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• Owing to their cutaneous, immunologic, and renal immaturity, newborns (especially premature neonates) are at increased risk of infection. • As a group of potentially life-threatening but often treatable diseases, infections must always be considered in a newborn with skin lesions. • Prompt diagnosis and initiation of therapy are crucial to prevent devastating long-term sequelae, particularly in instances of disseminated disease. • Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, Candida albicans, and herpes simplex virus are the most common causes of skin infections in the neonate.

The average values of the seasonal flesh biochemical composition (%) of the pearl oyster Pinctada imbricata radiata originated form 2 sampling sites, the gulfs of Evoikos (E) and Saronikos (S) in the Western Aegean Sea, showed that is rich in proteins (64.00 ± 1.86 -(E), 64.67 ± 2.95-(S)) with low fat content (10.96 ± 1.04-(E), 11.86 ± 1.13-(S)) and carbohydrates (13.29 ± 2.48- (E), 9.94 ± 4.32 (S)). The condition index ranged from 26.16% ± 5.04 in the autumn in (E), to 44.73% ± 7.50 in the summer in (S). The meat yield varied from 20.49% ± 3.20% in the summer in (E) to 30.73% ± 3.47% in the summer in (S). Both results demonstrate the high nutritional profile of the pearl oyster, supporting its suitability as a potential new Mediterranean seafood source for human consumption.

Recognizing sport-related concussion (SRC) is challenging and relies heavily on subjective symptom reports. An objective, biological marker could improve recognition and understanding of SRC. There is emerging evidence that salivary micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) may serve as biomarkers of concussion; however, it remains unclear whether concussion-related miRNAs are impacted by exercise. We sought to determine whether 40 miRNAs previously implicated in concussion pathophysiology were affected by participation in a variety of contact and non-contact sports. Our goal was to refine a miRNA-based tool capable of identifying athletes with SRC without the confounding effects of exercise.This case-control study harmonized data from concussed and non-concussed athletes recruited across 10 sites. Levels of salivary miRNAs within 455 samples from 314 individuals were measured with RNA sequencing. Within-subjects testing was used to identify and exclude miRNAs that changed with either: (a) a single episode of exercise (166 samples from 83 individuals) or (b) season-long participation in contact sports (212 samples from 106 individuals). The miRNAs that were not impacted by exercise were interrogated for SRC diagnostic utility using logistic regression (172 samples from 75 concussed and 97 non-concussed individuals).Two miRNAs (miR-532-5p, miR-182-5p) decreased (adjusted p0.05) after a single episode of exercise, and 1 miRNA (miR-4510) increased only after contact sports participation. Twenty-three miRNAs changed at the end of a contact sports season. Two of these miRNAs (miR-26b-3p, miR-29c-3p) were associated (R0.50; adjusted p0.05) with the number of head impacts sustained in a single football practice. Among the 15 miRNAs not confounded by exercise or season-long contact sports participation, 11 demonstrated a significant difference (adjusted p0.05) between concussed and non-concussed participants, and 6 displayed moderate ability (AUC0.70) to identify concussion. A single ratio (miR-27a-5p/miR-30a-3p) displayed the highest accuracy (AUC = 0.810, sensitivity = 82.4%, specificity = 73.3%) for differentiating concussed and non-concussed participants. Accuracy did not differ between participants with SRC and non-SRC (z = 0.5, p = 0.60).Salivary miRNA levels may accurately identify SRC when not confounded by exercise. Refinement of this approach in a large cohort of athletes could eventually lead to a non-invasive, sideline adjunct for SRC assessment.

Transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) is a frequent cause of referral to an emergency room. In view of the impact on treatment and the patients’ daily life activities (e. g. profession, driving license), an accurate and timely diagnosis is of uttermost importance. This article provides key features and suggests a practical step-by-step approach of how to differentiate syncope, epileptic and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures as the commonest causes of nontraumatic TLOC.

Background Participation in sports is associated with many benefits to all aspects of health; however, it also comes with the risk of injury, particularly concussions. Self-disclosure and care seeking following a concussion are especially important because of the lack of outwardly visible signs and/or symptoms. Although recent research has explored factors affecting concussion disclosure, use of isolated methodologies limits the ability to contextualize how disclosure or nondisclosure occurs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the factors and expectations of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes that may influence concussion disclosure. Methods This mixed-methods convergent parallel research study included 25 NCAA Division I athletes representing 13 sports, all of whom completed a concussion-education session with pre-/post-test surveys and a semistructured interview. Eligible athletes were at least 18 years old and on an NCAA roster. The surveys focused on previous concussion-related disclosure behaviors, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, norms, and intentions about disclosing concussion. Interviews focused on the athletes’ experiences related to concussion disclosure. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U tests. Interviews were analyzed using a Consensual Qualitative Research tradition. Results Participants had good concussion knowledge (median = 46), positive attitudes (median = 38), strong beliefs (median = 13), and strong intentions to disclose concussion symptoms (median = 7). None of the constructs differed by participants’ gender. Although quantitative findings were mostly positive, interview data highlighted factors that may explain why some participants are successful in disclosing concussions and why others may find disclosure difficult. Educational efforts, sport culture, and medical professional presence were the primary facilitators discussed by participants. Stigma, pressure, and a lack of team support were perceived as disclosure barriers. Conclusion The context in which concussion disclosure occurs or does not occur is vital to the success of educational interventions. Interventions must prioritize stakeholder- and team-based perspectives on concussion to establish a network supportive to disclosure.

Ancient dental calculus represents one of the most recent and innovative sources of archaeobotanical record. Exploring this matrix, diet, past ecology, and ethnobotanical practices of antique communities may be elucidated. In the present case-study, the tartar of an Imperial Roman man, likely a salt worker, found in the necropolis of Castel Malnome (Rome, Latium, Italy) and affected by bilateral temporo-mandibular joint ankylosis, was investigated. Despite his rare and extremely disabling affection, this male individual reached adulthood thanks to the forced removal of the anterior teeth, which allowed him to eat. Starches of Poeae and Triticeae tribe were detected, although the largest amount of the granules appeared gelatinized, suggesting that maybe the inhumate consumed well-cooked and semi-liquid stuff, due to his non-functional masticatory activity. Urticaceae and clover pollen grains documented unintentional aspiration or voluntary use of these plants as ingredients for meals and therapeutic decoctions. Indeed, since Roman times, written sources have documented nettle as an anti-inflammatory remedy to treat joint and muscle pains. Finally, the identification of secondary metabolites ascribable to the Brassicaceae family, Artemisia L., and Ephedra L. genera, paves the way for hypothesizing the consumption of these Mediterranean species with several nutritional and nutraceutical properties. All this evidence opens a picture window onto the life of this man, which should be well integrated into his community and natural environment despite the functional impairment.

