Epigenetics and Human Disease Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India.
Published: February 2023
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
Although malaria related cases and deaths have consistently declined over time, growing resistance to existing anti-malarial drugs in remains a matter of extreme concern. Since we rely so heavily on use of chemotherapy for malaria treatment and knowing that all the available anti-malarial drug will become virtually useless in the near future, we have to increase our understanding of basic biology of the parasite as well as characterize new molecular targets that can be exploited for anti-malarial therapy. In the present study, PfRUVBLs (AAA family member proteins) were evaluated for their potential as novel anti-malarial drug target candidates, using computational approaches. Virtual High-throughput screening of various pharmacophore libraries obtained from three different databases (which included, Asinex, ZINC15 & PubChem) followed by extra precision docking, resulted in identification of relevant hit compounds that showed binding affinity with the active region of PfRUVBL1 protein. Based on molecular docking data, MD simulations, and protein-ligand interaction studies, combined with toxicity assessment & ADME profiling data, at least three best hits were eventually identified that could be novel potent inhibitors of PfRUVBL1 protein and can be further tested for anti-malarial activity using protocols. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Introduction: Annual screening for hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy is recommended, and electroretinography (ERG) is considered a gold-standard test, but there are screening shortfalls and standard ERG is burdensome and has limited availability. Newer, portable ERG devices using skin-based electrodes may increase screening capacity but need validation. This study aims to determine initial device accuracies and feasibility of further research.
Objective: To evaluate the treatment patterns, medication adherence, concomitant corticosteroid use, factors influencing sequence of therapies (SOTs), healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) and associated costs in adults with SLE in the USA.
Methods: Claims data from the Merative MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Database between 2011 and 2019 were used to identify patients with incident SLE. The date of first claim with SLE was defined as the index date, with a 24-month pre-index and ≥24-month post-index period.
Background: We aimed to analyze the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of malaria caused by among military members of the Republic of Korea (ROK).
Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with malaria in 16 military hospitals in the ROK between 2012-2021, excluding other types of malaria, as well as imported cases and those treated in civilian hospitals.
Results: In total, 653 patients were treated for malaria.
Background: To eliminate malaria by 2035, Brazil must address Plasmodium vivax. Previously, first-line treatment was chloroquine plus 7-day primaquine (PQ) without glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency testing. In 2021, point-of-care quantitative G6PD testing and single-dose tafenoquine (TQ) were piloted in two municipalities.
Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China.
Background: Babesia is a tick-borne protozoan blood parasite that can cause hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, lethargy and splenomegaly in giant pandas.
Methods: We evaluated the efficacy and safety profile of a therapeutic regimen combining atovaquone and zithromycin in the context of babesiosis in giant pandas that have been naturally infected. The examined pandas underwent clinical and laboratory analyses, including hematology, biochemistry and thyroid hormone profiles.
