Brain-eating Amoebae Infection: Challenges and Opportunities in Chemotherapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 980-987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ridwane Mungroo ◽  
Ayaz Anwar ◽  
Naveed Ahmed Khan ◽  
Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Outdoor Activities ◽  
The Past ◽  
Free Living Amoeba ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Living Nature ◽  
Treatment And Diagnosis

Pathogenic free-living amoeba are known to cause a devastating infection of the central nervous system and are often referred to as “brain-eating amoebae”. The mortality rate of more than 90% and free-living nature of these amoebae is a cause for concern. It is distressing that the mortality rate has remained the same over the past few decades, highlighting the lack of interest by the pharmaceutical industry. With the threat of global warming and increased outdoor activities of public, there is a need for renewed interest in identifying potential anti-amoebic compounds for successful prognosis. Here, we discuss the available chemotherapeutic options and opportunities for potential strategies in the treatment and diagnosis of these life-threatening infections.

Acute Liver Failure

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 420-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ami Grek ◽  
Lisa Arasi
Keyword(s):  
Renal Failure ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Respiratory Failure ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Liver Failure ◽  
Acute Liver Failure ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
The Past ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Life Threatening

Acute liver failure, also known as fulminant hepatic failure, is a rare life-threatening disease that has a high mortality rate and affects many organ systems. Causes of acute liver failure vary—it can be attributed to drugs, viruses, and other uncommon sources. Complications of liver failure can include encephalopathy, cerebral edema, sepsis, renal failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and respiratory failure. Fortunately, with advances in critical care medicine and emergent liver transplant, mortality rates have decreased in the past decade. This article reviews acute liver failure, its manifestations in different organ systems, and its treatment.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE CULTURE AND MAINTENANCE OF A FREE-LIVING AMOEBA

1956 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 511-513
Author(s):  
A. Bakerspigel
Keyword(s):  
Pure Culture ◽  
Agar Medium ◽  
Sole Source ◽  
Malt Agar ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Negative Bacillus ◽  
The Past ◽  
Gram Negative Bacillus ◽  
Free Living Amoeba

A free-living amoeba isolated from creek water could be grown at 24 °C. on a solid malt agar medium together with a pure culture of a motile Gram-negative bacillus, isolated from the same sample of water. The bacilli apparently served as the sole source of food for the trophozoites, the malt in the medium being-utilized by the bacilli for their own growth. In addition, the encysted form has been maintained on this medium at 24 °C. for the past 12 months and at 4 °C. for 10 months. Transfers to fresh medium of cysts from such cultures yielded numerous trophozoites after 12 hr. incubation at 24 °C, provided that metabolically active bacilli were present.

scholarly journals Halved Incidence of Scrub Typhus after Travel Restrictions to Confine a Surge of COVID-19 in Taiwan

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1386
Author(s):  
En-Cheng Lin ◽  
Hung-Pin Tu ◽  
Chien-Hui Hong
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Skin Lesion ◽  
Scrub Typhus ◽  
Rural Regions ◽  
Rickettsial Disease ◽  
Outdoor Activities ◽  
The Past ◽  
First Case ◽  
Travel Restrictions

Scrub typhus is a rickettsial disease that is usually transmitted by mite exposure. Infected patients may present with a fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle pain. A blackish skin lesion, called eschar, is pathognomic. The mortality rate in untreated cases is high. The first case of scrub typhus in Taiwan was reported in 1908 during the Japanese colonization. In this article, using the National Infectious Disease Statistics System (NIDSS) from the Taiwan CDC, we analyzed the dynamic incidence of scrub typhus from 2016 to 2021, both seasonally and geographically. In addition, we asked whether the recent travel restrictions and social distancing policy in Taiwan (19 May to 27 July 2021), implemented due to the COVID-19 outbreak, would change the incidence of scrub typhus. The results showed that scrub typhus was most common in summer, with an incidence almost twofold greater than that in winter or spring. Most cases were identified in rural regions. Interestingly, there was a significant 52% reduction in the summer incidence in 2021, compared to the average summer incidence of the past 5 years. This reduction coincided with the countrywide lockdown measures and travel restrictions. The restricted measures for outdoor activities may have contributed to the reduced incidence of scrub typhus.

