Role of vitamin D in COVID-19 and other viral infections

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is naturally produced in the body or obtained through dietary sources,primarily under the influence of UVB radiation.This essential nutrient has a vital role in numerous physiological processes,encom-passing immune function,cell growth,differentiation,insulin regulation,and cardiovascular well-being,along with its pivotal role in sustaining the delicate equilibrium of calcium and phosphate concentrations in the body.Moreover,vitamin D reinforces mucosal defense and bolsters the immune system through immunomodulation,making it a critical component of overall health.Numerous studies have unveiled the profound connection between vitamin D and the predisposition to respiratory tract infections,including well-known viruses such as influenza and the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.Vita-min D deficiency has been consistently linked to increased severity of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)and a heightened risk of mortality among afflicted individuals.Retrospective observational studies have further substantiated these findings,indicating that levels of vitamin D are linked with both the occurrence and severity of COVID-19 cases.Vitamin D has its influence on viral infections th-rough a multitude of mechanisms,such as promoting the release of antimicrobial peptides and fine-tuning the responses of the immune system.Additionally,vitamin D is intertwined with the intricate network of the renin–angiotensin system,suggesting a potential impact on the development of complications related to COVID-19.While further clinical trials and extensive research are warranted,the existing body of evidence strongly hints at the possible use of vitamin D as a valuable tool in the prophylaxis and management of COVID-19 and other viral infectious diseases.

Evaluation of Biochemical and Molecular Parameters of Patients Suffering from Chronic Viral Hepatitis B Treated by a Medicinal Plant Recipe of a Health Care Practitioner in Burkina Faso

Chronic viral hepatitis B (HBV) remains a major public health problem in Burkina Faso. Since access to diagnostic tests and treatments is limited because of their high cost, the majority of the population turn to traditional herbal treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a plant recipe called Hepatib tiben. It consisted of comparing certain biochemical and molecular parameters of patients infected with HBV that were supported by the recipe. The patients were recruited in Ouagadougou by the traditional health practitioner according to the requirements of the study. Thus 44 patients aged 20 to 61 years and carrier of HBsAg for at least 06 months were treated with Hepatib tiben. The tests were performed in the laboratory before and three months after the treatment. ELISA tests were used to confirm the presence of HBsAg and search for anti-HCV antibodies;transaminases, creatinine were quantified by the “Chem 400” automaton and the viral load of HBV by Real-time PCR. The analysis of the results reveals an improvement of the biochemical and molecular parameters of the patients with the following means (ASAT: 21.02 ± 9.97;ALAT: 21.11 ± 13.27;DNA: 1571.82 ± 3990.97 with p = 0.01 for each). As for HBsAg, its disappearance was observed in 4.55% of patients after treatment. The evaluation of the creatinine parameter explained that the recipe of plants has a tolerated effect on the kidneys of treated patients. These results, while encouraging, need to be complemented by further research for the development of effective phytomedicine to treat and eliminate this viral hepatitis B virus.

Unraveling the Impact of Direct-Acting Antivirals on Hepatitis-Linked Cirrhosis: A Comprehensive Analysis of Fibrosis, Child Score, and Disease Progression

The treatment of hepatitis C has undergone a significant boom since the advent of direct acting antivirals (DAA). Indeed, the interferon-ribavirin combination that has been used to treat hepatitis C has a virological response in only 45% of cases with significant side effects. The advent of direct-acting antivirals has changed the prognosis of cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C. DAAs have ensured a sustained viral response in the majority of patients. Our work aims to see the evolution of hepatitis C patients at the cirrhosis stage under DAA. We conducted a retrospective study over 15 years (January 2009, January 2024) including all patients with post-viral cirrhosis C, whom we divided into two groups: group A, cirrhotic patients who received ribavirin and interferon, and group B, patients on DAA. From January 2009 to January 2024, we conducted a study of 182 patients with viral hepatitis C, including 102 cirrhotic patients. The mean age was 55 years. 66% of patients were initially treated with the ribavirin interferon combination, while 34% received direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Since the introduction of DAAs, the most commonly used regimens have been sofosbuvir/daclatasvir with or without ribavirin and sofosbuvir/ledipasvir with or without ribavirin. Group A achieved sustained virological response (SVR) in 60% of cases, with notable side effects. In Group B, SVR was 98.18%, with improved tolerability and fewer side effects than previous treatments. Fifteen patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a significantly lower mortality rate in those treated with DAAs compared with pegylated dual therapy (p: 0.001).

