Targeting resistance-nodulation division family efflux pumps in A. baumanii for new advances in antibiotic discovery

There has been a lack of new drugs and platforms of discovery and research has dramatically has slowed down in the research of antibiotics. As a family, gram-negative bacteria have long developed the ability to be multidrug resistant (MDR). The major focus of this review is to highlight discoveries in gram-negative bacterial pathogens, specifically Acinetobacter baumanii. A. Baumanii is one of many types of bacteria that have developed MDR and is a high occurrence in the countries of Iraq and Afghanistan, along with nosocomial bloodstream infections in United States hospitals. MDR in bacteria often occurs through either reduced permeability of the drug, increased efflux of the drug out of the cell, or through modification of antibiotic target receptors. Only recently has new antibiotic research focused on genetic modification of efflux pumps. In A. baumanii genes AdeABC and AdelJK may be involved in multidrug resistance via efflux pumps. Current research tends to focus on the resistance-nodulation division (RND) family efflux pump, often targeted with carbapanems, penicillin, cephalosporin, and aminoglycosides, which over time cause increased up regulation of efflux pumps in A. baumanii. More specifically there exists 22 additional genes that have been identified as RND family efflux pump modulators, and more study is needed to determine their effect in efflux pump regulation. Focusing on efflux pumps in gram-negative bacteria can provide a new platform for antibiotic discovery and could expedite the need for new broad-spectrum antibiotics

Stem Cell Transplant in Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes: Arresting Autoimmunity and Preserving ß- Cell Function

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune-mediated disease that causes progressive beta cell death. At the time of diagnosis up to 20% of remaining beta cell mass is still able to produce insulin. Methods to halt autoimmunity in those newly diagnosed with T1D are a promising research avenue. To date, three clinical trials have been performed using non-myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplants (AHSCT). We performed a meta-analysis of the results from the three clinical trials to determine positive and negative prognostic factors for the patients’ response to AHSCT. Methods: Factors examined include sex, age, presence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis, glycated hemoglobin (A1c), and levels of antibodies. The primary measurements was length of time subjects were able to discontinue insulin (calculated as the length of time free from exogenous insulin divided by the total follow-up for that subject). . In addition, for subjects with longitudinal data, trends in C-peptide (a measure of endogenous insulin production) and levels of antibodies were analyzed to determine whether beta cell function was preserved and autoimmunity reversed. Results: DKA at diagnosis was significantly associated with the following factors: age younger than 20 years (p=0.0314), a shorter time free from insulin post-treatment (

A Comprehensive Review of Yoga-based Intervention for Children

The movement of incorporating yoga and meditation programs into schools has become a current sensation in the United States. Historically, qualitative research measuring yoga and meditation’s effectiveness has laid the groundwork for recent quantitative studies. One study claims that yoga may induce immunoglobulin genetic variant shifts toward better health. Most of the variables isolated in yoga studies offer mental and behavioral health benefits for school-aged children. Research on cerebral cortical changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA-axis) induced by high cortisol levels illustrated externalization of behaviors in children. To this end, a review of the reduction in cortisol levels in younger populations with yoga-meditation intervention programs has shown to be beneficial. Positive outcomes in self-esteem and a reduction in aggressiveness have been widely reported with yoga trials in children. Further, an intervention of yoga and mindfulness with obese children showed a positive impact on reducing BMI levels and decreasing overall negative feelings. The empirical relevance of the social and emotional impact of yoga and meditation is clear yet needs further replication and increased methodology rigor of study designs. The direction for future research is toward more quantitatively, replicable studies that will assist in developing and validating the need for additional school-based yoga programs

The Mechanisms of Genetically Modified Vaccinia Viruses for the Treatment of Cancer

The use of oncolytic viruses for the treatment of cancer is an emerging field of cancer research and therapy. Oncolytic viruses are designed to induce tumor specific immunity while replicating selectively within cancer cells to cause lysis of the tumor cells. While there are several forms of oncolytic viruses, the use of vaccinia viruses for oncolysis may be more beneficial than other forms of oncolytic viruses. For example, vaccinia viruses have been shown to exert their anti-tumor effects through genetic engineering strategies which enhance their therapeutic efficacy. This paper will address some of the most common forms of genetically modified vaccinia viruses and will explore the mechanisms whereby they selectively target, enter and destroy cancer cells. Furthermore, this review will highlight how vaccinia viruses activate host immune responses against cancer cells and will address clinical trials evaluating the tumor-directed and killing efficacy of these viruses against solid tumors. While there are several forms of oncolytic viruses, the use of vaccinia viruses for oncolysis may be more beneficial than other forms of oncolytic viruses. For example, vaccinia viruses have been shown to exert their anti-tumor effects through genetic engineering strategies which enhance their therapeutic efficacy. This paper will address some of the most common forms of genetically modified vaccinia viruses and will explore the mechanisms whereby they selectively target, enter and destroy cancer cells. Furthermore, this review will highlight how vaccinia viruses activate host immune responses against cancer cells and will address clinical trials evaluating the tumor-directed and killing efficacy of these viruses against solid tumors