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REVIEW ARTICLES
The relationship between nutrition and infectious diseases: A review
Sedigheh Farhadi, Roman S Ovchinnikov
July-September 2018, 2(3):168-172
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_69_18
Nutrition and infectious diseases are related to each other in some aspects. First, nutrition affects the development of human body immune system. Moreover, nutrition can influence emerge of infectious diseases (e.g., gastrointestinal infections), food poisoning, intestinal diseases, and systemic infectious diseases. In this review, the mentioned aspects of the relationship between nutrition and infections are discussed. Furthermore, the relationship between malnutrition and infectious diseases, nutrition in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency and relationship between overeating and infection are reviewed. Overall, some factors can weaken the body's ability to fight infection and cause malnutrition. The factors include anorexia, traditional behaviors, reduction of intestinal absorption, metabolic damage, disorder metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, reduction of vitamins, iron, zinc, and copper. In the case of the relationship between malnutrition and infection, a large number of studies have illustrated a bidirectional interaction of malnutrition and infection. In this aspect, to treat serious acute malnutrition and limit the rate of death, some preventive studies applied antibiotics, probiotic bacteria, and prebiotic foods. In the future, studies may be conducted on intestinal or systematic immunomodulation.
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30
99,166
5,533
BRIEF REPORT
Macrolides and COVID-19: An optimum premise
Hayder M Al-Kuraishy, Marwa S Al-Naimi, Claire M Lungnier, Ali I Al-Gareeb
July-September 2020, 4(3):189-192
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_103_20
The epidemic of coronavirus infection disease 19 (COVID-19), which started in Wuhan City, is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which binds angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which is highly expressed by the lung epithelial cells. In COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome, a hyperinflammatory syndrome with hypercytokinemia leads to acute lung injury and the development of respiratory failure. Macrolides are broad-spectrum, bacteriostatic antibiotics with significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Different preclinical and clinical studies have shown that macrolides inhibit cytokine release, attenuate the inflammatory response, and improve immunoglobulin response. Azithromycin potentiates the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of chloroquine in COVID-19. However, azithromycin alone is effective initially in the management of COVID-19 due to its antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity. The antiviral potential of azithromycin is linked to different mechanisms, including modulation of lysosomal activity and the interaction points between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 receptor. Therefore, macrolides, chiefly azithromycin, are an effective drug against COVID-19 through direct antiviral effect or via the modulation of hyperinflammatory status.
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29
5,322
494
REVIEW ARTICLES
Geographical distribution of cystic fibrosis; The past 70 years of data analyzis
Seyed Bashir Mirtajani, Poopak Farnia, Maryam Hassanzad, Jalaledin Ghanavi, Parissa Farnia, Ali Akbar Velayati
October-December 2017, 1(2):105-112
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_81_17
Cystic fibrosis (CF) has been generally well defined throughout the world although its prevalence is very difficult to ascertain for a number of reasons, including the fact that the medical/scientific literature and patient registries vary in quality in different countries. In the present review literature (1938–2017), we found out the higher frequency of registered CF patients in the European Union. This could be due to strong clinical awareness and greater health facilities. In contrast, we found a very irregular report from Asian and African countries. In these countries, the national CF registration system is mostly lacking or it is individualized-based research. In this situation, the estimation of various risk factors such as ethnicity and/or races is remained to be resolved. Overall, this review outlines the urgent need for revitalization of national and global CF registration, worldwide.
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26
67,893
4,025
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Computational bioprospecting of andrographolide derivatives as potent cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors
Somdutt Mujwar
October-December 2021, 5(4):446-450
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_56_21
Background:
Inflammation is a protective response of the human body that still causes a high level of discomfort because of the associated pain and other inflammatory reactions. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have certain associated severe side-effects such as hepatotoxicity. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop a novel anti-inflammatory agent to counter the associated problems with the existing NSAIDs.
Methods:
The herbal sources are a very vast treasure for exploring potential leads for the development of novel therapeutic agents to counter the existing healthcare problems for the welfare of humankind. Thus, in the current experimental study, the author has tried to develop some of the novel andrographolide analogs as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors by using bioisosteric substitutions.
Results:
The newly developed andrographolide derivatives have a high affinity for the human COX-2 enzyme, an optimized pharmacokinetic profile as well as being free from any associated toxic effects.