Development of a High-throughput Sequencing Platform for Detection of Viral Encephalitis Pathogens Based on Amplicon Sequencing

Objective Viral encephalitis is an infectious disease severely affecting human health.It is caused by a wide variety of viral pathogens,including herpes viruses,flaviviruses,enteroviruses,and other viruses.The laboratory diagnosis of viral encephalitis is a worldwide challenge.Recently,high-throughput sequencing technology has provided new tools for diagnosing central nervous system infections.Thus,In this study,we established a multipathogen detection platform for viral encephalitis based on amplicon sequencing.Methods We designed nine pairs of specific polymerase chain reaction(PCR)primers for the 12 viruses by reviewing the relevant literature.The detection ability of the primers was verified by software simulation and the detection of known positive samples.Amplicon sequencing was used to validate the samples,and consistency was compared with Sanger sequencing.Results The results showed that the target sequences of various pathogens were obtained at a coverage depth level greater than 20×,and the sequence lengths were consistent with the sizes of the predicted amplicons.The sequences were verified using the National Center for Biotechnology Information BLAST,and all results were consistent with the results of Sanger sequencing.Conclusion Amplicon-based high-throughput sequencing technology is feasible as a supplementary method for the pathogenic detection of viral encephalitis.It is also a useful tool for the high-volume screening of clinical samples.

Early Nursing Intervention in Children with Viral Meningitis

Aim: To explore the effect of a WeChat peer education program in children with severe viral meningitis combined with respiratory failure. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Patients who had severe viral meningitis combined with respiratory failure, were admitted to the hospital from March 2017 to June 2018, and who received the WeChat-based nursing intervention were included. Patients who received routine nursing were used as controls. The family’s emotional state, self-care ability, and rehabilitation were analyzed. Results: There were 37 patients in the WeChat group (19 boys (51.3%) and 18 girls (48.7%);mean of 5.1 ± 2.4 years of age) and 37 controls (20 boys (54.1%) and 17 girls (45.9%);mean of 5.9 ± 2.4 years of age) (all P > 0.05). After nursing, improvements in the self-assessed anxiety score and self-assessed depression score were better in the WeChat group (anxiety: -29.2% vs. -20.3%, P = 0.015;depression: -25.2% vs. -15.4%, P = 0.009). After nursing, the improvements in the condition management ability scale and condition management difficulty scale scores were better in the WeChat group (ability: +80.5% vs. +44.4%. P = 0.001;difficulty: +58.4% vs. +37.8%, P = 0.003). After nursing, the improvement in the Fugl-Meyer score was better in the WeChat group (+138.0% vs. +53.0%, P Conclusion: Early nursing intervention combined with WeChat peer education can improve the emotional state of children with severe viral meningitis combined with respiratory failure and their caregivers. Impact: Viral meningitis is associated with a good prognosis, but central nervous system complications can be observed. Early intervention is the key to a good prognosis. Internet-based nursing and coaching can improve self-efficacy and care ability in patients with various conditions, as well as improve the emotional state of the children and their caregivers. The research might have an impact on any children’s hospital that deals with viral meningitis.

