New therapy for metabolic syndrome:Gut microbiome supplementation

The gut microbiota is important in the development and progression of metabolic illnesses such type 2 diabetes,cardiovascular disease(CVD),and obesity.This diverse community of microorganisms controls a variety of physiological functions,including metabolism,inflammation,and immune response.Understanding these interactions has resulted in novel therapeutic options,including microbiome supplementation.The gut microbiome is extremely susceptible to dietary changes,which can alter its makeup and function,influencing metabolite synthesis that affects host health.Certain metabolites,such as butyrate and propionate,have been proven to protect against metabolic illnesses,whereas trimethylamine has been linked to CVD.Prebiotics,probiotics,synbiotics,and postbiotics are being investigated by researchers as ways to change the gut microbiome and boost metabolic health.Despite advances in therapy and lifestyle adjustments,the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing,emphasizing the need for new medicines.

Descriptive and Comparative Histology of the Urinary System of the Hematophagous Bats Desmodus rotundus and Diphylla ecaudata

Desmodus rotundus and Diphylla ecaudata, both of which are mammals of the order Chiroptera, Desmodontidae family, their diet consisting exclusively of blood. D. rotundus is the main vector and transmitter of the rabies virus, which affects human beings as well as several livestock species so the study of this bat species is of high importance within the fields of animal agriculture and public health. The present study describes and compares the histologic characteristics of the urinary system of two hematophagous bat species. A total of 5 bats from each species were captured in the municipalities of Progreso de Obregón, Hidalgo (D. rotundus), and Huayacocotla, Veracruz (D. ecaudata). Organs belonging to the urinary system were extracted: kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra;samples were fixed using 10% formalin and processed by the paraffin embedding technique, obtaining sections of 5 µm thickness, which in turn were stained using hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) and Gomori trichrome (GT) stains. From the obtained histologic preparations, a descriptive and comparative analysis of the structural organography of the urinary system of both species was made, and no noteworthy histological differences between samples were noted. The present research is intended to provide a framework for future studies of these species’ currently understudied microscopic anatomy.

Investigation of DNA Sequences Related to Latency-Associated Transcripts in the Genome of Canine Herpesvirus Type 1 (CHV-1) by Means of Bioinformatics Tools

A characteristic common to herpesviruses is the ability to establish a latent infection in the hosts, a transcriptionally active region has detected during latency as well as a set of RNA that are known as Latency Associated Transcripts (LATs), their functions have been clarified in recent work. The present work was carried using different bioinformatics method in order to determine if Herpesvirus Canine 1 (CHV-1) has a region associated with latency. Our result was the selection of nine sequences candidate of micro RNA (miRNA) (MIREval 2.0 software), and 26 miRNA (miRNAFold v.1.0 software), of them, were selected 14 with real precursors of miRNA, two were found between the RL2 and RS1 genes, one in the RL2 gene and 11 in the RS1 gene. The results showed that the similarities of these regions are very low among the herpesviruses analyzed, so it was not possible to deduce the presence of the LAT gene in canine herpesvirus type 1 with bioinformatics. On the other hand, the comparison showed that the miRNA predicted: chv1-mir-mirnafold-8 has similarity with the ebv-mir-BART7-3p of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), in this way, the microRNAs predicted by means of bioinformatic programs met the theoretical requirements of these molecules, however at not having a degree of preservation in other herpesviruses, the expression by CHV-1 in latency cannot be confirmed and it is necessary to identify through experimental tests.