Introduction Streptococcus bovis/equinus complex (SBEC) is a major cause of infective endocarditis (IE), although its incidence varies greatly depending on the geographical area. The characteristics of IE caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus susp. gallolyticus are well known; there are hardly any descriptions of IE caused by other species or biotypes. Methods Retrospective cohort study, from 1990 to 2019, of all SBEC IE in adults in three Spanish hospitals, Lugo (LH), Barcelona (BH) and Ferrol (FH) where the population is mainly rural, urban and mixed, respectively. The incidence of IE was analyzed in 3 areas. Clinical characteristics of IE (277 cases, 258 biotyped) were compared according to SBEC species and biotypes. Results There are significant differences between the incidence of SBEC IE in HL (27.9/106) vs. HF and HB (8.8 and 7,1, respectively, p Conclusions IE due to SBEC has geographical variations in incidence and different clinical characteristics among biotypes. The association with CRC was high.

Cystic hydatid disease or cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a globally endemic zoonosis caused by the larval cyst stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. Concomitant presence of CE and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare clinical scenario. A 70-year-old male patient presented with acute abdominal pain to the surgical outpatient department. On evaluation, a cystic lesion with solid components and free fluid in the abdomen was observed, which led to multiple differentials in the working diagnosis. A CT showed the mass to have a delayed enhancement. Surgical exploration revealed a partially ruptured hydatid cyst with daughter cysts in the abdominal cavity and a solid-component mass lesion. We proceeded with a right partial hepatectomy. Pathological evaluation revealed a pale mass lesion with a large collapsed cyst. HCC with unusual dense fibrillar fibrosis and cystic interface with normal parenchyma was observed. This case connects the multimodal assessment of radiology, surgery and pathology.

Disseminated histoplasmosis is a life-threatening condition in immunocompromised patients. The majority of healthy persons have benign disease not requiring treatment. However, in persons living with HIV, mortality is high and accurate diagnosis is paramount. We present a case of a 48-year-old HIV-positive woman who presented with haematuria and flank pain. She had a history of recurrent urinary tract infection and nephrolithiasis with obstructive hydronephrosis. During cystoscopy, a bladder lesion was found. Pathological evaluation demonstrated abundant intracellular organisms with apparent budding. Subsequent urine histoplasma antigen was negative. Given the high index of suspicion for histoplasmosis based on the surgical pathology findings and epidemiological history, the patient was started immediately on antifungal therapy. One week later, PCR results of the bladder lesion confirmed the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum. This case highlights a rare presentation of genitourinary histoplasmosis and the utility of surgical pathology evaluation and PCR for diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE Somatic complaints are known to complicate recovery after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), but the construct is poorly understood due to evolving definitions of associated disorders and uncertainty related to its position within the broader construct network of psychopathology. Methods: To better understand measures of somatic symptom reporting widely used with mTBI patients, we examined relationships between the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 Somatization (SOM) scale, the Minnesota Multiple Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form Somatic Complaints (RC1) scale, other measures of psychological and personality functioning, and mTBI in both athlete concussion (n = 100) and civilian trauma (n = 75 mTBI, n = 79 orthopedic injury) samples. Results: The association between post-injury SOM and RC1 was moderate (r=.37-.46) and similar to associations between these inventories and depression and anxiety symptoms. In civilians with mTBI, RC1 was more strongly associated with diverse personality dimensions than SOM. mTBI athletes reported increases in somatic symptoms from pre- to post-injury, with larger group effect sizes on SOM (ηp2 = 0.34, p < .001) than RC1 (ηp2 = 0.09, p = .003). Civilian mTBI patients showed a trend for somewhat higher post-injury RC1 scores than orthopedic trauma controls (ηp2 = 0.02, p = .068). Conclusions: Findings add to the current knowledge of the influence of somatic complaints in mTBI. BSI-18 SOM and MMPI-2-RF RC1 are not interchangeable, as they are only modestly correlated and demonstrate differing associations with other clinical outcomes and mTBI.

Background Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) diagnosis in a country with a low tuberculosis burden is complicated. Since the prevalence of LTBI in second generation immigrants has not been well recognized, we conducted a cross-sectional study which aimed to explore the differences in LTBI prevalence between offspring of immigrants from high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries and those whose parents were born in countries with a low TB burden. Methods Between May 2014 and April 2018 young native Israelis who were required to perform pre-occupational tuberculin skin tests (TST) (medical and paramedical personnel or teaching assistants of immigrants from high TB burden countries) and who had a TST result of 10 mm and above were tested for QuantiFERON-TB In Tube (QFT-GIT). Statistical comparisons were made between second generation immigrants and those with both parents from a low TB burden country. Results Of 102 patients, 71 were born to parents both of whom were from low-risk countries, 14 to one parent from a high-risk country and 17 to parents both of whom were from a high-risk country. The odds ratio for LTBI was 4.5 (95% CI, 1.2–17.2; p = 0.03) if both parents were born in a high-risk country compared to both parents being from a low-risk country and 4.01 (95% CI, 1.12–14.3; p = 0.03) higher compared to persons for whom at least one parent was born in a low-risk country. Conclusion The risk for latent TB is significantly higher in second generation immigrants if both parents were born in a high-risk country. IGRA should be considered before treatment to patients with a positive TST if at least one parent was born in a low-risk country in order to confirm LTBI.

