scholarly journals Neurobiological Basis of Increased Risk for Suicidal Behaviour

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2519
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Wisłowska-Stanek ◽  
Karolina Kołosowska ◽  
Piotr Maciejak
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Kynurenine Pathway ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Electroconvulsive Treatment ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Suicide Behaviour ◽  
Health Organization

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 700,000 people die per year due to suicide. Suicide risk factors include a previous suicide attempt and psychiatric disorders. The highest mortality rate in suicide worldwide is due to depression. Current evidence suggests that suicide etiopathogenesis is associated with neuroinflammation that activates the kynurenine pathway and causes subsequent serotonin depletion and stimulation of glutamate neurotransmission. These changes are accompanied by decreased BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels in the brain, which is often linked to impaired neuroplasticity and cognitive deficits. Most suicidal patients have a hyperactive hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Epigenetic mechanisms control the above-mentioned neurobiological changes associated with suicidal behaviour. Suicide risk could be attenuated by appropriate psychological treatment, electroconvulsive treatment, and drugs: lithium, ketamine, esketamine, clozapine. In this review, we present the etiopathogenesis of suicide behaviour and explore the mechanisms of action of anti-suicidal treatments, pinpointing similarities among them.

Antidiabetics: Structural Diversity of Molecules with a Common Aim

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (18) ◽  
pp. 2140-2165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena B. Popovic-Djordjevic ◽  
Ivana I. Jevtic ◽  
Tatjana P. Stanojkovic
Keyword(s):  
Structural Diversity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Epidemic Disease ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Dipeptidyl Peptidase Iv Inhibitors ◽  
Glucagon Like Peptide 1 ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is an endocrine disease of global proportions which is currently affecting 1 in 12 adults in the world, with still increasing prevalence. World Health Organization (WHO) declared this worldwide health problem, as an epidemic disease, to be the only non-infectious disease with such categorization. People with DMT2 are at increased risk of various complications and have shorter life expectancy. The main classes of oral antidiabetic drugs accessible today for DMT2 vary in their chemical composition, modes of action, safety profiles and tolerability. Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed scientific literature and public databases has been conducted. We included the most recent relevant research papers and data in respect to the focus of the present review. The quality of retrieved papers was assessed using standard tools. Results: The review highlights the chemical structural diversity of the molecules that have the common target-DMT2. So-called traditional antidiabetics as well as the newest and the least explored drugs include polypeptides and amino acid derivatives (insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors, amylin), sulfonylurea derivatives, benzylthiazolidine- 2,4-diones (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ agonists/glitazones), condensed guanido core (metformin) and sugar-like molecules (α-glucosidase and sodium/ glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors). Conclusion: As diabetes becomes a more common disease, interest in new pharmacological targets is on the rise.

scholarly journals Newborns at risk of Covid-19 ― lessons from the last year

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Malika D. Shah ◽  
Ola Didrik Saugstad
Keyword(s):  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Newborn Infants ◽  
World Health ◽  
Premature Delivery ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Cord Clamping ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract After more than 1 year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a great deal of knowledge on how this virus affects pregnant women, the fetus and the newborn has accumulated. The gap between different guidelines how to handle newborn infants during this pandemic has been minimized, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)’s recommendations are now more in accordance with those of the World Health Organization (WHO). In this article we summarize present knowledge regarding transmission from mother to the fetus/newborn. Although both vertical and horizontal transmission are rare, SARS-CoV-2 positivity is associated with an increased risk of premature delivery and higher neonatal mortality and morbidity. Mode of delivery and cord clamping routines should not be affected by the mother’s SARS-CoV-2 status. Skin to skin contact, rooming in and breastfeeding are recommended with necessary hygiene precautions. Antibodies of infected or vaccinated women seem to cross both the placenta and into breast milk and likely provide protection for the newborn.

scholarly journals Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C: Are There Still Unsolved Problems and Unique Populations?

