scholarly journals Association between Tobacco and Tuberculosis: A short narrative review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 202-206
Author(s):  
Shilpa Gupta ◽  
Reena Jhamtani C ◽  
Nilesh Jain ◽  
Mahienoor Attarwala Z

Tobacco use increases the risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB), and blights the response to treatment of the disease. Although Links between Tobacco and TB have long been suspected, still many Indian patients continue to use tobacco. Our goal is to couple reviews of older and new research to provide definitive evidence of this dangerous connection so as to put an end to the TB epidemic.: Search of studies with English language abstract published between 2000 to June 2020 was undertaken in Google Scholar and PubMed. Search included the use of keywords “tobacco” with “tuberculosis,” “cessation,” or ‘’Tuberculosis Control Programme’’. Reference lists of the articles were examined for other relevant titles that included effective estimates of tobacco exposure in relation to tuberculosis outcomes.: Available evidence shows a strong association between tobacco and tuberculosis. People who use tobacco unknowingly put themselves at high risk of getting this disease. Reduction in the prevalence of tobacco use is urgent to bring about collateral benefits in the control of the TB problem.It is high time that TB control programs must begin to address tobacco control. Within the healthcare system opportunities must be created to provide encouragement for the TB patients so that it is easier for them to overcome this addiction.There urgent need for research in the field of tobacco and tuberculosis so as to reduce the burden of tuberculosis in India.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Fitzpatrick ◽  
D Byrne ◽  
J Cranwell ◽  
A Gilmore

Abstract Background There is clear evidence that exposure to tobacco is linked to smoking uptake. The economic and social burden of diseases associated with smoking is particularly high in low-and middle-income countries, where smoking uptake is high and exposure to tobacco use and branded content is widespread. Streamed content exhibits consistently higher levels of tobacco content than broadcast media and these levels have increased. The prevalence of smoking and tobacco content in video-on-demand (VOD) services is troubling given their popularity with youth audiences and the ease with which content can be accessed by children. This is because barriers to youth consumption that exist for film or broadcast media, including content gatekeepers, are absent. Methods The most popular VOD series from 10 low- and middle-income countries (Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Ukraine and Vietnam) were identified based on demand expressions and coded for individual depictions of tobacco. 18 series were analysed, representing a mix of international content in several languages. 111 episodes, totalling 81.4 hours of coded content, were analysed for tobacco depictions and characterisation of smoking characters. Results Tobacco content was prevalent and particularly prominent in non-English language series, where readily identifiable “stars” frequently partook in smoking. Cigarettes dominated tobacco imagery, with other forms (pipes and electronic nicotine delivery systems) rarely appearing. Notably, there were several incidents featuring well-known brands. Given that access to VOD services is difficult to moderate, youth audiences can easily access programming featuring high levels of tobacco use by identifiable characters, played by well-known actors. A lack of control regarding consumption of streamed content means that it is extremely important for content producers like Netflix and Amazon to ensure VOD content is suitable for youth audiences. Key messages Tobacco content in video-on demand services is increasing. Tobacco exposure is linked to smoking uptake.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 476-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Augusto de Melo ◽  
Ana Flávia Almeida-Santos