Stimulation of Phagocytosis and Production of Antibodies against Canine Herpesvirus Type 1 by Pidotimod (Adimod^TM)

Neutrophils are the most important circulating phagocytes. Circulating mono-cytes and precursors of tissue macrophages also have the ability to phagocytize. Pidotimod (ADIMODTM) exerts immunostimulatory and immunoregulatory effects through the stimulation and regulation of cellular immune responses by lymphocytes Canine herpesvirus (CHV) mainly affect puppies between the first and second weeks of age, causing high morbidity in the litter. To date, there is only one commercial vaccine in Europe to prevent disease. In this work, inactivated CHV cultures were inoculated in rabbits, adsorbed and not adsorbed to chitosan nanoparticles. Phagocytosis in the presence or absence of specific antibodies was measured. Response of virus neutralizing antibodies was also evaluated. AdimodTM enhanced the nonspecific and specific phagocytotic response. The association of the virus to the nanoparticles increased the phagocytic ability of blood cells;however, AdimodTM alone had a greater effect on phagocytic activity and generated a stronger immune response that corresponded to the increased phagocytosis (p TM was used.

Glycyrrhizic Acid-Loaded Poly-ɛ-Caprolactone Nanoparticles Decrease PRRSV Infection in MARC-145 Cells

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is an economically devastating disease with worldwide distribution caused by Betaarterivirus suid (PRRSV). The virion has great genetic and antigenic variability with a marked increase in virulence. Vaccines tested to date have been of little use in controlling the problems caused by PRRSV, so the present study was conceived to evaluate the antiviral effect of polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) made with glycyrrhizic acid (GA). Recent work has proven that this nanoparticle system is stable. These nanoparticles have good GA carrying capacity, a size < 250 nm, a spherical morphology, and a wide safety range. The integrity of cell morphology can be maintained for up to 72 h. The antiviral effect of this nanoparticle system was tested in cultures of MARC-145 cells in pre- and coinfection assays with PRRSV to evaluate changes in cell morphology and effects on cell viability. The use of PNPsGA with the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) decreased viral infection by 38% in 3 amplification cycles. These results suggest that this system has an antiviral effect against PRRSV under the study conditions established.

Insights into the emergence and evolution of monkeypox virus:Historical perspectives,epidemiology,genetic diversity,transmission,and preventative measures

In 2022,just before the COVID-19 pandemic ended,many countries noticed a viral monkeypox outbreak.Monkeypox virus,a zoonotic pathogen,causes a febrile illness in humans and resembles smallpox.Prevention strategies encompass vaccination,strict infection control measures,and avoiding contact with infected persons.As monkeypox and related poxviruses continue to pose challenges,ongoing surveillance,early diagnosis,prompt isolation,and effective control measures are crucial for limiting transmission and mitigating the impact of outbreaks on public health.This review provides valuable insights into the evolution of the monkeypox virus and its various modes of transmission,including postmortem transmission,and offers an overall perspective on the guidelines issued by the Government of India to prevent and effectively control the spread of this disease.

High Prevalent Hypovitaminosis D Is Associated with Dysregulation of Calcium-parathyroid Hormone-vitamin D Axis in Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases

Background and Aims:Although hypovitaminosis D is common among patients with chronic liver disease(CLD),the data are inconsistent on its prevalence and its relationship with CLD.This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D among patients with CLD and to determine the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and severity of liver dysfunction,and calcium(Ca),phosphate(PO4)and parathyroid hormone(PTH)levels in CLD.Methods:The study included 236 CLD patients attending the Department of Hepatology,Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital(Chennai,India).Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D),PTH,Ca,and PO4 were estimated.Severity of liver dysfunction was graded using the Child-Turcotte-Pugh(CTP)score.Results:The first report from our population showed that 162 of 236(68.6%)CLD patients had hypovitaminosis D(25(OH)D levels of<30 ng/mL),with higher frequency(124/162)76.5%among CTP B,C patients.Significant negative correlation(r=-0.288,p=0.0001)between 25(OH)D and CTP scores was noted in hypovitaminosis D conditions.Level of 25(OH)D was correlated negatively with PTH(r=-0.537,p=0.0001),positively with Ca(r=0.657,p=0.0001),and positively with PO4(r=0.477,p=0.0001)in sufficient vitamin D conditions.Conclusions:Hypovitaminosis D is associated with higher CTP scores and is strongly associated with dysregulation of the Ca-PTH-vitamin D axis in CLD.Timely measurement of vitamin D levels is essential,along with levels of PTH,Ca and PO4,to manage CLD patients.

