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Cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV) is an endemic pathogen causing significant economic losses to cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) production in West Africa. There is limited updated report on the occurrence, spread, genetic diversity and species of CSSV and its mealybug vectors, especially in Nigeria. Nigeria is presently lagging behind in the search for resistance to CSSV and its vectors in T. cacao L. The present study aimed to map and screen for the presence of CSSV and its natural vectors – female mealybugs (Pseudococcidae: Hemiptera) in cacao plantations in Nigeria. Symptomatic and asymptomatic cacao leaves and whole female mealybug samples were collected from major cacao-growing areas in Nigeria – Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Ondo and Oyo States. A total of 2568 cacao leaves from 1052 cacao trees were screened with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using an open reading frame 1 (ORF 1) CSSV-specific primer pair. PCR screening of the mealybug species was performed using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. A combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histology for morphological identification and DNA barcoding enabled to characterise the female mealybug species. The results revealed that CSSV and its mealybug vectors are present in the major cacao-growing areas in Nigeria. Although CSSV and its vectors have been previously reported in Cross River, Ondo and Oyo States, our results present the first documented evidence of CSSV emergence and its mealybug vectors in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Edo States. We also present the first report of Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi (Gimpel and Miller) mealybug species on cacao in Nigeria. In conclusion, it is pertinent to re-establish coordinated routine survey and monitoring of CSSV and its mealybug vector presence in T. cacao L. in Nigeria.

Cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV) is an endemic pathogen causing significant economic losses to cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) production in West Africa. There is limited updated report on the occurrence, spread, genetic diversity and species of CSSV and its mealybug vectors, especially in Nigeria. Nigeria is presently lagging behind in the search for resistance to CSSV and its vectors in T. cacao L. The present study aimed to map and screen for the presence of CSSV and its natural vectors - female mealybugs (Pseudococcidae: Hemiptera) in cacao plantations in Nigeria. Symptomatic and asymptomatic cacao leaves and whole female mealybug samples were collected from major cacao-growing areas in Nigeria - Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Ondo and Oyo States. A total of 2568 cacao leaves from 1052 cacao trees were screened with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using an open reading frame 1 (ORF 1) CSSV-specific primer pair. PCR screening of the mealybug species was performed using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. A combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histology for morphological identification and DNA barcoding enabled to characterise the female mealybug species. The results revealed that CSSV and its mealybug vectors are present in the major cacao-growing areas in Nigeria. Although CSSV and its vectors have been previously reported in Cross River, Ondo and Oyo States, our results present the first documented evidence of CSSV emergence and its mealybug vectors in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Edo States. We also present the first report of Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi (Gimpel and Miller) mealybug species on cacao in Nigeria.In conclusion, it is pertinent to re-establish coordinated routine survey and monitoring of CSSV and its mealybug vector presence in T. cacao L. in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common genetic diseases among Caucasians due to its prevalence. Modern methods of molecular diagnostics and treatment of the disease allow to prolong the life of patients. In order to apply the appropriate treatment, the genetic basis of this disease should, however, first be known. The most common and the most severe mutation present in the CFTR gene (60-70% of cases) takes the form of an allele. This is responsible for the deletion of phenylalanine in position 508 (Δ508) of the CFTR protein. Determination of mutations in the CFTR gene using molecular techniques makes it possible to identify the causes of the disease in people who do not show the characteristic symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

This study aimed to investigate if C21 could prevent acute renal injury induced by sepsis by regulating the expression of p-AKT/PI3K. Five equal groups of 25 adult male Swiss-albino mice were randomly divided (n=5): sham (laparotomy without CLP), CLP, vehicle (equivalent amount of DMSO one hour before CLP), and C21 (0.03 mg/kg, one hour before CLP). ELISA was used to measure serum inflammatory mediators, and the expression of PI3K and P-AKT was determined using PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. TNF, TNF receptor, F8-isoprostane, urea, creatinine, and IL-6 blood levels were considerably lower in the CLP group (p<0.05) compared to the sham group, whereas the C21 treated group had significantly (p<0.05) greater levels of these inflammatory mediators. The IHC analysis revealed that P-AKT expression was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the CLP group compared to the sham group, while the C21 pretreatment group had significantly higher levels of P-AKT expression compared to the CLP group (p<0.05). The PI3K expression in the CLP group was significantly lower than in the sham group (p<0.05), according to PCR results, whereas the PI3K expression in the C21 pretreatment group was significantly greater than in the CLP group (p<0.05). This study showed that C21 might reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-, IL-6, and TNF receptor, by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, which can, in turn, reduce renal dysfunction during CLP-induced sepsis in male mice., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (©2023 JOURNAL of MEDICINE and LIFE.)

