Molecular Epidemiology of Tuberculosis: Current Insights

SUMMARY Molecular epidemiologic studies of tuberculosis (TB) have focused largely on utilizing molecular techniques to address short- and long-term epidemiologic questions, such as in outbreak investigations and in assessing the global dissemination of strains, respectively. This is done primarily by examining the extent of genetic diversity of clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When molecular methods are used in conjunction with classical epidemiology, their utility for TB control has been realized. For instance, molecular epidemiologic studies have added much-needed accuracy and precision in describing transmission dynamics, and they have facilitated investigation of previously unresolved issues, such as estimates of recent-versus-reactive disease and the extent of exogenous reinfection. In addition, there is mounting evidence to suggest that specific strains of M. tuberculosis belonging to discrete phylogenetic clusters (lineages) may differ in virulence, pathogenesis, and epidemiologic characteristics, all of which may significantly impact TB control and vaccine development strategies. Here, we review the current methods, concepts, and applications of molecular approaches used to better understand the epidemiology of TB.

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Considering a Potential Role of Linalool as a Mood Stabilizer for Bipolar Disorder

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612826666200724160742 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (40) ◽

pp. 5128-5133

Author(s):

Kate Levenberg ◽

Wade Edris ◽

Martha Levine ◽

Daniel R. George

Keyword(s):

Bipolar Disorder ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Mood Stabilizer ◽

Well Being ◽

Epidemiologic Studies ◽

Treatment Regimens ◽

Bipolar Spectrum Disorders ◽

Short And Long Term

Epidemiologic studies suggest that the lifetime prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorders ranges from 2.8 to 6.5 percent of the population. To decrease morbidity and mortality associated with disease progression, pharmacologic intervention is indicated for the majority of these patients. While a number of effective treatment regimens exist, many conventional medications have significant side effect profiles that adversely impact patients’ short and long-term well-being. It is thus important to continue advancing and improving therapeutic options available to patients. This paper reviews the limitations of current treatments and examines the chemical compound Linalool, an alcohol found in many plant species, that may serve as an effective mood stabilizer. While relatively little is known about Linalool and bipolar disorder, the compound has been shown to have antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anti-depressive, and neurotrophic effects, with mechanisms that are comparable to current bipolar disorder treatment options.

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Experience with Short and Long Term Courses of Local Adrenal Steroid Therapy For Ulcerative Colitis

Gastroenterology ◽

10.1016/s0016-5085(62)80117-6 ◽

1962 ◽

Vol 42 (6) ◽

pp. 669-677 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Jean A. Spencer ◽

Joseph B. Kirsner

Keyword(s):

Ulcerative Colitis ◽

Steroid Therapy ◽

Adrenal Steroid ◽

Short And Long Term

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Short- and Long-Term Results of Total vs Subtotal Thyroid- ectomies in the Surgical Treatment of Graves' Disease

Swiss Surgery ◽

10.1024/1023-9332.7.1.20 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 20-24 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Robert ◽

Mariéthoz ◽

Pache ◽

Bertin ◽

Caulfield ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve ◽

Nerve Palsy ◽

Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy ◽

Laryngeal Nerve ◽

Long Term Results ◽

Graves Disease ◽

Laryngeal Nerve Palsy ◽

Short And Long Term

Objective: Approximately one out of five patients with Graves' disease (GD) undergoes a thyroidectomy after a mean period of 18 months of medical treatment. This retrospective and non-randomized study from a teaching hospital compares short- and long-term results of total (TT) and subtotal thyroidectomies (ST) for this disease. Methods: From 1987 to 1997, 94 patients were operated for GD. Thirty-three patients underwent a TT (mostly since 1993) and 61 a ST (keeping 4 to 8 grams of thyroid tissue - mean 6 g). All patients had received propylthiouracil and/or neo-mercazole and were in a euthyroid state at the time of surgery; they also took potassium iodide (lugol) for ten days before surgery. Results: There were no deaths. Transient hypocalcemia (< 3 months) occurred in 32 patients (15 TT and 17 ST) and persistent hypocalcemia in 8 having had TT. Two patients developed transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy after ST (< 3 months). After a median follow-up period of seven years (1-15) with five patients lost to follow-up, 41 patients having had a ST are in a hypothyroid state (73%), thirteen are euthyroid (23%), and two suffered recurrent hyperthyroidism, requiring completion of thyroidectomy. All 33 patients having had TT - with follow-ups averaging two years (0.5-8) - are receiving thyroxin substitution. Conclusions: There were no instances of persistent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in either group, but persistent hypoparathyroidism occurred more frequently after TT. Long after ST, hypothyroidism developed in nearly three of four cases, whereas euthyroidy was maintained in only one-fourth; recurrent hyperthyroidy was rare.

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