The current pharmacological strategies for the management of anxiety disorders and depression, serious conditions which are gaining greater prevalence worldwide, depend on only two therapeutic classes of mood-stabilizing drugs: Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs). Although first line agents with proven efficacy, their clinical success in the management of anxiety disorders and depression is still considered highly complex due to the multifaceted nature of such conditions. Several studies have shown a possible therapeutic target could be found in the form of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme [ACE] type 2 (ACE2), Angiotensin [Ang]-(1-7) and Mas receptor pathway of the Renin- Angiotensin System (RAS), which as will be discussed, has been described to exhibit promising therapeutic properties for the management of anxiety disorders and depression. In this article, the literature to describe recent findings related to the role of the RAS in anxiety and depression disorders was briefly revised. The literature used covers a time range from 1988 to 2019 and were acquired from the National Center for Biotechnology Information’s (NCBI) PubMed search engine. The results demonstrated in this review are promising and encourage the development of new research for the treatment of anxiety and depression disorders focusing on the RAS. In conclusion, the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas pathway may exhibit anxiolytic and anti-depressive effects through many possible biochemical mechanisms both centrally and peripherally, and result in highly promising mental health benefits which justifies further investigation into this system as a possible new therapeutic target in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders, including any as of yet undescribed risk-benefit analysis compared to currently-implemented pharmacological strategies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dina Sweed ◽  
Eman Abdelsameea ◽  
Esraa A. Khalifa ◽  
Heba Abdallah ◽  
Heba Moaz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The pandemic of COVID19 which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first described in China as an unexplained pneumonia transmitted by respiratory droplets. Gastrointestinal (GI) and liver injury associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported as an early or sole disease manifestation, mainly outside China. The exact mechanism and incidence of GI and liver involvement are not well elucidated. Main body We conducted a PubMed search for all articles written in the English language about SARS-CoV-2 affecting the GI and liver. Following data extraction, 590 articles were selected. In addition to respiratory droplets, SARS-CoV-2 may reach the GI system through the fecal-oral route, saliva, and swallowing of nasopharyngeal fluids, while breastmilk and blood transmission were not implicated. Moreover, GI infection may act as a septic focus for viral persistence and transmission to the liver, appendix, and brain. In addition to the direct viral cytopathic effect, the mechanism of injury is multifactorial and is related to genetic and demographic variations. The most frequently reported GI symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding. However, liver infection is generally discovered during laboratory testing or a post-mortem. Radiological imaging is the gold standard in diagnosing COVID-19 patients and contributes to understanding the mechanism of extra-thoracic involvement. Medications should be prescribed with caution, especially in chronic GI and liver patients. Conclusion GI manifestations are common in COVID-19 patients. Special care should be paid for high-risk patients, older males, and those with background liver disease.


2020 ◽  
pp. 089719002097962
Author(s):  
Edna Patatanian ◽  
David R. Nguyen

Objectives: To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of Brexanolone and define its role in the treatment of postpartum depression. Date Sources: A MEDLINE/PubMed search was conducted (1980-May 2020) using the following keywords: postpartum depression, antidepressants, pharmacologic therapy, drug therapy, and brexanolone to identify relevant articles. Study Selection/Data Extraction: Literature search was limited to human studies published in the English language. Phase I, II, and III studies evaluating the pharmacology, efficacy, safety of brexanolone for postpartum depression were included. Bibliographies of relevant articles evaluating postpartum depression and treatment were reviewed for additional citations and background information. Data Synthesis: Brexanolone is a soluble, proprietary, injectable formulation of allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroid that modulates neuronal excitability. Allopregnanolone levels increase during pregnancy and decrease substantially after birth. These fluctuations have profound effects on anxiety and depression. Three clinical trials established the efficacy and safety of brexanolone in the treatment of postpartum depression. In all 3 trials, brexanolone had an acceptable safety profile and was well tolerated. The most common adverse effects were loss of consciousness, sedation, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, and flushing. Due to sudden loss of consciousness and excessive sedation, continuous pulse oximetry is recommended. Conclusion: Brexanolone has a novel mechanism of action and appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of moderate to severe postpartum depression. At present, high cost, serious adverse effects, and restricted access may limit its use in clinical practice.


2021 ◽  
pp. 106002802110233
Author(s):  
C. Michael White

Objective Assess the current daily interim reference level of lead and the amount contained in current mineral and multivitamin-multimineral (MVM) products. Data Sources PubMed search from 1980 to May 15, 2021, limited to the English language, via the search strategy ((mineral OR multivitamin OR calcium OR iron OR magnesium OR copper OR zinc OR chromium OR selenium) AND (heavy metals OR Pb OR lead)). Study Selection and Data Extraction Narrative review of studies assessing lead content in mineral or MVM products. Data Synthesis Products containing different calcium forms (dolomite, bone meal, natural carbonate) have historically had higher lead levels than others (refined carbonate, lactate, gluconate, acetate, sevelamer), but the gap has closed considerably since the year 2000. Although only limited assessments of magnesium and zinc supplements have been conducted, no alarming average lead amounts were found. MVM products assessed since 2007 had low median or mean lead concentrations. However, large interproduct differences exist, with many products having very little lead and some products having concerning amounts. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice It is difficult for pharmacists and consumers to know the amount of lead in an actual product unless it is tested in an independent third-party lab. The United States Pharmacopeia and NSF International will provide a seal on the products stating that the products have a low level of lead, but even so, children could receive more lead than the Food and Drug Administration’s Interim Reference Level. Conclusions The threat from lead exposure in mineral and MVM products have diminsihed considerably over time but some products can still have excessive amounts. Without third-party testing, it is difficult for clinicians and consumers to know which outlier products to avoid.