Prevalence of Children Vaccinated against Viral Hepatitis B in Brazzaville

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B (VHL) is a public health problem, particularly in sub-Sahara Africa. The aim of this study was to assess vaccination coverage against HBV in children in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted in Brazzaville health centres from January to September 2019. It involved children aged between six months and six years who received a vaccination against HBV. Sampling was exhaustive and based on stratified sampling. Results: The overall prevalence of children vaccinated against HBV in Brazzaville was 96.2%. It was insufficient in the Talangai health district (79%). The pentavalent vaccine was administered to 97.7% of children, 85% of whom had received all three doses. The reasons for incomplete vaccination were parents’ ignorance of HVB (85.6%) and of vaccination (14.3%). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of vaccinated children is high in Brazzaville, it is still insufficient in some health districts, particularly Talangai, because parents are unaware of the disease and of vaccination. Pentavalent is the only vaccine available in the national vaccination programme, which is why an effective national vaccination policy needs to be put in place. .

Icariin ameliorates viral myocarditis by inhibiting TLR4-mediated ferroptosis

Objective:To explore the mechanism by which icariin alleviates viral myocarditis.Methods:CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes were used as an in vitro model of viral myocarditis to assess the effects of icariin treatment on cell viability,inflammation,and apoptosis.Moreover,the effects of icariin on ferroptosis and TLR4 signaling were assessed.After AC16 cells were transfected with TLR4 overexpression plasmids,the role of TLR4 in mediating the regulatory effect of icariin in viral myocarditis was investigated.Results:Icariin significantly elevated cell viability and reduced inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-18.Flow cytometry revealed that icariin decreased apoptosis rate,and the protein expression of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 and 9 in CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes.Additionally,it suppressed ferroptosis including lipid peroxidation and ferrous ion,as well as the TLR4 signaling.However,TLR4 overexpression abrogated the modulatory effects of icariin.Conclusions:Icariin mitigates CVB3-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting TLR4-mediated ferroptosis.Further animal study is needed to verify its efficacy.

Factors Associated with HIV/Tuberculosis Coinfection among People Living with HIV after Initiation of Antiretroviral Treatment in Lingwala Health Zone from 2021 to 2023

Context and objective: Around 8% of incident cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported among people living with HIV worldwide in 2022. Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV. Africa accounts for the majority of co-infection episodes, with over 50% of cases in some parts of southern Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), around 9% of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) develop TB and 11% of TB patients are infected with HIV. The DRC is one of the 30 countries in the world bearing the brunt of co-infection. Despite the efforts made by countries to improve access to antiretroviral traitement (ART), TB remains a major problem among people living with HIV. The Lingwala Health Zone in the provincial city of Kinshasa recorded a large number of cases of HIV/TB co-infection during the study period. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with HIV/TB co-infection among PLHIV on ART in the Lingwala health zone (HZ) in Kinshasa. Methods: This was a case-control study conducted in the state-run HIV care facilities in the Lingwala health district among PLHIV who had visited the health facilities during the period 2021-2023. Cases were coinfected patients and controls were PLHIV who had not developed tuberculosis during the study period. Results: A total of 281 PLHIV were enrolled in the study, with 70 cases and 211 controls. Factors associated with HIV/TB co-infection after multivariate analysis were viral load (OR = 5.34;95% CI;1.8-15.8, p = 0.005). History of tuberculosis (OR = 20.84;95% CI;8.6-50.3, p -85.0, p = 0.005) and BMI Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the detection of these enumerated factors should prompt providers to actively search for tuberculosis with a view to organising early management.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Impact of Operation Triple Zero (OTZ) Program on Viral Load Suppression amongst Members of the Adolescent Club in 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba Lagos, Nigeria