Background: Stress induces secretion of cathecolamines and glucocorticoids, which may produce liver injury. Followed by the production of inflammatory mediators, it causes apoptosis. Centella asiatica (CeA) has anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. The present study aims to determine the role of CeA in the attenuation of liver pro-inflammatory mediator expression in rats with electrical foot shock stress model. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups consisted of six rats each: (1) Control group, (2) CeA-treated group, (3) Stress group, and (4) CeA + stress group. Reverse transcriptase PCR of inflammatory and apoptosis markers as well as Real-Time PCR of β2-adrenergic receptor were performed from liver tissues. Results: Electrical foot shock stress induced up-regulation of NFκB and TNF-α mRNA expressions as pro-inflammatory mediators, compared to control group. This alteration was followed by up-regulation of BAX and β2-adrenergic receptor, as well as the down-regulation of BCl2 compared to control. CeA treatment prevented enhancement of NFκB, TNF-α, TLR-4 and β-adrenergic receptor mRNA expressions, which was followed by down-regulation of BAX and up-regulation of BCl-2, compared to stress group. Conclusion: CeA prevents secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines as well as apoptotic markers in liver cells through the activation of β2-adrenergic receptor.

Ferrous gluconate has been widely used in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia due to its good therapeutic effect, high utilization, and low toxicity. However, the improper management of expired waste ferrous gluconate may also result in the flow of excessive ferrous ion into the environment, which may do harm to the organisms in the world. For this purpose, expired waste ferrous gluconate was firstly recycled in the form of cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4)/carbon (C) by a fluid method and a post-calcination at the different temperatures of 400 and 500°C, and the effect of the calcination temperature on the morphology, micro-structure, and supercapacitive performances was also studied. The results showed that the obtained dark-brown CoFe2O4/C powders exhibited the loose mesoporous tremella-like morphology and satisfactory electrochemical supercapacitive performances, in which CFO-400 delivered higher electrochemical performances than CFO-500 due to lower crystallinity, higher electrical conductivity, and higher surface area. For example, the specific capacitance of CFO-400 electrode was as high as about 503 F/g at 0.5 A/g in the three-electrode system, and it remained 106 F/g after 5000 cycles at 5.0 A/g with 86% capacity retention in the symmetrical two-electrode capacitor, showing satisfactory long cycle stability. No doubt, these results provided a new successful recovery strategy for the circular economy of expired ferrous gluconate.

Background: Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder. However, subtherapeutic dosing may lead to continued opioid use by failing to suppress opioid withdrawal and craving. Preclinical and pilot experimental research suggests that cannabinoids may reduce opioid withdrawal and craving. We sought to test whether the association between low methadone dose and illicit opioid use differs according to concurrent cannabis use patterns. Methods: Data for this study were derived from two community-recruited cohorts of people (≥18 years old) who use illicit drugs in Vancouver, Canada. We used generalized estimating equations to estimate the adjusted association between lower daily MMT dose (

Introduction: Cannabis products containing delta-8-THC became widely available in most of the United States in late 2020 and rapidly became a significant source of revenue for hemp processing companies, especially in states where use of delta-9-THC remains illegal or requires professional authorization for medical use. Scientific research on the use of delta-8-THC is scarce, previous clinical studies included a combined total of 14 participants, leading some state governments to prohibit it until its properties and effects are better understood. Methods: Researchers developed an online survey for delta-8-THC consumers addressing a broad range of issues regarding delta-8-THC, including use for the treatment of health and medical conditions. Previous survey studies on the medical use of cannabis and cannabis products informed survey components. Results: Patterns of delta-8-THC use had both similarities with and differences from the use of delta-9-THC cannabis and products. Administration methods were primarily edibles (64%) and vaping concentrates (48%). About half of the participants (51%) used delta-8-THC to treat a range of health and medical conditions, primarily anxiety or panic attacks (69%), stress (52%), depression or bipolar disorder (46%), and chronic pain (41%). Participants compared delta-8-THC very favorably with both delta-9-THC and pharmaceutical drugs and reported substantial levels of substitution for both. Most participants did not inform their primary care provider of their delta-8-THC use (78%) and were not confident of their primary care provider's ability to integrate medical cannabis into their treatment (70%). Knowledge of effective dosages was low, and participants' knowledge of delta-8-THC was primarily from the Internet and their own experiences. Conclusion: Harm reduction is a central component of public health. Although the legal environment is becoming more restrictive for delta-8-THC in comparison to delta-9-THC, results suggest that delta-8-THC may be equally effective for desired purposes of cannabis use and lower in undesirable or adverse effects. All policies and practices should be informed by empirical evidence. Considerable research will be needed to systematically verify the patterns reported by participants, and collaborations among academic researchers, government, and the cannabis industry may be valuable in developing the knowledge base for delta-8-THC and other cannabinoids.

Gold was considered as universal remedies for diseases like inflammation, infections, etc in 19th century. Later in 20th century Robert Koch discovered Gold complex Potassiumdicyanidoaurate(I) showing activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, later the treatment was proved to be ineffective subsequently. Further in 1985 Auranofin (Gold salt) was introduced for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, which had to be taken orally and believed to be the major discovery till injectable gold came into existence. The function of drugs based on gold is majorly related to Rheumatoid arthritis but engrossment has bent towards the adequacy of Gold compounds for anti cancer activities. The review article summarizes the current research on Gold complexes and their biological activities against cancer as well as in case of RA.

Malaria, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Dengue fever, and Lyme disease are common causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. While arthropod bites may cause local inflammation and discomfort, a greater concern is the potential to develop deadly systemic infection. The use of insect repellents (IR) to prevent systemic infections constitutes a fundamental public health effort. Cost-effectiveness, availability, and high-efficacy against arthropod vectors are key characteristics of an ideal IR. Currently, numerous IRs are available on the market, with DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) being the most widely used. DEET has an excellent safety profile and remarkable protection against mosquitoes and various other arthropods. Other EPA-registered IR ingredients (permethrin, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, oil of citronella, catnip oil, and 2-undecanone) are alternative IRs of great interest due to some having efficacies comparable to that of DEET. These alternative IRs possess low toxicity and favorable customer experiences in utilization (e.g., cosmetically pleasant, naturally occurring). This review summarizes currently available EPA-registered IRs: the origins, mechanisms of action, side effect profiles, and available formulations will be discussed. This review will enable the clinician to select the best IR option to meet patients' needs and provide the greatest protection from arthropod bites and sequelae.

