejuni and that survival within amoebae pre-adapts C. jejuni and enhances subsequent cell invasion. This study provides new insight into C. jejuni interactions with amoebae and its increased invasiveness potential in mammalian hosts.

Current Status of Insecticide Susceptibility in the Principal Malaria Vector, Anopheles gambiae in Three Northern States of Nigeria

Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases ◽

10.18502/jad.v15i2.7489 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mustapha Ahmed Yusuf ◽

Mohammad Ali Oshaghi ◽

Hassan Vatandoost ◽

Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd ◽

Ahmadali Enayati ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anopheles Gambiae ◽

Adult Stage ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Current Status ◽

High Morbidity ◽

Study Zone ◽

Susceptibility Tests ◽

Insight Into ◽

Current Resistance

Background: Malaria is a major public health problem in Nigeria with 97% of its population with high morbidity and mortality. Mosquitoes play an important role in the transmission of malaria parasites. This study was conducted to evaluate the current resistance status of Anopheles gambiae to insecticides. Methods: Larvae of An. gambiae was collected from three zones; A, B and C differentiated on the basis of variation in agricultural ecosystems between August and November, 2018 in the northeast and northwestern parts of Nigeria. They were carefully reared to adult stage and insecticidal susceptibility tests were conducted. Results: The mosquitoes tested showed high levels of resistance to all the insecticides used with the exception of malathion. Study zone A, recorded 74% mortality after 24h to deltamethrin compared to 81% from zone B and 82% from zone C, respectively. Mosquitoes from zone B exposed to DDT had the highest level of resistance at 37% compared to 40% and 53% from zones A and C, respectively. Resistant to bendiocarb was also observed, with zone A having the lowest mortality of 44% compared to 48% from zone C and 55% from Zone B, respectively. According to the results of knockdown tests, mosquitoes from Zone A exposed to deltamethrin recorded the lowest knockdown across the study locations while zone B recorded the lowest knockdown for DDT. Conclusion: The results of the study provide an insight into the current status of An. gambiae to four major insecticides in northern Nigeria as guideline for mosquitocontrol.

Anti-Plasmodium falciparum Activity of Extracts from 10 Cameroonian Medicinal Plants

Medicines ◽

10.3390/medicines5040115 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 115 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Toghueo Rufin Marie ◽

Heroine Mbetyoumoun Mfouapon ◽

Eugenie Madiesse Kemgne ◽

Cedric Jiatsa Mbouna ◽

Patrick Tsouh Fokou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plasmodium Falciparum ◽

Medicinal Plants ◽

Mammalian Cells ◽

Cold Water ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

New Drugs ◽

Antiplasmodial Activity ◽

Drug Resistant ◽

Isolation And Identification

Background: In the midst of transient victories by way of insecticides against mosquitoes or drugs against malaria, the most serious form of malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, continues to be a major public health problem. The emergence of drug-resistant malaria parasites facilitated by fake medications or the use of single drugs has worsened the situation, thereby emphasizing the need for a continued search for potent, safe, and affordable new antimalarial treatments. In line with this need, we have investigated the antiplasmodial activity of 66 different extracts prepared from 10 different medicinal plants that are native to Cameroon. Methods: Extracts were evaluated for their capacity to inhibit the growth of the chloroquine-sensitive (Pf3D7) and resistant (PfINDO) strains of P. falciparum using the SYBR green fluorescence method. The cytotoxicity of promising extracts against human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) mammalian cells was assessed by MTT assay. Results: The antiplasmodial activity (50% inhibitory concentration, IC50) of plant extracts ranged from 1.90 to >100 μg/mL against the two strains. Six extracts exhibited good activity against both Pf3D7 and PfINDO strains, including cold water, water decoction, and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves of Drypetes principum (Müll.Arg.) Hutch. (IC503D7/INDO = 4.91/6.64 μg/mL, 5.49/5.98 μg/mL, and 6.49/7.10 μg/mL respectively), water decoction extract of leaves of Terminalia catappa L. (IC503D7/INDO = 6.41/8.10 μg/mL), and water decoction extracts of leaves and bark of Terminalia mantaly H.Perrier (IC503D7/INDO = 2.49/1.90 μg/mL and 3.70/2.80 μg/mL respectively). These promising extracts showed no cytotoxicity against HEK293T up to 200 μg/mL, giving selectivity indices (SIs) in the range of >31.20–80.32. Conclusions: While providing credence to the use of D. principum, T. catappa, and T. mantaly in the traditional treatment of malaria, the results achieved set the stage for isolation and identification of active principles and ancillary molecules that may provide us with new drugs or drug combinations to fight against drug-resistant malaria.