Background: In Nigeria, adolescents and young people (AYP) aged 10 - 24, comprise 22.3% of the population and with HIV prevalence of 3.5%. The AYP living with HIV enrolled at the 68 NARHY, Lagos reflects the national challenges with poor viral suppression. The OTZ program aligns with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals. It seeks to empower AYPLHIV to be in charge of their treatment and commit to triple zero outcomeszero missed appointments, zero missed drugs, and zero viral loads. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of the OTZ program on viral load suppression among members of the adolescent club in 68 NARHY, Lagos. Method: A cross-sectional retrospective study to evaluate the impact of the OTZ program on the viral load of 53 AYP enrolled in the OTZ program between March 2019 to December 2019 was analyzed. The Percentage of viral load suppression before enrollment compared with 6 and 12 months after enrollment into the OTZ program. The AYP is grouped into 10 - 14, 15 - 19, and 20 - 24 years. Activities conducted were peer driven monthly meetings with the AYP during which the adolescents interacted on issues relating to improving their treatment outcomes, healthcare workers reviewed their clinical status, viral load result, provider peer counseling, and caregivers engagement to support adherence to medication and ARV refills. Results: Before OTZ, 81% aged 10 - 14 years, 75% aged 15 - 19 years, and 25% aged 20 - 24 years were virally suppressed (VL less than 1000 copies/ml). Six months after enrollment, 94% were virally suppressed95% aged 10 - 14 years, 96% aged 15 - 19 years, and 66% aged 20-24 years. Twelve months after enrollment, 96% of AYP were virally suppressed100% aged 10-14 years, 93% aged 15 - 19 years, and 100% aged 20 - 24 years. Males viral load (VL) suppression improved from 79% to 96% and 92%, while females VL suppression improved from 69% to 93% and 100% at 6 and 12 months respectively. Conclusion: The OTZ activities contributed to improved viral load suppression in the AYP of the facility.

A Stochastic Model to Assess the Epidemiological Impact of Vaccine Booster Doses on COVID-19 and Viral Hepatitis B Co-Dynamics with Real Data

A patient co-infected with COVID-19 and viral hepatitis B can be atmore risk of severe complications than the one infected with a single infection.This study develops a comprehensive stochastic model to assess the epidemiological impact of vaccine booster doses on the co-dynamics of viral hepatitis B and COVID-19.The model is fitted to real COVID-19 data from Pakistan.The proposed model incorporates logistic growth and saturated incidence functions.Rigorous analyses using the tools of stochastic calculus,are performed to study appropriate conditions for the existence of unique global solutions,stationary distribution in the sense of ergodicity and disease extinction.The stochastic threshold estimated from the data fitting is given by:R_(0)^(S)=3.0651.Numerical assessments are implemented to illustrate the impact of double-dose vaccination and saturated incidence functions on the dynamics of both diseases.The effects of stochastic white noise intensities are also highlighted.

Material basis and pharmacodynamic mechanism of YangshenDingzhi granules in the intervention of viral pneumonia:Based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology

Background:YangshenDingzhi granules(YSDZ)are clinically effective in preventing and treating COVID-19.The present study elucidates the underlying mechanism of YSDZ intervention in viral pneumonia by employing serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology.Methods:The chemical constituents of YSDZ in the blood were examined using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS).Potential protein targets were obtained from the SwissTargetPrediction database,and the target genes associated with viral pneumonia were identified using GeneCards,DisGeNET,and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM)databases.The intersection of blood component-related targets and disease-related targets was determined using Venny 2.1.Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using the STRING database.The Metascape database was employed to perform enrichment analyses of Gene Ontology(GO)functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)signaling pathways for the targets,while the Cytoscape 3.9.1 software was utilized to construct drug-component-disease-target-pathway networks.Further,in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to establish the therapeutic effectiveness of YSDZ against viral pneumonia.Results:Fifteen compounds and 124 targets linked to viral pneumonia were detected in serum.Among these,MAPK1,MAPK3,AKT1,EGFR,and TNF play significant roles.In vitro tests revealed that the medicated serum suppressed the replication of H1N1,RSV,and SARS-CoV-2 replicon.Further,in vivo testing analysis shows that YSDZ decreases the viral load in the lungs of mice infected with RSV and H1N1.Conclusion:The chemical constituents of YSDZ in the blood may elicit therapeutic effects against viral pneumonia by targeting multiple proteins and pathways.