Conclusion:
The andrographolide derivatives as COX-2 inhibitors are supposed to be free from the side effects associated with NSAIDs with an optimized pharmacokinetic profile.
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10
1,124
139
REVIEW ARTICLES
Exploring potential of phage therapy for tuberculosis using model organism
Vijay Singh Gondil, Sanjay Chhibber
January-March 2018, 2(1):9-15
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_93_17
Antibiotics, one of the miracle discoveries of the 20
th
century after world war revolutionized the treatment and prophylaxis of infectious diseases. Antibiotics led to an increase in the quality of health-care system but with the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains compromised their very potential. The WHO calls bacterial resistance as one of the major threats to global health, food security, and development today. Antibiotic resistance poses a need of alternative therapy to conventional antibiotics. As proved in preantibiotic era phage therapy is effective against a number of successful pathogens and can be used as an alternative strategy to restrain stern infections such as antibiotic resistance tuberculosis (TB). In the present paper, effectiveness of phage therapy and use of model organisms for developing treatment strategy for antibiotic-resistant TB is discussed so as to explore new possibilities in battle against antibiotic resistance.
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10
14,506
1,505
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Evaluation of
in silico
protein secondary structure prediction methods by employing statistical techniques
Kandavelmani Angamuthu, Shanmughavel Piramanayagam
July-September 2017, 1(1):29-36
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_28_17
Background:
With the advent of many new advanced techniques, sequences of a number of proteins have been made available. But the relative paucity of the experimentally determined three-dimensional structures of these proteins has paved way for the development of computational structure prediction methods. Protein secondary structure prediction is an essential step in modeling the tertiary structure. Among the various secondary structure prediction methods available, three different methods with unique working principles, namely, GOR, HNN, and SOPMA were evaluated for their efficiency to predict secondary structures.
Methods:
A set of 90 different proteins with known secondary structures from three major classes namely, mainly alpha, mainly beta, and mainly alpha beta was used as reference. Secondary structure data of these proteins obtained through experimental methods were compared with that of predictions made by GOR, HNN, and SOPMA respectively by employing various statistical analyses, namely paired sample test, correlation coefficient, standard deviation, standard error mean and scatter plots.
Results:
The secondary structure prediction tools namely, GOR and HNN were found to predict helical structures more accurately than the sheets. SOPMA was observed to predict sheets more accurately than helices.
Conclusion:
Based on the observed results, it could be concluded that there is no single tool that consistently predicts all the secondary structures accurately. It could also be anticipated that a combined use of these secondary prediction tools could further enhance the efficacy of
in silico
protein secondary structure prediction methods.
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5,925
525
Correlation study between urinary tract bacterial infection and some acute inflammatory responses
Falah Hasan Obayes AL-Khikani, Ghusin alban Adnan Auda, Aalae Salman Ayit
October-December 2019, 3(4):236-239
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_122_19
Background:
There is no population in the world clear from urinary tract infection (UTI), especially among women. Urinary tract disease is a general term alluding to the bacterial infection anyplace in the urinary tract. It is commonly acknowledged that contamination of the upper urinary tract puts the patient in danger for kidney damage. The aim of the study was to identify the type of bacteria that cause UTI beside elevates the correlation between UTI and some inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell, C-reactive protein (CRP), and hemoglobin for the UTI among patients in various sex and age groups.
Methods:
The study was carried in Baghdad Teaching Hospital during July 7, 2017–October 15, 2017. A sum of 45 UTI patients and 20 control group was collected.
Results:
The study showed that UTI increased in female than in male with 62.2% and 37.8%, respectively, and high risk at age 30–49 years with 42.2%. The microorganisms identified in this study were
Escherichia coli
(42.2%), followed by
Enterobacter
(8.9%),
Pseudomonas
and
Klebsiella
(6.7% for each),
Proteus
spp and
Serratia
spp (4.4% for each), and mixed culture (
E. coli + Proteus
and E. coli + Pseudomonas with 2.2% for each one).
Conclusion:
This study showed highly significant correlation between CRP and bacterial isolation.
