Non-infectious Diseases Research Articles

Results of monitoring probable cases of acute severe hepatitis of unknown etiology in children in Мoscow in 2022

In the spring 2022, the number of cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology was unusual increased in Europe. As an immediate response, the World health organization recommended active efforts to identify such cases at the international level. For monitoring of acute hepatitis in Moscow, patients with suspected liver disease were sent to Infectious Diseases Clinical Hospital No. 1. The goal: study of the structure of diseases occurring with liver damage in children hospitalized in 2022. Materials and methods: analysis of medical records of children hospitalized with a diagnosis of hepatitis from May 1 to December 31, 2022. Еpidemiological data (age, gender, parenteral manipulations, contacts with patients, travel abroad), clinical (fever, jaundice, etc.), laboratory parameters were assessed. Results: A total of 164 completed cases of hepatitis in children aged 5 months to 17 years were analyzed. 36 children met the criteria for probable severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology. Age median was 7 years [2.25;11]. Girls made up more than half (21 (58.3%). Non-infectious genesis was established in 15 (41.6%). The infectious disease was verified in 11 (30.5%), of which adenoviral infection was detected in 2 children. In 9 (25%) children the etiology of hepatitis was not established. Conclusion. Various infectious and non-infectious diseases among hospitalized children lead to a significant increase in liver transaminases. Most acute hepatitis with unspecified etiology proceeded as an acute infectious disease and ended in recovery. The role of adenoviruses in the development of severe hepatitis in children was not confirmed in our study.

Retrospective study on clinical value and optimal use of [18F] FDG PET/CT for inflammation of unknown origin in Japanese patients.

Despite advancements in medical technology, the challenges of diagnosing fever of unknown origin (FUO) and inflammation of unknown origin (IUO) persist. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has been used to assess these conditions; however, it is unclear which patients most benefit from this approach. This study aimed to assess the clinical value and optimal use of fluorine-18-labelled-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG)-PET/CT in patients with FUO/IUO. We reviewed FDG-PET/CT scans conducted at our department between January 2014 and December 2020 to further assess FUO/IUO. FUO was defined as a fever lasting over three weeks without a diagnosis based on conventional assessment. IUO was defined as prolonged inflammation with a body temperature below 38.3 ℃ and without a diagnosis after conventional diagnostic procedures. The efficacy of FDG-PET/CT was determined based on the diagnostic outcomes achieved by integrating imaging findings with histopathological or microbiological evidence, clinical criteria, or follow-up assessments. We conducted crude and age-sex adjusted logistic regression for potential risk factors to determine the degree of burden on demographic and clinical characteristics. Forty-five patients with FUO/IUO underwent FDG-PET/CT, and final diagnoses were made in 32 patients (71.1%). The percentages of diagnostic categories were 53.3%, 8.9%, and 6.7% for non-infectious inflammatory diseases, malignancy, and infection, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, IUO was the only independent predictor of the efficacy of FDG-PET/CT in the final diagnosis (odds ratio, 67.02; 95% confidence interval, 4.02-1119). Our results indicate that IUO was associated with a higher diagnostic yield compared to those with FUO.

Effect of Fatty Acids on Glucose Metabolism and Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is an inflammatory, non-infectious disease characterized by dysfunctional pancreatic β-cells and insulin resistance. Although lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors are associated with a high risk of type 2 diabetes, nutrition remains one of the most significant factors. Specific types and increased amounts of dietary fatty acids are associated with type 2 diabetes and its complications. Dietary recommendations for the prevention of type 2 diabetes advocate for a diet that is characterized by reduced saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids alongside an increased consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids. Although following the recommendations for dietary fatty acid intake is important for reducing type 2 diabetes and its related complications, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This review will provide an update on the mechanisms of action of fatty acids on glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes, as well as dietary recommendations for the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Spondylodiscitis and Its Mimickers: A Pictorial Review

Spondylodiscitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc, the adjacent vertebral body, and/or contiguous structures due to the introduction of infectious agent, usually by the hematogenous route. Imaging is crucial in assessing bacterial and tubercular spondylodiscitis, as well as their associated complications. Magnetic resonance imaging in particular can clearly depict osteo-structural changes in the vertebral body and the associated disc, as well as any soft-tissue complications, such as paravertebral abscess and/or epidural abscess, improving disease characterization and helping to recognize the agent involved. Nevertheless, other non-infectious diseases may mimic imaging appearances of spondylodiscitis and one should be aware of these conditions when interpreting MR images, which include Modic type I degenerative changes, ankylosing spondylitis, acute Schmorl’s node, porotic fractures, and spinal neuropathy arthropathy. This pictorial review aims at describing imaging findings of bacterial and non-bacterial spondylodiscitis, complications, and those pathologies that mimic these infections.

