scholarly journals The Role of Respiratory Viruses in Children with Ataxia-Telangiectasia

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 867
Author(s):  
Ana Méndez-Echevarría ◽  
María Belén Caminoa ◽  
Teresa del Rosal ◽  
Inmaculada Casas ◽  
Francisco Pozo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ataxia Telangiectasia ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Similar Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Viral Detection ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Control Study

Background: The impact of respiratory virus infection in patients diagnosed with ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) has not been well studied. Methods: A prospective case control study was performed at a National Reference Unit for Primary Immunodeficiency in Spain (from November 2018 to July 2019), including patients younger than 20 years. Symptom questionnaires and nasopharyngeal swabs from multiple respiratory viruses’ polymerase chain reaction were collected monthly, and between visits in case of symptoms. Results: Twenty-two individuals were included (11 patients; 11 controls); 164 samples were obtained (81 patients; 84 controls). Patients presented respiratory symptoms more frequently compared with controls (26.5% vs. 3.5%; p < 0.01). Viral detection was observed in 23 (27.3%) episodes in patients and in 15 (17.8%) episodes in controls (p = 0.1). Rhinovirus was the most frequent virus in patients and controls (60% and 53.3%, respectively). Episodes with positive viral detection had associated symptoms in 54% of patients and 18% of controls (p = 0.07). However, patients with A-T presented a similar rate of symptoms during episodes with positive and negative viral detection (26% vs. 27%). The median points given for each questionnaire during symptomatic episodes with negative viral detection were 13/23 points, and during symptomatic positive detection, 7.5/23 points (p = 0.1). In the control group, all but two were asymptomatic during positive viral episodes (score: 2/23 and 3/23 points). Symptomatic episodes, with either positive or negative viral detection, were associated with lower IgA and higher IgM titers and higher CD8+ counts (p < 0.05), particularly when these episodes were moderate/severe. Conclusions: Patients with A-T more frequently present symptomatic viral infections than controls, especially those with lower IgA and higher IgM titers and higher CD8+ counts.

scholarly journals Investigation of the role of major respiratory viruses in the aetiology of nasal polyps using polymerase chain reaction technique

2014 ◽  
Vol 128 (4) ◽  
pp. 356-359
Author(s):  
F Aksoy ◽  
A Yenigun ◽  
R Dogan ◽  
F Yilmaz ◽  
O Ozturan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Nasal Polyps ◽  
Nasal Polyposis ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reaction Technique ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Human Coronavirus ◽  
Polymerase Chain

AbstractObjective:We aimed to identify the role of major respiratory viruses in the aetiology of human nasal polyps using polymerase chain reaction technique.Methods:Thirty patients with nasal polyps and a group of 20 healthy patients (control group) were included in this study. Mucosa was obtained from the polyps of patients with nasal polyposis and from the middle turbinate of the control group patients by means of biopsy. The samples were stored at −80 °C until molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction was carried out.Results:In the control group, the human coronavirus and human rhinovirus were diagnosed in one of the patients and the human respiratory syncytial virus in another. In the group with nasal polyposis, the influenza B virus was identified in one of the patients and the human coronavirus in another.Conclusion:The results did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between nasal polyposis and respiratory viruses.

scholarly journals Role of Kisspeptin Gene Polymorphism in Idiopathic Male Infertility in Iraq

2021 ◽  
pp. 3428-3435
Author(s):  
Firas Kareem Al-Kalabi ◽  
Adnan F Al-Azzawie ◽  
Estabraq AR. Al-Wasiti
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Idiopathic Male Infertility ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Infertile Group ◽  
Control Study

