Genetic diversity in human malarial parasites of Khyber Agency Pakistan

Malaria is wide spread in poor world and its burden has been assessed by the enumeration of malarial parasites in blood of patients. This study was designed to find a relationship between social structure, and spread of malaria in Khyber agency. The average parasite density was 2050 parasite/μl in Khyber Agency. Due to economic and social setup most of the people have habit of sleeping in open air thus playing role in high malaria prevalence and Plasmodium vivax remains the prevalent species. Genetic study performed on 110 Blood samples showed less genetic diversity for both Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum. Eight alleles were distinguished both for Pvmsp 3α and Pvmsp 3β in total of 20 and 39 amplified samples of P. vivax respectively. Out of 17 samples amplified for P. falciparum 11 showed genotype K1 and 10 for MAD at Pfmsp-1 while 14 alleles were identified for 3D7/1C and two for FC27 of corresponding families of Pfmsp-2 gene. This shows that Plasmodium parasites are not genetically diverse in Khyber agency.     

Phenotype diversity in type 1 Gaucher disease: discovering the genetic basis of Gaucher disease/hematologic malignancy phenotype by individual genome analysis

Gaucher disease (GD), an inherited macrophage glycosphingolipidosis, manifests with an extraordinary variety of phenotypes that show imperfect correlation with mutations in the GBA gene. In addition to the classic manifestations, patients suffer from increased susceptibility to hematologic and nonhematologic malignancies. The mechanism(s) underlying malignancy in GD is not known, but is postulated to be secondary to macrophage dysfunction and immune dysregulation arising from lysosomal accumulation of glucocerebroside. However, there is weak correlation between GD/cancer phenotype and the systemic burden of glucocerebroside-laden macrophages. Therefore, we hypothesized that genetic modifier(s) may underlie the GD/cancer phenotype. In the present study, the genetic basis of GD/T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma in 2 affected siblings was deciphered through genomic analysis. GBA gene sequencing revealed homozygosity for a novel mutation, D137N. Whole-exome capture and massively parallel sequencing combined with homozygosity mapping identified a homozygous novel mutation in the MSH6 gene that leads to constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome and increased cancer risk. Enzyme studies demonstrated that the D137N mutation in GBA is a pathogenic mutation, and immunohistochemistry confirmed the absence of the MSH6 protein. Therefore, precise phenotype annotation followed by individual genome analysis has the potential to identify genetic modifiers of GD, facilitate personalized management, and provide novel insights into disease pathophysiology.     

Perceived peer safer sex norms and sexual risk behaviors among substance-using Latino adolescents

We investigated the association between perceived peer norms and safer sexual behaviors among substance using Latino youth. Between 2005 and 2006, cross-sectional data were collected from 92 Latino adolescents recruited from clinic- and community-based settings in two U.S. cities. Separate multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between perceived peer norms around safer sex and two different outcomes: consistent condom use and multiple sexual partnerships. Among these participants, perceived peer norms encouraging safer sex were associated with consistent condom use even after controlling for individual- and partner-related factors. Perceived peer norms supporting safer sex were inversely associated with recently having two or more sexual partners after controlling for demographic characteristics. Perceived peer norms around safer sexual behavior contribute to a lower likelihood of engaging in two HIV/STI risk behaviors: inconsistent condom use and multiple partnering. These findings suggest that further development of peer-based interventions for Latino youth is warranted.     

Cross-sectional assessment of prevalence and correlates of blood-borne and sexually-transmitted infections among Afghan National Army recruits

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Few data are available in Afghanistan to shape national military force health practices, particularly with regard to sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). We measured prevalence and correlates of HIV, syphilis, herpes simplex 2 virus (HSV-2), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among Afghan National Army (ANA) recruits. METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of male ANA recruits aged 18--35 years were randomly selected at the Kabul Military Training Center between February 2010 and January 2011. Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire and serum-based rapid testing for syphilis, hepatitis C virus antibody on-site; HIV and HSV-2 screening, and confirmatory testing were performed off-site. Prevalence of each infection was calculated and logistic regression analysis performed to identify correlates. RESULTS: Of 5313 recruits approached, 4750 consented to participation. Participants had a mean age of 21.8 years (SD[PLUS-MINUS SIGN]3.8), 65.5% had lived outside Afghanistan, and 44.3% had no formal education. Few reported prior marijuana (16.3%), alcohol (5.3%), or opium (3.4%) use. Of sexually active recruits (58.7%, N = 2786), 21.3% reported paying women for sex and 21.3% reported sex with males. Prevalence of HIV (0.063%, 95% CI: 0.013- 0.19), syphilis (0.65%, 95% CI: 0.44 -- 0.93), and HCV (0.82%, 95% CI: 0.58 -- 1.12) were quite low. Prevalence of HSV-2 was 3.03% (95% CI: 2.56 - 3.57), which was independently associated with age (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00 - 1.09) and having a television (socioeconomic marker) (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.03 -- 2.05). CONCLUSION: Though prevalence of HIV, HCV, syphilis, and HSV-2 was low, sexual risk behaviors and intoxicant use were present among a substantial minority, indicating need for prevention programming. Formative work is needed to determine a culturally appropriate approach for prevention programming to reduce STI risk among Afghan National Army troops.     

