Infectious Disorders Research Articles

Global Warming and Related Environmental Changes Affecting Public Health: A Cross-Sectional Study from Madhepura District Of Bihar

Background: Public health is seriously threatened by climate change, which is fuelled by rising global temperatures and a rise in the frequency of extreme weather events. The shifting distribution of infectious diseases, decreased food security, and escalation of long-term medical issues are all clear indications of these effects. Aim: This investigation seeks to evaluate the health effects of climate change on individuals, concentrating on the incidence of chronic health disorders, infectious diseases and food insecurity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study with 150 randomly selected participants was carried out for duration of one year from December-2023 to December-2024 at Jannayak Karpoori Thakur Medical College & Hospital, Madhepura, Bihar. Questionnaires and structured interviews were used to gather data on exposures related to climate change, health status, and demographics. Using SPSS version 23.0, statistical analyses including chi-square tests and logistic regression were conducted to find significant connections and predictors of unfavourable health outcomes. Results: The study discovered that 30% of participants had infectious disorders and 60% had been exposed to extreme heat episodes. Infectious illnesses and high heat exposure were shown to be significantly correlated (?²(1) = 4.65, p = 0.030). Food insecurity also affected 40% of participants, and it was substantially linked to long-term medical disorders (?²(1) = 5.139, p = 0.019). Food insecurity, high heat exposure, and age were found to be significant predictors of unfavourable health outcomes using logistic regression. Conclusion: The results highlight the complex effects of climate change on human health, especially with regard to an increase in chronic illnesses and infectious diseases. Integrated public health policies and strategies that emphasise climate adaptation and mitigation are needed to address these issues. Recommendations: Improving food security, building tailored interventions to lessen the adverse health impacts of extreme weather events, and strengthening community resilience to climate-related health hazards should be the top priorities of future public health activities. Keywords: Global Warming, Public Health, Climate Change, Infectious Diseases

Catch Bonds in Immunology.

Catch bonds are molecular bonds that last longer under force than slip bonds, which become shorter-lived under force. Although catch bonds were initially discovered in studies of leukocyte and bacterial adhesions two decades ago, they have since been found in many other contexts, including platelet binding to blood vessel walls during clotting, structural support within the cell and between cells, force transmission in the cell's machineries for motility and mechanotransduction, viral infection of host cells, and immunoreceptor mechanosensing. Catch bonds are strengthened by increasing force, which induces structural changes in one or both interacting molecules either locally or allosterically to enable additional contacts at their binding interface, thus lengthening bond lifetimes. They can be modeled by the kinetics of a system escaping from the energy well(s) of the bound state(s) over the energy barrier(s) to the free state by traversing along the dissociation path(s) across a hilly energy landscape modulated by force. Catch bond studies are important for understanding the mechanics of biological systems and developing treatment strategies for infectious diseases, immune disorders, cancer, and other ailments.

Rare case of IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis mimicking renal cell carcinoma: A diagnostic challenge.

IgG4-RD is an immune-mediated systemic fibroinflammatory condition with characteristic clinicopathological findings. The exact etiology is uncertain. A combination of environmental and genetic factors is considered to be involved. It can affect multiple organs often mimicking malignancy or infectious disorder. Because of myriad of clinical presentations, the clinical diagnosis is cumbersome and requires a detailed histopathological, radiological, and serological workup. IgG4-retroperitoneal fibrosis is usually seen as a component of systemic manifestation of the disease that presents as mass lesion causing pressure and pain symptoms. These clinical symptoms are usually of insidious onset with gradually progressive course. The early diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent its long-term irreversible complications. Isolated retroperitoneal fibrosis due to IgG4-RD is rare, as is being reported in our elderly male patient. Our case report highlights the rare presentation of IgG4-related RPF mimicking renal cell carcinoma.

The cerebellum in epilepsy.