Mosquitoes have numerous illnesses and are one of the deadliest animals in the planet. Including Zika, dengue, palaria, West Niles, chikungunya, yellow fever, and more, mosquitoborne illnesses. Various areas suffer from various climate-induced mosquito-borne illnesses, kinds of mosquitoes widespread across the region and access to preventive measures and medicines. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that is transferred to the dengue virus via the bite of an Aedes mosquito. The bits of the infected female Aedes mosquito, which spreads the virus to others as it feeds on the infected people's blood. Transmission of dengue is susceptible to climate due to many causes, such as temperature, humidity, precipitation, etc. Areas with higher vapor pressure and precipitation rates are more prone to dengue illness transmission. We utilized the classification algorithms to discover the essential characteristics that spread the dengue. Machine learning is one of the most important approaches of current analysis. For medical applications, many algorithms were employed. Dengue disease is one of the worst infectious diseases that require a high level machine to develop good models in order to learn. We employed the Ensemble Machine Learning technique in hybrid integrations to identify characteristics associated with the spread of the Dengue illness and achieve improved performance.

Introduction Advances in the development of drugs with novel mechanisms of action have not been sufficient to significantly reduce the percentage of patients presenting drug-resistant epilepsy. This lack of satisfactory clinical results has led to the search for more effective treatment alternatives with new mechanisms of action. Development The aim of this study is to examine epidemiological aspects of the use of cannabis-based products for the treatment of epilepsy, with particular emphasis on the main mechanisms of action, indications for use, clinical efficacy, and safety. We conducted a narrative review of articles gathered from the PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases and from the reference sections of relevant publications. Conclusions In recent years there has been growing interest in the use of cannabis-based products for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including epilepsy. The cannabis plant is currently known to contain more than 100 terpenophenolic compounds, known as cannabinoids. The 2 most abundant are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol. Studies of preclinical models of epilepsy have shown that these cannabinoids have anticonvulsant properties, and 100% purified cannabidiol and cannabidiol-enriched cannabis extracts are now being used to treat epilepsy in humans. Several open-label studies and randomised controlled clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of these products.

Klebsiella pneumoniae has been identified as one of the important pathogens involved in the pathogenesis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in humans. This study sought to determine the prevalence of K. pneumoniae and its ability to produce extended-spectrum-β-lactamases (ESBLs) in patients with UTIs. Besides, the predictive significance of interleukin (IL)-15 in UTIs caused by ESBLs-producing K. pneumoniae (K-ESBLs) was also assessed.: During October 2020 – January 2021, a cross-sectional and case-control study was performed on 587 patients with UTIs. Serum level of IL-15 was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The prevalence of K. pneumonia was 15.8%. It was also found that 68.8% of the K. pneumonia isolates were K-ESBLs (64patients). IL-15 levels were significantly elevated in serum of UTI patients with K-ESBLs compared to 24 control subjects (29.4 ± 9.2 vs. 22.1 ± 5.1; p-value

Introduction: Cognitive deficit is one of the common comorbidity accompanying epilepsy. The present study evaluated the effect of Celastrus paniculatus seed extract on seizure severity and cognitive deficit following the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced chemical kindling model. Methods: PTZ kindling model was developed by daily administration of the sub-convulsive dose of PTZ 30 mg/kg for four weeks. After four weeks of induction, the following treatment, namely sodium valproic acid (SVA) 200 mg/kg, C. paniculatus 500 mgkg, pergolide 2 mg/kg, C. paniculatus (250 mgkg)+ Pergolide (1 mg/kg), and C. paniculatus (250 mgkg)+ SVA (100 mg/kg) were administered 30 minutes prior to PTZ (30 mg/kg) injection for a period of next 14 days. Neurobehavioral parameters, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and dopamine levels were assessed and the Morris water maze test (MWM) and Grip strength test (GPS) were performed. Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining of hippocampal cornu ammonis (CA1), CA2, CA3, dentate gyrus (DG), and frontal cortex was performed. Results: C. paniculatus (500 mg/kg) alone and in combination ( C. paniculatus (250 mgkg)+ pergolide (1 mg/kg) and C. paniculatus (250 mgkg)+ SVA (100 mg/kg)) significantly (p

Cryptococcus neoformans is a capsule containing yeast pathogen, commonly found in urban environments that causes Cryptococcosis which is a worldwide fungal disease. The current study. This study was aimed to compare the ability of some culture media to detect melanin production by C. neoformans isolates. A total of 202 clinical samples obtained from patients suffering from meningitis, during the period from September 2020 through April 2021. The isolation and identification results revealed that 179 (88.61%) samples were positive for yeast growth. 29 (14.35%). Twenty-nine from 202 of samples were C. neoformans according to the morphological characteristics and the biochemical tests, and 150 (74.25%) samples for Candida spp. All C. neoformans isolates produced blue dry colonies on cryptococcus differential agar. Several differential media were used for the purpose of testing the ability of C. neoformans to produce melanin pigment, these includes: Niger seed agar medium (Staib’s Agar), and the colonies of C. neoformans appeared on this medium in a brown color after 2–5 days of incubation, Tobacco agar where those colonies gave a dark brown color after 48–72 h, and Methyldopa agar which was the best medium for the detection of melanin production because the results were faster from the other media, interestingly the colonies can produce the pigment and can growth very fast within 24hr.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral microorganism considered as a gram-negative, this organism colonize the microenvironment of gastric for more than 50% of world population. The present study involved 78 patients, 39 of them had a clinical diagnosis of gastric ulcer and the remaining 39 had a clinical diagnosis of gastric cancer. Biopsies were taken from December 2018” until the end of July 2019 and the patients were between 25 and 60 years old. The initial diagnosis of H. pylori was performed by the rapid urease test (RUT). The samples also have been tested for IL-17 gene expression by immunihistochemical techniques. All the samples have been investigated for UreA gene, and the results showed the H.pylori positive in 32 (82%) samples and it was negative in 7 (18%) samples in gastric cancer, whereas the gastric ulcer group showed 29 (75%) negative samples and 10 (25%) positive for H.pylori. Furthermore, the sequencing result of gastric cancer group showed 95% compatibility, while gastric ulcer patients showed 98% compatibility with NCBI. The phylogenetic analysis exhibited the genetic dimension among the samples and the world was 96% and 99% compatibility values.

