The Long Noncoding RNA MEG3 Is Downregulated and Inversely Associated with VEGF Levels in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is becoming a major public health problem in China, especially considering the increase in average life expectancy of the population. Thus, enhanced understanding of the molecular changes associated with OA is urgently needed to develop more effective strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating disease. LncRNAs play an important role in the processes of bone and cartilage development. Maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is a maternally expressed lncRNA and may function as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting angiogenesis. OA is closely associated with angiogenesis and the inhibition of angiogenesis presents a novel therapeutic approach to reduce inflammation and pain in OA. In this study, we detected the mRNA expression of MEG3 and VEGF in articular cartilage samples from 20 OA patients and 10 healthy volunteers by real-time RT-PCR. VEGF protein is detected by ELISA in cartilage samples. The results show that human MEG3 is significantly downregulated in OA patients compared to normal cartilage samples. However, higher levels of VEGF mRNA and protein are found in OA compared to the control. Moreover, MEG3 levels are inversely associated with VEGF levels, suggesting that MEG3 may be involved in OA development through the regulation of angiogenesis.

Download Full-text

Ruxolitinib for Severe COVID-19-Related Hyperinflammation in Nonresponders to Steroids

Acta Haematologica ◽

10.1159/000516464 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Mauricio Sarmiento ◽

Patricio Rojas ◽

Joaquin Jerez ◽

Pablo Bertín ◽

James Campbell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Failure ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Early Discharge ◽

Complete Regression ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Severe Respiratory Failure ◽

Effective Strategies ◽

Previously Treated ◽

Slow Evolution

Introduction: Currently, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a major public health problem worldwide. Although most patients present a mild infection, effective strategies are required for patients who develop the severe disease. Anti-inflammatory treatment with JAK inhibitors has been considered in SARS-CoV-2. Methods: In this study, we presented our experience in a group of severe SARS-CoV-2 Chilean patients. This prospective study was performed on consecutive patients presenting severe respiratory failure owing to COVID-19 or high-risk clinical condition associated with SARS-CoV-2, and who were treated with ruxolitinib for management of associated inflammation. Overall, 18 patients presenting SARS-CoV-2 viral-induced hyperinflammation were treated with ruxolitinib, with 16 patients previously treated with steroids, 4 with tocilizumab, and 3 with both treatments. Results: Ten patients evolved with favorable response, including 7 patients admitted with severe respiratory failure (PaFi less than 200 mm Hg in high-flow nasal cannula), presenting complete regression of hyperinflammation, regression of the lung lesions, and subsequent discharge. In the remaining 8 patients, 25% showed reduced inflammation, but early discharge was not achieved owing to the slow evolution of respiratory failure. Unfortunately, 3 patients demonstrated a severe respiratory failure. The early initiation of ruxolitinib was found to be associated with better clinical evolution (p < 0.005). Conclusion: In this study, ruxolitinib resolved hyperinflammatory state in 55% of the patients, regardless of the previous steroid or tocilizumab therapy. Unfortunately, few patients demonstrated severe evolution despite ruxolitinib therapy. Notably, the treatment starting time appears to play an important role in achieving good outcomes. Further validation in randomized controlled trials is crucial.

Download Full-text

Comparison of Two Commercial ELISA Kits for the Detection of Anti-Dengue IgM for Routine Dengue Diagnosis in Laos

Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease ◽

10.3390/tropicalmed4030111 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 111 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yixiao Lu ◽

Onanong Sengvilaipaseuth ◽

Anisone Chanthongthip ◽

Ooyanong Phonemixay ◽

Manivanh Vongsouvath ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Problem ◽

Lao Pdr ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Denv Infection ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Who Criteria ◽

Igm Elisa

The endemicity of Dengue virus (DENV) infection remains a major public health problem in Lao PDR. In this study, we compared two commercial anti-dengue IgM ELISA kits, Panbio® Dengue IgM Capture ELISA (Panbio Kit, Alere, Waltham, MA, USA) and DEN DetectTM MAC-ELISA (InBios kit, InBios International, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA), in the context of diagnosis of patients admitted to hospital with clinical dengue presentation. Two panels of paired blood samples were tested. Panel A was composed of 54 dengue confirmed patients (by DENV real-time RT-PCR) and 11 non-dengue dengue patients (other infections confirmed by corresponding PCR results). Panel B included 74 patients randomly selected from consecutive patients admitted to Mahosot Hospital in 2008 with suspicion of dengue fever according to WHO criteria. Results from panel A showed significantly better sensitivity for Panbio kit (64.8%; 95%CI: 50.6–77.3%) than for InBios kit (18.5%; 95%CI: 9.3–31.4%) when testing admission sera. Sensitivity was increased for both kits when combining results from admission and convalescent sera. Concordant results were obtained from panel B with fair agreement (κ = 0.29) between both kits when testing single admission samples, and moderate agreement (κ = 0.5) when combining results from admission and convalescent sera.

