scholarly journals Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Diseases in Children

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aniello Meoli ◽  
Michela Deolmi ◽  
Rosanna Iannarella ◽  
Susanna Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Relevance ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Immunosuppressive Drugs ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Drug Adverse Effects

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) are ubiquitous and opportunistic emerging bacteria with the potential to colonize and eventually infect either immunocompromised or immunocompetent individuals. In the last three decades, the prevalence of disease caused by NTMs has increased in several countries. The increased prevalence of NTM infection can be explained by an ageing population with rising comorbidities, HIV infection, the common use of immunosuppressive drugs, and improved diagnostic methods. The aim of this review is to demonstrate the clinical relevance of NTMs in children, describing their features and manifestations, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic approaches. We collected data from the literature about NTM infections in young patients over the past five years (2014–2019) using the keywords “non-tuberculous”, “mycobacteria”, “paediatric”, “NTM”, “cystic fibrosis”, and “children”. Recent literature points out that NTMs are ubiquitous, with several species including both those that are pathogens for humans and those that are not. This means that, if a mycobacterium is isolated from a patient’s specimen, we have to distinguish between a simple colonization and an NTM-related disease. The start of treatment depends on many factors that are necessary to consider, such as clinical and imaging features, patient comorbidity and immunocompetence, drug adverse effects, and compliance with a very long therapy that can last many months. Due to the increasing prevalence and clinical relevance of NTMs, guidelines for their optimal management, especially in the presence of chronic underlying disease, are urgently needed.

Nanotheranostic agents for neurodegenerative diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 645-675
Author(s):  
Parasuraman Padmanabhan ◽  
Mathangi Palanivel ◽  
Ajay Kumar ◽  
Domokos Máthé ◽  
George K. Radda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Target Tissue ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Surface Receptors ◽  
Theranostic Agents ◽  
Preclinical Animal Models

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), affect the ageing population worldwide and while severely impairing the quality of life of millions, they also cause a massive economic burden to countries with progressively ageing populations. Parallel with the search for biomarkers for early detection and prediction, the pursuit for therapeutic approaches has become growingly intensive in recent years. Various prospective therapeutic approaches have been explored with an emphasis on early prevention and protection, including, but not limited to, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. Many pharmacological interventions have proved to be promising novel avenues, but successful applications are often hampered by the poor delivery of the therapeutics across the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). To overcome this challenge, nanoparticle (NP)-mediated drug delivery has been considered as a promising option, as NP-based drug delivery systems can be functionalized to target specific cell surface receptors and to achieve controlled and long-term release of therapeutics to the target tissue. The usefulness of NPs for loading and delivering of drugs has been extensively studied in the context of NDDs, and their biological efficacy has been demonstrated in numerous preclinical animal models. Efforts have also been made towards the development of NPs which can be used for targeting the BBB and various cell types in the brain. The main focus of this review is to briefly discuss the advantages of functionalized NPs as promising theranostic agents for the diagnosis and therapy of NDDs. We also summarize the results of diverse studies that specifically investigated the usage of different NPs for the treatment of NDDs, with a specific emphasis on AD and PD, and the associated pathophysiological changes. Finally, we offer perspectives on the existing challenges of using NPs as theranostic agents and possible futuristic approaches to improve them.

Adipocytes-released Peptides Involved in the Control of Gastrointestinal Motility

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 614-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eglantina Idrizaj ◽  
Rachele Garella ◽  
Roberta Squecco ◽  
Maria Caterina Baccari
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Gastrointestinal Motility ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Motor Responses ◽  
Gastrointestinal Motor ◽  
Treatment Of Obesity ◽  
Novel Therapeutic

The present review focuses on adipocytes-released peptides known to be involved in the control of gastrointestinal motility, acting both centrally and peripherally. Thus, four peptides have been taken into account: leptin, adiponectin, nesfatin-1, and apelin. The discussion of the related physiological or pathophysiological roles, based on the most recent findings, is intended to underlie the close interactions among adipose tissue, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. The better understanding of this complex network, as gastrointestinal motor responses represent peripheral signals involved in the regulation of food intake through the gut-brain axis, may also furnish a cue for the development of either novel therapeutic approaches in the treatment of obesity and eating disorders or potential diagnostic tools.