Eight-and-a-half syndrome is a rare entity characterised by conjugate horizontal gaze palsy, ipsilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia and ipsilateral lower motor neuron type facial palsy. It is due to a lesion affecting median longitudinal fasciculus, paramedian pontine reticular formation and facial nerve fascicle on the same side at the level of pons. The diagnosis is easily missed as it needs detailed ocular movement examination. It is mainly caused due to infarction or demyelinating conditions. We are reporting an interesting case of a 54-year-old man with right-side eight-and-a-half syndrome due to acute ischaemic stroke and ST-elevation myocardial infarction of the inferior wall.

Primary pneumomediastinum is the presence of air in the interstitium of the mediastinum. The exact aetiology is unclear; nevertheless, it has been reported more frequently in patients with asthma and in individuals who use recreational drugs. It is commonly preceded by a sharp rise in intrathoracic pressure as in a Valsalva-like manoeuvre. We describe a rare case of severe pneumomediastinum with a small pneumothorax related to cannabis smoking and aggravated by vigorous sexual intercourse. The patient was successfully treated conservatively due to clinical and radiological stability and the absence of secondary cause.

Background Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an allergic reaction to colonisation of the lungs with the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus and affects around 10% of people with cystic fibrosis. ABPA is associated with an accelerated decline in lung function. High doses of corticosteroids are the main treatment for ABPA; although the long-term benefits are not clear, their many side effects are well-documented. A group of compounds, the azoles, have activity against Aspergillus fumigatus and have been proposed as an alternative treatment for ABPA. Of this group, itraconazole is the most active. A separate antifungal compound, amphotericin B, has been employed in aerosolised form to treat invasive infection with Aspergillus fumigatus, and may have potential for the treatment of ABPA. Antifungal therapy for ABPA in cystic fibrosis needs to be evaluated. This is an update of a previously published review. Objectives The review aimed to test the hypotheses that antifungal interventions for the treatment of ABPA in cystic fibrosis: 1. improve clinical status compared to placebo or standard therapy (no placebo); 2. do not have unacceptable adverse effects. If benefit was demonstrated, we aimed to assess the optimal type, duration and dose of antifungal therapy. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. In addition, pharmaceutical companies were approached. Date of the most recent search of the Group's Trials Register: 29 September 2016. Selection criteria Published or unpublished randomised controlled trials, where antifungal treatments have been compared to either placebo or no treatment, or where different doses of the same treatment have been used in the treatment of ABPA in people with cystic fibrosis. Data collection and analysis Four trials were identified by the searches; none of which was judged eligible for inclusion in the review. Main results No completed randomised controlled trials were included. Authors' conclusions At present, there are no randomised controlled trials to evaluate the use of antifungal therapies for the treatment of ABPA in people with cystic fibrosis, although trials in people who do not have cystic fibrosis have shown clinical and serological evidence of improvement and a reduction in the use of corticosteroids with no increase in adverse effects. Trials with clear outcome measures are needed to properly evaluate this potentially useful treatment for cystic fibrosis.

Background Gastric cancer is worldwide the fourth more common cancer type by incidence, and the third by mortality. We analyzed three missense variants of TAS2R38 gene: rs713598 (A49P), rs1726866 (V262A), and rs10246939 (I296V). These variants and their combination in haplotypes (proline, alanine and valine/tasters or alanine, valine and isoleucine/nontasters) and diplotypes are responsible for individual differences in bitter perception. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms and the related phenotypes are known to be associated with susceptibility to Gram-negative bacterial infections, such as Helicobacter pylori, and with risk of various cancer types. An association between intermediate tasters (as defined by TAS2R38 diplotypes) and increased risk of gastric cancer was reported in a Korean population. Methods We analyzed 2616 individuals of Latin American origin, representing the whole spectrum of lesions from gastritis to gastric cancer. Results Comparing cancer cases vs. noncancers we observed a decrease in risk associated with heterozygous carriers of rs10246939 (P = 0.006) and rs1726866 (P = 0.003) when compared with homozygotes of the more common allele. Also, the analysis of diplotypes/phenotypes reflected the same association, with super-tasters showing a borderline increased risk of developing gastric cancer compared to medium-tasters [odds ratio (OR) = 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-2.56; P = 0.033]. Also, nontasters showed an increased risk when compared to medium-tasters although not reaching statistical significance (OR = 1.58; 95% CI, 0.80-2.87; P = 0.203). We also tested the interactions between the TAS2R38 genotypes and H. pylori cagA status in a subset of samples and found no interaction. Conclusion In conclusion, our results suggest only a modest contribution of TAS2R38 gene genetic variability in gastric cancer etiology.

Introduction: Cannabis use is common in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients frequently use cannabis to treat IBD-associated symptoms, and there is evidence that cannabis and its derivatives are helpful for this purpose. However, it is unclear how the symptom profiles of active IBD cannabis users and nonusers compare and how these symptoms may relate to their underlying disease state and/or complications. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using a consented IBD natural history registry from a single tertiary care referral center between January 1, 2015 and August 31, 2020. We asked patients about current cannabis use and frequency. We also abstracted demographic and clinical characteristic information, including endoscopic severity, and totals and subscores of surveys assessing IBD characteristics, presence of anxiety/depression, and IBD-associated symptoms. We compared clinical and demographic factors of cannabis users and nonusers and developed a logistic regression model to evaluate for independent associations with cannabis use. Results: Three hundred eighty-three IBD patients met the inclusion criteria (206 females, 177 males; 258 Crohn's disease [CD], 118 ulcerative colitis, and 7 indeterminate colitis). Thirty patients (7.8%) were active cannabis users, consuming it for an average of 2.7 times per week. Cannabis users were more likely to report abdominal pain (83.3% vs. 61.7%), gas (66.7% vs. 45.6%), tenesmus (70.0% vs. 47.6%), and arthralgias (53.3% vs. 20.3%) compared to those that did not use cannabis (p