Download Full-text

Awareness of Cancer-Related Malnutrition and Its Management: Analysis of the Results From a Survey Conducted Among Medical Oncologists

Frontiers in Oncology ◽

10.3389/fonc.2021.682999 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Maurizio Muscaritoli ◽

Emanuele Corsaro ◽

Alessio Molfino

Keyword(s):

Cancer Patients ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Multidisciplinary Teams ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Treatment Optimization ◽

Nutritional Interventions ◽

Effective Strategies ◽

Medical Oncologists ◽

Survey Results

Cancer is a global major public health problem, particularly in Western countries, where it represents the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease. Malnutrition is common in cancer patients and differs from starvation-related malnutrition, as it results from a combination of anorexia and metabolic dysregulation, caused by the tumor itself or by its treatment, and causing cachexia. Cancer-associated malnutrition can lead to several negative consequences, including poor prognosis, reduced survival, increased therapy toxicity, reduced tolerance and compliance to treatments, and diminished response to antineoplastic drugs. Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health in 2017, the most recent ESPEN guidelines and the PreMiO study highlighted an inadequate nutritional support in cancer patients since their first visit, and recommended an optimization of the quality of life of cancer patients in each stage of the disease, also through specific nutritional interventions by multidisciplinary teams. Based on the evidences summarized above, a survey has been carried out on a sample of 300 Italian hospital medical oncologists to evaluate their level of awareness and perception of cancer-related malnutrition and their proposals to implement effective strategies to improve nutritional care in the setting of hospital oncology departments in Italy. The survey results indicate that, despite high levels of awareness among Italian oncologists, malnutrition in cancer patients remains, at least in part, an unmet medical need, and additional efforts are necessary in terms of increased training and hiring of personnel, and of creation of organizational pathways aimed at treatment optimization based on available evidences.

Download Full-text

Abdominal tuberculosis misdiagnosed as acute surgical abdomen and carcinomatosis

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.53036.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 355

Author(s):

Edinson Dante Meregildo-Rodriguez ◽

Rosita Claudia Tafur-Ramirez ◽

Walter Giovanny Espino-Saavedra ◽

Sonia Fiorella Angulo-Prentice

Keyword(s):

Young Patients ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Abdominal Tuberculosis ◽

Definitive Diagnosis ◽

The Other ◽

Response To Treatment ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Neoplastic Lesions ◽

Low Prevalence

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem worldwide. Tuberculosis can be confused with other diseases and its diagnosis is frequently delayed, especially in areas of low prevalence. Abdominal tuberculosis includes involvement of the gastrointestinal tract, peritoneum, lymph nodes, and/or solid organs; and accounts for 5% of all cases of tuberculosis. We report two cases of young patients who presented preoperatively as acute abdomen due to acute appendicitis. During surgery, these cases were misdiagnosed as “carcinomatosis”, and in the postoperative period these cases were complicated with septic shock. In both cases, histopathology showed caseating granulomas which suggested tuberculous peritonitis and enteritis. Subsequently, RT-PCR in peritoneal fluid confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In one case the clinical response to treatment was excellent, and the other case was fatal. The aim of this report is to bring attention to the spectrum of tuberculosis, and to serve as a reminder of tuberculosis as the great imitator that can masquerade as cancer. Most tuberculous patients erroneously diagnosed as cancer have extensive “neoplastic” lesions that would suggest an advanced-stage malignancy. Assuming a case as an advanced cancer would reduce the chance of performing more exhaustive studies to get a definitive diagnosis and clinicians would be tempted to offer only palliative treatments.

Download Full-text

Abdominal tuberculosis misdiagnosed as acute surgical abdomen and carcinomatosis

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.53036.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 355

Author(s):

Edinson Dante Meregildo-Rodriguez ◽

Rosita Claudia Tafur-Ramirez ◽

Walter Giovanny Espino-Saavedra ◽

Sonia Fiorella Angulo-Prentice

Keyword(s):

Young Patients ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Abdominal Tuberculosis ◽

Definitive Diagnosis ◽

The Other ◽

Response To Treatment ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Neoplastic Lesions ◽

Low Prevalence

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem worldwide. Tuberculosis can be confused with other diseases and its diagnosis is frequently delayed, especially in areas of low prevalence. We report two cases of young patients who presented preoperatively as acute abdomen due to acute appendicitis. During the intra-operatory these cases were misdiagnosed as “carcinomatosis”, and in the postoperative period these cases were complicated with septic shock. In both cases, histopathology showed caseating granulomas which suggested tuberculous peritonitis and enteritis. Subsequently, RT-PCR in peritoneal fluid confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In one case the clinical response to treatment was excellent, and the other case was fatal. The aim of this report is to bring attention to the spectrum of tuberculosis, and to serve as a reminder of tuberculosis as the great imitator that can masquerade as cancer. Most tuberculous patients erroneously diagnosed as cancer have extensive “neoplastic” lesions that would suggest an advanced-stage malignancy. Assuming a case as an advanced cancer would reduce the chance of performing more exhaustive studies to get a definitive diagnosis and clinicians would be tempted to offer only palliative treatments.

