COVID-19, neurovascular thrombotic problem and short summary on blood coagulation disorder: a brief review

COVID-19 is the present global public health problem. This respiratory viral infection can manifest atypical presentation including neurological presentations. An important neurological problem in COVID-19 is neurovascular thrombosis. The basic pathogenesis of thrombosis in neurological system is explainable by the basic principle of thrombohemostasis. A hypercoagulability is a possible problem seen in some COVID-19 cases. In this brief review, the authors summarize venous and arterial thrombosis of neurovascular system as a complication of COVID-19. The updated pathophysiology of COVID-associated blood coagulation disorder is discussed. In addition, consideration regarding new COVID-19 vaccine related thrombotic adverse event is also raised.

Recent Advances on Nanomaterials for Diagnostic, Treatment, and Prevention of COVID-19

Since the end of 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, commonly known as COVID-19, has become an infectious disease that has produced a severe global public health problem that requires solutions from different scientific initiatives. Nanomaterials are used to diagnose, treat, and prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Its potential is highlighted through specific applications and developments carried out by researchers around the world. In addition to highlighting the characteristics and properties of the COVID-19 virus, the purpose of the chapter is focused on describing the role that nanomaterials are playing and that must be overcome due to the pandemic. Future research directions are described to guide readers on the innovations that are required related to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. The impact that nanomaterials will have on COVID-19 will reduce the time for humans to return to the rhythm of life before the pandemic.

Mechanisms of Melatonin in Obesity: A Review

Obesity and its complications have become a prominent global public health problem that severely threatens human health. Melatonin, originally known as an effective antioxidant, is an endogenous hormone found throughout the body that serves various physiological functions. In recent decades, increasing attention has been paid to its unique function in regulating energy metabolism, especially in glucose and lipid metabolism. Accumulating evidence has established the relationship between melatonin and obesity; nevertheless, not all preclinical and clinical evidence indicates the anti-obesity effect of melatonin, which makes it remain to conclude the clinical effect of melatonin in the fight against obesity. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge of melatonin in regulating obesity-related symptoms, with emphasis on its underlying mechanisms. The role of melatonin in regulating the lipid profile, adipose tissue, oxidative stress, and inflammation, as well as the interactions of melatonin with the circadian rhythm, gut microbiota, sleep disorder, as well as the α7nAChR, the opioidergic system, and exosomes, make melatonin a promising agent to open new avenues in the intervention of obesity.

Evaluation of phenotypic methods for the detection of carbapenemases applicable to low complexity laboratories

The spread of carbapenemase-producing gram-negative bacilli is a global public health problem. Several authors have proposed phenotypic assays to presumptively detect these enzymes applicable to low and medium complexity laboratories. In the present study, we have developed and compared different phenotypic techniques using strains genetically identified as carbapenemase-producing. All the tested methods detected the presence of carbapenemases. The carbapenem inactivation method (MIC) and the modified carbapenem inactivation method with and without EDTA (mMIC-eMIC) were the simplest and easiest to interpret but their disadvantage was on the time required to obtain results. The direct Carba NP and Carba-Blue colourimetric methods were the fastest but they depend on reagent preparation and accurate pH adjustment of the solutions. Synergy methods with EDTA discs, boronic acid and the Triton Hodge Test (THT) require technical expertise to evaluate true synergism. Whereas, the Disk Carbapenemase Test (DCT) was the method that presented the greatest technical difficulties.

Extracellular vesicles in malaria: an agglomeration of two decades of research

Malaria is a complex parasitic disease, caused by Plasmodium spp. More than a century after the discovery of malaria parasites, this disease continues to pose a global public health problem and the pathogenesis of the severe forms of malaria remains incompletely understood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, have been increasingly researched in the field of malaria in a bid to fill these knowledge gaps. EVs released from Plasmodium-infected red blood cells and other host cells during malaria infection are now believed to play key roles in disease pathogenesis and are suggested as vital components of the biology of Plasmodium spp. Malaria-derived EVs have been identified as potential disease biomarkers and therapeutic tools. In this review, key findings of malaria EV studies over the last 20 years are summarized and critically analysed. Outstanding areas of research into EV biology are identified. Unexplored EV research foci for the future that will contribute to consolidating the potential for EVs as agents in malaria prevention and control are proposed.