Apolipoprotein genetic variation and human disease

Physiological Reviews ◽

10.1152/physrev.1988.68.1.85 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 68 (1) ◽

pp. 85-132 ◽

Cited By ~ 97

Author(s):

J. L. Breslow

Keyword(s):

Genetic Variation ◽

Southern Blotting ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Restriction Enzymes ◽

Oligonucleotide Hybridization ◽

Regulatory Mutations ◽

The Many ◽

Near Future ◽

Atherosclerosis is the major public health problem in much of the world today. The information summarized in this review, based on the recognized apolipoprotein structural variants appreciated at both the protein and gene levels, indicates that apolipoprotein genetic variation plays a major role in determining human genetic susceptibility to this disease. With the use of cloned apolipoprotein genes, it should, in the near future, be possible to determine how their expression is regulated; this should provide insight into other classes of mutations of a regulatory nature that might have clinical significance. In addition, the many association and linkage studies currently being undertaken will provide the rationale for cloning defective alleles and determining specific causative mutations. Both structural and regulatory mutations can then be described either with restriction enzymes and Southern blotting or by direct oligonucleotide hybridization techniques in the general population. This will allow the identification of presymptomatic atherosclerosis-susceptible individuals who would be targets for primary preventative therapy.

Obesity–An Update on the Basic Pathophysiology and Review of Recent Therapeutic Advances

Biomolecules ◽

10.3390/biom11101426 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 1426

Author(s):

Erind Gjermeni ◽

Anna S. Kirstein ◽

Florentien Kolbig ◽

Michael Kirchhof ◽

Linnaeus Bundalian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Gut Hormones ◽

Fat Absorption ◽

Fat Utilization ◽

Intersection Points ◽

New Generation ◽

Obesity Drugs ◽

Obesity represents a major public health problem with a prevalence increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Continuous intensive efforts to elucidate the complex pathophysiology and improve clinical management have led to a better understanding of biomolecules like gut hormones, antagonists of orexigenic signals, stimulants of fat utilization, and/or inhibitors of fat absorption. In this article, we will review the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of obesity including intersection points to the new generation of antidiabetic drugs. We provide insight into the effectiveness of currently approved anti-obesity drugs and other therapeutic avenues that can be explored.

Association of Cassava Consumption with Median Urinary Iodine Concentrations and Goiter Prevalence: A Pooled Analysis of 176 Countries

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa053_115 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 910-910

Author(s):

Paddy Ssentongo ◽

Djibril Ba ◽

Matt Pelton ◽

Holly Wisnousky ◽

Nick Lazzara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Urinary Iodine ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Fold Increase ◽

World Health ◽

Urinary Iodine Concentration ◽

Salt Iodization ◽

Country Level ◽

The World ◽

Goiter Prevalence

Abstract Objectives Despite the universal iodization of salt in most parts of the world, iodine deficiency disorder remains a major public health problem, affecting over 2 billion people. Published literature on the association of over-consumption of cassava (a goitrogenic food) with lower urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and increased goiter prevalence are inconsistent. We aimed to examine the association of country-level cassava consumption with country-level median urinary iodine concentrations and goiter prevalence. Methods We analyzed data on cassava consumption (kcal/capita/day) from the food and agriculture organization (FAO), median UIC, and goiter prevalence from the World Health Organization for 176 countries. We adjusted for country-level salt iodization rates. Meta-regression analysis was used to estimate the association of cassava consumption with median UIC and goiter prevalence. Results The median UIC was: 171 μg/L; 25th and 75th percentile: 119–220). Median cassava consumption was 114 kcal/capita/day (25th and 75th percentile: 22–284). In the pooled multivariable-adjusted analysis, a 10-fold increase in salt iodization rate was significantly associated with a 157% increase in median UIC (β = 15.7, P = 0. 009. We found no association between cassava consumption and median UIC (β = −0.01, P = 0.90) or goiter prevalence (β = −0.005, P = 0.75). We consistently found no association between cassava consumption and the aforementioned outcomes in the subgroup of low and middle-income countries versus high-income countries and the lagged year of cassava consumption. Conclusions In this ecological study, the consumption of iodized salt was associated with higher median UIC. We found no association of cassava consumption with reduced median UIC or increased goiter prevalence. Funding Sources None.

Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water Modulates the Immune Response in BALB/c Mice Experimentally Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens9110974 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 974

Author(s):

Olivia Rodríguez-Morales ◽

Juan José Cabrera-Mata ◽

Silvia del C. Carrillo-Sánchez ◽

Rodolfo A. Gutiérrez-Ocejo ◽

Lidia Baylón-Pacheco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Trypanosoma Cruzi ◽

Acute Phase ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Fold Increase ◽

Health Condition ◽

Ifn Gamma ◽

Th2 Immune Response ◽

General Physical

Chagas disease is a major public health problem in Latin America. The mixed Th1/Th2 immune response is required against Trypanosoma cruzi. Electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) has been shown to have germicidal efficacy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the EOW effectiveness in T. cruzi-infected BALB/c mice clinically, immunologically, and histologically. The severity of the infection was assessed by parasitaemia, general health condition, mortality, mega syndromes, and histological lesions. IgG, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-1 beta levels were quantified. The EOW administration showed a beneficial effect on parasitaemia, general physical condition, and mortality. High levels of IgG1 at 50 days postinfection were observed. Prophylactic EOW treatment was able to induce a predominantly TH1 immune response based on an IgG2a levels increase at the late acute phase, and a 10-fold increase of IFN-gamma in whole acute phase. EOW was able to control the acute phase infection as effectively as benznidazole. Splenomegaly was caused by EOW treatment and lymphadenopathy was stimulated by T. cruzi infection in all groups. Severe tissue damage was not prevented by EOW treatments. Moderate efficacy may be due to immunomodulatory properties and not to a direct toxic effect on the parasite.

The Neurobiology of Suicide and Suicidality

The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/070674370304800504 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 48 (5) ◽

pp. 292-300 ◽

Cited By ~ 71

Author(s):

Kees van Heeringen

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Behaviour ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Stressful Events ◽

Noradrenergic System ◽

Treatment And Prevention ◽

Current State ◽

Neuropsychological Functions ◽

Pituitary Adrenal Axis ◽

Objective: To investigate the current state of knowledge regarding the neurobiology of suicide and suicidality. Method: The literature on the neurobiology of suicidality and suicide was reviewed. Results: There is clear evidence that the activity of 3 neurobiological systems has a role in the pathophysiology of suicidal behaviour. This includes hyperactivity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, dysfunction of the serotonergic (5-HTergic) system, and excessive activity of the noradrenergic system. While the first and the last system appear to be involved in the response to stressful events, dysfunction of the serotonergic system is thought to be trait-dependent and associated with disturbances in the regulation of anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression. It can be hypothesized that neurobiological dysfunctions mediate the occurrence of suicidal behaviour through the disturbed modulation of basic neuropsychological functions. Conclusion: Increasing insight into the neurobiological basis of suicidal behaviour suggests that serotonin (5-HT) agonists have an important role in the treatment and prevention of suicidal behaviour. Studies of the efficacy of such drugs have, however, been disappointing. Because suicidal behaviour continues to be a major public health problem, further study is clearly needed, including research on the effect of combined pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic approaches.

Substance Abuse and Drug-Related Death, Suicidal Ideation, and Suicide: A Review

Crisis ◽

10.1027//0227-5910.20.1.28 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 28-35 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Annie Mino ◽

Arnaud Bousquet ◽

Barbara Broers

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Substance Abuse ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Family Support ◽

Drug Users ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Hiv Epidemic

The high mortality rate among drug users, which is partly due to the HIV epidemic and partly due to drug-related accidental deaths and suicides, presents a major public health problem. Knowing more about prevalence, incidence, and risk factors is important for the development of rational preventive and therapeutic programs. This article attempts to give an overview of studies of the relations between substance abuse, suicidal ideation, suicide, and drug-related death. Research in this field is hampered by the absence of clear definitions, and results of studies are rarely comparable. There is, however, consensus about suicidal ideation being a risk factor for suicide attempts and suicide. Suicidal ideation is also a predictor of suicide, especially among drug users. It is correlated with an absence of family support, with the severity of the psychosocial dysfunctioning, and with multi-drug abuse, but also with requests for treatment. Every clinical examination of a drug user, not only of those who are depressed, should address the possible presence of suicidal ideation, as well as its intensity and duration.