Retrospective analysis of ferrotherapy methodology in patients with chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease

The course of chronic non-infectious diseases is often accompanied by the development of comorbid conditions. In chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease, special attention is drawn to iron deficiency and anemia. Intravenous iron preparations have become widely used for the prevention and treatment of anemia. Their use contributes to the progression of structural changes in vital organs. However, attempts to implement high-dose intravenous ferrotherapy as a routine strategy for compensating iron deficiency in patients with heart failure, with or without anemia, raise questions related to the search for diagnostic markers of iron deficiency states, goals, and conditions for its use. The article discusses the influences of a combination of opposing factors (inflammation, hypoxia) on the erythron system, its humoral regulators, and iron metabolism based on the author’s own research to justify the choice of strategy and tactics for ferrotherapy in patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

FREQUENCY OF INFECTIOUS AND NON-INFECTIOUS DISEASES DURING THE WAR IN UKRAINE BASED ON SOME PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE UNITS' DATA IN THE CHERNIVTSI REGION

Aim – to investigate the impact of the war in Ukraine and COVID-19 on the frequency of infectious (COVID-19, tuberculosis) and non-infectious diseases (hypertension (AH), diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, thyroid pathology, chronic kidney disease (CKD)) according to data from primary health care units in Chernivtsi region..Material and methods. The statistical reports of Communal Non-commercial Enterprises (CNEs) "Kitsman Center of Primary Medical Care" of the Kitsman District Council and "City Polyclinic No. 1" of the Chernivtsi City Council for the years 2019-2023 with the number of observed population subject to medical care - 36,508 and 58,500, respectively, were analyzed.Results. During the COVID-19 pandemic (2021-2022), a surge in the incidence of tuberculosis was observed in separate communities, with an almost 7% increase per 100,000 residents in the Chernivtsi region as a whole (in 2022-2023), caused, in our opinion, by the war and an increased population migration. During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic and with the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the russian federation on the territory of Ukraine, a strict trend in the incidence of DM increase (mainly non-insulin-dependent) was established. The frequency of obesity in women increased as well by 17.5%, while in men, on the contrary, it decreased – by 17.42%. The frequency of diffuse goiter in the structure of thyroid diseases decreased by 3%, with a slight elevation in autoimmune thyroiditis.Conclusion. An obvious dependence of changes in the incidence of CKD and hypertension in linkage with the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine was not established in the analyzed communities.

Salmonella: Role in Internal and External Environments and Potential as a Therapeutic Tool

Salmonella has had a long and intimate relationship with humans and continues to raise concerns for human health, but this close bond also provides opportunities for new therapeutics and treatments. Although Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is the principal organism that comes to mind in terms of death and morbidity, it is the non-typhoidal Salmonellae that have the most health and economic implications. The developed world has had a challenging relationship with Salmonella, particularly in the UK and the EC/EU, experiencing significant Salmonella outbreaks in the 1980s and 1990s. As a consequence, the research focus was on understanding the nature of infection in food animals and on developing ways and means of controlling zoonotic infections. This led to the development of numerous model systems for the study of Salmonella both in vitro and in vivo. The introduction of vaccination has all but eliminated Salmonella in eggs and reduced perceived risk held by the general public. At the same time as Salmonella in eggs was being brought under control in the UK and EU, the danger posed by antibiotic resistance was beginning to emerge. In the past, with the efficacy of antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria being unchallenged, there was limited focus on the threat posed by antibiotic resistance in non-typhoidal Salmonella. However, the identification of Salmonella as the first ‘multidrug-resistant’ organism, the presence of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella in North Africa and the emergence of monophasic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium across Europe, Asia and the Americas have prompted renewed interest in Salmonella research, particularly in the context of non-infectious disease, biofilm studies and antibiotic resistance. At the same time, research has continued to develop ways of taking advantage of what Salmonella offers in the way of pathogenic factors and the therapeutic and treatment applications in areas such as vaccine development, cancer therapeutics and drug delivery and the role of Salmonella in non-infectious diseases supported by developments in molecular and genomic methods.