The Glucocorticoid PYED-1 Disrupts Mature Biofilms of Candida spp. and Inhibits Hyphal Development in Candida albicans

Invasive Candida infections have become a global public health problem due to the increase of Candida species resistant against antifungal therapeutics. The glucocorticoid PYED-1 (pregnadiene-11-hydroxy-16α,17α-epoxy-3,20-dione-1) has antimicrobial activity against various bacterial taxa. Consequently, it might be considered for the treatment of Candida infections. The antifungal activity of PYED-1 was evaluated against several fungal strains that were representative of the five species that causes the majority of Candida infections—namely, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei. PYED-1 exhibited a weak antifungal activity and a fungistatic effect on all five Candida species. On the other hand, PYED-1 exhibited a good anti-biofilm activity, and was able to eradicate the preformed biofilms of all Candida species analyzed. Moreover, PYED-1 inhibited germ tube and hyphae formation of C. albicans and reduced adhesion of C. albicans to abiotic surfaces by up to 30%.

Awareness on Heart Diseases among Bangladesh Army Personnel

Introduction: Heart diseases are global public health problem. In 2015, 14.31% of total death in Bangladesh was due to coronary heart disease. Moreover in 2016, 2(two) recruits and 1(one) officer of Bangladesh army encountered sudden death due to cardiac arrest. Objective: To ascertain the level of knowledge, awareness and health practice regarding the threat of cardiovascular diseases among Bangladesh Army personnel. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 242 members of Bangladesh Army in different training centers and school under Army training and doctrine command (ARTDOC), units of 19 infantry division, Battle group of ARTDOC and Head quarter (HQ) ARTDOC, from February to July 2017. Results: Among the respondents, 56.2%, 45% and 44.6% respectively mentioned tobacco smoking, obesity and sedentary life style are the causes of heart disease and 62%, 42%, 31%, 10% and 2% mentioned that chest pain, shortness of breathing, sweating, radiating pain in jaw and extremity and snoring-sleep apnea are the symptoms and signs of heart disease. Conclusion: From the study it was revealed that, majority of the respondents had poor level of knowledge on awareness of heart disease. Adequate effort may be taken to increase the awareness by expert professionals and social media. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 16, No 2 (December) 2020: 47-50

A CRITICAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON PANDU W.S.R. ANAEMIA

Pandu Roga is one of the diseases mentioned in Ayurveda characterized by the changes in the skin colour to white (Shweta), yellowish (Peeta), greenish (Harita) etc. which is one of the “Varnopalakshita Roga" i.e., a disease characterized by the change in the colour. The clinical condition of Pandu in Ayurveda can be co-related with Anaemia described in Modern Medical Science, due to the resemblance in the clinical signs and symptoms. In Modern Medicine, Pandu is a pale appearance which may be due to the decreased blood supply to the skin or de- creased visibility of oxyhemoglobin. Anaemia is a major global public health problem and the most prevalent nu- tritional deficiency disorder in the world. This article presents the Ayurvedic concept of Pandu Roga (Anaemia). Keywords: Pandu, Vyadhi, Srotas, Anaemia, Pallor,

Vitamin D and COVID-19 infection; recent findings

COVID-19 infection increases the risk of death in patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes or obesity. The exact role of vitamin D in COVID-19 infection is unknown and controversial. Furthermore, the exact prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is still unknown but it affects individuals worldwide regardless of ethnicity and age. Herein, we give an overview of vitamin D deficiency as a global public health problem, the role of vitamin D in COVID-19 infection, and the proper approach to treating vitamin D deficiency.

Amplifying dementia as a global public health problem: A cross-country comparison of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic

Background:Emerging evidence describes impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic upon people living with dementia and their informal carers, however without evidence-based global comparisons to date. The aim of this international study was to explore and compare the impact of COVID-19 and associated public health restrictions on the lives of people living with dementia and informal carers and access to dementia care across five countries.Methods:People with dementia and informal carers from the UK, Australia, Italy, India, and Poland participated in remote semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked about their experiences of the pandemic and how restrictions have impacted on their lives and care. Transcripts were analysed by researchers in each country using thematic analysis, then combined across sites.Results:Fifteen people living with dementia and 111 informal carers participated across the five countries. Four themes emerged: (1) Limited access and support; (2) Technology and issues accessing remote support; (3) Emotional impact; and (4) Decline of cognitive and physical health reported by carers. Whilst variations were noted, the pandemic has indirectly affected people with dementia and carers across all five countries. The pandemic removed access to social support services and thus increased carer burden. Remote services were not always provided and were limited in benefit and usability for those with dementia. Carers frequently described noticeably deteriorating cognitive and physical health in people with dementia.Conclusions:The pandemic has amplified dementia as a global public health problem, and both people affected by the condition ad their carers need support to better access vital support services to live well. This is even more important with emerging new waves and new variants of the virus affecting different countries, in our globally connected world.