The cerebellum, a subcortical structure, is traditionally linked to sensorimotor integration and coordination, although its role in cognition and affective behavior, as well as epilepsy, is increasingly recognized. Cerebellar dysfunction in patients with epilepsy can result from genetic disorders, antiseizure medications, seizures, and seizure-related trauma. Impaired cerebellar function, regardless of cause, can cause ataxia (imbalance, impaired coordination, unsteady gait), tremor, gaze-evoked nystagmus, impaired slow gaze pursuit and saccade accuracy, as well as speech deficits (slurred, scanning, or staccato). We explore how cerebellar dysfunction can contribute to epilepsy, reviewing data on genetic, infectious, and neuroinflammatory disorders. Evidence of cerebellar dysfunction in epilepsy comes from animal studies as well as human neuropathology and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional and diffusion tensor MRI, positron emission and single photon emission computerized tomography, and depth electrode electro-encephalography studies. Cerebellar lesions can infrequently cause epilepsy, with focal motor, autonomic, and focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. Antiseizure medication-resistant epilepsy typically presents in infancy or before age 1 year with hemifacial clonic or tonic seizures ipsilateral to the cerebellar mass. Lesions are typically asymmetric benign or low-grade tumors in the floor of the fourth ventricle involving the cerebellar peduncles and extending to the cerebellar hemisphere. Electrical stimulation of the cerebellum has yielded conflicting results on efficacy, although methodological issues confound interpretation. Epilepsy-related comorbidities including cognitive and affective disorders, falls, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy may also be impacted by cerebellar dysfunction. We discuss how cerebellar dysfunction may drive seizures and how genetic epilepsies, seizures and seizure therapies may drive cerebellar dysfunction, and how our understanding of epilepsy-related comorbidities through basic neuroscience, animals models and patient studies can advance our understanding and improve patient outcomes.

Inflammatory Microenvironment-Modulated Conductive Hydrogel Promotes Vascularized Bone Regeneration in Infected Bone Defects.

Infected bone defects show a significant reduction in neovascularization during the healing process, primarily due to persistent bacterial infection and immune microenvironmental disorders. Existing treatments are difficult to simultaneously meet the requirements of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatments for infected bone defects, which is a key clinical therapeutic challenge that needs to be addressed. In this study, a conductive hydrogel based on copper nanoparticles was developed for controlling bacterial infection and remodeling the immune microenvironment. The hydrogel not only effectively eliminates bacteria that exist in the infected bone defect region but also transmits electrical signals to restore the disordered immune microenvironment. In vitro studies have shown that the hydrogel has excellent biocompatibility and can modulate macrophage polarization by transmitting electrical signals to reduce inflammation and promote neovascularization. In vivo studies further confirmed that the hydrogel scaffold not only rapidly cleared clinical bacterial infections but also significantly induced the formation of vascularized new bone tissue within 4 weeks. This work provides a simple and innovative strategy to fabricate copper-containing conductive hydrogels that show great potential for application in the field of therapeutics for infected bone regeneration.

Guillain-Barré syndrome after the Zika epidemic in Colombia: A multicenter, matched case-control study.

Zika produced the highest increase in the incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in Latin America in the last decade. The Neuroinfections Emerging in the Americas Study (NEAS) was established in 2016 to investigate the association of emerging infectious disorders with GBS in Colombia. The present study assessed the role of preceding infections, including arboviruses and other pathogens, as risk factors for GBS. A case-control study was conducted prospectively between June 2016 and December 2019 in 5 Colombian cities. We recruited newly diagnosed patients with GBS and a house control plus an age and season-matched-hospital control per case. Clinical information, blood, CSF, and urine samples were used to diagnose bacterial and viral infections. Anti-glycolipid antibodies were identified in serum. Statistical analyses were performed using conditional logistic regression. Fifty-seven patients with GBS, 66·7% male, 52 years of median age, were recruited along with 77 (55 house and 22 hospital) controls. GBS was associated with presenting diarrhea (adjusted OR 10·94; 95% CI 1·8-66·29; p=0·009) and a history of recent upper respiratory tract infection (aOR 13·91; 95% CI 2·38-81·1 p=0·003). Specific recent infections did not significantly differ between cases and controls, but the number of infections was associated with GBS (aOR=1·77 95% CI 1·04-3·01 p=0·03). C. jejuni (74%), M. pneumoniae (23%), and Chikungunya (7%) were the most frequent infections. Anti-glycolipid IgG against GM1 and their heterodimer complexes were identified to be associated with GBS. After the Zika epidemic, infections causing diarrhea and upper respiratory diseases contributed to the burden of GBS in Colombia. Prevention and control of food-borne pathogens could reduce the incidence of GBS in Colombia.