Evolution of Viral Load in Patients Infected with HIV-1 at Point G University Hospital

Introduction: HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is the etiological agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The aim of this study was to assess the evolution of the viral load in patients under treatment. Methodology: This was a study carried out from July 2017 to June 2022 at the Point G University Hospital laboratory. The determination of the viral load of patients was carried out by PCR on the ABOTT M2000sp/rt platform. Results: A total of 129 patients infected with HIV-1, aged 19 to 72 years with a mean age of 40.05 years ± 10.71;all on antiretroviral chemotherapy. The female gender predominated among our patients. The most common treatment regimen was 2INTI + 1INNTI with 72.9% followed by 2INTI + 1INI with 13.2%. As for the combinations of molecules, the combination TDF + 3TC + EFV and TDF + 3TC + DTG predominated, respectively 65.1% and 13.2%. 89.9% of our patients had undetectable viremia after 12 months of treatment (p < 0.005) with an average viral load which had evolved from 681315.65 copies/ml ± 1616908.484 to M0 at 5742.36 copies /ml ± 35756.883 at M12 (p Conclusion: Generally speaking, antiretroviral treatment had contributed to controlling viral loads, however the therapeutic combination TDF + 3TC + DTG had made it possible to obtain more patients with undetectable viremia instead.

The Diagnostic Value of Oligoclonal Band Detection in Viral Encephalitis

Objective: This study aims to explore the differences in cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal band (CSF-OCB) expression among different age groups in viral encephalitis and its reference value for diagnosis. Methods: Forty-two patients with viral encephalitis were divided into two groups: 25 adults and 17 children. The presence of oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was detected using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and CSF routine analysis was conducted for comparative analysis. Results: The CSF-OCB positivity rate was higher in the adult group (48%) compared with the pediatric group (11.76%), with a statistically significant difference (P Conclusion: 1) The expression of CSF-OCB positivity in patients with viral encephalitis is age-related, with higher positivity rates observed in adults compared to children. 2) Although CSF oligoclonal band detection is not a specific diagnostic marker for viral encephalitis in adults, it still holds certain reference value.

Monocyte and macrophage function in respiratory viral infections

Pulmonary macrophages,such as tissue-resident alveolar and interstitial macrophages and recruited monocyte-derived macrophages,are the major macrophages present in the lungs during homeostasis and diseased conditions.While tissue-resident macrophages act as sentinels of the alveolar space and play an important role in maintaining homeostasis and immune regulation,recruited macrophages accumulate in the respiratory tract after acute viral infections.Despite sharing similar anatomical niches,these macrophages are distinct in terms of their origins,surface marker expression,and transcriptional profiles,which impart macrophages with distinguished characteristics in physi-ological and pathophysiological conditions.In this review,we summarize the current view on these macrophage populations,their shared functions,and what makes them distinct from each other in the context of homeostasis andrespiratoryviral infections.

Direct-acting antivirals failed to reduce the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma occurrence in hepatitis C virus associated cirrhosis: A real-world study

BACKGROUND Direct-acting antivirals(DAAs)revolutionized the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV)-associated disease achieving high rates of sustained virological response(SVR).However,whether DAAs can reduce the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in patients with HCV-associated cirrhosis who are at high risk have not been concluded.AIM To investigate the effect of DAAs on the occurrence of HCC in patients with HCVassociated cirrhosis after achieving SVR.METHODS Of 427 inpatients with HCV-associated cirrhosis were enrolled in Tianjin Second People's Hospital from January 2014 to April 2020.118 patients weren’t received antiviral treatment with any reasons named non-antiviral treatment group,and 236 patients obtained from the 309 DAAs treatment patients according to the propensity score matching named DAAs treatment group.Demographic information and laboratory data were collected from baseline and the following up.Kaplan-Meier curve and Log-Rank test were used to compare the incidence and cumulative incidence of HCC between the two groups.Cox proportional risk regression was used to re-evaluate the risk factors for HCC.RESULTS HCC incidence was 4.68/100PY(95%CI,3.09-6.81)in the DAAs treatment group,while it was 3.00/100PY(95%CI,1.50-5.37)in the non-antiviral treatment group,and the relative risk was 1.82(95%CI,0.93-3.53,P>0.05).The incidence of HCC at 12,24,36 and 48 months was 3.39%,6.36%,8.47%and 10.17%in the DAAs treatment group,and it was 0%,0%,3.39%and 9.32%in the non-antiviral treatment group,respectively.Age>58[hazard ratio(HR)=1.089;95%CI,1.033-1.147;P=0.002]and liver stiffness measurement>27.85 kPa(HR=1.043;95%CI,1.022-1.065;P=0.000)were risk factors for HCC in all patients(n=427),and DAAs treatment didn’t show protective efficacy.CONCLUSION DAAs treatment seems failed to reduce the incidence of HCC occurrence in HCV-associated cirrhosis in 48 months,and even increased the incidence of HCC in 36 months.