Status of adult inpatient burn rehabilitation in Europe: are we neglecting metabolic outcomes?

Background:Hypermetabolism,muscle wasting and insulin resistance are challenging yet important rehabilitation targets in the management of burns.In the absence of concrete practice guidelines,however,it remains unclear how these metabolic targets are currently managed.This study aimed to describe the current practice of inpatient rehabilitation across Europe.Methods:An electronic survey was distributed by the European Burn Association to burn centres throughout Europe,comprising generic and profession-specific questions directed at therapists,medical doctors and dieticians.Questions concerned exercise prescription,metabolic management and treatment priorities,motivation and knowledge of burn-induced metabolic sequelae.Odds ratios were computed to analyse associations between data derived from the responses of treatment priorities and knowledge of burn-induced metabolic sequelae.Results:Fifty-nine clinicians with 12.3±9 years of professional experience in burns,representing 18 out of 91 burn centres(response rate,19.8%)across eight European countries responded.Resistance and aerobic exercises were only provided by 42%and 38%of therapists to intubated patients,87%and 65%once out-of-bed mobility was possible and 97%and 83%once patients were able to leave their hospital room,respectively.The assessment of resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry,muscle wasting and insulin resistance was carried out by only 40.7%,15.3%and 7.4%respondents,respectively,with large variability in employed frequency and methods.Not all clinicians changed their care in cases of hypermetabolism(59.3%),muscle wasting(70.4%)or insulin resistance(44.4%),and large variations in management strategies were reported.Significant interdisciplinary variation was present in treatment goal importance ratings,motivation and knowledge of burn-induced metabolic sequelae.The prevention of metabolic sequelae was regarded as the least important treatment goal,while the restoration of functional status was rated as the most important.Knowledge of burn-induced metabolic sequelae was linked to higher importance ratings of metabolic sequelae as a therapy goal(odds ratio,4.63;95%CI,1.50–14.25;p<0.01).Conclusion:This survey reveals considerable non-uniformity around multiple aspects of inpatient rehabilitation across European burn care,including,most notably,a potential neglect of metabolic outcomes.The results contribute to the necessary groundwork to formulate practice guidelines for inpatient burn rehabilitation.

Elevated Liver Enzymes along with Comorbidity Is a High Risk Factor for COVID-19 Mortality:A South Indian Study on 1,512 Patients

Background and Aims:Liver enzyme abnormalities in coronavirus 2019(COVID-19)are being addressed in the literature.The predictive risk of elevated liver enzymes has not been established for COVID-19 mortality.In this study,we hypothesized that elevated liver enzymes at ad-mission can predict the outcome of COVID-19 disease with other known indicators,such as comorbidities.Methods:This retrospective study included all the consecutive hos-pitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease from March 4th to May 31st,2020.The study was conducted in Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital,Chennai,Ta-mil Nadu,India.We assessed demography,clinical vari-ables,COVID-19 severity,laboratory parameters,and out-come.Results:We included 1,512 patients,and median age was 47 years(interquartile range:34-60)with 36.9%being female.Liver enzyme level(aspartate aminotrans-ferase and/or alanine aminotransferase)was elevated in 450/1,512(29.76%)patients.Comorbidity was present in 713/1,512(47.16%)patients.Patients with liver enzymes’elevation and presence of comorbidity were older,more frequently hospitalized in ICU and had more severe symp-toms of COVID-19 at the time of admission.Presence of liver enzymes’elevation with comorbidity was a high risk factor for death(OR:5.314,95%CI:2.278-12.393),as compared to patients with presence of comorbidity(OR:4.096,95%CI:1.833-9.157).Conclusions:Comorbid-ity combined with liver enzymes’elevation at presentation independently increased the risk of death in COVID-19 by at least 5-fold.