A Review on the Epidemiology and Clinical Management of Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Infectious disorders known as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) initially affect the world's underprivileged citizens. They have been disregarded for many years, first as a result of a general indifference to such a developing world and, more recently, as an outcome of the intense attention on AIDS, TB, and malaria. Tropical diseases mostly affect the region where health and hygiene are sacrificed, and most of the population lacks access to sufficient food and living resources. WHO has drafted and released the directions for regulation, prevention, and successful eradication of NTDs as per the revised roadmap of 2021-2030. This shifts from vertical disease programs to integrated cross-cutting methods. In the current work, we have provided comprehensive information on various aspects of neglected tropical diseases, including the clinical management of NTDs. This encompasses the causative agent of the diseases, their symptoms, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and epidemiological perspective of major NTDs. This review will shed light on several perspectives of NTDs having influential roles in proposing strategies to control and treat them around the world.

Optimizing mRNA translation efficiency through rational 5'UTR and 3'UTR combinatorial design.

Optimizing mRNA translation efficiency through rational 5'UTR and 3'UTR combinatorial design.

Assessment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Lebanon: Endoscopic and histopathological findings.

Assessment of Helicobacter pylori infection in Lebanon: Endoscopic and histopathological findings.

Utility of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the etiological diagnosis of unexplained inflammatory syndromes: A retrospective study of 25 cases

Positron emission tomography integrated with computed tomography using 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG PET/CT) plays a critical role in the localization, diagnosis, and management of infectious diseases and inflammatory disorders. This hybrid imaging modality provides morpho-metabolic information that aids in defining the etiology of unexplained inflammatory syndromes and assessing treatment response. A key advantage of 18F-FDG PET/CT is its ability to provide a comprehensive, “all in one” diagnostic solution, particularly in cases where localizing symptoms are absent, facilitating the identification of metastatic and/or septic foci. Recently, there has been increasing recognition among clinicians of its potential in diagnosing, characterizing, and assessing inflammatory disorders. This study evaluates the clinical utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in identifying the etiology of inflammatory syndromes by analyzing 25 patients with unexplained inflammatory disorders. The findings highlight the high reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity of this imaging modality in this context.

Impact of Dietary Fiber on Inflammation in Humans

Cohort studies consistently show that a high intake of cereal fiber and whole-grain products is associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Similar findings are also reported for infectious and chronic inflammatory disorders. All these disorders are at least partially caused by inflammaging, a chronic state of inflammation associated with aging and Metabolic Syndrome. Surprisingly, insoluble (cereal) fiber intake consistently shows stronger protective associations with most long-term health outcomes than soluble fiber. Most humans consume soluble fiber mainly from sweet fruits, which usually come with high levels of sugar, counteracting the potentially beneficial effects of fiber. In both observational and interventional studies, high-fiber diets show a beneficial impact on inflammation, which can be attributed to a variety of nutrients apart from dietary fiber. These confounders need to be considered when evaluating the effects of fiber as part of complex dietary patterns. When assessing specific types of fiber, inulin and resistant starch clearly elicit anti-inflammatory short-term effects, while results for pectins, beta-glucans, or psyllium turn out to be less convincing. For insoluble fiber, promising but sparse data have been published so far. Hypotheses on putative mechanisms of anti-inflammatory fiber effects include a direct impact on immune cells (e.g., for pectin), fermentation to pleiotropic short-chain fatty acids (for fermentable fiber only), modulation of the gut microbiome towards higher levels of diversity, changes in bile acid metabolism, a differential release of gut hormones (such as the glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP)), and an improvement of insulin resistance via the mTOR/S6K1 signaling cascade. Moreover, the contribution of phytate-mediated antioxidative and immune-modulatory means of action needs to be considered. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge on the impact of fiber-rich diets and dietary fiber on the human inflammatory system. However, given the huge heterogeneity of study designs, cohorts, interventions, and outcomes, definite conclusions on which fiber to recommend to whom cannot yet be drawn.