Management strategies for common viral infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients

Viral infections have been considered as a major cause of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation in pediatric cohort.Children are at high risk of acquiring virus-related complications due to immunological immaturity and the enhanced alloreactivity risk that led to maintenance of high immunosuppressive regimes.Hence,prevention,early detection,and prompt treatment of such infections are of paramount importance.Among all viral infections,herpes viruses(herpes simplex virus,varicella zoster virus,Epstein-Barr virus,cytomegalovirus),hepatitis B and C viruses,BK polyomavirus,and respiratory viruses(respiratory syncytial virus,parainfluenza virus,influenza virus and adenovirus)are common in kidney transplant recipients.These viruses can cause systemic disease or allograft dysfunction affecting the clinical outcome.Recent advances in technology and antiviral therapy have improved management strategies in screening,monitoring,adoption of prophylactic or preemptive therapy and precise treatment in the immunocompromised host,with significant impact on the outcome.This review discusses the etiology,screening and monitoring,diagnosis,prevention,and treatment of common viral infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients.

To explore the mechanism of Fuyang Jiebiao granules against viral pneumonia based on network pharmacology and pharmacodynamics

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of Fuyang Jiebiao granule(FYJBKL)in the treatment of viral pneumonia.Methods:Firstly,a network model was constructed using network pharmacology to study the target expression sites of FYJBKL viral pneumonia,so as to determine the main targets and important signal transduction pathways for the treatment of viral pneumonia.Secondly,the main components of the drug and the main target are docked.Then,the fever,sweating and inflammation rat models were established to explore the antipyretic,sweating and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of FYJBKL.Finally,the contents of IL-17,IL-1β,TNF-αand IL-6 in blood samples of rats were analyzed by ELISA method,and the morphological changes of lung tissue were observed by HE staining.Results:Quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol,etc.,and the main mechanism targets are IL-17,IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6 and so on.Thirty signal pathways were identified by KEGG enrichment analysis,including interleukin-17 signaling pathway(IL-17 signaling pathway),human cytomegalovirus infection pathway(human cytomegalovirus infection),Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus infection pathway(Kaposi's sarcoma-as-sociated herpesvirus infection)and so on.After the study of molecular docking,we found that the contact efficiency between active substances and possible key targets is good.The high and middle concentration groups of FYJBKL significantly decreased the expression of IL-17,IL-1β,TNF-αand IL-6 in the blood of rats with inflammation(P<0.05).FYJBKL significantly reduced the foot swelling induced by egg white and inhibited the increase of body temperature induced by yeast in rats(P<0.05).HE staining showed that FYJBKL improved pulmonary fibrosis and inflammatory exudation to varying degrees.Conclusion:The effects of FuyangJiebiao granules on the related signal pathways of anti-virus,anti-immune and anti-inflammation as well as biological and cellular processes may be caused by the binding of quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol and other active ingredients to their shared targets.Fuyang Jiebiao granules can improve the related symptoms caused by viral pneumonia,and its mechanism may be related to the activities of TNF,IL-17,IL-6 and other related channels,which are multiple targets of inflammation regulation.