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of medications commonly used in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and compare this to what current research has shown regarding medical cannabis use in this population. Methods: Searches were performed to collect information surrounding currently used medications and their safety and efficacy profiles, biologic plausibility of cannabis use for symptoms of ASD, and studies detailing cannabis' safety and efficacy profile for use in the ASD population. Results were used to compare medications to cannabis as a proposed treatment. Results: The heterogeneity of ASD produces great difficulties in finding appropriate treatment, leading to many medication changes or treatment trials throughout a patient's life. Commonly prescribed medications display varying levels of efficacy, safety, and tolerability between patients and symptoms targeted. Some of the most common side effects cited are also considered the most troubling symptoms associated with ASD; aggression, anxiety, irritability, and a negative effect on cognition, leading many patients to discontinue use as the side effects outweigh benefits. Recent case reports and retrospective studies have displayed the potential efficacy, safety, and tolerability of cannabidiol (CBD)-rich medical cannabis use for treating both core symptoms of ASD and many comorbid symptoms such as irritability and sleep problems. Studies have also identified circulating endocannabinoids as a possible biomarker for ASD, providing another possible method of diagnosis. Conclusions: Currently, there are no approved medications for the core symptoms of ASD and only two medications Food and Drug Administration approved for associated irritability. Prescribed medications for symptoms associated with ASD display varying levels of efficacy, safety, and tolerability among the heterogeneous ASD population. At the time of this study there are no published placebo-controlled trials of medical cannabis for ASD and the observational studies have limitations. CBD-rich medical cannabis seems to be an effective, tolerable, and relatively safe option for many symptoms associated with ASD, however, the long-term safety is unknown at this time.

Chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA) is a slow destructive type of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, characterised by multiple pulmonary cavities that develop and expand over several months or years. Pleural involvement in the form of pneumothorax has been rarely reported in CCPA. We report such an unusual case of an immunocompromised male, with a history of chronic cough and fever, presenting with acute onset of shortness of breath. Chest imaging showed bilateral multiple cavitating nodules, ground glass opacities and dense right middle lobe consolidations and right-sided pneumothorax. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) showed septate hyaline hyphae on KOH (potassium hydroxide) staining and fungal culture grew Aspergillus fumigatus. BAL and serum galactomanan were positive and serum IgG for A. fumigatus was 58 MgA/L (0–40MgA/L) confirming the cause of spontaneous secondary pneumothorax in our patient as CCPA.

A 49-year-old female emergency room nurse presented with painless papular rash that started on both arms and legs and spread to her palms and soles ([figure 1][1]). She also endorsed fatigue, low-grade fever and transient arthralgia. She was sent home on topical steroids, which improved her pruritus

Background Protection against Plasmodium falciparum is observed in a population deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), particularly in African and Mediterranean regions. However, such protection remains unknown among G6PD-deficient individuals in Southeast Asia. Methods In this study, we assessed the invasion and maturation of P falciparum K1 in a culture of erythrocytes isolated from Thai subjects carrying Viangchan (871G > A) and Mahidol (487G > A). Results We found that the parasites lost their ability to invade hemizygous and homozygous G6PD-deficient erythrocytes of Viangchan and Mahidol variants in the second and third cycles of intraerythrocytic development. It is interesting to note that P falciparum parasites selectively grew in erythrocytes from hemi- and homozygous genotypes with normal G6PD activity. Moreover, externalization of phosphatidylserine upon P falciparum infection was significantly increased only in Viangchan hemizygous variant cells. Conclusions This study is the first to show that blockage of invasion in long-term culture and potentially enhanced removal of parasitized erythrocytes were observed for the first time in erythrocytes from Viangchan and Mahidol G6PD-deficient individuals.

We reported a case of gnathostomiasis in a 42-year-old woman with an unclear history of eating high-risk foods and had a non-migratory skin lesion, negative serological testing and normal blood eosinophil counts. A diagnosis of gnathostomiasis was based on a live, third-stage Gnathostoma spinigerum larva that was randomly taken from the patient’s skin lesion by herself. The presenting case report demonstrates challenges in correctly diagnose cutaneous gnathostomiasis even in endemic countries due to atypical skin lesions, negative serology testing and the absence of eosinophilia and thus, the widely used classic triad of suggestive evidence of gnathostomiasis is not fulfilled.

PURPOSE: To describe the incidence, prevalence, and clinical characteristics of presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) in a Histoplasma endemic region. METHODS: The International Classification of Diseases, 9(th) and 10(th) Revision codes were used to search the Rochester Epidemiology Project, a record-linkage system for medical care provided in Olmsted County, MN. Medical records were reviewed to confirm POHS diagnoses in county residents from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015. Age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates were calculated and adjusted to the 2010 U.S. White population. RESULTS: There were 18 incident cases (30 eyes) and 87 prevalent cases (131 eyes). The incidence rate was 1.35 per 100,000 per year. The mid-study prevalence rate was 0.064%. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) occurred in 17.4% of affected eyes. At last follow-up, 16.8% of affected eyes had POHS-related decreased VA (

KATP channel gain- (GOF) and loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in SUR1 or Kir6.2 underlie human neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) and congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), respectively. Genetically modified mice with transgenic overexpression of GOF mutations recapitulate many features of human NDM and transgenic mice expressing incomplete KATP LOF do reiterate mild hyperinsulinism, although complete KATP knockout mice do not exhibit persistent hyperinsulinism. We have shown that islet excitability and glucose homeostasis in zebrafish are regulated by identical KATP channels to those in mammals, and to explore the possibility of using zebrafish for modeling CHI, we have examined SUR1 truncation mutation (K499X) introduced into the abcc8 gene. Patch-clamp analysis confirmed complete absence of channel activity in β-cells from K499X (SUR1-/-) fish. No difference in random blood glucose was detected in heterozygous SUR1+/- fish, nor in homozygous SUR1-/- fish, mimicking findings in SUR1 knockout mice. Mutant fish also demonstrated impaired glucose tolerance, similar to LOF mouse models. In paralleling features of mammalian hyperinsulinism resulting from loss-of-function mutations, this gene-edited animal provides a valid zebrafish model of KATP LOF driven-dependent pancreatic disease.Key PointsLoss-of function in the Kir6.2 (KCNJ11) and SUR1 (ABCC8)-encoded pancreatic islet β-cell KATP channels underlie congenital hyperinsulinism. Mouse models reiterate key features, but zebrafish models could provide a powerful model for further analysis and therapy testing.An early nonsense mutation in exon 10 of SUR1 was generated by ENU mutagenesis.Patch-clamp analysis revealed an absence of β-cells of SUR1 truncation mutants.Ca imaging demonstrated elevated basal [Ca]i in β-cells with SUR1 truncation.Homozygous SUR1 truncation mutants had normal fasting glucose but impaired glucose tolerance as adults, mimicking findings in mouse SUR1 knockouts.In paralleling features of mammalian diabetes and hyperinsulinism resulting from equivalent loss-of-function mutations, this gene-edited animal provides a valid zebrafish model of KATP -LOF dependent pancreatic diseases.