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9
11,992
415
REVIEW ARTICLES
Vaccine in response to COVID-19: Recent developments, challenges, and a way out
Sameer Quazi
April-June 2021, 5(2):105-109
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_166_20
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 proved to be disastrous as it affected a large population in the period of a few months. As the virus took hold in the world, health experts paced efforts to solve the unknown nature of this threat. Besides finding short-term and sudden relief, scientists directed their efforts to provide a long-term solution for an ensuing pandemic that influenced all areas of life in unprecedented ways. The subject matter of this research involves exploring the relevant literature regarding passive immunity in fight against the virus. It is expected that different vaccine platforms such as traditional recombinant protein, macromolecule DNA and mRNA, and nonreplicating and replicating viral vectors could be helpful if utilized properly. This article is going to discuss all these platforms and recent developments regarding the formulation of the vaccine. It is going to highlight the need for the production and distribution of the medicines along with challenges that are present in this task. The facts involving social, political, and economic aftermath would also be discussed in the current research. There is no doubt that biotechnology is going to provide a sound foundation to fight with upcoming health-related challenges. Along with the exploration of this fact, the article is going to prove a case for effective collaboration among all stakeholders such as government, academia, health sector, and civil society. The mechanism of collaboration would produce safety and efficacy data with the help of many volunteers, to speed up the distribution of multiple vaccine platforms to fight against COVID-19 and to strive for a better future.
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9
3,374
419
Sputum smear microscopy in tuberculosis: It is still relevant in the era of molecular diagnosis when seen from the public health perspective
Prasanta Kumar Das, Somtirtha B Ganguly, Bodhisatya Mandal
April-June 2019, 3(2):77-79
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_54_19
Smear Microscopy has been the sole diagnostic support since the inception of the Revised national Tuberculosis Control Program. Treatment initiation and evaluation of prognosis both were dependant on the Smear Microscopy results. The recent commissioning of the CBNAAT machines raised questions on relevance of smear microscopy. The review explores the merits and demerits of the smear microscopy and other molecular technologies and debated on the relevance of microscopy when seen from the perspective of public health.
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549
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Outdoor air pollution affects tuberculosis development based on geographical information system modeling
Esmaeil Rajaei, Maryam Hadadi, Majid Madadi, Jafar Aghajani, Mohanad Mohsin Ahmad, Poopak Farnia, Jalaledin Ghanavi, Parissa Farnia, Ali Akbar Velayati
January-March 2018, 2(1):39-45
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_5_18
Background :
Daily intake of air is 30 Ib as compared with 2-Ib of food and 4½ of water. Thereby, breathing-contaminated air is as harmful as drinking or eating contaminated water or food, respectively. Recent research has highlighted the extent of outdoor air pollution in large cities and warranted high-quality studies to clarify the magnitude of the problem. Here, we evaluated the possible association between tuberculosis (TB) development and exposure to outdoor air pollution in a metropolitan city of Tehran.
Methods:
Extraction and analysis of relevant data. Investigation performed on TB patients (
n
= 1167) that were residing in Tehran for the past 10 years. The average concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO
2
), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide (CO), and particles with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 2.5μm (PM
2.5
) and ≤ 10.0 (PM
10
) was measured from Tehran Air Quality Control Corporation (TAQCC). Patient and ecological informations were analyzed using geographical information system.
Results:
Based on TAQCC, Tehran had an average of 180–250 polluted days per year for the last 10 years. The high incidence of pulmonary TB (18 to 31/100,000) was detected in populations which were exposed to high concentration of CO (2.7 to 5.2 parts per million, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.10 to 1.90) and PM
2.5
(35 to 42μg/m
3
; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.80). The level of SO
2
,NO, and PM
10
was also high but not significantly related to TB (
P
> 0.05).
Conclusion:
The long-term exposure to PM
2.5
and CO was positively associated with TB development.
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7,637
665
Screening and optimization of staphylokinase from
Staphylococcus aureus
isolated from nasal swab of healthy students in Himachal Pradesh University, India
Kumari Deepa, Sameer Singh Faujdar, Wamik Azmi, Priya Mehrishi, Seema Solanki
October-December 2019, 3(4):228-232
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_128_19
Background:
One of virulence factors produced by
Staphylococcus aureus
is staphylokinase (SAK), which enhances their proteolytic activity leading to tissue damage and improving bacterial invasiveness. In the present study, we estimated the ability to produce SAK by
S. aureus
isolates from nasal carriers. We would like to verify relationship between SAK production and different
S. aureus
isolates.
Methods:
In this study, all nasal swab samples from healthy nasal carriers were collected and further processed in the Department of Biotechnology, Himachal Pradesh University. All
S. aureus
isolates were screened for SAK and optimization was done.
