AntiWolbachia drugs with regard to filariasis

This Expert View provides an update on the recent development of new microsensors, and briefly summarizes some novel applications of existing microsensors, in plant biology research. Two major topics are covered, i) sensors for gaseous analytes (O2, CO2, H2S) and ii) those for measuring concentrations and fluxes of ions (macro- and micronutrients and environmental pollutants such as heavy metals). We show that application of such microsensors may significantly advance understanding of mechanisms of plant-environmental interaction and regulation of plant developmental and adaptive responses under adverse environmental conditions via non-destructive visualization of key analytes with high spatial and/or temporal resolution. Examples included cover a broad range of environmental situations including hypoxia, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity. We highlight the power of combining microsensor technology with other advanced biophysical (patch-clamp; voltage-clamp; single-cell pressure-probe), imaging (MRI; fluorescent dyes) and genetic techniques and approaches. We conclude that future progress in the field may be achieved by applying existing microsensors for important signalling molecules such as NO and H2O2, by improving selectivity of existing microsensors for some key analytes (e.g., Na, Mg and Zn) and by developing new microsensors for P. © The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email [email protected] Oral cancer is a public health concern and is widespread in developing countries, particularly in South Asia. However, oral cancer cases are also rising in developed nations due to various factors, including smoking, viruses and increased migration from South Asia. In this context, the role of general medical practitioners (GPs) in identifying oral cancer is becoming increasingly important and, while some studies have explored their perspective about oral cancer, a synthesis of these results has not been undertaken. OBJECTIVE The objective of this integrative review is to synthesize existing evidence regarding oral cancer-related knowledge, attitudes and practices of GPs in developed countries. METHODS Four electronic databases were searched to identify studies focussing on the objective of this review. The inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed English language publications; studies conducted in developed countries involving GPs; explored at least one study outcome (knowledge/attitudes/practices). No restrictions were placed on the publication date. RESULTS A total of 21 studies involving 3409 GPs were reviewed. Most studies revealed limited knowledge of GPs about emerging risk factors, such as betel nut chewing (0.8-50%). Significant variation (7-70%) was evident in routine oral examination practices of GPs. Most GPs felt unsure about diagnosing oral cancer and many (38-94%) raised the need for further education. No study explored the specific relevance of GPs' practices concerning South Asian immigrants. CONCLUSION This review suggests the need for educational programs to enhance GPs' knowledge regarding oral cancer. Further research exploring oral cancer-related practices of GPs caring for South Asian immigrants is warranted. © The Author(s) 2020. NSC644468 Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.For permissions, please e-mail [email protected] Severe bacterial infections are the first cause of morbidity in people with HIV (PWH). We aimed to assess their incidence and to analyze their determinants. METHODS We studied HIV-1-infected individuals aged at least 15 years and prospectively followed between 2006 and 2015 in the French Hospital Database on HIV. The Andersen and Gill model was used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), focusing on heavy alcohol use and neutrophil function-altering comorbidities. RESULTS Out of 25,795 participants, 1414 developed 1883 severe bacterial infections. Between 2006-2009 and 2013-2015, the incidence fell from 13.2 (95% confidence interval, CI, 12.3-14.1) to 7.1 (95%CI, 6.3-7.8) per 1000 person-years. Heavy alcohol use was associated with an increased risk of severe bacterial infection (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.7 for 40-80 g/day and 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.1 for > 80 g/day), as were diabetes, chronic kidney disease and end stage liver disease (HR 1.2, 95%CI, 1.0-1.4, when one and 2.3, 95%CI, 1.6-3.4 when more than one comorbidity), and non-AIDS-defining malignancy (HR 2.0, 95%CI 1.6-2.4). CONCLUSIONS Heavy alcohol use was associated with an increased risk of severe bacterial infection, as were neutrophil function-altering comorbidities. Controlled-drinking approaches should be promoted and comorbidity management should be strengthened in PWH. © The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail [email protected] Vision loss may be a risk factor for hallucinations, but this has not been studied at the population level. METHODS To determine the association between self-reported vision loss and hallucinations in a large community-based sample of older adults, we performed a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of two large, nationally representative US health surveys the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Visual impairment and hallucinations were self- or proxy-reported. Multivariate single and mixed effects logistic regression models were built to examine whether visual impairment and history of cataract surgery were associated with hallucinations. RESULTS In NHATS (n = 1520), hallucinations were more prevalent in those who reported difficulty reading newspaper print (OR 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32-2.39) or recognising someone across the street (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.86-3.31) after adjusting for confounders. In HRS (n = 3682), a similar association was observed for overall (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.08-1.60), distance (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.32-1.96) and near eyesight difficulties (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.25-1.85). In neither sample was there a significant association between cataract surgery and hallucinations after adjusting for covariates. CONCLUSIONS Visual dysfunction is associated with increased odds of hallucinations in the older US adult population. This suggests that the prevention and treatment of vision loss may potentially reduce the prevalence of hallucinations in older adults. © The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email [email protected].