A caged luciferin analogue generating near-infrared bioluminescence for activity-sensing of labile iron.

A caged luciferin analogue generating near-infrared bioluminescence for activity-sensing of labile iron.

Bilateral Traumatic Amputations in A Tertiary Health Centre In Southwestern Nigeria

Introduction: Bilateral amputation refers to the surgical removal of more than one limb, either both lower extremity or both upper extremities. Blood transfusion is often not predictable, however, a correlation between admission PCV and transfusion requirements may provide valuable insight for clinical decision-making in similar cases. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent bilateral amputations following traumatic injuries. The study examined demographic data, mechanisms of injury, clinical interventions, complications, and outcomes. Patient records were comprehensively reviewed for clinical parameters from admission through discharge. Results: The study population comprised of six patients with an equal distribution across age groups (young adults, middle-aged, and elderly). Males constituted 66.7% of cases. Road traffic accidents were the predominant cause (50%), followed by electrical burns (33.3%) and flame burns (16.7%). Bilateral above knee amputation (BKA) was the most common procedure (66.7%). The survival rate was 83.3%, with one mortality. Complications included Surgical Site Infection and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in two cases. Hospital stays ranged from 14-21 days. Blood transfusion was necessary in 66.7% of cases and Pearson correlation coefficient (-0.722) was observed between admission Packed Cell Volume and blood transfusion requirements. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that bilateral amputations predominantly affect males and resulted mainly from road traffic accidents. Despite the severity of injuries, favorable outcomes were achieved in most cases. The findings highlight the importance of early hematological intervention and comprehensive post-operative care. There was a strong negative correlation between admission PCV and blood transfusion requirements.

Association between GLP-1 RAs and DPP-4 inhibitors with biliary disorders: pharmacovigilance analysis.

Incretin-based therapies, including glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, are essential treatments in diabetes management due to their efficacy in glycemic control and the additional benefits of GLP-1 RAs, which include cardiovascular and renal protection. However, concerns about potential associations with biliary disorders necessitate ongoing pharmacovigilance. This study analyzes the link between these drugs and biliary adverse events (AEs) using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to enhance clinical safety. We extracted AE data for GLP-1 RAs and DPP-4 inhibitors from FAERS between Q1 2013 and Q1 2024 using OpenVigil 2.1. Analytical methods such as the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Empirical Bayesian Geometric Mean (EBGM) were employed to assess AE risk. A search of biliary disorders by standard MedDRA analytical queries (SMQs) identified 2,215 reports of biliary AEs, with 1,709 related to GLP-1 RAs and 506 to DPP-4 inhibitors. DPP-4 inhibitors showed a significant association with biliary disorders (ROR, 3.09; 95% CI, 2.83-3.37), particularly sitagliptin (ROR, 3.46; 95% CI, 3.13-3.83). Although the overall association for GLP-1 RAs (ROR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.52-1.68) was not significant, semaglutide (ROR, 4.06; 95% CI, 3.76-4.39) and liraglutide (ROR, 3.88; 95% CI, 3.50-4.29) indicated a notable risk. The SMQ subgroup analyses of sitagliptin, semaglutide, and liraglutide with the SMQ subgroup categories of "biliary tract disorders," "gallbladder related disorders," "gallstone related disorders," and "infectious biliary disorders' demonstrated a statistically significant correlation. Notably, liraglutide, alogliptin, sitagliptin, and linagliptin were linked to "biliary malignant tumors" with statistical significance. The proportion of serious outcomes was higher for DPP-4 inhibitors (n = 389, 76.88%) compared to GLP-1 RAs (n = 881, 51.55%). DPP-4 inhibitors are potentially linked to biliary disorders, warranting vigilance. While the overall association for GLP-1 RAs was not significant, specific drugs like semaglutide, liraglutide, and sitagliptin showed concerning signals, suggesting a need for heightened awareness among clinicians regarding the risk of biliary AEs.