Results:
Out of all
S. aureus
isolates 20% isolates were positive for SAK production. Isolate SAK-24 shown increase in SAK production after optimization and response surface methodology (RSM).
Conclusion:
Production of SAK varies from strain to strains. SAK production can be increased by optimization and RSM.
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8
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301
REVIEW ARTICLES
Probiotics: The marvelous factor and health benefits
S Vijayaram, S Kannan
January-March 2018, 2(1):1-8
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_87_17
The aim of this study is well stated to address in recent advances on probiotics in the past 50 years. Probiotics are the living cell organisms. It is a presence in human and animal gut. The probiotic organisms are natural antibiotics in the human-animal gut. This reviews the main role mechanisms of action in probiotics such as probiotics are antibiotics, probiotics in antibacterial activity, probiotic action in fish gut bacteria, dietary supplements of probiotics, gastrointestinal microbiota of fishes, microbial community of the gastrointestinal tract of fish, bioactive compounds from probiotic bacteria, probiotic uses in cancer therapeutic applications, and applications of probiotics. The most common probiotics are used in many ways such as boosting the immune system, inhibition of pathogenic organism, prevention of cancer, reduction of inflammatory bowel disease, reducing cholesterol level, and synthesis of Vitamin A. Nowadays, food products are mainly involved in chemical preservatives. These preservative agents are causing the disease to affect the human health. The probiotic food products are used to the development of human-animal health.
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8
11,593
1,399
Useful approaches for reducing aflatoxin M1 content in milk and dairy products
Fatemeh Naeimipour, Jafar Aghajani, Saba Amiri Kojuri, Saman Ayoubi
April-June 2018, 2(2):94-99
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_59_18
The quality and safety of food are of major importance. Using contaminated animals' milk and meat may result in human disease. Among microorganisms, fungal toxins, especially aflatoxin B-1 (AFB1), are of special importance. Aflatoxin M-1 (AFM-1) is a metabolite that is produced by conversion and hydroxylation of AFB-1. Both toxins can cause acute and chronic mycotoxicosis mainly through ingestion of contaminated milk. Hence, it is critical to control and decrease these microorganisms. Despite cost-effective efforts, preventing foods contamination due to aflatoxins (AFs) is not only an expensive but also a difficult task. The best agricultural monitoring during preharvest and postharvest stages cannot eliminate the AFs, especially AFM-1 from milk and dairy products because of the high resistance of these toxins. There have been numerous studies investigating the methods of AF detoxification or reduction from infected milk. By focusing on advantages and disadvantages of preventative procedures using probiotics, antibodies, chemisorbents and even additives, one can choose one or several procedures to eliminate or reduce AFM-1 in milk and its byproducts efficiently.
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8
13,230
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ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Predictable repeatability issues with GeneXpert-Xpert MTB/RIF (version 4) derived rifampicin resistant tuberculosis results from South India: Appreciating the limits of a technological marvel!
Praveen Sanker, Ramya Puthukkudi Kottuthodi, Anusree Puthenveettil Ambika, Vishnu T Santhosh, Ravikrishnan Balakrishnan, Sunil Kumar Mrithunjayan, Hisham Moosan
July-September 2017, 1(1):76-80
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_6_17
Background:
GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert), the fully automated cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test for simultaneous identification of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex and rifampicin resistance (RR), directly from samples is considered as a game changer for tuberculosis (TB) control programs worldwide.
Methods:
We are reporting serious issues with repeatability among a subgroup of Xpert (Version 4) identified RR results from South Indian state recently switched to Xpert by the National TB control program.
Results:
We have demonstrated that poor repeatability is frequently associated with those Xpert derived RR results, identified by detection of delayed amplification of any probe in the presence of positive analyte results for all probes. Another significant contributing factor was found to be lower bacterial loads in samples. The repeat tests were done by Xpert and/or by line probe assay depending on smear positivity. The finding is worrying as Xpert is recommended over other tests due to its reportedly better performance among low bacterial load samples such as pediatric, extra-pulmonary, HIV-TB co-infected, and smear negative pulmonary TB and the same samples, it seems are more likely to cause error prone RR results.
Conclusions:
We recommend for additional genotypic tests with specific mutant probes for detecting mutations at rpoB hot sites and growth based tests for all Xpert derived RR-TB cases identified by the above algorithm for confirmation of the presence of mutation, based on our available data.