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1048
Author(s):  
Virginia Solitano ◽  
Maria Corina Plaz Torres ◽  
Nicola Pugliese ◽  
Alessio Aghemo
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Previous Treatment ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Decompensated Cirrhosis ◽  
Drug Side Effects ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Direct Acting

Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have revolutionized the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, possibly leading to HCV elimination by 2030 as endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, some patients belonging to the so-called unique or special populations are referred to as difficult-to-treat due to unreached sustained virological response, potential drug side effects or interactions or co-morbidities. Several years after the DAA introduction and on the basis of excellent findings in terms of efficacy and safety, some doubts arise around the exact meaning of the special population designation and whether this group of patients actually exists. The aim of this review is to discuss and analyze current evidence on the management and treatment of the so-called “unique populations”. We placed particular emphasis on patients with decompensated cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), coinfections, rare genotypes, and previous treatment failure, in order to provide physicians with an updated overview of the actual problems and needs in the current scenario.

The Association Between Racism and Suicidality Among Young Minority Groups: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 104365962110469
Author(s):  
Giorgia Rudes ◽  
Claudia Fantuzzi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
World Health ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Dominant Culture ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Relationship

Introduction: The World Health Organization states that suicide is the second leading cause of death among youngs, and racism has been proven to have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. These two plagues represent a public health priority, especially for susceptible minorities. Method: This systematic review analyzed 23 studies from multiple database searches, to understand the relationship between racism and suicidality in young minority groups. Results: The review demonstrated the correlation between racism and suicidality with the consequent development of mental disorders. There is strong evidence that the main suicide risk factor is acculturation, interpreted as the assimilation of the dominant culture with the loss of values from one’s cultural background. Discussion: Health care professionals should not underestimate the risk of suicidality associated with racism. Prevention is crucial and it should be implemented from a young age, in schools, through a joint intervention with children and their families, aiming toward integration without acculturation.

scholarly journals Covid-19 and Acute Kidney Injury: Recent Updates

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salman Tahir Shafi
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
World Health ◽  
Related Disease ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

In January 2020, the pathogen was identified and named by the World Health Organization as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2). The consequent SARS-CoV-2-related disease was defined as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As data emerged about characteristics of the disease, it was found to be associated with increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). We explore the recent literature and reports emerging from the epicenters of the pandemic to help our viewers understand the nature of AKI among these patients. 

scholarly journals Unpuzzling COVID-19: tissue-related signaling pathways associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and transmission

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (16) ◽  
pp. 2137-2160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniella S. Battagello ◽  
Guilherme Dragunas ◽  
Marianne O. Klein ◽  
Ana L.P. Ayub ◽  
Fernando J. Velloso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Clinical Impact ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cellular Interaction ◽  
Crucial Importance ◽  
Future Perspectives ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The City

Abstract The highly infective coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel strain of coronaviruses – the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – discovered in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan (Hubei Province, China). Remarkably, COVID-19 has rapidly spread across all continents and turned into a public health emergency, which was ultimately declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in early 2020. SARS-CoV-2 presents similar aspects to other members of the coronavirus family, mainly regarding its genome, protein structure and intracellular mechanisms, that may translate into mild (or even asymptomatic) to severe infectious conditions. Although the mechanistic features underlying the COVID-19 progression have not been fully clarified, current evidence have suggested that SARS-CoV-2 may primarily behave as other β-coronavirus members. To better understand the development and transmission of COVID-19, unveiling the signaling pathways that may be impacted by SARS-CoV-2 infection, at the molecular and cellular levels, is of crucial importance. In this review, we present the main aspects related to the origin, classification, etiology and clinical impact of SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, here we describe the potential mechanisms of cellular interaction and signaling pathways, elicited by functional receptors, in major targeted tissues/organs from the respiratory, gastrointestinal (GI), cardiovascular, renal, and nervous systems. Furthermore, the potential involvement of these signaling pathways in evoking the onset and progression of COVID-19 symptoms in these organ systems are presently discussed. A brief description of future perspectives related to potential COVID-19 treatments is also highlighted.