     This case control study aimed to determine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Kisspeptin (KISS1) gene in males with idiopathic infertility and their association with sex hormones and semen quality. The study included a total of 60 infertile and 30 healthy fertile males. Our results show that the level of the measured hormones (LH, FSH, Testosterone, Prolactin and Kisspeptin-54) were higher in the control group than in the male infertile group at p<0.05. We used polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RELP) for the genotyping of KISS1 position rs35431622 (Q36R) KISS1, which showed three different genotypes of different sizes; a wild-type homozygous AA of 233 bp and a heterozygous AG that has digestion products of 233, 161, and 72 bp. The AG was more frequent in the patients group which also had high OR value of G allele (3.105). While for the rs4889 (C/G(, there was a correlation between the CC genotype and the patients group, but it was non-significant. Patients had an OR value of 2.5 for the CC genotype with 95% CI: 0.21 – 29.26, whereas the OR value for the C allele was 1.14 with 95% CI: 0.613 – 2.135. In conclusion, variations in SNPs of the KISS1 gene may be considered as a risk factor for idiopathic male infertility in Iraqi population.

scholarly journals Mycoplasma genitalium Provokes Seminal Inflammation among Infertile Males

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (24) ◽  
pp. 13467
Author(s):  
Stanislav Tjagur ◽  
Reet Mändar ◽  
Olev Poolamets ◽  
Kristjan Pomm ◽  
Margus Punab
Keyword(s):  
Case Control Study ◽  
Mycoplasma Genitalium ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Control Study

The impact of sexually transmitted infections (STI) on male fertility is controversial. Aims: To investigate the prevalence of urethritis-associated STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, trichomoniasis) among infertile males; to analyze the effect of STIs on semen parameters and blood PSA. Case-control study. Study group (n = 2000): males with fertility problems or desire for fertility check. Control group (n = 248): male partners of pregnant women. Analyses: polymerase chain reaction for STI, seminal interleukin 6 (IL-6), semen and fractionated urine, blood analyses (PSA, reproductive hormones). The prevalence of M. genitalium and chlamydia in the study group was 1.1% and 1.2%, respectively. The prevalence of chlamydia in the control group was 1.6%, while there were no M. genitalium cases. No cases with gonorrhoeae or trichomoniasis or combined infections were observed in neither group. There was a higher seminal concentration of neutrophils and IL-6 among M. genitalium positives compared with STI negatives. There was a trend toward a lower total count of spermatozoa and progressive motility among STI positives. No impact of STIs on PSA was found. The prevalence of STIs among infertile males is low. M. genitalium is associated with seminal inflammation. The impact of STIs on semen parameters deserves further investigations.

scholarly journals Secondary epiretinal membrane after Ex-Press glaucoma filtration device implant

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pasquale Loiudice ◽  
Francesco Sartini ◽  
Michele Figus ◽  
Marco Nardi ◽  
Chiara Posarelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cataract Surgery ◽  
Epiretinal Membrane ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Foveal Thickness ◽  
Macular Volume ◽  
Central Foveal Thickness ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Purpose To estimate the frequency of epiretinal membrane (ERM) in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) treated with Ex-Press shunt implant. Secondarily, we aimed to assess the role of concomitant cataract surgery and the impact of the ERM on central foveal thickness and macular volume. Methods In this prospective, consecutive, case-control study, we enrolled 54 patients affected by PAOG and scheduled for Ex-Press device implant with or without contemporary phacoemulsification. Contralateral eyes affected by POAG and receiving anti-glaucomatous eyedrops constituted the control group. Complete ophthalmologic evaluation and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed before and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results Twenty-six eyes received the Ex-Press implant alone, and 28 eyes underwent the combined procedure. Six months postoperatively, we observed 18 (33%) cases of ERM: 15 (28%) of cellophane macular reflex (CMR) and 3 (6%) of pre-macular fibrosis (PMF). In the control group, 9 (17%) eyes developed an ERM: 8 (15%) were CMR, and 1 (2%) was PMF. The frequency of ERM statistically differs between treated and contralateral eyes (P = 0.032, χ2 test). The ERM frequency did not statically differ between eyes subjected to simple or combined surgery (P = 0.846, χ2 test). Mean central foveal thickness and mean macular volume did not significantly differ between groups. Conclusion The Ex-Press glaucoma shunt may increase the risk of ERM onset regardless of the concomitant cataract surgery; however, most cases were cellophane macular reflex with limited functional and anatomical impact.

scholarly journals Association between Periodontitis and Severe Asthma: The Role of IgG Anti-Porphyromonas gingivalis Levels

