Implementation of Newborn Screening for Hemoglobin H Disease in Mainland China

Hemoglobin H disease is the most severe non-fatal form of α-thalassemia syndrome characterized by pronounced microcytic hypochromic hemolytic anemia. It is predominantly seen in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Studies suggest that hemoglobin H disease is not as benign a disorder as previously thought. Newborn screening for hemoglobin H disease is especially appealing because the screening test is based on the detection of hemoglobin Bart’s (γ4) that is only possible within the newborn period. In this study, we reported on a 4-year period of newborn screening program at a mainland Chinese hospital, which detected 35 babies with hemoglobin H disease in a total of 26 152 newborns. The overall prevalence for hemoglobin H disease among all newborns in southern China is ~1 in 1,000. These children need appropriate follow-up and potential comprehensive care during their growth and development.     

Recombinant Newcastle disease virus expressing H9 HA protects chickens against heterologous avian influenza H9N2 virus challenge

In order to produce an efficient poultry H9 avian influenza vaccine that provides cross-protection against multiple H9 lineages, two Newcastle disease virus (NDV) LaSota vaccine strain recombinant viruses were generated using reverse genetics. The recombinant NDV-H9Con virus expresses a consensus-H9 hemagglutinin (HA) that is designed based on available H9N2 sequences from Chinese and Middle Eastern isolates. The recombinant NDV-H9Chi virus expresses a chimeric-H9 HA in which the H9 ectodomain of A/Guinea Fowl/Hong Kong/WF10/99 was fused with the cytoplasmic and transmembrane domain of the fusion protein (F) of NDV. Both recombinant viruses expressed the inserted HA stably and grew to high titers. An efficacy study in chickens showed that both recombinant viruses were able to provide protection against challenge with a heterologous H9N2 virus. In contrast to the NDV-H9Chi virus, the NDV-H9Con virus induced a higher hemagglutination inhibition titer against both NDV and H9 viruses in immunized birds, and efficiently inhibited virus shedding through the respiratory route. Moreover, sera collected from birds immunized with either NDV-H9Con or NDV-H9Chi were able to cross-neutralize two different lineages of H9N2 viruses, indicating that NDV-H9Con and NDV-H9Chi are promising vaccine candidates that could provide cross-protection among different H9N2 lineage viruses.     

Emergence of influenza A (H1N1) PDM09 in the remote Islands of India – A molecular approach

Background: A disease outbreak of A (H1N1) PDM09 was reported in Andaman and Nicobar islands in 2009 with an attack rate of 33.5% among settler population and 26.3% among the aboriginal Nicobarese tribe. During the ongoing outbreak of A (H1N1) PDM09 disease in different parts of the world, a subject working in Dubai city of Saudi Arabia, came to Port Blair, following which the pandemic triggered for the first time in these Islands. Materials and Methods: During the period August 2009 to January 2011, 30 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) PDM09 virus infection was detected. To understand the genetic relationship, the NA gene sequences of the viruses were phylogenetically analysed together along with the virus sequence isolated from other parts of the world. Result: Formation of multiple clusters were observed, with the sequences of Andaman Islands, mainland India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and few other counties clustering together. The sequence analysis data revealed that there was no specific mutation conferring resistance to oseltamivir among the Andaman A (H1N1) PDM09 virus isolates. The result of phylogenetic analysis have also revealed that the A (H1N1) PDM09 virus might have spread in these remote Islands of India via the subject from Saudi Arabia/Dubai. Conclusion: A (H1N1) PDM09 Influenza outbreak have highlighted the need to strengthen the region-specific pandemic preparedness plans and surveillance strategies.     