2021 ◽  
pp. 112-122
Author(s):  
Ricardo Fernández-Ferreira ◽  
Ildefonso Roberto De la Peña-López ◽  
Karla Walkiria Zamudio-Coronado ◽  
Luis Antonio Delgado-Soler ◽  
María Eugenia Torres-Pérez ◽  
...  

Calcitonin-negative neuroendocrine tumor (CNNET) of the thyroid is an extremely rare entity. In some of the previously reported cases within the literature, the terms “atypical medullary thyroid carcinoma,” “calcitonin-free oat cell carcinoma,” and “a distinct clinical entity” were applied to NETs without definitive evidence of calcitonin production. In the English-language literature, not only are there only few reported cases of CNNET, but the criteria for diagnosis in these cases are also controversial. Most of the current published cases were also treated surgically for local disease. We describe a case of NET of the thyroid with calcitonin, chromogranin A and thyroglobulin negativity, synaptophysin and TTF-1 positivity, and a high Ki-67 proliferation index with metastases in the cervical region as well as mediastinal adenopathies. This case was considered an unresectable thyroid carcinoma, and chemotherapy including cisplatin and etoposide was started as neoadjuvant treatment at the department of medical oncology. Total thyroidectomy plus bilateral and central cervical dissection was performed, and the patient underwent 2 cycles of adjuvant radiotherapy. Currently, the patient’s 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings show a complete response 17 months after diagnosis. In conclusion, CNNET of the thyroid is very rare and there is limited evidence regarding treatment in patients with metastases. Chemotherapy including cisplatin and etoposide as well as early aggressive surgical resection appears to positively impact patients’ survival.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adegoke Oloruntoba Adelufosi ◽  
Olukayode Abayomi

The Nigerian home video industry, popularly known as <em>Nollywood</em> is a booming industry, with increasing numbers of easily accessible online videos. The aim of this study was to analyse the contents of popular Nigerian online videos to determine the prevalence of smoking imageries and their public health implications. Using specific search terms, popular English language and indigenous Yoruba language, Nigerian home videos uploaded on <em>YouTube</em> in 2013 were identified and sorted based on their view counts. Data on smoking related scenes such as smoking incidents, context of tobacco use, depiction of cigarette brand, gender of smokers and film rating were collected. Of the 60 online videos whose contents were assessed in this study, 26 (43.3%) had scenes with cigarrete smoking imageries. The mean (SD) smoking incident was 2.7 (1.6), giving an average of one smoking incident for every 26 to 27 min of film. More than half (53.8%) of the films with tobacco use had high smoking imageries. An average of 2 characters per film smoked, mostly in association with acts of criminality or prostitution (57.7%) and alcohol use (57.7%). There were scenes of the main protagonists smoking in 73.1% of the films with scenes of female protagonists smoking (78.9%) more than the male protagonists (21.1%). Smoking imageries are common in popular Nigerian online movies. Given the wide reach of online videos, their potential to be viewed by people from different cultures and to negatively influence youngsters, it is important that smoking portrayals in online movies are controlled.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 593-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Vieira do Nascimento

