Mucosal Immunity and Novel Prophylactic Strategy to Combat COVID-19 | Chapter 1 | Disease and Health Research: New Insights Vol. 9

 

The study aims to explore the role of mucosal immunity in combating COVID-19 with the objective of developing novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged as an expeditiously growing pandemic, in the human population caused by the highly transmissible RNA virus severe acute respiratory syndrome of coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In clinical settings, SARS-CoV-2 infection can be elucidated on the basis of amplification of viral RNA from nasopharyngeal swab samples, and saliva tests (less invasive in nature), but sometimes faeces tests show the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA even prior to symptoms appear and also long after a patient has tested negative from a conventional swab. The interplay of SARS-CoV-2 infection predominantly occurs at the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor and transmembrane protease serine-type 2 positive (ACE2 + TMPRSS2+) epithelial cells of the mucosal surfaces like nasal, oral mucosae, and/or the conjunctival surface of the eye where it interacts with the immune system. The largest integrant of the entire immune system is the mucosal immune system which is augmented to provide a defence mechanism against various environmental pathogens at the mucosae. The primary host response towards the pathogen starts from an immune microenvironment of nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). The presence of exhausted lymphocytes, lymphopenia, pneumonia, and cytokine storm is the hallmark of COVID-19. The multifaceted nature of co-morbidity factors like obesity and type 2 diabetes and their effects on immunity can alter the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Adipose tissue is a crucial endocrine organ that secretes a plethora of factors like adipokines, cytokines, and chemokines that have a profound impact on metabolism and augment the expression of mucosal pro-inflammatory cytokines, like tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and the interleukin-12 (IL-12)/IL-23. Mucosal immunization could be a superior approach to activate mucosal and systemic immune responses against pathogenic invasion at mucosal surface entry ports. Mucosal vaccines are also able to generate strong systemic humoral immunity—required to neutralize any virus particle that dodges the primary immune response. In the case of various vaccines, the weakening of vaccine-induced immunity is associated with breakthrough infections. On the other hand, several lines of evidence suggest that mucosal immunization via natural infection or vaccination induces a more robust immune response in respiratory mucosa, which is the prime target of SARS-CoV-2 infection. To develop an efficient vaccine against mucosal pathogens, contemplation of the design of the delivery route, immunomodulatory features, and adjuvants are very important. In this article,  evidence was provided to understand the significant role of mucosal immunity, along with secretory and circulating immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies in generating a novel mucosal vaccine against COVID-19. Moreover, along with mucosal vaccines, a look must be given to combination treatment strategies with plant bioactive molecules. Glycan-binding lectins against viral proteins for targeted activation of the mucosal immune response are one such example. These may play a promising role in halting this emerging virus. In this review, the different aspect of mucosal immunization and their probable prospect against the COVID-19 pandemic have been summarized. Further study on the formulation of nasal spray or inhaler with such plant bioactive molecules or engineered antibodies will be a potent therapeutic and prophylactic strategy in the prevention of a larger array of SARS-CoV2 with reduced side effects.

 

Author (s) Details

Dr. Swapan K. Chatterjee
Molecular Pharma Pvt. Ltd., 102A Windsor Palace, 6A, Iron Side Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
 
Dr. Snigdha Saha
Molecular Pharma Pvt. Ltd., 102A Windsor Palace, 6A, Iron Side Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India.
 
 
Maria Nilda M. Munoz
Cagayan State University, Tuguegarao City & De La Salle University, Manila 0900, Philippines.

 

Please see the link:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v9/2196

Oncogenic Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor (IGF-1R) As a Promising Targeted-molecule for HCC Therapy | Chapter 1 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 

The present study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) or P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression in tissues and sera of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, further analyze IGF-1R on effects of biological behaviors of HepG2 cells and synergistic role with anti-cancer drugs on reversal MDR of HCC. In HCC, there was an overexpression of the IGF-1R. The connection between IGF-1R activation and the advancement of HCC is still unknown, though. In this work, we looked into how the biological characteristics of HCC cells were affected by IGF-1R editing. The expressions of IGF-1R and P-gp in HCC and their distal non-cancerous tissues (Non-Ca) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. IGF-1R was edited with CRISPR/Cas9 system, screened specific sgRNAs, and then transfected into HepG2 cells. CCK-8 and scratch wound test detected cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and transwell assays, respectively. Alterations of IGF-1R and P-gp were confirmed by Western blotting. Alterations of anti-cancer drug IC50 values were analyzed at the cell level. The incidences of IGF-1R (93.6%) or P-gp (88.2%) were significantly higher (P<0.001) in the HCC group than those (36.6% in IGF-1R or 26.9% in P-gp) in the Non-Ca group. There was a positive correlation between high IGF-1R and P-gp expression, and they were associated with HBV infection and vascular invasion of HCC. Abnormal levels of serum IGF-1R and P-gp were confirmed and associated with HCC progression. Biological feature alterations of HCC cells transfected with specific sgRNA showed IGF-1R expression down-regulation, cell proliferation inhibition, cell invasion or migration potential decreasing, and enhancing susceptibility of HepG2 cells to anti-cancer drugs. In this study, the specific sgRNA plus anti-tumor drugs had higher inhibitory effects on HCC cells, and the drug IC50 values were significantly decreased with inhibiting cell proliferation of HCC in the sgRNA group, indicating that HCC cells transfected with sgRNA could be more sensitive to anti-cancer drugs via inhibiting the NF-kappa B pathway. These data indicated that the edited oncogenic IGF-1R was useful to inhibit biological behaviors of HCC cells and IGF-1R should be a promising targeted-molecule for HCC therapy.