scholarly journals Early-Onset Osteoporosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Outi Mäkitie ◽  
M. Carola Zillikens
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Early Onset ◽  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Fragility Fractures ◽  
Underlying Disease ◽  
Bone Fragility ◽  
Sphingolipid Metabolism ◽  
Type I ◽  
Loss Of Function

AbstractOsteoporosis is a skeletal disorder with enhanced bone fragility, usually affecting the elderly. It is very rare in children and young adults and the definition is not only based on a low BMD (a Z-score < − 2.0 in growing children and a Z-score ≤ − 2.0 or a T-score ≤ − 2.5 in young adults) but also on the occurrence of fragility fractures and/or the existence of underlying chronic diseases or secondary factors such as use of glucocorticoids. In the absence of a known chronic disease, fragility fractures and low BMD should prompt extensive screening for secondary causes, which can be found in up to 90% of cases. When fragility fractures occur in childhood or young adulthood without an evident secondary cause, investigations should explore the possibility of an underlying monogenetic bone disease, where bone fragility is caused by a single variant in a gene that has a major role in the skeleton. Several monogenic forms relate to type I collagen, but other forms also exist. Loss-of-function variants in LRP5 and WNT1 may lead to early-onset osteoporosis. The X-chromosomal osteoporosis caused by PLS3 gene mutations affects especially males. Another recently discovered form relates to disturbed sphingolipid metabolism due to SGMS2 mutations, underscoring the complexity of molecular pathology in monogenic early-onset osteoporosis. Management of young patients consists of treatment of secondary factors, optimizing lifestyle factors including calcium and vitamin D and physical exercise. Treatment with bone-active medication should be discussed on a personalized basis, considering the severity of osteoporosis and underlying disease versus the absence of evidence on anti-fracture efficacy and potential harmful effects in pregnancy.

scholarly journals Tick-borne zoonoses and commonly used diagnostic methods in human and veterinary medicine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Springer ◽  
Antje Glass ◽  
Julia Probst ◽  
Christina Strube
Keyword(s):  
Veterinary Medicine ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
One Health ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Zoonotic Pathogens ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
The One

AbstractAround the world, human health and animal health are closely linked in terms of the One Health concept by ticks acting as vectors for zoonotic pathogens. Animals do not only maintain tick cycles but can either be clinically affected by the same tick-borne pathogens as humans and/or play a role as reservoirs or sentinel pathogen hosts. However, the relevance of different tick-borne diseases (TBDs) may vary in human vs. veterinary medicine, which is consequently reflected by the availability of human vs. veterinary diagnostic tests. Yet, as TBDs gain importance in both fields and rare zoonotic pathogens, such as Babesia spp., are increasingly identified as causes of human disease, a One Health approach regarding development of new diagnostic tools may lead to synergistic benefits. This review gives an overview on zoonotic protozoan, bacterial and viral tick-borne pathogens worldwide, discusses commonly used diagnostic techniques for TBDs, and compares commercial availability of diagnostic tests for humans vs. domestic animals, using Germany as an example, with the aim of highlighting existing gaps and opportunities for collaboration in a One Health framework.

scholarly journals Diagnostic tools for neurosyphilis: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Henrique Pereira Boog ◽  
João Vitor Ziroldo Lopes ◽  
João Vitor Mahler ◽  
Marina Solti ◽  
Lucas Tokio Kawahara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Clinical Suspicion ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Test Accuracy ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis ◽  
Evaluation Methodologies ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Criteria For Diagnosis

Abstract Purpose Increasing incidences of syphilis highlight the preoccupation with the occurrence of neurosyphilis. This study aimed to understand the current diagnostic tools and their performance to detect neurosyphilis, including new technologies and the variety of existing methods. Methods We searched databases to select articles that reported neurosyphilis diagnostic methods and assessed their accuracy, presenting sensitivity and specificity values. Information was synthesized in tables. The risk of bias was examined using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy recommendations. Results Fourteen studies were included. The main finding was a remarkable diversity of tests, which had varied purposes, techniques, and evaluation methodologies. There was no uniform criterion or gold standard to define neurosyphilis. The current basis for its diagnosis is clinical suspicion and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. There are new promising tests such as PCR tests and chemokine measurement assays. Conclusions The diagnosis of neurosyphilis is still a challenge, despite the variety of existing and developing tests. We believe that the multiplicity of reference standards adopted as criteria for diagnosis reveals the imprecision of the current definitions of neurosyphilis. An important next step for the scientific community is to create a universally accepted diagnostic definition for this disease.