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the links between climate finance and tourism adaptation development. Besides increasing adaptation and mitigation efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions, climate change remains a major challenge in the twenty-first century and beyond especially for tourism which is highly climate sensitive. Hence, it is necessary for tourism to adapt to survive. The aim of the study is to provide a systematic overview of the topic to offer a foundation for better understanding different ways of integrating climate finance initiatives with tourism. Design/methodology/approach The research focused on the top-ranked, peer reviewed journals of each of the two selected research fields. To address this topic, an in-depth systematic literature review in the fields of climate change finance and tourism adaptation development was conducted. Furthermore, because it is a relatively new research topic, conference proceedings were also explored. To guarantee wide coverage of the literature, a query of the following scholarly databases was considered: Elsevier, ScienceDirect and Web of Science. Findings Based on the analyses of the literature available on the topic, the paper highlights the main research trends and conclusions. It is argued that there is imbalance of knowledge on climate change finance as it relates to tourism. To date, there have been relatively few published articles on this topic in the context of tourism. Based on the findings, promising areas for future research were identified, and in particular for small island communities and recommendations for future research are outlined. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited by the scope of the literature review accessed by the researcher. The results of this review may vary according to the databases used. Originality/value Currently, there is no extensive review of articles on climate finance and tourism adaptation. This paper aims at reviewing climate finance studies published in English language to explore knowledge gaps in tourism adaptation. Sets of themes being advanced are also highlighted. Recommendations for future research are provided.


2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 143-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramesh Pandita ◽  
Meenakshi Koul ◽  
Shivendra Singh

Purpose The purpose of this study is to reflect a growing trend toward the introduction of new research journals in India. The study focuses on the number of journals introduced in India during the past decade, namely, for the period 2005-2014. Some of the key aspects analyzed include year-wise distribution of journals introduced, cumulative and annual corresponding growth of newly introduced journals, publishing form of journals, namely, online, print and hybrid. Some other aspects studied include distribution of journals on the basis of language, periodicity, state, etc. for both online and print journals. Design/methodology/approach To undertake the present study, data were retrieved from the official website of the National Science Library, New Delhi, and the analysis is based on the number of ISSN numbers issued by the National Science Library New Delhi during the period of study. Findings A total of 15,631 research journals were introduced in India from 2005 through 2014. Compared to 4,954 (31.69 per cent) online journals, 10,614 (67.90 per cent) print journals were introduced in India during the past decade, depicting print as the larger medium of journal publishing in India. During the period of study, research journals in India grew annually at 31.44 per cent. New Delhi, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh emerged as the three leading research journal publishing states of the country, while 82.86 per cent journals are published in English language and a maximum 32.52 per cent journals are published on a quarterly basis. Originality/value The study is first of its kind undertaken in India.


Cartilage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1790S-1801S
Author(s):  
Guglielmo Schiavon ◽  
Gianluigi Capone ◽  
Monique Frize ◽  
Stefano Zaffagnini ◽  
Christian Candrian ◽  
...  

Objective Inflammation plays a central role in the pathophysiology of rheumatic diseases as well as in osteoarthritis. Temperature, which can be quantified using infrared thermography, provides information about the inflammatory component of joint diseases. This systematic review aims at assessing infrared thermography potential and limitations in these pathologies. Design A systematic review was performed on 3 major databases: PubMed, Cochrane library, and Web of Science, on clinical reports of any level of evidence in English language, published from 1990 to May 2021, with infrared thermography used for diagnosis of osteoarthritis and rheumatic diseases, monitoring disease progression, or response to treatment. Relevant data were extracted, collected in a database, and analyzed for the purpose of this systematic review. Results Of 718 screened articles 32 were found to be eligible for inclusion, for a total of 2094 patients. Nine studies reported the application to osteoarthritis, 21 to rheumatic diseases, 2 on both. The publication trend showed an increasing interest in the last decade. Seven studies investigated the correlation of temperature changes with osteoarthritis, 16 with rheumatic diseases, and 2 with both, whereas 2 focused on the pre-post evaluation to investigate treatment results in patients with osteoarthritis and 5 in patients with rheumatic diseases. A correlation was shown between thermal findings and disease presence and stage, as well as the clinical assessment of disease activity and response to treatment, supporting infrared thermography role in the study and management of rheumatic diseases and osteoarthritis. Conclusions The systematic literature review showed an increasing interest in this technology, with several applications in different joints affected by inflammatory and degenerative pathologies. Infrared thermography proved to be a simple, accurate, noninvasive, and radiation-free method, which could be used in addition to the currently available tools for screening, diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression, and response to medical treatment.


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