Download Full-text

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 ◽

Major 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.

Download Full-text

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 ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

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.

Download Full-text

Medically Important Vector Borne Disease Control-Botanical Plant Extract Trials

Research in Pharmacy and Health Sciences ◽

10.32463/rphs.2018.v04i04.20 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 513

Author(s):

Rakhshan .

Keyword(s):

Disease Control ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Vector Borne Disease ◽

Development Of Resistance ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Synthetic Pesticides ◽

High Level ◽

Continuous Use ◽

Chemical Pesticides

Mosquitoes are vectors of many pathogens which causes serious human diseases like Malaria, Filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Yellow fever and Zika virus which constitute a major public health problem globally. Mosquito borne diseases cause high level of economic impact all over the world and result in millions of death every year. They infect around 700,000,000 people annually worldwide and 40,000,000 only in India. The continuous use of synthetic pesticides to control vector mosquitoes has caused physiological resistance, toxic effect on human health, environmental pollution and addition to these, its adverse effects can be observed on non-target organisms. Synthetic chemical pesticides have been proved to be effective, but overall in last 5 decades indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides against vector borne disease control have originated several ecological issues due to their residual accumulation and development of resistance in target vectors and their chronic effects.

Download Full-text

New Hope for Resistant Hypertention

Cardiovascular Journal ◽

10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12278 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 81-91

Author(s):

Z Rahman ◽

KK Karmaker ◽

M Ahmed ◽

M Aziz ◽

S Chowdhury ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Resistant Hypertension ◽

Patient Adherence ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Drug Regimen ◽

Renal Sympathetic Denervation ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Antihypertensive Medications ◽

Baroreflex Activation Therapy ◽

Activation Therapy ◽

Increasing Trends

Hypertension is a major public health problem. Despite the increasing awareness of hypertension and its implications among patients and treating physicians, the prevalence of resistant hypertension remains high.Resistant hypertension define as blood pressure that remains elevated above treatment goals despite administration of an optimal three drug regimen that include a diuretic1 The prevalence of resistant hypertension is projected to increase, owing to the aging population and increasing trends in obesity, sleep apnea, and chronic kidney disease. It is estimated that at least 10% of all patients with hypertension are resistant to existing drugs. Management of resistant hypertension must begin with a careful evaluation of the patient to confirm the diagnosis and exclude factors associated with pseudo-resistance, such as improper BP measurement technique, the white-coat effect, and poor patient adherence to life-style and/or antihypertensive medications. Despite the use of the appropriate dose and type of diuretic to overcome the management of resistant hypertension, we cant achieve our goal. But there is at least two devices namely Baroreflex Activation Therapy and Catheter-based renal sympathetic denervation make the new hope for the patient with resistant hypertension DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12278 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 5(1): 81-91

Download Full-text

Eliminating Hepatitis B from Bangladesh by the Year 2030

Journal of Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons ◽

10.3329/jbcps.v38i3.47062 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 38 (3) ◽

pp. 145-149

Author(s):

Md Golam Mustafa ◽

Md Shahinul Alam ◽

Md Golam Azam ◽

Md Mahabubul Alam ◽

Md Saiful Islam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Health Workers ◽

Health Sector ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Integrated System ◽

Hbv Infection ◽

Diagnosis And Treatment ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Medical Institutions ◽

The Government

Worldwide, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a major public health problem. Bangladesh having a large burden of HBV infection, should be a major contributor towards it’s elimination by 2030. The country has been making progress in reducing incidence of HBV infection during the past decades. The progresses are mainly due to large vaccination coverage among children and large coverage of timely birthdose vaccine for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HBV. However, Bangladesh still faces challenges in achieving target of reduction in mortality from HBV. On the basis of targets of the WHO’s Global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis 2016–2021, we highlight priorities for action towards HBV elimination. To attain the target of reduced mortality we propose that, the service coverage targets of diagnosis and treatment should be prioritized along with vaccination. Firstly, improvements are needed in the diagnostic and treatment abilities of medical institutions and health workers. Secondly, the government needs to reduce the costs of health care. Thirdly, better coordination is needed across existing national program and resources to establish an integrated system for prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of HBV infection. In this way, we can make progress towards achieving the target of eliminating HBV from Bangladesh by 2030 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38(3): 145-149

Download Full-text