Mesenchymal stem cell application in pulmonary disease treatment with emphasis on their interaction with lung-resident immune cells

Due to the vital importance of the lungs, lung-related diseases and their control are very important. Severe inflammatory responses mediated by immune cells were among the leading causes of lung tissue pathology and damage during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, uncontrolled immune cell responses can lead to lung tissue damage in other infectious and non-infectious diseases. It is essential to control immune responses in a way that leads to homeostasis. Immunosuppressive drugs only suppress inflammatory responses and do not affect the homeostasis of reactions. The therapeutic application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), in addition to restoring immune homeostasis, can promote the regeneration of lung tissue through the production of growth factors and differentiation into lung-related cells. However, the communication between MSCs and immune cells after treatment of pulmonary diseases is essential, and investigating this can help develop a clinical perspective. Different studies in the clinical phase showed that MSCs can reverse fibrosis, increase regeneration, promote airway remodeling, and reduce damage to lung tissue. The proliferation and differentiation potential of MSCs is one of the mechanisms of their therapeutic effects. Furthermore, they can secrete exosomes that affect the function of lung cells and immune cells and change their function. Another important mechanism is that MSCs reduce harmful inflammatory responses through communication with innate and adaptive immune cells, which leads to a shift of the immune system toward regulatory and hemostatic responses.

THE PATTERN OF SKIN DISEASES OF PATIENTS ATTENDING THE OUT PATIENTS DEPARTMENT IN A MEDICAL COLLEGE IN A DISTRICT IN WEST BENGAL

Objective: The objective of the study was to find out the pattern of skin diseases among the patients attending the Dermatology outdoor of a Medical College located in a district in West Bengal. Methods: This is an observational study. Patients attending the dermatology outdoor were included following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: In this study, we found that infective diseases (51.09%) were more than non-infective diseases (44.31%). Among the infective diseases dermatophyte infection (15.22%) and Scabies (12.31%) were the highest. Eczema (11.68%) and contact dermatitis (10.07%) were the highest among the non-infective diseases. Conclusion: This study shows the pattern of skin diseases among the patients attending the dermatology outdoor. This gives a good idea about the skin diseases prevalent in this region. This knowledge will help to formulate policies regarding healthcare. It will also help to have an idea about the medicines and human resources required to deliver service to the people.

Role of the basic leucine zipper transcription factor BATF2 in modulating immune responses and inflammation in health and disease.

Basic leucine zipper transcription factor ATF-like 2 (BATF2) is a transcription factor that is known to exhibit tumor-suppressive activity in cancer cells. Within recent years, however, BATF2 has also emerged as an important transcriptional regulator of the immune system. Through its immunomodulatory function, BATF2 has been implicated in a variety of (patho)physiological processes, including host defense against infection, anti-tumor immunity, and maintenance of tissue inflammatory homeostasis. Below, we discuss recent literature that has provided insight into the role of BATF2 as a transcriptional regulator of immune responses in health and disease, including the cell types that express BATF2, the different diseases in which the immunomodulatory effects of BATF2 have been shown to play a role, and the molecular mechanisms through which BATF2 is thought to exert those effects. In doing so, we highlight that the immunological effects of BATF2 are highly context-dependent, and we point out overlap between the mechanisms of action of BATF2 in infectious disease and non-infectious disease. We also discuss areas of interest for future research, the clinical relevance of better understanding BATF2 function, and potential strategies for therapeutic modulation of BATF2.

In vitro pharmacological evaluation of Methanolic leaf extract of Calotropis procera for antifungal and anti-breast cancer activities.

Medicinal plants remained the primary choice worldwide from several centuries due to many therapeutic effects in the management of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Therefore, exploration of new medicinalplants as a green medicine has the major concern of many research groups. Microbial infections and different types of cancers in human are among the common health problems both in developing as well as in developed countries. Medicinal plants as a source of anti-microbial and anti-cancer agents are still in their initial stage in modern medicine. So current research work was planned to explore the anti-fungal and anticancer potential of Calotropis procera. C. procera leaves were collected from local area of Faisalabad, Pakistan, and phytochemical, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer activities were studied following reference methods. In vitro anti-microbial study of methanolic extracts of C. procera leaves against different strains of fungal was performed. Results showed that plant extract in a dose of 5 mg/mL have significant (P<0.05) antifungal activity. Moreover, the methanolic leaf extract of C. procera displayed strong anti-cancer activity in breast cancer cells (MCF-7), with a cytotoxic activityat 200μg/mL comparable to that found for Taxol as standard drug. Findings of current research work showed that the leaf extracts of C. procera has strong potential as an antibacterial, antifungal and anti-cancer agent. However, characterization and purification of phytochemicals is required to develop drug from natural resources.