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6,027
539
In vitro
antimicrobial activity of aqueous extracts of
Ocimum suave
Willd.,
Plectranthus barbatus
andrews and
Zanthoxylum chalybeum
Engl. against selected pathogenic bacteria
Joseph Mwanzia Nguta, Micheni Ndei Kiraithe
January-March 2019, 3(1):30-34
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_128_18
Background:
There is an urgent need for new antimicrobials, due to the increase in drug resistance. Current studies suggest that, by 2050, in the absence of major improvements in drug discovery, more individuals will die from drug-resistant bacterial infections than from cancer. This will result in a cumulative effect on the global gross domestic product of as much as 100 trillion dollars. To discover new drugs, new targets, and lead compounds are badly needed. Natural products of plant biodiversity are a key source of starting points for novel antimicrobial agents with activity against sensitive and resistant bacterial strains. The current study is timely and of a high impact, since it sought to validate anecdotal efficacy of aqueous extracts from selected medicinal plants conventionally used against microbial infections, namely, leaves from
Ocimum suave
Willd. (Lamiaceae), roots from
Plectranthus barbatus
Andrews (Lamiaceae), and roots from
Zanthoxylum chalybeum
Engl. (Rutaceae).
Methods:
The study plant parts were collected from Msambweni Sub-county, Kwale County, Kenya. Agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extracts against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) (ATCC 1385),
Escherichia coli
(ATCC 25922),
S. aureus
(ATCC 25923), and
Bacillus cereus
(ATCC 11778).
Results:
Root extract of
P. barbatus
was found to be the most active of the studied extracts exhibiting mean inhibition zone values of 18.67 mm, 20.00 mm, and 25.33 mm in
S. aureus
, MRSA and
B. cereus
strains, respectively, after 24 h of incubation. All the studied extracts did not exhibit activity against
E. coli.
In addition, the aqueous leaf extract from the leaves of
O. suave
did not display antimicrobial activity against the tested organisms.
Conclusion:
These findings justify the continued ethno pharmacological utilization of
P. barbatus
and
Z. chalybeum
extracts against bacterial infections in traditional herbal medicine by various local communities. Furthermore, the current findings lay a strong foundation for further investigation of extracts from
P. barbatus
and
Z. chalybeum
for isolation, identification, and characterization of bioactive molecules responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity. These molecules could serve as templates for the discovery of a new class of antimicrobial agents for the management of economically important bacterial infections.
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4,574
486
Antibacterial potential of neem (
Azadirachta indica
) against uropathogens producing beta-lactamase enzymes: A clue to future antibacterial agent?
Sameer Singh Faujdar, Dakshina Bisht, Amisha Sharma
July-September 2020, 4(3):232-238
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_38_20
Background:
Emergence of drug resistance in Gram-negative bacilli due to production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), metallo-beta-lactamases (MBL), and AmpC beta-lactamase is very common nowadays; therefore, we are left with less choice for antibiotics that is why we are in the need for the new alternatives. Hence, the current study was done to demonstrate antibacterial properties of neem (
Azadirachta indica
) leaves against ESBL, MBL, and AmpC beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative uropathogens.
Methods:
Gram-negative uropathogens (221) were isolated and further tested for beta-lactamase (ESBL, MBL, and AmpC) production. Neem (
A. indica
) was tested for its antibacterial activity against all uropathogens.
Results:
Ethanolic extract of neem leaves showed good antibacterial activity against all isolates. Maximum zone of inhibitions and lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values were revealed by
Acinetobacter baumannii
.
Conclusion:
Extract of neem leaves at different concentrations showed potential antibacterial activity against both beta-lactamase-producing and nonproducing Gram-negative bacilli.
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6
16,501
535
REVIEW ARTICLES
Impact of geographical information system on public health sciences
Jafar Aghajani, Parissa Farnia, Ali Akbar Velayati
October-December 2017, 1(2):94-100
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_34_17
In this brief review, the geographic information systems (GISs) and its beneficial influence in the field of health were discussed and highlighted. Basically, GIS is a computerized system that can significantly add to assess and monitor the effects of environmental factors (namely, population, air pollution, location, climatic changes) on public health problems. The main benefits of GIS in health services are mapping and/or visualizing of disease distribution, which will ultimately improves our understanding of disease diversities and their spatial patterns. Therefore, GIS technology is capable of providing the intra- and inter-logical connection between health, social services, and natural environment.
