scholarly journals Caterpillar Venom: A Health Hazard of the 21st Century

Biomedicines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Seldeslachts ◽  
Steve Peigneur ◽  
Jan Tytgat

Caterpillar envenomation is a global health threat in the 21st century. Every direct or indirect contact with the urticating hairs of a caterpillar results in clinical manifestations ranging from local dermatitis symptoms to potentially life-threatening systemic effects. This is mainly due to the action of bioactive components in the venom that interfere with targets in the human body. The problem is that doctors are limited to relieve symptoms, since an effective treatment is still lacking. Only for Lonomia species an effective antivenom does exist. The health and economical damage are an underestimated problem and will be even more of a concern in the future. For some caterpillar species, the venom composition has been the subject of investigation, while for many others it remains unknown. Moreover, the targets involved in the pathophysiology are poorly understood. This review aims to give an overview of the knowledge we have today on the venom composition of different caterpillar species along with their pharmacological targets. Epidemiology, mode of action, clinical time course and treatments are also addressed. Finally, we briefly discuss the future perspectives that may open the doors for future research in the world of caterpillar toxins to find an adequate treatment.

Author(s):  
Wong Wei Syuen ◽  
Umar Nirmal ◽  
M. N. Ervina Efzan ◽  
Ammar Al Shalabi

In 21st century, kitchen sink is no longer a luxury for a house but has become a necessity. Human nowadays are pursuing for an advance kitchen sink with multiple function and ergonomic to the user. This work is a dedicated review on the design evolution of sinks from year 1973 till 2016. According to the patents review from year 1973, kitchen sink or faucet with multiple functions compiled with ergonomic features are invented and improved in its design from time to time. The patents discusses on the stand alone sink, portable basin that can be packed, use of flexible braided metal hose, sensor operated faucet, foldable kitchen sink and others design features which is crucial to the user. As part of an initiative to predict user needs in the future, future research on state of the art design and development of a smart ergonomic sink for home applications has been included in this work.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2636
Author(s):  
Fanny Pojero ◽  
Giuseppina Candore ◽  
Calogero Caruso ◽  
Danilo Di Bona ◽  
David A. Groneberg ◽  
...  

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is induced by SARS-CoV-2 and may arise as a variety of clinical manifestations, ranging from an asymptomatic condition to a life-threatening disease associated with cytokine storm, multiorgan and respiratory failure. The molecular mechanism behind such variability is still under investigation. Several pieces of experimental evidence suggest that genetic variants influencing the onset, maintenance and resolution of the immune response may be fundamental in predicting the evolution of the disease. The identification of genetic variants behind immune system reactivity and function in COVID-19 may help in the elaboration of personalized therapeutic strategies. In the frenetic look for universally shared treatment plans, those genetic variants that are common to other diseases/models may also help in addressing future research in terms of drug repurposing. In this paper, we discuss the most recent updates about the role of immunogenetics in determining the susceptibility to and the history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We propose a narrative review of available data, speculating about lessons that we have learnt from other viral infections and immunosenescence, and discussing what kind of aspects of research should be deepened in order to improve our knowledge of how host genetic variability impacts the outcome for COVID-19 patients.


2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiawen Sun ◽  
Yuan-Qin Min ◽  
Yunjie Li ◽  
Xiulian Sun ◽  
Fei Deng ◽  
...  

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), an emerging life-threatening infectious disease caused by SFTS bunyavirus (SFTSV; genus Bandavirus, family Phenuiviridae, order Bunyavirales), has been a significant medical problem. Currently, there are no licensed vaccines or specific therapeutic agents available and the viral pathogenesis remains largely unclear. Developing appropriate animal models capable of recapitulating SFTSV infection in humans is crucial for both the study of the viral pathogenic processes and the development of treatment and prevention strategies. Here, we review the current progress in animal models for SFTSV infection by summarizing susceptibility of various potential animal models to SFTSV challenge and the clinical manifestations and histopathological changes in these models. Together with exemplification of studies on SFTSV molecular mechanisms, vaccine candidates, and antiviral drugs, in which animal infection models are utilized, the strengths and limitations of the existing SFTSV animal models and some important directions for future research are also discussed. Further exploration and optimization of SFTSV animal models and the corresponding experimental methods will be undoubtedly valuable for elucidating the viral infection and pathogenesis and evaluating vaccines and antiviral therapies.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard Tornyigah ◽  
Samuel Blankson ◽  
Rafiou Adamou ◽  
Azizath Moussiliou ◽  
Lauriane Rietmeyer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Malaria-related deaths could be prevented if prompt diagnosis and prognostic biomarkers are available to allow rapid adequate treatment. Understanding of the mechanisms implicated in the progression from P. falciparum asymptomatic and uncomplicated malaria infections to severe life-threatening disease is necessary to identify such indicators. Methods: Using quantitative ELISA, we assessed the plasma concentrations of Procalcitonin, Pentraxine 3, Ang-2, sTie-2, suPAR, sEPCR, and sICAM-1 in a cohort of 337 Beninese children who presented with pediatric malaria to investigate the potential association with clinical manifestations and outcomes. Results: The molecules showed higher levels in children with severe or cerebral malaria compared to those with uncomplicated malaria. Plasmas concentrations of PTX3, PCT and the soluble receptors suPAR, sTie-2, sICAM-1 were significantly higher in children with deep coma as defined by a Blantyre Coma Score < 3 (P <0.001 for PTX3, suPAR, sTie-2, p=0.004 for PCT and p=0.005 for sICAM-1). Moreover, the concentrations of PTX3, suPAR and sEPCR were higher among children who died from severe malaria compared to those who survived with (p=0.037, p=0.035, and p=0.002 respectively).Conclusion: Our findings indicate the ability of these seven bioactive molecules to discriminate among the clinical manifestations of malaria and therefore, given their potential utility as prognostic biomarkers for severe and fatal malaria, they might be useful to improve severe cases management.


Crisis ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Andriessen ◽  
Dolores Angela Castelli Dransart ◽  
Julie Cerel ◽  
Myfanwy Maple

Abstract. Background: Suicide can have a lasting impact on the social life as well as the physical and mental health of the bereaved. Targeted research is needed to better understand the nature of suicide bereavement and the effectiveness of support. Aims: To take stock of ongoing studies, and to inquire about future research priorities regarding suicide bereavement and postvention. Method: In March 2015, an online survey was widely disseminated in the suicidology community. Results: The questionnaire was accessed 77 times, and 22 records were included in the analysis. The respondents provided valuable information regarding current research projects and recommendations for the future. Limitations: Bearing in mind the modest number of replies, all from respondents in Westernized countries, it is not known how representative the findings are. Conclusion: The survey generated three strategies for future postvention research: increase intercultural collaboration, increase theory-driven research, and build bonds between research and practice. Future surveys should include experiences with obtaining research grants and ethical approval for postvention studies.


2012 ◽  
pp. 78-90
Author(s):  
Thang Nguyen Ngoc

Knowledge and the capability to create and utilize knowledge today are consid- ered to be the most important sources of a firm’s sustainable competitive advantage. This paper aims to advance understanding of the knowledge creation of firm in Vietnam by studying Alphanam Company. The case illustrates how knowledge- based management pursues a vision for the future based on ideals that consider the relationships of people in society. The finding shows that the case succeeded because of their flexibility and mobility to keep meeting to the changing needs of the customers or stakeholders. The paper also provided some suggestions for future research to examine knowledge-based management of the companies in a different industry segments and companies originating in other countries


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document