DIGITAL STETHOSCOPE – NEW ERA OF AUSCULTATION

This review is devoted to electronic and digital stethoscopes. We performed analysis of publications within last 10 years in databases e-LIBRARY, PubMed, Google Scholar. Key words for the search were «auscultation», «electronic stethoscope», «digital stethoscope», «telemedicine». Review contains an information about new possibilities in auscultation by using digital stethoscopes. We provided an information about brief characteristics of the products of the most popular manufacturers on the Market. Increasing of functionality and versatility (the ability to analyze heart, lungs and intestine sounds) of digital stethoscope and also increasing of noise reduction and sound filtration will make these devices more attractable for everyday use. When these tasks will be solved, the digital stethoscope will definitely become an indispensable tool in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases, as well as patients’ self-monitoring. Contemporary models of digital stethoscopes can be used in telemonitoring of the patients with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. In this case it is possible to estimate the results of auscultation in dynamics, during long term follow up. This can contribute to early evaluation of complications and decompensations in patients with chronic non-infectious diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, asthma, myocardial infarction, etc.

Exploring the orphan immune receptor TREM2 and its non-protein ligands: In silico characterization

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is an immunoreceptor that interacts with a wide range of non-protein ligands, and it has been implicated in infectious and non-infectious diseases. However, there is a limited understanding on how this receptor interacts with non-protein ligands and the potential of such information to develop new therapeutic drugs. Therefore, our study aimed to elucidate the interactions between TREM2 and its non-protein ligands. First, we searched PubChem and Protein Data Bank (PDB) for TREM2 structures and their corresponding non-protein ligands. Subsequently, these structures were employed in molecular docking and MM/GBSA simulations with the Maestro software and molecular dynamics in GROMACS software. TREM2 was subsequently subjected to druggable site prediction using CavityPlus and receptor-based drug repositioning via the DrugRep server. TREM2 interacts with high affinity with its 12 non-protein ligands, with affinity values ranging from −33.01 kcal/mol for phosphatidylserine to −80.87 kcal/mol for cardiolipin (CLP). In molecular dynamics simulations, homodimeric TREM2 bound more stably to its lipid ligands, such as CLP and PSF, whereas it was unstable when unbound. The interactions between the receptor and its non-protein ligands were driven by the complementarity determining regions (CDR) 1 and 2, that are present in the hydrophobic and positively charged regions, highlighting that the Y38–R98 region is fundamental for drugs targeting TREM2. Our data underscore the significance of TREM2's CDRs in recognizing its ligands, suggesting they as promising targets for prospective drug design studies.

The Effect of BCG Vaccination in the Elderly on Infectious and Non-Infectious Immune-Mediated Diseases

The Effect of BCG Vaccination in the Elderly on Infectious and Non-Infectious Immune-Mediated Diseases

Alcohol consumption and dyslipidemia in children and adolescents: A review

Consumption of low-alcohol products by young people is due to the erroneous opinion that they are safe for health. However, against the background of taking low-alcohol drinks, addiction quickly forms and complications develop, including lipid metabolism disorders. Studies show that consumption of low-concentration ethanol-containing drinks changes the structure and ratio of serum lipoproteins. Changes in serum lipids provoked by alcohol intake are involved in the pathogenesis of a number of chronic non-infectious diseases, including alcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. According to the data of an anonymous online survey, which involved 155 young people aged 17–20 (18±0.76) years, 17.4% of them consume low-concentration alcohol more than once a week, and 5.8% consume both low-alcohol drinks and strong alcohol daily. Comprehensive efforts are needed to prevent the spread of alcohol addiction among children and young people: raising the age at which it is possible to purchase alcoholic beverages, increasing penalties in the area of illegal alcohol trafficking, and working in the area of anti-alcohol propaganda.

CRISPR-Cas9: A Cutting-edge Genome-editing Technology with Many Potential Applications

Unregulated human activities are responsible for climate change which is a major factor for the emergence of new infectious (bacterial, viral, fungus, and parasitic) and non-infectious diseases (genetic disorders, cancers, etc.). To tackle this situation, we must have better therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines for the treatment and prevention of emerging diseases in humans and animals. To address the aforementioned issues, CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary genome editing tool, can help us develop better therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines in a short time. In addition, it can be used to achieve food security by improving productivity, adaptability, and resilience traits in plants and animals. In nature, most bacteria and archaea have CRISPR as a part of their adaptive immune system that helps bacteria defend themselves from phages, viruses, and other foreign genetic elements. CRISPR-Cas9 is a highly effective, simple, and accurate genome editing tool compared to previous genome editing tools such as meganucleases, Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), and transcription activators like effector nucleases (TALENs). This review article discusses the different components and working of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, and how CRISPR-Cas9 plays a significant role in the development of next-generation therapeutics, diagnostics, vaccine platforms, and improved crops and livestock species for food security.