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6
12,796
1,239
Challenges of bovine tuberculosis control and genetic distribution in Africa
Benjamin David Thumamo Pokam, Prisca W Guemdjom, D Yeboah-Manu, Elroy P Weledji, Jude E Enoh, Patience G Tebid, Anne E Asuquo
October-December 2019, 3(4):217-227
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_110_19
Bovine tuberculosis (BTB), caused by
Mycobacterium bovis
(
M. bovis
); a member of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC), is a well-known zoonotic disease, which affects mainly cattle. Control programs have either nearly or completely eliminated this disease from domesticated animals in many developed countries. Its persistence in developing countries results from interactions between people, livestock transhumance, and wildlife. In addition, deficiencies in preventive and/or control measures, poor sanitation, veterinary and slaughterhouse services, and lack of political measures have been blamed. The proportion of human TB cases caused by
M. bovis
is most likely underestimated since tests to distinguish between MTBC are seldom performed. Molecular techniques, especially spoligotyping, have helped to link human and animal transmission. Several challenges in the control of
M. bovis
TB in Africa have been identified, and its eradication efforts require a holistic approach. This review explores the challenges in the control efforts of BTB in Africa, as well as the impact of the genotyping evolution and distribution of
M. bovis
in the continent and strategies to improve its control.
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6
4,831
401
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Immunoinformatic analysis of glycoprotein from bovine ephemeral fever virus
Mehran Bakhshesh, Mohammad Mehdi Ranjbar, Shokoofeh Almasi
July-September 2018, 2(3):208-212
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_71_18
Background:
Bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV) is an arthropod-borne virus that is highly infective for cattle and water buffalo. The infection has important economic losses and is common in tropical and subtropical regions. Surface glycoprotein (G protein) of BEFV is an immunogenic transmembrane G protein and responsible for attachment and entrance to host cells. The aim of this study was to determine immune dominant epitopes of the protein through immunoinformatics approaches.
Methods:
A reference sequence and some other related sequences of the G protein were retrieved. Three-dimensional structure of the protein was modeled and refined. Variation analysis of the protein sequences was done, and signal peptide and transmembrane topology were predicted. Finally, linear and conformational (discontinues) epitopes of the protein were predicted. Consensus linear and conformational epitopes were selected and reported as immunodominant epitopes.
Results:
Five regions were characterized as hyper variable regions (HVRs). Selected consensus epitopes included amino acids 46–60 (AA
46–60
), AA
67–74
, AA
132–149
, AA
156–188
, AA
196–225
, AA
260–282
, AA
315–456
, and AA
487–503
were selected as consensus epitopes.
Conclusion:
Four determined epitopes including AA
67–74
, AA
132–149
, AA
196–225
, and AA
315–456
were determined for the first time in this study. Other predicted epitopes in the current study, has been previously identified, however, new start and end regions for them were suggested here. The predicted epitopes may be experimentally tested to confirm as novel immunogenic candidates applicable in preventive and diagnostic tasks.
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5
3,227
342
Cytotoxicity effects of endodontic irrigants on permanent and primary cell lines
Manikandan Ravinanthanan, Mithra N Hegde, Veena Shetty, Suchetha Kumari
January-March 2018, 2(1):59-62
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_92_17
Background:
Irrigants plays a vital role in disinfection of the root canal system. Although concentration dependent, a fine balance between antimicrobial efficacy and biocompatibility need to be maintained at all times. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of conventional irrigants on two different cell lines in a dose-dependent manner
in vitro
.
Methods:
Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), and iodine potassium iodide (IKI) were prepared in concentrations of 5%, 2.5%, 2%, and 1%. About 0.9% saline served as negative control and Biopure MTAD
TM
(100%) as positive control. Permanent (Henrietta Lacks [HeLa]) and primary (human gingival fibroblast [HGF]) cell lines were chosen to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the irrigants by trypan blue assay. A volume of 30 μl of the cell suspension was treated with 20 μl of irrigants. The cell suspension was loaded into Neubauer chamber after 5 min, and cell count was performed under inverted microscope and expressed as viability percentage.
Results:
NaOCl at all concentrations was cytotoxic on both cell lines; MTAD on HeLa had nonviable scores with limited viability on HGF. Only 1% IKI had better viability than higher concentrations. Although 1% CHX had higher viability on both cell lines, bactericidal concentration of 2% CHX showed promising results.