Response to Steroids in IQSEC2-Related Encephalopathy Presenting with Rett-Like Phenotype and Infantile Spasms

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Divya Nagabushana ◽  
Aparajita Chatterjee ◽  
Raghavendra Kenchaiah ◽  
Ajay Asranna ◽  
Gautham Arunachal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Late Onset ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Epileptic Encephalopathy ◽  
Infantile Spasms ◽  
The Past ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Motor Milestone ◽  
Behavior And Cognition ◽  
Atypical Rett Syndrome

Abstract Introduction IQSEC2-related encephalopathy is an X-linked childhood neurodevelopmental disorder with intellectual disability, epilepsy, and autism. This disorder is caused by a mutation in the IQSEC2 gene, the product of which plays an important role in the development of the central nervous system. Case Report We describe the symptomatology, clinical course, and management of a 17-month-old male child with a novel IQSEC2 mutation. He presented with an atypical Rett syndrome phenotype with developmental delay, autistic features, midline stereotypies, microcephaly, hypotonia and epilepsy with multiple seizure types including late-onset infantile spasms. Spasms were followed by worsening of behavior and cognition, and regression of acquired milestones. Treatment with steroids led to control of spasms and improved attention, behavior and recovery of lost motor milestone. In the past 10 months following steroid therapy, child lags in development, remains autistic with no further seizure recurrence. Conclusion IQSEC2-related encephalopathy may present with atypical Rett phenotype and childhood spasms. In resource-limited settings, steroids may be considered for spasm remission in IQSEC2-related epileptic encephalopathy.

The Evolution of Lead Extraction

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Melanie Maytin ◽  
Laurence M Epstein ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Selection ◽  
Lead Extraction ◽  
Significant Morbidity ◽  
Extraction Techniques ◽  
Extraction Technology ◽  
Device Management ◽  
Future Developments ◽  
The Past ◽  
New Methods ◽  
Life Threatening

Prior to the introduction of successful intravascular countertraction techniques, options for lead extraction were limited and dedicated tools were non-existent. The significant morbidity and mortality associated with these early extraction techniques limited their application to life-threatening situations such as infection and sepsis. The past 30 years have witnessed significant advances in lead extraction technology, resulting in safer and more efficacious techniques and tools. This evolution occurred out of necessity, similar to the pressure of natural selection weeding out the ineffective and highly morbid techniques while fostering the development of safe, successful and more simple methods. Future developments in lead extraction are likely to focus on new tools that will allow us to provide comprehensive device management and the design of new leads conceived to facilitate future extraction. With the development of these new methods and novel tools, the technique of lead extraction will continue to require operators that are well versed in several methods of extraction. Garnering new skills while remembering the lessons of the past will enable extraction technologies to advance without repeating previous mistakes.

Balamuthia mandrillaris: A Rare Free-Living Amoeba

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Chan ◽  
Mirella Mircescu ◽  
Pratik Shah ◽  
Andrew Liguori ◽  
Aaron Shmookler
Keyword(s):  
Free Living ◽  
Balamuthia Mandrillaris ◽  
Free Living Amoeba

A fatal case of meningoencephalitis due to a free-living amoeba of uncertain identity—probably acanthamoeba SP

Pathology ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodney F. Carter ◽  
G.J. Cullity ◽  
V.J. Ojeda ◽  
P. Silberstein ◽  
E. Willaert
Keyword(s):  
Fatal Case ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Free Living Amoeba

scholarly journals Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy: Overview of an Emerging Medical Problem from Pathophysiology to Outcomes

Medicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Gabriele Savioli ◽  
Iride Francesca Ceresa ◽  
Luca Caneva ◽  
Sebastiano Gerosa ◽  
Giovanni Ricevuti
Keyword(s):  
Major Trauma ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Medical Problem ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Potential Drug ◽  
The Past ◽  
Trauma Induced Coagulopathy ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Trauma Mortality

Coagulopathy induced by major trauma is common, affecting approximately one-third of patients after trauma. It develops independently of iatrogenic, hypothermic, and dilutive causes (such as iatrogenic cause in case of fluid administration), which instead have a pejorative aspect on coagulopathy. Notwithstanding the continuous research conducted over the past decade on Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy (TIC), it remains a life-threatening condition with a significant impact on trauma mortality. We reviewed the current evidence regarding TIC diagnosis and pathophysiological mechanisms and summarized the different iterations of optimal TIC management strategies among which product resuscitation, potential drug administrations, and hemostatis-focused approaches. We have identified areas of ongoing investigation and controversy in TIC management.

scholarly journals The Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis and Alzheimer Disease. From Dysbiosis to Neurodegeneration: Focus on the Central Nervous System Glial Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2358
Author(s):  
Maria Grazia Giovannini ◽  
Daniele Lana ◽  
Chiara Traini ◽  
Maria Giuliana Vannucchi
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer Disease ◽  
Glial Cells ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Diseased State ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Alzheimer Disease Pathogenesis ◽  
Brain Homeostasis

The microbiota–gut system can be thought of as a single unit that interacts with the brain via the “two-way” microbiota–gut–brain axis. Through this axis, a constant interplay mediated by the several products originating from the microbiota guarantees the physiological development and shaping of the gut and the brain. In the present review will be described the modalities through which the microbiota and gut control each other, and the main microbiota products conditioning both local and brain homeostasis. Much evidence has accumulated over the past decade in favor of a significant association between dysbiosis, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Presently, the pathogenetic mechanisms triggered by molecules produced by the altered microbiota, also responsible for the onset and evolution of Alzheimer disease, will be described. Our attention will be focused on the role of astrocytes and microglia. Numerous studies have progressively demonstrated how these glial cells are important to ensure an adequate environment for neuronal activity in healthy conditions. Furthermore, it is becoming evident how both cell types can mediate the onset of neuroinflammation and lead to neurodegeneration when subjected to pathological stimuli. Based on this information, the role of the major microbiota products in shifting the activation profiles of astrocytes and microglia from a healthy to a diseased state will be discussed, focusing on Alzheimer disease pathogenesis.

scholarly journals The first 10 years of the international coordination network for standards in systems and synthetic biology (COMBINE)

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2-3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dagmar Waltemath ◽  
Martin Golebiewski ◽  
Michael L Blinov ◽  
Padraig Gleeson ◽  
Henning Hermjakob ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Data Model ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Life Sciences ◽  
The Past ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Stakeholder Workshop ◽  
Software Engineers ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Modeling In Biology

AbstractThis paper presents a report on outcomes of the 10th Computational Modeling in Biology Network (COMBINE) meeting that was held in Heidelberg, Germany, in July of 2019. The annual event brings together researchers, biocurators and software engineers to present recent results and discuss future work in the area of standards for systems and synthetic biology. The COMBINE initiative coordinates the development of various community standards and formats for computational models in the life sciences. Over the past 10 years, COMBINE has brought together standard communities that have further developed and harmonized their standards for better interoperability of models and data. COMBINE 2019 was co-located with a stakeholder workshop of the European EU-STANDS4PM initiative that aims at harmonized data and model standardization for in silico models in the field of personalized medicine, as well as with the FAIRDOM PALs meeting to discuss findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR) data sharing. This report briefly describes the work discussed in invited and contributed talks as well as during breakout sessions. It also highlights recent advancements in data, model, and annotation standardization efforts. Finally, this report concludes with some challenges and opportunities that this community will face during the next 10 years.

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