A case of diffuse midline glioma,H3 K27M mutant mimicking a hemispheric malignant glioma in an elderly patient

Diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27M mutant arises from midline structures of the central nervous system and predominately affects pediatric patients. However, this disease entity was only recently established, and the clinical phenotypic spectrum remains largely unclear. We herein report a rare case of diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27M mutant with an unusual distribution in an elderly woman who presented with a diffuse glioma that invaded both sides of the thalami, and left hippocampus and frontoparietal lobes, thus mimicking a hemispheric malignant glioma. A biopsy of the lobular lesion led to a molecular diagnostic confirmation of diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27M mutant. The patient received concurrent bevacizumab and temozolomide therapy with radiation therapy and survived for 30 months. This case highlights the possibility that a glioma with cerebral hemispheric spread in an elderly patient may harbor the H3 K27M mutation.     

H3K27M mutation in adult cerebellar glioblastoma

A methionine substitution of lysine at residue 27 of histone H3 (H3K27M) mutation has become synonymous with malignant pediatric diffuse midline glioma (DMG), that occurs commonly in the brainstem. Therefore, recent reports that this same mutation occurs in malignant adult glioblastoma (GBM) located in the cerebellum are both unexpected and intriguing. The biological and clinical considerations of this novel finding are discussed.     

Echoes of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic in the COVID Pandemic

The severe acute respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) pandemic that has engulfed the globe has had incredible effects on health care systems and economic activity. Social distancing and school closures have played a central role in public health efforts to counter the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID)-19 pandemic. The most recent global pandemic prior to COVID-19 was the 2009 pandemic, hemagglutinin type 1 and neuraminidase type 1 (H1N1) influenza. The course of events in 2009 offer some rich lessons that could be applied to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This commentary highlights some of the most relevant points and a discussion of possible outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Curcumin Encapsulated into Biocompatible Co-Polymer PLGA Nanoparticle Enhanced Anti-Gastric Cancer and Anti-Helicobacter Pylori Effect

Background: The current disadvantages (high cost, toxicity, resistance) of chemotherapy for gastric cancer opted people for alternative therapy from natural source. Curcumin (natural product) possess multiple biological activities but low bio-availability limits their uses as therapeutic. The Nano-formulation of curcumin increased the bioavailability and productivity of anti-cancer and anti-bacterial properties. The present study was initiated to determine the anti-cancer and anti-bacterial effect of Nano curcumin against gastric cancer and H. pylori. Methods: Curcumin loaded PLGA nanoparticles (CUR-NPs) was prepared by single emulsion solvent evaporation method. The MIC were determined using agar dilution method to find the anti-H. Pylori activity of Nano curcumin. The cytotoxicity of Nano curcumin was evaluated by MTT assay and the apoptotic effect (cell cycle arrest and morphology change) was shown by PI staining and microscopy. Results: The MIC of nanocurcumin and curcumin for all four H. pylori strains were 8 µg/ml and 16 µg/ml respectively. The inhibition rate of gastric cancer cells after treatment with curcumin was increased from 6% to 67% for 24h, from 8% to 75% for 48h, from 10% to 83% for 72h. In case of nanocurcumin, the inhibition rate increased from 7% to 69% for 24h, 11% to 87% for 48h and 16% to 97% for 72h. The IC50 of curcumin and Nano-curcumin were 24.20 µM and 18.78 µM respectively for 72 h. The population of cells in sub-G0 population increased from 4.1% in the control group to 24.5% and 57.8% when treated with curcumin and nanocurcumin respectively. After 72h of treatment with nanocurcumin, the apoptotic cells population increased as compared to native curcumin treated cells. Conclusion: The Nano curcumin might be used as a potential therapeutics against gastric cancer and H. Pylori. There is need of further in vivo study in order to validate CUR-NPs activity.     

Spirituality in Aotearoa,New Zealand: Personal Reflections From a Spirituality in Health Care Researcher

Spirituality is about what is of utmost value; it is a values lens that asks “what really matters most to me, my family, our community, our country, and our world.” This personal reflection comes from a New Zealand academic who works in the spirituality and health care research field. Although largely biographical, this reflection offers some insight into the New Zealand context and this emergent field.     

Macular buckle without vitrectomy for myopic macular schisis: a Canadian case series

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of a macular buckle procedure without vitrectomy for the treatment of symptomatic myopic macular schisis.