Prison inmates are a high-risk group for tuberculosis (TB) infection and disease due to the increasing number of vulnerable fringe groups, risk factors ( e.g ., alcohol and drug addictions), contagious diseases (HIV, hepatitis), and their high-risk behavior. Compared to the general population, TB incidence and prevalence rates are significantly higher among prison inmates. Early identification of potentially infectious pulmonary TB (PTB) and targeted care of sick inmates are essential to effectively control TB within the prison system. The WHO recommends combining active and passive case-finding in prisons. No study has been published comparing the broad spectrum of screening tools using a diagnostic accuracy network meta-analysis (NMA). We aim to identify the most accurate TB case-finding algorithm at prison entry that is feasible in resource-limited prisons of high-burden TB countries and ensures continuous comprehensive TB detection services in such settings. Evidence generated by this NMA can provide important decision support in selecting the most (cost-) effective algorithms for screening methods for resource-limited settings in the short, medium, and long terms., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (©2022 JOURNAL of MEDICINE and LIFE.)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogen is opportunistic. Several virulence factors and biofilms can cause its pathogenicity. Furthermore, infections triggered via multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa among hospitalized patients are a public health concern. The primary antimicrobial agents in treating Gram-negative infection include Meropenem and Imipenem. Moreover, the spread of Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa is a focal concern worldwide. The present research aims to determine the spread of Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa , and the distribution of the Alginate and Metallo-beta-lactamase encoding gene in clinical isolates. In the present cross-sectional descriptive research, 50 wound and sputum clinical specimens were obtained. Isolates were all identified by applying cultural characteristics and biochemical tests. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was conducted to distinguish algD, BLA-VIM, BLA-IMP , and 16SrRNA genes. Moreover, the phenotypic method was used to detect hemolysin. The disk diffusion technique was applied to screen clinical isolates for eight antimicrobial agents. The PCR results showed all isolates to be positive for algD and negative for BLA-VIM and BLA-IMP genes. Hemolysin and multidrug resistance prevalence was 100% and 76%, respectively. Furthermore, Meropenem proved to be the most efficient antibiotic against clinical isolates. Alginate and hemolysin are considered significant virulence factors for P. aeruginosa , playing a key role in triggering diseases and tissue or skin lesions. The emergence of Multidrug Resistant (MDR) isolates indicates that developing antibiotic stewardship in our regional community hospital is a top priority. Infection control measures could help control the distribution of virulence genes in P. aeruginosa isolates. Moreover, regular observation is needed to decrease public health threats, distributing virulence factors and Imipenem-resistance patterns in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa ., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (©2022 JOURNAL of MEDICINE and LIFE.)

Tuberculosis of the eye represents a challenge throughout the world, and there is a continuous debate about its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. The present research represents an interventional prospective study focusing on the variable clinical presentations, and the diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of ocular tuberculosis. Fifteen eyes from nine cases were diagnosed with ocular tuberculosis, treated, and followed up between 2010 and 2020. The diagnosis was based on (1) a compatible clinical picture, (2) highly positive Tuberculin skin test or a positive IGRA test (Interferon-Gamma Release Assays), (3) a dramatic response to anti-tuberculous drugs without systemic steroid. Mean age was 41.22±13.64 years; eight cases were females 89.8%, one male 11.1%. Only one case had preexisting pulmonary tuberculosis. Bilateral ocular involvement occurred in two thirds of cases (66.7%). The most common clinical presentation was intermediate uveitis (33.3%), followed by multifocal choroiditis (20%). All cases were cured without relapse for the 2-10 years of follow-up, after taking oral anti-tuberculous drugs for 6-12 months. No systemic steroids were given, only topical steroid drops, as indicated. In conclusion, ocular tuberculosis is a mysterious condition with a wide-range of clinical presentations and should be considered in the differential diagnoses of any type of intraocular inflammation, or any unexplained reduction in vision. Oral anti-tuberculous drugs with or without topical steroids are sufficient to improve vision, produce, cure, and prevent relapse., Competing Interests: The author declares no conflict of interest., (©2022 JOURNAL of MEDICINE and LIFE.)