scholarly journals Assessment of Immunological Potential of Glial Restricted Progenitor Graft In Vivo-Is Immunosuppression Mandatory?

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1804
Author(s):  
Urszula Kozlowska ◽  
Aleksandra Klimczak ◽  
Karolina Anna Bednarowicz ◽  
Tomasz Zalewski ◽  
Natalia Rozwadowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Reaction ◽  
Disease Model ◽  
Immunosuppressive Drugs ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Stem Cell Graft ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Loss ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Privileged Site ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease, causing motor neuron and skeletal muscle loss and death. One of the promising therapeutic approaches is stem cell graft application into the brain; however, an immune reaction against it creates serious limitations. This study aimed to research the efficiency of glial restricted progenitors (GRPs) grafted into murine CNS (central nervous system) in healthy models and the SOD1G93A ALS disease model. The cellular grafts were administered in semiallogenic and allogeneic settings. To investigate the models of immune reaction against grafted GRPs, we applied three immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory regimens: preimplantation factor (PiF); Tacrolimus; and CTLA-4, MR1 co-stimulatory blockade. We tracked the cells with bioluminescence imaging (BLI) in vivo to study their survival. The immune response character was evaluated with brain tissue assays and multiplex ELISA in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The application of immunosuppressive drugs is disputable when considering cellular transplants into the immune-privileged site/brain. However, our data revealed that semiallogenic GRP graft might survive inside murine CNS without the necessity to apply any immunomodulation or immunosuppression, whereas, in the situation of allogeneic mouse setting, the combination of CTLA-4, MR1 blockade can be considered as the best immunosuppressive option.

scholarly journals Comparative Study of Immune-Diagnostic Tools with Polymerase Chain Reaction in Sub-Clinical Leishmaniasis Isolates

2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazar M Abdalla
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Skin Test ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Clinical Form ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Leishmanin Skin Test ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Objective: This study aimed to identify cases of leishmaniasis in the Nuba Mountain area, which is situated in a unique geographical site located in the centre of Sudanese leishmania belt. Wide range of investigations are available for detection of leishmania cases, but still the most reliable and easy test used as screening and epidemiological tool in field studies needs to be evaluated. The most commonly used conventional diagnostic methods direct microscopy and culture have some drawbacks in diagnosing subclinical cases of leishmaniasis. Materials and methods: In this study, comparative properties of various immune-diagnostic tools with Polymerase Chain Reaction used in sub-clinical leishmaniasis isolates were explored. The immune-diagnostic tools involved in this study include- Leishmanin Skin Test (LST), Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Direct Agglutination Test (DAT). The study was conducted in the Green Valley village (Rashad Province, South Kordofan State) with a population of 332. Most of the villagers presented with sub-clinical form of leishmaniasis with minor symptoms and signs without the features found in clinical form of visceral leishmaniasis such as fever, diarrhoea, epistaxis, enlarged lymph nodes, spleen and liver. In this study we collected demographic, clinical and epidemiological data using special questionnaire. Leishmanin skin test (LST), ELISA, DAT and PCR for parasite DNA detection were used. Result: The final positive cases detected by PCR were 32 out of 332 belong to L. donovani species. The final positive cases detected by LST were 51.2% of the total population under study, while 11 out of the 37 tested samples were positive by ELISA. All of the 332 villagers showed negative readings by DAT with exception of three individuals who were positive with very high titers. Conclusion: DNA etxtraction and amplification with primers can be a good screening tool in subclinical leishmaniasis isolates. Keyword: Sub-clinical; Leishmaniasis; Leishmanin Skin Test; ELISA; DAT; PCR. DOI: 10.3329/jom.v12i1.5422J Medicine 2011; 12 : 34-39

scholarly journals The burden of congenital Chagas disease and implementation of molecular diagnostic tools in Latin America