 

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

Min Yao
Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.

 

Wenli Sai
Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.

 

Chunxiu Sha
Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.

 

Min Xu
Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.

 

Rongfei Fang
Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.

 

Li Wang
Research Center for Intelligent Information Technology, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.

 

Qun Xie
Department of Infectious Diseases, Haian People’s Hospital, Haian 226600, Jiangsu, China.

 

Dengfu Yao
Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.

 

Please see the link here:-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/11781F

Investigating the Factors Affecting Internet Sex Addiction | Chapter 8 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 

Today, with the advancement of technology and the use of the internet on smartphones, private interactions of individuals with strangers in the virtual space take a harmful form regardless of location. Problematic use of the Internet is now a concerning area across the globe, referring to excessive engagement in online activities known to be associated with marked functional impairment. A significant portion of people's communications takes place on social networks and through cyber facilities. The debate on human dependence on technology and cyber facilities has reached a point where the use of these facilities has become an inseparable part of many people's lives, work, and relationships. The increasing use of cyber facilities and individuals' membership in online social networks and chat rooms, alongside easy access to relationships with strangers, sometimes leads to the emergence of cybersex relationships and conversations aimed at satisfying instinctual and sexual desires. In this chapter, after defining internet sex addiction, sexual identity, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), the relationship between internet sex addiction and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in men is examined. The impact of these items on each other and diagnostic and treatment methods are explained. The present research is correlation-relation research in which inferential statistics were used. Sexual Addiction Screening-Test-Revised (SAST-R) was used as a research tool in which 45 yes or no questions were included. The test has a main part and two subscale groups. The results of this research show that the body dysmorphic disorder variable has a correlation of 66.6%, and 44.3% predicts the level of internet sex addiction. Finally, it is concluded that there is an indirect and significant correlation between Internet sex addiction and body image.

 

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

 

Mehrnaz Sheibani-Noqabi (Clinical Psychologist, Hypnotherapist and Researcher)
Mehrabani Counseling Center, Mashhad, Iran.

 

Mohamad Tolooe Arjomand (Doctor of Medicine, Clinical Psychologist, Hypnotherapist and Researcher
Mehrabani Counseling Center, Mashhad, Iran.

 

Please see the link here:-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/9098A

Platform to Help Motor/Social Disabilities, which connects Prescribers/Suppliers/ Patients and Sells Assistance Products | Chapter 4 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 

Aim: The research work tried to present a solution to help people with motor/social disabilities integrate into society and the world of work, promoting ease of communication between all those involved.

Background: The article introduces a digital prototype designed to offer a “Diagnostic Page” that connects patients with different prescribers and suppliers of assistive products that lessen their challenges. This prototype is presented from the perspectives of social inclusion and labor inclusion. Additionally, it offers a “Patient Card Page” with all the financing information for the individual items and all the paperwork that will probably be required for all parties to complete the business operations. It also aims to provide a digital medium to grow a community in this niche market. In the action research methodology approach, the prototype was taken to funding competitions and conferences, where interviews and surveys were carried out, and a number of suggestions were collected on the type of platform to consider in order to respond to the concerns and needs of end users, such as patients, prescribers, suppliers and associations.

Methods: The digital platform where the system is hosted uses algorithms that, on the diagnostic page, consider keywords used by patients and return a series of prescribers and suppliers of support products, in which the corresponding percentage of attenuation is taken into account and the best solution found to overcome the level of difficulty presented by the respective patients is delivered.

Results and Conclusions: With the help of this platform, it is hoped that individuals with motor/social difficulties will be able to quickly receive their diagnosis thanks to the algorithm in place, and they will also be given access to a range of suppliers, prescribers, and support products that are best suited to their needs, along with all the details or requirements needed to buy or finance them. However, as independent contractors who are a part of a community, prescribers, suppliers, and associations have access to an online platform where they can provide their advice, goods, and other forms of support.  In the future, it is intended to build, develop, test, and implement the system in the daily lives of the participants. At the moment, the prototype has not received any financial support, and for this, it is necessary to obtain funding from an experienced entity, which makes its concretization possible as well as guaranteeing the protection of copyright.

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

Beatriz Ferreira
IADE-Faculty of Design, Technology and Communication of the European University, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.

 

Maria Carolina
IADE-Faculty of Design, Technology and Communication of the European University, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.

 

Please see the link here:-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/67

Evaluating the Misdiagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Hong Kong's Outpatient Healthcare Sector | Chapter 2 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 Background and Objective: Timely and accurate diagnosis plays a pivotal role in the successful management of diseases. However, delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis continue to be significant concerns, resulting in adverse effects on patient treatment outcomes. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most prevalent infectious diseases globally, with over one million new cases acquired daily. The presence of misdiagnosis in STD cases cannot be ignored. The objective of the present study is to determine the rate of misdiagnosis of STDs and investigate the underlying factors contributing to this issue.