Conclusion:
Target cell line (HGF) appears to be more sensitive than the use of nontarget cell line (HeLa) for evaluating cytotoxicity. NaOCl and MTAD were cytotoxic and should be used with caution. Lower concentrations of CHX appear to be less cytotoxic than any irrigant and concentrations tested.
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3,800
366
Thyroid dysfunction in early pregnancy and spontaneous abortion
Preeti Gahlawat, Aditi Singh, Smiti Nanda, Simmi Kharb
July-September 2017, 1(1):81-84
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_27_17
Background:
Pregnancy is associated with significant but reversible changes in thyroid function. Abnormal thyroid hormone levels could give rise to increased malplacentation increase to malplacentation that underlies the association between maternal thyroid dysfunction and adverse obstetric outcomes such as fetal brain damage, preterm births, and fetal death.
Aim:
The present study was planned to predict the risk of abortion in pregnancy by studying the relation between thyroid profile and rate of abortion.
Methods:
This prospective observational study was carried out in 100 pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy of 6–12 weeks of gestation in the Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pt. B.D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak. The patients were divided into three groups, namely, Group 1 (
n
= 30, control group) included normal pregnant women with no history of abortion; Group 2 (
n
= 35) included pregnant females with previous history of abortion; and Group 3 (
n
= 35) comprised pregnant women coming with chief complaint of bleeding per vaginum. A volume of 5 mL blood sample was taken and serum was separated using centrifugation. Triiodothyronine (T
3
), thyroxine (T
4
), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were estimated by chemiluminiscence.
Results:
T
3
, T
4
and levels were comparable in all the three groups and the difference was not statistically significant. TSH levels were found to be negatively correlated with T
3
and T
4
values in the three groups. Only, 13% of the patients had spontaneous abortion. Nearly 6.66% of the patients in Group 1, 11.42% in Group 2 and 19.99% of patients in Group 3 ended up in abortion. TSH was found to be strongly associated with abortion in all the three groups (
P
≤ 0.001). TSH levels were significantly higher in the first trimester in women who had an abortion than pregnant women who had a successful continuation of pregnancy.
Conclusions:
TSH was strongly associated with abortion in the first trimester in all the three groups.
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18,445
823
Brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute ischemic stroke: Role of statins
Hayder M Al-Kuraishy, Ali I Al-Gareeb, Marwa Thaier Naji
July-September 2020, 4(3):239-245
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_44_20
Background:
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with disturbances in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) serum levels. Therefore, the objective of this study is to illustrate the potential effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on BNP in patients with AIS.
Methods:
A total of 88 patients with AIS with or without statins therapy compared with 22 healthy controls were recruited. The patients with AIS were divided into: Group A: Patients with AIS on statins therapy (atorvastatin or rosuvastatin), (
n
= 44) and Group B: Patients with AIS not were on statins therapy (
n
= 22). Body mass index, blood pressure profile, lipid profile, and serum levels of human BNP were measured. As well, stroke risk score (SRS) was assessed in all involved patients and healthy volunteers.
Results:
BNP serum level was higher in patients with AIS compared with healthy controls (
P
= 0.0006). It was higher in patients with AIS not were on statins therapy (29.96 ± 17.21 μg/dL) as compared with patients with AIS on statins therapy (21.66 ± 14.22 μg/dL),
P
< 0.001. However, BNP serum level was (20.33 ± 6.05 μg/dL) in AIS patients on atorvastatin and (21.51 ± 6.82 μg/dL) AIS patients on rosuvastatin, which was not significantly differed (P = 0.54). Moreover, BNP serum levels were correlated with SRS in patients with AIS on statins therapy (
r
= 0.42,
P
= 0.03), but it was highly correlated with SRS in patients with AIS not were on statins therapy (
r
= 0.89,
P
< 0.001).
Conclusion:
BNP serum level is elevated in patients with AIS and correlated significantly with SRS. Statins therapy mainly atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are effective anti-inflammatory agents in the management of AIS through the reduction of BNP serum levels. However, there is no significant difference between the two statins.
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2,558
138
Effects of two-body wear on microfill, nanofill, and nanohybrid restorative composites
Efe Çetin Yilmaz, Recep Sadeler, Zeynep Yeşil Duymuş, Mustafa Öcal
July-September 2017, 1(1):25-28
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_36_17
Background:
The purpose of this study was to investigate two-body wear resistance and hardness of different three modern composite materials.