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. e001069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Picado ◽  
Israel Cruz ◽  
Maël Redard-Jacot ◽  
Alejandro G Schijman ◽  
Faustino Torrico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Diagnostic Algorithm ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Molecular Tests ◽  
Epidemiological Impact ◽  
And Performance

It is estimated that between 8000 and 15 000 Trypanosoma cruzi infected babies are born every year to infected mothers in Chagas disease endemic countries. Currently, poor access to and performance of the current diagnostic algorithm, based on microscopy at birth and serology at 8–12 months after delivery, is one of the barriers to congenital Chagas disease (CCD) control. Detection of parasite DNA using molecular diagnostic tools could be an alternative or complement to current diagnostic methods, but its implementation in endemic regions remains limited. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of CCD cases would have a positive clinical and epidemiological impact. In this paper, we analysed the burden of CCD in Latin America, and the potential use of molecular tests to improve access to early diagnosis and treatment of T. cruzi infected newborns.

scholarly journals Imaging Features of Renal Capsule Leiomyoma on Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography: A Case Report

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 514-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Andrade Moura Neto ◽  
Ana Flavia Perpétuo de Souza ◽  
José Hermógenes Rocco Suassuna ◽  
Luiz Carlos Aguiar Vaz ◽  
Nordeval Cavalcante Araújo
Keyword(s):  
Transplant Recipient ◽  
Kidney Transplant Recipient ◽  
Malignant Lesion ◽  
Immunosuppressive Drugs ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
Contrast Enhanced ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Contrast Enhanced Ultrasonography ◽  
Histopathologic Analysis

Leiomyomas of the kidney are rare, mostly occurring in adults as incidental findings, and are a diagnostic challenge. In a renal transplant recipient population, an increased risk of tumors is observed due to the effect of immunosuppressive drugs. A differential diagnosis between leiomyomas and other malignant lesions is not possible with current imaging methods. This report presents a case of a native kidney capsular leiomyoma in a kidney transplant recipient and highlights the features of computed tomography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), along with the histopathologic analysis. The CEUS and quantification studies are helpful in demonstrating the vascularization pattern of the renal capsular leiomyoma. This entity appearing with chronic kidney disease can resemble a renal cell carcinoma, in an otherwise healthy kidney. In this case, CEUS was useful for diagnosing the vascularization of the renal mass, although the pattern of intense vascularization could be diagnostically misleading, implying a malignant lesion. However, the pattern of enhancement due to CEUS showed no peculiarities that indicated histopathologic diagnosis.

scholarly journals Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae with Pial Venous Drainage: Combined Endovascular - Neurosurgical Therapy

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-218 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Dural Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Facial Nerve Palsy ◽  
Venous Drainage ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Complete Cure ◽  
Group A ◽  
Glue Injection ◽  
Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae

ABSTRACT:Background:Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula with pial venous drainage may present with hemorrhage or focal neurologic deficit and may be difficult to treat. We wish to summarize the therapeutic approaches to these potentially dangerous lesions and to demonstrate how endovascular and neurosurgical therapies may have complimentary roles in their management.Methods:The clinical and radiological records of all patients who presented to our institution with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula over the last 5 years were reviewed. In those cases demonstrating pial venous drainage, details of presentation, imaging features, endovascular and surgical therapy and outcome were analyzed.Results:We identified 13 patients with these lesions, 7 of whom presented with intracranial hemorrhage. Six patients were treated with embolization alone. Angiographic cure was achieved in 4. There was one complication in this group, a subarachnoid hemorrhage following glue injection. Four patients were treated with embolization followed by surgical occlusion of the pial venous drainage. Angiographic cure was achieved in all 4. There was one complication in this group, a facial nerve palsy following glue injection. Three patients were treated by surgery alone, with no complications and complete cure in all.Conclusion:Endovascular therapy of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula may be curative but is often complex and carries definite risks. Neurosurgical ligation of pial draining veins, with pre-operative embolization when safe, may be a relatively more controlled method to achieve complete cure.

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