Methods: Specimens for STD diagnosis were collected from multiple clinics and hospitals between June 1, 2021, and October 20, 2021. The DNA extraction process utilized a magnetic bead-based method, followed by testing the extracted DNA using the DiagCor GenoFlowTM STD Array Test Kit to identify targeted pathogens.

Results: During the specified time, a total of 1459 specimens were collected and included in the study. Among these, 643 specimens tested positive for at least one targeted STD pathogen. Out of the positive cases, 494 were aligned with the tests ordered by physicians, while the remaining 149 positive cases had at least one pathogen detected that was not requested to be tested, leading to misdiagnosis. The overall misdiagnosis rate was determined to be 23.2% (149 out of 643), with a higher frequency of misdiagnosis observed in tests ordered for the detection of one to three pathogens. It is worth noting that Ureaplasma urealyticum and/or Ureaplasma parvum (UU/UP) were the most detected pathogens in this study.

Conclusion: The study's findings emphasize that incorrect test selection by physicians is a major contributor to misdiagnosis in outpatient settings for STD cases. To mitigate diagnostic errors in STD diagnosis, it is crucial for physicians to meticulously choose and request tests that enable the detection of multiple pathogens. Co-infections involving multiple pathogens are commonly encountered among STD patients. Optimal test selection not only benefits individual patients but also has wider implications for public health.

Expanding upon these findings, this chapter delves into the challenges associated with STD misdiagnosis, explores the potential consequences for patients and public health, and provides strategies and recommendations for improving diagnostic accuracy in outpatient settings. The discussion emphasizes the importance of comprehensive testing approaches that encompass multiple pathogens to address the complexity of STD infections effectively. Furthermore, the chapter highlights the significance of clinician education and awareness regarding appropriate test selection, emphasizing the need for ongoing professional development and updated guidelines in the field of STD diagnosis. By addressing these issues, we can enhance diagnostic practices, reduce misdiagnosis rates, and ultimately improve patient care and public health outcomes in the context of sexually transmitted diseases.

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

Dr. Andes Lau
Clinical Laboratory Service Unit, Pangenia Life Sciences Ltd., Hong Kong, China.

 

Dr. Tyler Leung
DiagCor Life Science Ltd., Hong Kong SAR, China.

 

Dr. David W. Y. Ho
Clinical Laboratory Service Unit, Pangenia Life Sciences Ltd., Hong Kong, China.

 

Please see the link here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/12219F

Multidetector Computed Tomography Evaluation of Congenital Coronary Artery Variants: A Pictorial Essay Chapter 7 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography appearance of congenital coronary artery variants [CCAV]. Catheter angiography cannot detect ectopic openings of coronary arteries since it is only a two-dimensional study. Often, a diagnosis of an anomaly is made on MDCT coronary angiography, when catheter angiography fails to show the normal anatomy.

Although CCAVs are relatively uncommon, familiarity with atypical anatomy and their clinical presentation may facilitate appropriate diagnosis and management. Axial sections, multiplanar reconstructions, virtual angioscopy, and 3D volume-rendered images should aid in the detection and improve the interpretation of such anomalies, which can be of immense help to the clinician planning interventional procedures, like stenting, ablation procedures, balloon dilatation, or graft surgery particularly when there are secondary changes of atherosclerosis, calcification, plaque formation and stenosis.

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

Krishna Kumar M.
Department of Radio-diagnosis, Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Irungalur, Trichy-621105, India.

 

Prof. DR. Senthilnathan V., MD., RD.,
Department of Radio-diagnosis, Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Irungalur, Trichy-621105, India.

 

Dr. Dharan Venkatesh K.A., MD.,RD.,
Department of Radio-diagnosis, Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Irungalur, Trichy-621105, India.

 

Please see the link here:-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/8370E

Optimizing Cancer Treatment: The Synergy of Multimodal Oncology | Chapter 5 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 9

 

This chapter is an attempt to offer some perspective on how to apply these disparate methodologies so that they may be more effectively integrated, resulting in consistently better clinical responses. The term “integrative oncology” can mean particular things to different audiences. For the purposes of this chapter, it is intended to mean the simultaneous use of multiple anti-cancer strategies that can have a synergistic effect against the tumor, its microenvironment, and its propensity to metastasize. Thereby, having a maximum impact against the cancer with a minimum of side effects for the patient to endure. This chapter provides a quick overview of the five most common evidence-based systematic techniques now in use, as shown in the sources. Although the efficiency of each of these strategies varies, in my experience, when they are combined therapeutically, the results are exponentially better, changing the focus from progression-free survival to the prospect of improved overall survival and long-lasting remission.

 

Author(s) Details:-

 

Jesse A. Stoff
Integrative Medicine of New York, 520 Franklin Ave Suite 230 Garden City, NY-11530, USA.

 

Please see the link here:-  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/nvmms/v9/3803G