So far the verification of specific bacteria is time consuming and costly. The reason is the necessity for highly specialised laboratory equipment and the requirements regarding clean-room facilities ensuring environments free of any germs. Additionally growing bacteria in equivalent petri dishes may require quite some time until a reasonable number is grown sufficient for further evaluation. For many bacteria and even viruses alternative processes for multiplication have been developed, basically relying on the so called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). We developed the Goeppingen GeneReactor, a microsized system (MEMS) for PCR as a low cost device, that can be used without any clean-room facilities, while additionally a device for electrophoresis is added as a tool for analysis. Thus this system can be used as a throw-away analysis tool, i.e. specimen containing the required bacteria or viruses could be prepared and investigated in every physician's practice. It should be noted, that even tiny amounts of starting materials are sufficient, since the whole system is no larger than a human finger-nail and the PCR allows to multiply the number of desired genes by a factor of 10³ to 106 within 10 to 20 heating cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) harbors virulence factors responsible for bacterial adhesion and invasion. In addition, the bacterium is accountable for the occurrence of pediatric urinary tract infections globally and is becoming problematic due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The current research investigated UPEC prevalence, virulence characteristics, and antimicrobial resistance in pediatric urinary tract infection (UTI). 200 urine specimens were taken from hospitalized pediatric patients who suffered from UTIs. E. coli was recovered from urine specimens using the microbial culture. Disc diffusion method was used to assess antimicrobial resistance and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assess the virulence factors distribution amongst the UPEC bacteria. Seventy-five out of 250 (30.00%) urine samples were positive for the UPEC bacteria. The UPEC prevalence amongst pediatric patients was 25.83% and 33.84%, respectively. UPEC bacteria harbored the maximum resistance toward gentamicin (45.33%), ampicillin (44.00%), and ciprofloxacin (40.00%). Cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 ( Cnf1) (53.33%) and pyelonephritis-associated pil ( pap) (42.66%) were the most frequently identified virulence factors amongst the UPEC bacteria. The high prevalence of UPEC isolates harboring antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors suggest that diseases caused by them need more expansive healthcare monitoring with essential demand for novel antimicrobials., (© 2022 JOURNAL of MEDICINE and LIFE.)

Cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV) is an endemic pathogen causing significant economic losses to cacao ( Theobroma cacao L.) production in West Africa. There is limited updated report on the occurrence, spread, genetic diversity and species of CSSV and its mealybug vectors, especially in Nigeria. Nigeria is presently lagging behind in the search for resistance to CSSV and its vectors in T. cacao L. The present study aimed to map and screen for the presence of CSSV and its natural vectors - female mealybugs (Pseudococcidae: Hemiptera) in cacao plantations in Nigeria. Symptomatic and asymptomatic cacao leaves and whole female mealybug samples were collected from major cacao-growing areas in Nigeria - Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Ondo and Oyo States. A total of 2568 cacao leaves from 1052 cacao trees were screened with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using an open reading frame 1 (ORF 1) CSSV-specific primer pair. PCR screening of the mealybug species was performed using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. A combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histology for morphological identification and DNA barcoding enabled to characterise the female mealybug species. The results revealed that CSSV and its mealybug vectors are present in the major cacaogrowing areas in Nigeria. Although CSSV and its vectors have been previously reported in Cross River, Ondo and Oyo States, our results present the first documented evidence of CSSV emergence and its mealybug vectors in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Edo States. We also present the first report of Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi (Gimpel and Miller) mealybug species on cacao in Nigeria. In conclusion, it is pertinent to re-establish coordinated routine survey and monitoring of CSSV and its mealybug vector presence in T. cacao L. in Nigeria., (© 2021 Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences.)

With the exponential growth of COVID-19 cases, the neurological complications reported during or after the infection became more common. There is limited knowledge regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms that are responsible for these complications. Recent data provides compelling evidence for the neurotropic nature of SARS-CoV-2, based on neurological manifestations reported during the current pandemic, as well as on previous experience with other coronaviruses. We present the case of a patient who developed headaches, motor deficit and dysphasia after respiratory COVID-19. Imaging tests showed heterogeneous central nervous system lesions (multiple subarachnoid hemorrhages and two ischemic strokes). Given the plethora of atypical neurological complications of COVID-19 described in the current literature, establishing a positive diagnosis and deciding on a treatment plan proved to be particularly challenging. We set to discuss some of the possible pathologies, hypothesized to be associated with COVID-19, that could lead to concomitant neurological lesions, similar to those noticed in our patient., (©2021 JOURNAL of MEDICINE and LIFE.)

Traditional therapy and extensive use of medications and intravaginal autolymphocyte therapy show different results of the treatment of vulvovaginal infections. The purpose of the article was to explore safe and highly effective methods to treat vulvovaginal infections and diseases of the pelvic organs. The standard clinical and laboratory screening of 70 patients of reproductive age was carried out to diagnose the diseases of the reproductive tract. The screening included the description of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of vaginal discharge, examining the mucous covering of the vulva and vagina, microscopic examination of Gram-stained vaginal swabs, endocervical cultures, and diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections using polymerase chain reaction. Intravaginal autolymphocyte therapy was used together with traditionally-accepted treatment schemes (etiotropic antibacterial and antifungal therapy) in the treatment of the main group (40 patients). Traditional treatment methods depending on the etiology of the development of infection were used in the control group (30 patients). The IgM, IgA, and IgG levels were also observed because of the possibility of causing embryo rejection. This study shows that in case of relapsing vulvovaginitis and mixed infections accompanied by disorders of the immune system at different levels, the use of intravaginal autolymphocyte therapy in a comprehensive therapy can be assessed as advisable and pathogenetically substantiated., (©Carol Davila University Press.)