2020 ◽  
pp. 17-27
Author(s):  
Patricia Mares de Miranda ◽  
Mabel Proence Pereira Lopes ◽  
Rebeca Pereira Bulhosa Santos ◽  
Michelle Miranda Lopes Falcão ◽  
Paulo Cirino de Carvalho Filho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Porphyromonas Gingivalis ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Bacterial Dna ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Control Study

Asthma and periodontitis are both very prevalent worldwide. Although the association between these diseases has been investigated, the biological mechanism underlying this association, especially the role of biological mediators, remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of anti-Porphyromonas gingivalis IgG in subjects with and without severe asthma. A case-control study involving 169 individuals consisted of subjects with severe asthma in addition to others without asthma (control group). An indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure serum levels of IgG specific to Porphyromonas gingivalis. Bacterial DNA was extracted from subgingival biofilm samples and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was performed to quantify Porphyromonas gingivalis levels.

Role of Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4 Genes Polymorphisms in Neonatal Sepsis in a Developing Country: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (06) ◽  
pp. 276-282
Author(s):  
Bedewy M. Khaled ◽  
Abou Seada M. Noha ◽  
Antonios A. M. Manal ◽  
Saleh M. Engy
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Neonatal Sepsis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Toll Like Receptors ◽  
Microbial Infections ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Gram Negative Organisms ◽  
And Control ◽  
Control Study

Abstract Objective Toll-like receptors (TLR) are one of the key molecules that alert the immune system to the presence of microbial infections. This study attempts to elucidate the role of TLR2 and TLR4 polymorphisms in neonatal sepsis. Methods A case–control study including 30 neonates with confirmed sepsis compared with 20 neonates in a control group. TLR2 and TLR24 gene polymorphisms were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Results The majority of infections were attributed to gram-negative organisms (72.5%) namely Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Results also revealed that incidence of TLR polymorphism was significantly different between the sepsis and control groups (p = 0.016). The most common polymorphism was TLR2; Arg 753 Gln (16.7%). Presence of TLR polymorphism was also associated with a longer duration of therapy (a median of 10 days for cases with positive polymorphism compared with 6.5 days for negative cases; p = 0.001). Conclusion This pilot study suggests that any polymorphisms in TLR2 and TLR4 might have a role that interferes with the innate immune response of newborn.

scholarly journals Lower peripheral blood Toll-like receptor 3 expression is associated with an unfavorable outcome in severe COVID-19 patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Clara Saad Menezes ◽  
Alicia Dudy Müller Veiga ◽  
Thais Martins de Lima ◽  
Suely Kunimi Kubo Ariga ◽  
Hermes Vieira Barbeiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
World Health ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pyrin Domain ◽  
Peripheral Blood Gene Expression ◽  
Severe Group ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe role of innate immunity in COVID-19 is not completely understood. Therefore, this study explored the impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on the expression of Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) in peripheral blood cells and their correlated cytokines. Seventy-nine patients with severe COVID-19 on admission, according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification, were divided into two groups: patients who needed mechanical ventilation and/or deceased (SEVERE, n = 50) and patients who used supplementary oxygen but not mechanical ventilation and survived (MILD, n = 29); a control group (CONTROL, n = 17) was also enrolled. In the peripheral blood, gene expression (mRNA) of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9, retinoic-acid inducible gene I (RIGI), NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), interferon alpha (IFN-α), interferon beta (IFN-β), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interferon lambda (IFN-λ), pro-interleukin(IL)-1β (pro-IL-1β), and IL-18 was determined on admission, between 5–9 days, and between 10–15 days. Circulating cytokines in plasma were also measured. When compared to the COVID-19 MILD group, the COVID-19 SEVERE group had lower expression of TLR3 and overexpression of TLR4.

scholarly journals The Role of Micronutrients in Support of the Immune Response against Viral Infections

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 3198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Pecora ◽  
Federica Persico ◽  
Alberto Argentiero ◽  
Cosimo Neglia ◽  
Susanna Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Optimal Function ◽  
The Impact

Viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the importance of public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations in reducing their spread is well established. Furthermore, it is well known that proper nutrition can help support optimal immune function, reducing the impact of infections. Several vitamins and trace elements play an important role in supporting the cells of the immune system, thus increasing the resistance to infections. Other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help sustain optimal function of the immune system. The main aim of this manuscript is to discuss of the potential role of micronutrients supplementation in supporting immunity, particularly against respiratory virus infections. Literature analysis showed that in vitro and observational studies, and clinical trials, highlight the important role of vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc in modulating the immune response. Supplementation with vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc appears to be a safe and low-cost way to support optimal function of the immune system, with the potential to reduce the risk and consequences of infection, including viral respiratory infections. Supplementation should be in addition to a healthy diet and fall within recommended upper safety limits set by scientific expert bodies. Therefore, implementing an optimal nutrition, with micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, might be a cost-effective, underestimated strategy to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

scholarly journals Silver Nanoparticles as Potential Antiviral Agents

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2034
Author(s):  
Zubair Ahmed Ratan ◽  
Fazla Rabbi Mashrur ◽  
Anisha Parsub Chhoan ◽  
Sadi Md. Shahriar ◽  
Mohammad Faisal Haidere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Characterization Methods ◽  
New Horizons ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
The Impact

Since the early 1990s, nanotechnology has led to new horizons in nanomedicine, which encompasses all spheres of science including chemistry, material science, biology, and biotechnology. Emerging viral infections are creating severe hazards to public health worldwide, recently, COVID-19 has caused mass human casualties with significant economic impacts. Interestingly, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibited the potential to destroy viruses, bacteria, and fungi using various methods. However, developing safe and effective antiviral drugs is challenging, as viruses use host cells for replication. Designing drugs that do not harm host cells while targeting viruses is complicated. In recent years, the impact of AgNPs on viruses has been evaluated. Here, we discuss the potential role of silver nanoparticles as antiviral agents. In this review, we focus on the properties of AgNPs such as their characterization methods, antiviral activity, mechanisms, applications, and toxicity.

scholarly journals Association of the I/D polymorphism of angiotensinconverting enzyme gene with the development of essential hypertension

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 87-96
Author(s):  
O. S. Pavlova ◽  
S. E. Ogurtsova ◽  
M. M. Liventseva ◽  
T. H. Lakotko ◽  
I. Y. Korobko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Hypertension ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Recessive Model ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Molecular Genetic Study ◽  
Ace Gene ◽  
Paternal Line ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
The Impact

Objective. To determine the impact of the I/D polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene on the development of essential hypertension, taking into account gender differences.Material and Methods. Clinical data were assessed and a molecular genetic study was performed in 602 people including 401 patients with essential hypertension and 201 individuals of the control group, representing the Belarusian ethnic group. Genotyping was performed using the method of polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism.Results. The distribution of genotypes of the I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene did not differ between patients with hypertension and normotensive individuals: II, ID, and DD genotypes were detected in 100 (24.9%), 192 (47.9%), and 109 (27.2%) patients and in 52 (25.9%), 108 (53.7%), and 41 (20.4%) people of the comparison group, respectively. Differences were found between the distribution of DD genotype in men with hypertension and in the control group, where the frequencies were 28.4% and 17.3% (p  =  0.04), respectively, in contrast to no differences in women: 25.8% and 23.3% (p  =  0.64), respectively. Carrying the DD genotype in men compared with the ID and DD genotypes (recessive model) of the I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene increased the probability of developing essential hypertension by 1.9 times (OR   =   1.89; 95% CI  =  1.04-3.44). The analysis of the prevalence of risk factors depending on the I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene showed that male patients with the DD genotype more often had burdened heredity in regard to the development of premature cardiovascular diseases (23 patients (37.7%)) compared with the individuals with II and ID genotypes: 13 (21.7%) and 14 (14.9%) patients, respectively (χ2  =  1.16; p  =   0.005), and mainly through the paternal line.Conclusions. Development of essential hypertension is associated with the carriership of the mutant DD genotype of I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene in men. 

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