BACKGROUND Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) represents a group of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria that cause infections among immunocompromised hosts. Bacteremia occurs in patients who are chronically ill and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of BCC bacteremic patients without cystic fibrosis. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study at the National Taiwan University Hospital. Adults with BCC bacteremia from January 2015 to May 2019 were enrolled. The primary outcome was 14-day mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for outcome analysis. RESULTS One-hundred and ninety-five patients were analyzed and their mean age was 67 years. Over 95% of the BCC isolates were susceptible to trimethoprim/sulfomethoxazole (TMP/SXT). Levofloxacin resistance rates were high, with only 25.1% of isolates being susceptible. Pairwise comparisons were made between different definitive regimens including meropenem-monotherapy, ceftazidime-monotherapy, levofloxacin-monotherapy, TMP/SXT-monotherapy, tigecycline-monotherapy as well as combination versus monotherapy. No regimen was significantly associated with survival in our study. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the Pitt bacteremia score (adjust odds ratio [aOR],1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.19-1.79; p

OBJECTIVES Neonatal rodents and piglets naturally regenerate the injured heart after myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that neonatal rabbits also exhibit natural heart regeneration after myocardial infarction. METHODS New Zealand white rabbit kits underwent sham surgery or left coronary ligation on postnatal day 1 (n = 94), postnatal day 4 (n = 11), or postnatal day 7 (n = 52). Hearts were explanted 1 day postsurgery to confirm ischemic injury, at 1 week postsurgery to assess cardiomyocyte proliferation, and at 3 weeks postsurgery to assess left ventricular ejection fraction and scar size. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS Size of ischemic injury as a percentage of left ventricular area was similar after myocardial infarction on postnatal day 1 versus on postnatal day 7 (42.3% ± 5.4% vs 42.3% ± 4.7%, P = .9984). Echocardiography confirmed severely reduced ejection fraction at 1 day after postnatal day 1 myocardial infarction (33.7% ± 5.3% vs 65.2% ± 5.5% for postnatal day 1 sham, P = .0001), but no difference at 3 weeks after postnatal day 1 myocardial infarction (56.0% ± 4.0% vs 58.0% ± 3.3% for postnatal day 1 sham, P = .2198). Ejection fraction failed to recover after postnatal day 4 myocardial infarction (49.2% ± 1.8% vs 58.5% ± 5.8% for postnatal day 4 sham, P = .0109) and postnatal day 7 myocardial infarction (39.0% ± 7.8% vs 60.2% ± 5.0% for postnatal day 7 sham, P

Acinetobacter baumannii causes healthcare-associated infections worldwide. Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is shown an important virulence factor of A. baumannii both in vitro and in vivo. Capsule locus 2 (KL2) for CPS is the most common KL type and is associated with carbapenem resistance. It is unclear whether KL2 is related to the clinical outcome of invasive A. baumannii infection. Here we had followed patients with A. baumannii bacteraemia prospectively between 2009 and 2014. One-third of the unduplicated blood isolates were randomly selected each year for microbiological and clinical studies. The KL2 gene cluster was identified using polymerase chain reaction. A total of 148 patients were enrolled randomly. Eighteen isolates (12.2%) carried KL2, and 130 isolates (87.8%) didn't. Compared with non-KL2 isolates, KL2 isolates had significantly higher resistance to imipenem, sulbactam, and tigecycline. Compared with the non-KL group, in the KL2 group, the hospital stay before development of bacteraemia was longer (P

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a prevalent condition in elite athletes caused by transient airway narrowing during or after exercise. Young athletes nowadays start early to perform high level exercise, highlighting the need to screen for EIB in a younger population. The purpose of this review is to evaluate current evidence of pre-tests with high probability to predict a positive provocation test in young and adolescent athletes, aged 12–24 years and thus indicate whether a young athlete is at risk of having EIB. Up to now, there is no validated screening test available to increase the pre-test probability of a provocation test of EIB in young and adolescent athletes. We would recommend that a clinical guideline committee might consider the development of a flow chart to screen for EIB in adolescent athletes. It could be composed of a symptom-based questionnaire focusing on wheezing during exercise, atopic state, reversibility test (to exclude EIB with asthma) and completed with markers in blood/serum. However, more research is necessary.

To differentiate arytenoid subluxation and vocal fold paralysis by CT cine mode scanning combined with three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction image.Seventy-six patients with suspected vocal fold dyskinesia were collected. All patients were examined being asked to inhale deeply and then make "Yi" sound continuously during CT scanning with cine mode. The optimal maximum opening and minimum closing phases of glottis were selected and 3D reconstruction images were performed. The length of vocal fold, the width of glottis, and the subglottal convergence angle, anteversion angle, elevation angle, valgus angle, and varus angle of cricoarytenoid joints were measured. Vocal fold deformation was divided into three types: type I, type II, and type III. Kappa test was used to compare the consistency between CT diagnosis and clinical diagnosis. Single-factor analysis of variance was used to analyze the statistical differences among arytenoid subluxation, vocal fold paralysis, and normal vocal fold.There was high consistency between CT diagnosis and clinical diagnosis (k = 0.731, P0.05), as well as significant differences in the opening width of glottis between type I and type III, the valgus and varus angles of cricoarytenoid joints between type I and type II or type III, and the subglottal convergence angles among the three types of vocal fold deformation.CT scanning with cine mode combined with 3D reconstruction can display the changes of larynx structures in vocal fold dyskinesia, and can be used for the differential diagnosis of arytenoid cartilage subluxation and vocal fold paralysis.