Adaptogens in Long-Lasting Brain Fatigue: An Insight from Systems Biology and Network Pharmacology.

Long-lasting brain fatigue is a consequence of stroke or traumatic brain injury associated with emotional, psychological, and physical overload, distress in hypertension, atherosclerosis, viral infection, and aging-related chronic low-grade inflammatory disorders. The pathogenesis of brain fatigue is linked to disrupted neurotransmission, the glutamate-glutamine cycle imbalance, glucose metabolism, and ATP energy supply, which are associated with multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways in neuroendocrine-immune and blood circulation systems. Regeneration of damaged brain tissue is a long-lasting multistage process, including spontaneously regulating hypothalamus-pituitary (HPA) axis-controlled anabolic-catabolic homeostasis to recover harmonized sympathoadrenal system (SAS)-mediated function, brain energy supply, and deregulated gene expression in rehabilitation. The driving mechanism of spontaneous recovery and regeneration of brain tissue is a cross-talk of mediators of neuronal, microglia, immunocompetent, and endothelial cells collectively involved in neurogenesis and angiogenesis, which plant adaptogens can target. Adaptogens are small molecules of plant origin that increase the adaptability of cells and organisms to stress by interaction with the HPA axis and SAS of the stress system (neuroendocrine-immune and cardiovascular complex), targeting multiple mediators of adaptive GPCR signaling pathways. Two major groups of adaptogens comprise (i) phenolic phenethyl and phenylpropanoid derivatives and (ii) tetracyclic and pentacyclic glycosides, whose chemical structure can be distinguished as related correspondingly to (i) monoamine neurotransmitters of SAS (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) and (ii) steroid hormones (cortisol, testosterone, and estradiol). In this narrative review, we discuss (i) the multitarget mechanism of integrated pharmacological activity of botanical adaptogens in stress overload, ischemic stroke, and long-lasting brain fatigue; (ii) the time-dependent dual response of physiological regulatory systems to adaptogens to support homeostasis in chronic stress and overload; and (iii) the dual dose-dependent reversal (hormetic) effect of botanical adaptogens. This narrative review shows that the adaptogenic concept cannot be reduced and rectified to the various effects of adaptogens on selected molecular targets or specific modes of action without estimating their interactions within the networks of mediators of the neuroendocrine-immune complex that, in turn, regulates other pharmacological systems (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, reproductive systems) due to numerous intra- and extracellular communications and feedback regulations. These interactions result in polyvalent action and the pleiotropic pharmacological activity of adaptogens, which is essential for characterizing adaptogens as distinct types of botanicals. They trigger the defense adaptive stress response that leads to the extension of the limits of resilience to overload, inducing brain fatigue and mental disorders. For the first time, this review justifies the neurogenesis potential of adaptogens, particularly the botanical hybrid preparation (BHP) of Arctic Root and Ashwagandha, providing a rationale for potential use in individuals experiencing long-lasting brain fatigue. The review provided insight into future research on the network pharmacology of adaptogens in preventing and rehabilitating long-lasting brain fatigue following stroke, trauma, and viral infections.