A global perspective on suicides and suicide attempts

2021 ◽  
pp. 93-98
Author(s):  
Elise Paul
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
World Health ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
World Mental Health Survey ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Ongoing Monitoring

Specific populations at risk for suicide differ considerably according to region, country, sex, age, and the most common suicide methods used, highlighting the need for ongoing systematic surveillance to inform prevention efforts. The magnitude of the problem is not limited to suicide deaths. It is estimated that for every suicide, there are 20 more persons who have made an attempt. Individuals who have made a suicide attempt are at increased risk for dying by suicide. This chapter explores differences in the suicide and suicide attempt rates in the general population on different continents, by examining data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Estimates and the World Mental Health Survey Initiative. Differences across contexts in suicidal behaviours and the need for ongoing monitoring are emphasized.

Epidemiology and burden

Depression ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 3-10
Author(s):  
Raymond W. Lam
Keyword(s):  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Indirect Costs ◽  
World Health ◽  
Medical Illness ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Impairment ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Years Lived With Disability

Depression is a common condition with a lifetime prevalence of about 15%. People with depression experience significant impairment in psychosocial functioning, particularly in those with a recurrent or chronic course. Depression is now the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. Depression is also associated with increased risk of developing a medical illness and an increased risk of overall mortality, even when deaths from suicide are excluded. The economic costs of depression are staggering, largely owing to indirect costs associated with occupational impairment leading to work absence and reduced productivity. Depression remains undertreated, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries, but the World Health Organization has estimated that scaling up of depression treatment returns US$5 for every US$1 spent.

Evaluation of the use of a Healthy Weight Discussion Tool by a health visiting team

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 272-278
Author(s):  
Tess Hickson
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Universal Service ◽  
Excess Weight ◽  
World Health ◽  
Service Improvement ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Group Evaluation ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Uk

A quarter of children in the UK are entering primary school either overweight or obese ( NHS Digital, 2017 ). These children have an increased risk of serious health consequences during their childhood years, which often continues into adulthood ( World Health Organization (WHO, 2017 ). A Healthy Weight Discussion Tool was created and introduced into a health visiting service to assist staff to identify and manage children presenting with excess weight. Three teams trialled its use, but uptake of this tool was low. A focus group evaluation was therefore carried out to examine the experience of staff using the tool. Although the tool was effective when implemented as intended, certain factors prevented its use in practice. These findings need to be addressed and the use of the tool re-evaluated to ascertain whether this service improvement will enhance the management of children with excess weight within the Universal service.

Immunogenicity and Safety of the Measles Vaccine in HIV-Infected Children: An Updated Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicky J Mehtani ◽  
Lori Rosman ◽  
William J Moss
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
World Health ◽  
Measles Vaccine ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Hiv Exposed ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Reported Data

Abstract Children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at increased risk of measles morbidity and mortality. We searched abstracts from the PubMed, Embase, and Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information databases for articles published from the earliest date available through September 26, 2017. The primary outcome of interest was serological responses to measles vaccine, stratified by HIV infection status. A total of 2,858 potentially eligible articles were identified, and the final review included 12 studies published between 1992 and 2013, 9 of which reported data on vaccine safety. The studies we included represented 3,573 children, of whom at least 335 were infected with HIV, 788 were HIV-exposed but not infected, and 1,478 were unexposed to HIV. Four of the 12 studies found statistically significant reductions in seropositivity among HIV-infected children compared with HIV-uninfected children within 4 months of vaccination (prevalence ratio range, 0.44–0.70), and forest plots provided visual trends of decreasing immunity over time among HIV-infected children in 2 additional studies. No vaccine-related deaths or serious adverse events were reported. This updated review demonstrated limitations of the existing published literature but supported evidence of reduced immunogenicity of measles vaccine among HIV-infected children, supporting the World Health Organization recommendation to revaccinate HIV-infected children against measles following immune reconstitution with combination antiretroviral therapy.

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