Introduction The Epley maneuver is applied in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the BPPV. However, dizziness and balance problems do not improve immediately after the treatment. Objective In this study, the effectiveness of the head-shaking maneuver before the Epley maneuver was investigated in the treatment of BPPV. Methods Between March 2020 and August 2020, ninety-six patients with posterior semicircular canal BPPV were analyzed prospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: patients who underwent the Epley maneuver only in the treatment (Group 1) and patients who underwent the Epley maneuver after the head-shaking maneuver (Group 2). The results of the Berg balance scale and dizziness handicap index were evaluated before the treatment and at the first week after the treatment. Results The improvement in functional, emotional, and physical dizziness handicap index and Berg balance scale values after the treatment was found to be statistically significant in both groups. It was determined that the change in functional and physical dizziness handicap index and Berg balance scale values of the patients in Group 2 was statistically higher than those in Group 1. Although, the change in emotional dizziness handicap index values in Group 2 was higher than those in Group 1, no statistical significance was found between the groups. Conclusion As a result of our hypothesis, we think that in the treatment of posterior semicircular canal BPPV, the otoliths adhered to the canal can be mobilized by the head-shaking maneuver, and this will contribute to the increase of the effectiveness of the Epley maneuver.

The active role of bacteria in oncogenesis has long been a topic of debate. Although, it was speculated to be a transmissible cause of cancer as early as the 16th-century, yet the idea about the direct involvement of bacteria in cancer development has only been explored in recent decades. More recently, several studies have uncovered the mechanisms behind the carcinogenic potential of bacteria which are inflammation, immune evasion, pro-carcinogenic metabolite production, DNA damage and genomic instability. On the other side, the recent development on the understanding of tumor microenvironment and technological advancements has turned this enemy into an ally. Studies using bacteria for cancer treatment and detection have shown noticeable effects. Therapeutic abilities of bioengineered live bacteria such as high specificity, selective cytotoxicity to cancer cells, responsiveness to external signals and control after ingestion have helped to overcome the challenges faced by conventional cancer therapies and highlighted the bacterial based therapy as an ideal approach for cancer treatment. In this review, we have made an effort to compile substantial evidence to support the multidimensional role of bacteria in cancer. We have discussed the multifaceted role of bacteria in cancer by highlighting the wide impact of bacteria on different cancer types, their mechanisms of actions in inducing carcinogenicity, followed by the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of bacteria in cancers. Moreover, we have also highlighted the existing gaps in the knowledge of the association between bacteria and cancer as well as the limitation and advantage of bacteria-based therapies in cancer. A better understanding of these multidimensional roles of bacteria in cancer can open up the new doorways to develop early detection strategies, prevent cancer, and develop therapeutic tactics to cure this devastating disease.

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-linked deaths in the world. Gastric tumor cells have biological characteristics such as rapid proliferation, high invasiveness, and drug resistance, which result in recurrence and poor survival. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been proposed as a first‐class carcinogen for gastric cancer according to the 1994 world health organization (WHO) classification. One of the important mechanisms by which H. pylori affects the gastric environment and promotes carcinogenesis is triggering inflammation. H. pylori induces an inflammatory response and a plethora of different signal transduction processes, leading to gastric mucosal disturbance, chronic gastritis, and a multi-step complex pathway that initiates carcinogenesis. It seems undeniable that the interaction between various cell types, including immune cells, gastric epithelium, glands, and stem cells, is vital for the progression and development of carcinogenesis concerning H. pylori. The interactions of H. pylori with surrounding cells play a key role in cancer progression. In this review, we discuss the interplay between H. pylori and tumor-supportive cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid derived-suppressor cells (MDSCs) in gastric cancer. It is hoped that clarifying the specific mechanisms for ‘cross-talk’ between H. pylori and these cells will provide promising strategies for developing new treatments.

Cancer is one of the leading global causes of death in both men and women. Colorectal cancer (CRC) alone accounts for ∼10 % of total new global cases and poses an over 4% lifetime risk of developing cancer. Recent advancements in the field of biotechnology and microbiology concocted novel microbe-based therapies to treat various cancers, including CRC. Microbes have been explored for human use since centuries, especially for the treatment of various ailments. The utility of microbes in cancer therapeutics is widely explored, and various bacteria, fungi, and viruses are currently in use for the development of cancer therapeutics. The human gut hosts about 100 trillion microbes that release their metabolites in active, inactive, or dead conditions. Microbial secondary metabolites, proteins, immunotoxins, and enzymes are used to target cancer cells to induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and death. Various approaches, such as dietary interventions, the use of prebiotics and probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation have been used to modulate the gut microbiota in order to prevent or treat CRC pathogenesis. The present review highlights the role of the gut microbiota in CRC precipitation, the potential mechanisms and use of microorganisms as CRC biomarkers, and strategies to modulate microbiota for the prevention and treatment of CRC.

Aim: To analyze the efficacy of eugenol on longevity by assessing its antioxidant effect using Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model. Background: Eugenol is a major polyphenolic component of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) which attributes wide pharmacological activities and can serve as a biomarker. However, the possible effect of eugenol on longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans has not been reported. Objective: The objective of this investigation was to provide the first scientific based results about the effect of eugenol on longevity, slowing down of paralysis in Alzheimer’s model and the mechanism behind it in Caenorhabditis elegans animal model system. Methods: The phenolic components of methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum were analyzed by RP-HPLC. Worms were exposed to different concentrations of extract and one of its components - eugenol. Lifespan, health span, survival in CL4176 Alzheimer’s model and molecular mechanism were analyzed. Results: Extract of Ocimum sanctum and eugenol increased lifespan and provided indemnity against pro-oxidants. It also significantly improved healthy ageing and slowed the progression of neurodegeneration in CL4176 Alzheimer’s model of the worm by increasing survival against prooxidants and slowing down the paralysis. Longevity effect was independent of the DAF-16 as observed by using DAF-16::GFP and daf-16 null mutant strains. These results implicate eugenol as a potent therapeutic compound that may curtail ageing and age related disorders like- Alzheimer’s disease. Conclusion: The present work demonstrated eugenol as a potential anti-ageing compound that may curtail ageing, improve heath span by enhancing resistance to oxidative stress and exerts its effect independent of DAF-16 pathway. So, it can be assumed that eugenol can be beneficial to humans as well, albeit further research is necessary before declaring it for human consumption.