මාතර හෙළ වෙදකම පිළිබඳ විමර්ශනාත්මක අධ්‍යයනයක්

Hela wedakama is Sri Lanka’s local helth insurance system. That has existed since time immemorial.This was not introduced from any other country, but was produced by the ancient inhabitants of ourcountry. Traditional Hela medicine treats the three categories of human, animal and non-humanTraditional medicine helps in the prevention of physical, mental, infectious and non-infectious diseases.The specialties of Hela medicine are unique to each region and they differ from each other. Matararegion has been known as the birth place of Hela medicine since time immemorial. Matara Helavedakama is at the forefront in providing treatment for human and non-human categories as well asphysical, mental, infectious and non-infectious diseases. Matara Hela medicine is special, because it isbased on the practices of the area for disease prevention. Accordingly, the content and practices ofMatara Hela medicine were studied in this research. Data was collected through library reference, fieldstudy and interviews. According to the facts revealed in the study, it was possible to identify thepeculiarities of Hela medicine, that is unique to the Matara area.

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis in neuroradiology - behavior and evolution of vertebral and mandibular lesions on imaging.

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is a rare non-infectious inflammatory musculoskeletal disease where imaging plays a key diagnostic role. Vertebral and mandibular lesions are frequent manifestations, meaning their awareness is crucial for the neuroradiologist to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. Characterize vertebral and mandibular CNO lesions on imaging to assist practicing neuroradiologists in better identifying this disease. Retrospective review of all CNO patients of our pediatric center, including only patients with vertebral or mandibular lesions. All imaging exams were analyzed to record lesion characteristics. We included 13 patients (six male). The mean age of onset was 12.3years. Ten patients had only vertebral lesions, two had only mandibular lesions, and one had both. For patients with vertebral lesions, the median number of levels affected was three, 81.8% had multiple levels affected, 90.0% had dorsal spine lesions, 72.7% had platyspondyly, and 81.8% had inflammatory changes. All vertebral lesions had at least partial resolution of inflammatory findings, the mean time of lesion activity was 2.5years, and recurrence occurred in 27.3%. Three patients had sacral lesions, all with sacroiliitis. In patients with mandibular lesions, all had unilateral lesions involving the mandibular ramus, all had hyperostosis, periosteal reaction, bone edema, and soft tissue inflammation, all had partial resolution on follow-up, and one had recurrence. CNO vertebral lesions are not rare, are often multiple, predominantly affect dorsal levels, and most result in vertebral height loss. Resolution of vertebral inflammatory lesions is frequent, but so is recurrence. Sacral lesions may be present and result in sacroiliitis. The mandible may be a site of unifocal disease, typically affecting the ramus, with prominent bony changes and soft tissue inflammation.

Migration Medicine: infectious and non-infectious diseases

Approximately one third of the German population has a migration background.According to the federal office for migration, in 2022 around 2,7 million people have taken refuge or have immigrated to Germany, causing major challenges for our health system. In this article, important infectious diseases, and non-infectious conditions like hemoglobinopathies are presented. To date, especially the latter are not common in Germany and must therefore move more into focus when taking care of migrants. Furthermore, new treatment options for hemoglobinopathies have been approved in the last couple of years, starting with the introduction of Luspatercept a few years ago for Beta-Thalassemias and in 2023 the introduction of Voxelotor for sickle cell disease. In 2024 the gene therapy with Exagamglogen-Autotemcel using the CRISPR/Cas molecular scissor was authorized as a new promising treatment for both conditions.

Application of Nanotechnology in Liver Fibrosis: An Overview

Chronic liver disease constitutes a global health issue owning to their widespread prevalence and the scarcity of effective curative treatments. They are arising from various causes, both infectious and non-infectious diseases. A rapidly evolving field of interest is the use of nanoparticle (NP) systems for the safe administration of different medications and nucleic acid for the treatment of chronic liver disorder. The review examines the pathophysiology, diagnosis and new developments in nanoparticulate systems for the treatment of liver fibrosis related chronic liver disorder. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is thought to be the primary cause of liver fibrosis. Because of their unique abilities to transfer medications and other therapeutics moieties, liposomes, nanoparticulate systems have all been extensively researched. Currently, nanoparticle technology is used for liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis can be caused by alcoholism, hepatitis viruses, genetic disorders, steatohepatitis, autoimmune, and other non-infectious conditions including fatty liver. Advanced liver fibrosis, or cirrhosis, is defined by the formation of nodules of regenerated hepatocytes after a fibrous scar caused by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins disrupts the architecture of the liver. Keywords: Liver fibrosis,Nanomedicine,Therapy,Theranostics,Application