Plasminogen Activation In Vivo upon Intravenous Infusion of DDAVP

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1648390 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 67 (01) ◽

pp. 111-116 ◽

Cited By ~ 64

Author(s):

Marcel Levi ◽

Jan Paul de Boer ◽

Dorina Roem ◽

Jan Wouter ten Cate ◽

C Erik Hack

Keyword(s):

Monoclonal Antibodies ◽

Plasminogen Activator ◽

Plasma Levels ◽

Fold Increase ◽

Fibrinolytic System ◽

Plasminogen Activation ◽

Plasminogen Activator Activity ◽

SummaryInfusion of desamino-d-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) results in an increase in plasma plasminogen activator activity. Whether this increase results in the generation of plasmin in vivo has never been established.A novel sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the measurement of the complex between plasmin and its main inhibitor α2 antiplasmin (PAP complex) was developed using monoclonal antibodies preferentially reacting with complexed and inactivated α2-antiplasmin and monoclonal antibodies against plasmin. The assay was validated in healthy volunteers and in patients with an activated fibrinolytic system.Infusion of DDAVP in a randomized placebo controlled crossover study resulted in all volunteers in a 6.6-fold increase in PAP complex, which was maximal between 15 and 30 min after the start of the infusion. Hereafter, plasma levels of PAP complex decreased with an apparent half-life of disappearance of about 120 min. Infusion of DDAVP did not induce generation of thrombin, as measured by plasma levels of prothrombin fragment F1+2 and thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT) complex.We conclude that the increase in plasminogen activator activity upon the infusion of DDAVP results in the in vivo generation of plasmin, in the absence of coagulation activation. Studying the DDAVP induced increase in PAP complex of patients with thromboembolic disease and a defective plasminogen activator response upon DDAVP may provide more insight into the role of the fibrinolytic system in the pathogenesis of thrombosis.

MEASLES OUTBREAK IN A RURAL AREA OF A DEVELOPING COUNTRY: A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Pakistan Journal of Public Health ◽

10.32413/pjph.v7i4.78 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 197-201

Author(s):

Mir M Hassan Bullo ◽

Mirza Amir Baig ◽

Jawad Faisal Malik ◽

Ejaz Ahmad Khan ◽

Muazam Abbas Ranjha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Maculopapular Rash ◽

Healthcare Facility ◽

Control Measures ◽

District Health ◽

Active Case

Background: Measles is highly contagious vaccine preventable disease (VPD), and a major public health problem considered as leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries like Pakistan. An outbreak of measles was reported in Sharifabad Islamabad on 15th of April 2017, and an investigation was launched to assess the magnitude of outbreak, evaluate risk factors and recommend control measures. Methods: A comprehensive house to house active case search along with vaccine coverage survey was conducted from April 19-22, 2017. A case was defined as "onset of maculopapular rash with fever in a resident of Sharifabad with at least one of the following signs/ symptoms, Coryza, Conjunctivitis, Cough, Otitis media or Pneumonia present in between 19 March to 22nd April 2017". Four age & sex matched controls were selected from the neighborhood. Data was collected through interview method using structured questionnaire and vaccination coverage was determined by using Epi survey form. Blood samples were sent for laboratory confirmation. Results: A total of eight cases were identified through active case finding while three were reported by local practitioner. Mean age of cases were 20 months (range 8-36 months). Severely affected age-group was 1-2 years with attack rate of 46%. Around two-third (64%) of cases and a few (16%) of controls were unvaccinated against measles. Contact with measles patient [OR 25.2, CI 3.9-160.1, P=0.00], unvaccinated children [OR 9.2 CI 2.12-40.4, P=0.000], social misconception regarding vaccination [OR 7.8 CI 1.42-42.6, P=0.00], and distance from healthcare facility [OR 5.7 CI 1.15-28.35, P=0.02] were significant risk factors. Vaccine efficacy was 90%. Conclusion: Main reasons of the outbreak were contact with the cases, and low vaccination status. We recommended comprehensive measles vaccination and community awareness sessions. On our recommendations district health authority Islamabad carried out mop up of whole area.