Progress and prospects in the management of bacterial infections and developments in Phytotherapeutic modalities

The advent of antibiotics revolutionized medical care resulting in significantly reduced mortality and morbidity caused by infectious diseases. However, excessive use of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic resistance and indeed, the incidence of multidrug-resistant pathogens is considered as a major disadvantage in medication strategy, which has led the scholar's attention towards innovative antibiotic sources in recent years. Medicinal plants contain a variety of secondary metabolites with a wide range of therapeutic potential against the resistant microbes. Therefore, the aim of this review is to explore the antibacterial potential of traditional herbal medicine against bacterial infections. More than 200 published research articles reporting the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants against drug-resistant microbial infections were searched using different databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), etc., with various keywords like medicinal plants having antibacterial activities, antimicrobial potentials, phytotherapy of bacterial infection, etc. Articles were selected related to the efficacious herbs easily available to local populations addressing common pathogens. Various plants such as Artocarpus communis, Rheum emodi, Gentiana lutea L., Cassia fistula L., Rosemarinus officinalis, Argemone maxicana L, Hydrastis canadensis, Citrus aurantifolia, Cymbopogon citrates, Carica papaya, Euphorbia hirta, etc, were found to have significant antibacterial activities. Although herbal preparations have promising potential in the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infection, still more research is required to isolate phytoconstituents, their mechanism of action as well as to find their impacts on the human body.     

Accumulation of Cadmium in Transplanted Lichen Pyxine cocoes (Sw.) Nyl., with Reference to Physiochemical Variation and Kinetics of Cadmium Biosorption

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology - The safe utilization and risk assessment of produced water (PW) from oil and gas fields for desert irrigation have received increasing...     

Latent Growth Curve Modeling of Non-Injection Drug Use and Condomless Sexual Behavior from Ages 18 to 21 in Gay,Bisexual, and Other YMSM: The P18 Cohort Study

Background: HIV/AIDS continues to be a health disparity faced by sexual minority men, and is exacerbated by non-injection drug use. Objectives: We sought to delineate growth in non-injection drug use and condomless sex in a sample of racially and economically diverse of gay, bisexual, and other young men who have sex with men (YMSM) as they emerged into adulthood between the ages of 18 and 21 and who came of age in the post-HAART era. Methods: Behavioral data on drug use and condomless sex, collected via a calendar based technique over 7 waves of a cohort study of 600 YMSM, were analyzed using latent growth curve modeling to document patterns of growth in these behaviors, their associations, and the extent to which patterns and associations are moderated by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Results: Significant growth was noted in the frequencies of condomless oral and anal intercourse, alcohol to intoxication, marijuana use, and inhalant nitrate use. High levels of association were noted between all behaviors across time but associations did not differ by either race/ethnicity or socioeconomic status. The link between drug use and risky sexual behavior continue to be evident in YMSM with significant increases in these behaviors demonstrated as YMSM transition between adolescence and young adulthood. Conclusions/Importance: Healthcare for a new generation of sexual minority males must address the synergy of these behaviors and also nest HIV prevention and care within a larger context of sexual minority health that acknowledges the advances made in the last three decades.     

Growth and Proximate Composition of Scenedesmus obliquus and Selenastrum bibraianum Cultured in Different Media and Condition

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences - Microalgae are natural producers of various biochemical compounds such as protein, lipid, carotenoids and...     

Evaluation of Vertical Bone Gain Following Alveolar Distraction Osteogenesis in the Anterior Edentulous Mandible: A Clinical Study

Aim and Objectives

To calculate the gain in bony height and volume of the distracted upper segment using an extraosseous unidirectional device to improve the retention of the future prosthesis.

Materials and Methods

Ten cases with completely or partially edentulous but severely or considerably resorbed anterior mandibles were managed by vertical alveolar distraction osteogenesis. All the patients were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively and post-operatively for various parameters clinically and radiographically i.e. on OPG, lateral cephalogram and on CT scan, at different time intervals. In all cases there was increase in vertical bone height.

Results

The study showed mean vertical bone gain (VBG) on OPG as 8.2 mm. The mean VBG on lateral cephalogram was 8.1 mm. The mean VBG on CT scan at right canine was 8.35 mm, at left canine was 8.2 mm and at midline was 8.27 mm.

Conclusion

Alveolar distraction osteogenesis is a predictable method for restoring alveolar ridges prior to implant placement or prosthesis. Distraction osteogenesis is ideally suited for recreating missing tissue in the anterior esthetic zone by increasing vertical bone height as well as good width and soft tissue growth.     

Neurological manifestations of COVID-19: available evidences and a new paradigm

Journal of NeuroVirology - The recent pandemic outbreak of coronavirus is pathogenic and a highly transmittable viral infection caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2...