Methods:
In the conditions recommended by the manufacturer five pieces were produced from each material. All samples were kept in distill water for 1 week and determined Vickers hardness (HV) before two-body wear test. Then, two-body wear tests were performed using a computer controlled chewing simulator. In this study, the chewing simulator was programmed to provide a 2 mm vertical movement and a 0.7 mm horizontal movement. For each wear test, Al
2
O
3
with a diameter of 6 mm was used as antagonist material. The mean volume loss of all samples after the wear tests was determined with three dimensional profilometry. In addition to a random specimen was selected from each test group and SEM images were taken for analysis of wear tracks. Mean and standard deviation values were calculated and evaluated with the one-way ANOVA.
Results:
The hardness values of the materials tested in this study were measured between about 49 HV and 78 HV. Significantly, lowest mean volume loss was detected for the Heliomolar at about 3.1 μm3 whereas the highest mean volume loss was detected for the Silorane at about 6.4 μm3 after 360.000 chewing cycles.
Conclusions:
However, among the materials tested in this study suggested correlations between HV and two-body wear resistance are not significant.
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4,032
417
Analysis of endothelial progenitor subpopulation cells, oxidative DNA damage, and their role in coronary artery disease
Mahaboob Vali Shaik, Munni Shaik, Subramanyam Gangapatnam
April-June 2018, 2(2):136-141
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_41_18
Background:
Endothelial dysfunction has been associated for the cause of atherosclerosis or cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are exposed to oxidative stress during vascular injury as residents of blood vessel walls or as circulating cells homing to the sites of neovascularization. The current study was designed to analyze various subpopulations of EPCs and their DNA damage in CVDs.
Methods:
The study included 50 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients which was confirmed by angiography and 50 age-matched healthy controls without CAD. Flow cytometric analysis performed to measure subpopulations in EPCs in the peripheral blood using markers such as CD34, CD133, VEGFR2, and CD45. Oxidative DNA damage was analyzed in CD34+ cells. Mean EPC count was expressed as a percentage of total white blood cells. Three different subpopulations with CD45−/CD133+/VEGFR2+, CD45−/CD34+/VEGFR2+, and CD45−/CD34+/CD133+ coexpressions were measured with various percentages.
Results:
Subpopulation of CD45−/CD34+/VEGFR2+ cells had shown significant (
P
= 0.001) decrease in CAD patients in comparison with the healthy controls. There was no significant difference in the subpopulations of CD45−/CD34+/CD133+ cells (
P
= 0.005) and CD45−/CD133+/VEGFR2+ cells (
P
= 0.005) in CAD and healthy controls. The CD45−/CD34+/VEGFR2+ subpopulation EPC showed positive correlation with the severity of coronary stenosis (
r
= 0.35,
P
= 0.026), while other EPC subpopulation count did not show any correlation. Oxidative DNA damage was higher in CAD compared with controls. The number of EPC subpopulation CD45−/CD34+/VEGFR2+ was inversely correlated with oxidative DNA damage (
P
= 0.001), hypertension (
P
= 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (
P
= 0.004).
Conclusion:
We observed an association between CD45−/CD34+/VEGFR2 subpopulation EPCs and DNA damage in CAD condition. These findings support a cell biologist in searching the role of EPC populations in the pathophysiology or diagnosis of the disease by a clinician.
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4
2,898
289
REVIEW ARTICLES
Liposomes as potential nanocarriers for theranostic applications in chronic inflammatory lung diseases
Hande Suer, Hasan Bayram
July-September 2017, 1(1):1-8
DOI
:10.4103/bbrj.bbrj_54_17
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma affect millions of people worldwide. Conventional treatments are not sufficient at preventing the progression of these diseases. The treatments are unspecific, and when administered systematically, and in high doses, they have adverse health effects. Further, the current diagnostic methods are poor and they are not capable of identifying the accurate state of the disease. Nanoparticle-based theranostics (NBTs) are well-established systems that simultaneously provide treatment and diagnostics. Various nanocarriers can be used in NBT and are designed according to the need. In this review, liposome-based theranostic systems are evaluated and possible modifications that could provide better drug delivery and accumulation and diagnosis are exemplified. These systems can be applied to conventional therapeutics to avoid side effects and perhaps overcome the challenges that interfere with their cellular accumulation.
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762
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Online since 23
rd
March, 2017