Effect of viral hepatitis on type 2 diabetes:A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND The effects of viral hepatitis(VH)on type 2 diabetes(T2D)remain controversial.AIM To analyze the causal correlation between different types of VH and T2D using Mendelian randomization(MR).METHODS Single nucleotide polymorphisms of VH,chronic hepatitis B(CHB),chronic hepatitis C(CHC)and T2D were obtained from the BioBank Japan Project,European Bioinformatics Institute,and FinnGen.Inverse variance weighted,MREgger,and weighted median were used to test exposure-outcome associations.The MR-Egger intercept analysis and Cochran’s Q test were used to assess horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity,respectively.Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the robustness of the MR analysis results.RESULTS The MR analysis showed no significant causal relationship between VH and T2D in Europeans[odds ratio(OR)=1.028;95%confidence interval(CI):0.995-1.062,P=0.101].There was a negative causal association between CHB and T2D among East Asians(OR=0.949;95%CI:0.931-0.968,P<0.001),while there was no significant causal association between CHC and T2D among East Asians(OR=1.018;95%CI:0.959-1.081,P=0.551).Intercept analysis and Cochran’s Q test showed no horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity(P>0.05).Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust.CONCLUSION Among East Asians,CHB is associated with a reduced T2D risk,but this association is limited by HBV load and cirrhosis.Although VH among Europeans and CHC among East Asians are not associated with the risk of T2D,focusing on blood glucose in patients with CHC is still relevant for the early detection of T2D induced by CHCmediated pathways of hepatic steatosis,liver fibrosis,and cirrhosis.

Possible viral agents to consider in the differential diagnosis of blepharoconjunctivitis

BACKGROUND Blepharoconjunctivitis poses a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse etiology,including viral infections.Blepharoconjunctivits can be acute or chronic,selflimiting,or needing medical therapy.AIM To review possible viral agents crucial for accurate differential diagnosis in cases of blepharoconjunctivitis.METHODS The PubMed database was searched for records relating to viral blepharoconjunctivitis.The search string generated was“("virally"[All Fields]OR"virals"[All Fields]OR"virology"[MeSH Terms]OR"virology"[All Fields]OR"viral"[All Fields])AND"Blepharoconjunctivitis"[All Fields]".RESULTS A total of 24 publications were generated from the search string.Reference lists from each relevant article were also searched for more information and included in this review.Viral etiologies such as adenovirus,herpes simplex virus(HSV),varicella-zoster virus(VZV),and Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)are frequently implicated.Adenoviral infections manifest with follicular conjunctivitis and preauricular lymphadenopathy,often presenting as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.HSV and VZV infections can result in herpetic keratitis and may exhibit characteristic dendritic corneal ulcers.EBV,although less common,can cause unilateral or bilateral follicular conjunctivitis,particularly in immunocompromised individuals.Other potential viral agents,such as enteroviruses and molluscum contagiosum virus,should also be considered,especially in pediatric cases.CONCLUSION Prompt recognition of these viral etiologies is essential for appropriate management and prevention of complications.Thus,a thorough understanding of the clinical presentation,epidemiology,and diagnostic modalities is crucial for accurate identification and management of viral blepharoconjunctivitis.

Application of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in the prevention and treatment of swine viral infectious diseases

This study aims to explore the current application status and development prospects of Chinese herbal medicine in preventing and treating swine viral infectious diseases over the past five years.By adopting the method of literature review,we collect,organize,and analyze relevant research literature,with the goal of summarizing and summarizing the research progress in this field.Through research,we found that swine infectious diseases have caused serious economic losses in the breeding industry and that some diseases cannot be fully protected by using vaccines.Therefore,we need new means to prevent diseases.The use of Chinese herbal medicine for the prevention and treatment of related diseases has become a reliable means.This study first briefly introduces the common infectious diseases of pigs and the risks and challenges faced by prevention and treatment,then reads the literature comparing the treatment with Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine,proving the reliability of traditional Chinese medicine treatment and the unique advantages of Chinese herbal medicine.Afterwards,we summarized the literature on the prevention and treatment of related swine diseases with Chinese herbal medicine in the past five years,and finally made a summary and outlook,hoping to provide ideas for relevant researchers and workers.