Odontogenic Sinusitis – Case Report

This case report aims to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for odontogenic sinusitis resulting from dental extraction. Odontogenic sinusitis is an inflammatory condition of the paranasal sinuses caused by dental disorders such as periapical infections, iatrogenic perforations, and maxillary fractures. It accounts for up to 30-40% of cases of chronic maxillary sinusitis. However, many cases are misdiagnosed, underscoring the importance of correctly identifying the cause to avoid inappropriate treatments. This case emphasizes the importance of an accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment in the management of odontogenic sinusitis. From the identification of odontological infectious disorders, mainly of the upper molars and premolars, to meticulous surgical, endodontic, and implant planning. An important factor in the diagnosis of acute odontogenic sinusitis is recent tooth extraction or implants where clinical bucco-sinusal communication or pain is observed in the first days after the procedure. Early identification and appropriate intervention are essential to prevent additional complications and ensure full recovery. The findings advocate for meticulous postoperative follow-up and the need for integrated care involving specialists in dentistry and otolaryngology.

Movement Disorders after Dengue Virus Infection: A Scoping Review.

Movement disorders after dengue virus (DENV) infection have been increasingly recognized. We aimed to synthesize the clinical and paraclinical characteristics, treatment responses, and outcomes of these neurologic complications. We systematically reviewed PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and LILACS databases up to September 2023 following a published protocol. We identified 73 cases of DENV-induced movement disorders. Cerebellar ataxia was the most common, followed by parkinsonism, opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome, and dystonia. Movement disorders typically developed within 14 days of DENV infection and were associated with a range of neurological symptoms, including cognitive impairment and psychiatric disturbances. Neuroimaging studies frequently showed abnormalities in the basal ganglia and brainstem. Treatment varied depending on the specific movement disorder and included corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and symptomatic medications. Whereas a handful of cases met the criteria for acute encephalitis, many lacked sufficient data to establish a definitive diagnosis. Para-infectious and postinfectious immune-mediated movement disorders were also reported. A rare case of chronic progressive panencephalitis due to DENV infection highlights the potential for long-term neurological consequences. Other DENV-related complications, such as stroke, pituitary apoplexy, subacute thyroiditis, and metabolic disturbances, can also cause movement disorders. We emphasize the importance of recognizing the diverse neurological manifestations of DENV infection and the need for further research to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and optimize treatment strategies. We propose a more rigorous approach to determining the causality between infection and movement disorder, demanding stronger evidence beyond mere association and advocating for targeted research to fill the existing knowledge gaps. © 2025 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

A small-molecule enhancer of STAT1 affects herpes simplex keratitis prognosis by mediating plasmacytoid dendritic cells migration through CXCR3/CXCL10.

A small-molecule enhancer of STAT1 affects herpes simplex keratitis prognosis by mediating plasmacytoid dendritic cells migration through CXCR3/CXCL10.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Complication Rates at a Major Teaching Hospital: A 9-Year Retrospective Review.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Complication Rates at a Major Teaching Hospital: A 9-Year Retrospective Review.

Monoclonal antibodies: Pioneering the future of medicine

Large-scale manufacturing procedures have been developed in response to the growing demand for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) utilized in therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Continuous optimization of the underlying systems has improved product. Numerous enhancements and changes to monoclonal antibodies have been devion. In response to mAb limitations and side effects, the number of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that have previously been approved for use in clinical trials and therapeutic applications has expanded dramatically in recent years. These changes have made it easier to employ mAbs in a variety of therapeutic applications, including the management of infectious disorders brought on by parasitic, bacterial, viral, and fungal organisms. Additionally Monoclonal antibodies have been utilized to treat Non-infectious diseases such as cancer, immunological problems, and arthritis, , and problems caused by organ donation. This review looks at cutting-edge technology related to the potential application of mAbs in biomedicine.