-
1.
Developmental Impacts of Epigenetics and Metabolism in COVID-19.
Naik, N, Patel, M, Sen, R
Journal of developmental biology. 2024;(1)
Abstract
Developmental biology is intricately regulated by epigenetics and metabolism but the mechanisms are not completely understood. The situation becomes even more complicated during diseases where all three phenomena are dysregulated. A salient example is COVID-19, where the death toll exceeded 6.96 million in 4 years, while the virus continues to mutate into different variants and infect people. Early evidence during the pandemic showed that the host's immune and inflammatory responses to COVID-19 (like the cytokine storm) impacted the host's metabolism, causing damage to the host's organs and overall physiology. The involvement of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the pivotal host receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was identified and linked to epigenetic abnormalities along with other contributing factors. Recently, studies have revealed stronger connections between epigenetics and metabolism in COVID-19 that impact development and accelerate aging. Patients manifest systemic toxicity, immune dysfunction and multi-organ failure. Single-cell multiomics and other state-of-the-art high-throughput studies are only just beginning to demonstrate the extent of dysregulation and damage. As epigenetics and metabolism directly impact development, there is a crucial need for research implementing cutting-edge technology, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, the identification of biomarkers and clinical trials to help with prevention and therapeutic interventions against similar threats in the future.
-
2.
Recent advances in Bacillus-mediated plant growth enhancement: a paradigm shift in redefining crop resilience.
Patani, A, Patel, M, Islam, S, Yadav, VK, Prajapati, D, Yadav, AN, Sahoo, DK, Patel, A
World journal of microbiology & biotechnology. 2024;(2):77
Abstract
The Bacillus genus has emerged as an important player in modern agriculture, revolutionizing plant growth promotion through recent advances. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the critical role Bacillus species play in boosting plant growth and agricultural sustainability. Bacillus genus bacteria benefit plants in a variety of ways, according to new research. Nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, and the production of growth hormones are examples of these. Bacillus species are also well-known for their ability to act as biocontrol agents, reducing phytopathogens and protecting plants from disease. Molecular biology advances have increased our understanding of the complex interplay between Bacillus species and plants, shedding light on the genetic and metabolic underpinnings of these interactions. Furthermore, novel biotechnology techniques have enabled the development of Bacillus-based biofertilizers and biopesticides, providing sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical inputs. Apart from this, the combination of biochar and Bacillus species in current biotechnology is critical for improving soil fertility and encouraging sustainable agriculture through enhanced nutrient retention and plant growth. This review also emphasizes the Bacillus genus bacteria's ability to alleviate environmental abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity, hence contributing to climate-resilient agriculture. Moreover, the authors discuss the challenges and prospects associated with the practical application of Bacillus-based solutions in the field. Finally, recent advances in Bacillus-mediated plant growth promotion highlight their critical significance in sustainable agriculture. Understanding these improvements is critical for realizing the full potential of Bacillus genus microorganisms to address current global food production concerns.
-
3.
Clinical utility of serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone as a marker for medical therapy for male infertility: recommendations based on clinical scenarios.
Reddy, R, Mason, M, Patel, M, Ramasamy, R
International journal of impotence research. 2023;(2):79-81
Abstract
Traditional serum hormone testing in the evaluation of male infertility consists of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol. Based on these values, medical therapy is often initiated in an attempt to increase intratesticular testosterone levels and, in turn, promote spermatogenesis. While this hormone panel provides serum testosterone levels, it does not evaluate intratesticular testosterone, obviously an important factor that is critical for spermatogenesis. 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is an intermediate in the steroidal pathway of cholesterol to testosterone conversion that has recently demonstrated promise as an accurate serum biomarker for intratesticular testosterone. At present, 17-OHP has not been widely adopted as a clinical tool in the evaluation of male infertility, which likely stems, in part, from a lack of concrete indications for its use. In this review, we present five commonly encountered scenarios of male infertility where the utilization of 17-OHP has aided in the management and provided a more personalized approach to treatment.
-
4.
Molecular pathology and therapeutics of the diabetic foot ulcer; comprehensive reviews.
Patel, M, Patel, V, Shah, U, Patel, A
Archives of physiology and biochemistry. 2023;:1-8
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic condition linked to high blood sugar levels. Diabetes causes complications like neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. Diabetes foot ulcer (DFU) is a significant and serious wound healing issue resulting from uncontrolled DM. The main causes of the development of the DFU are oxidative stress brought on by the NO moiety, release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL-1), cellular dysfunction, and pathogenic microorganisms including staphylococcus and streptococcus species. The two main types of wounds that are prevalent in DFU patients are neuropathic and neuroischemic. If this wound is not properly treated or cared for, a lower limb may have to be amputated. There are several therapy options for DFU, including antibiotics, debridement, dressings, nano formulations, and growth factor preparations like PDGF-BB, to help the wound heal and prevent amputation. Other novel approaches involved the use of nerve taps, microneedle patches, nanotechnology-based formulations and stem cell applications to promote healing. There are possibilities of drug repurposing for the DFU treatment based on targeting specific enzymes. This article summarises the current pathophysiological aspects of DFU and its probable future targets.
-
5.
Is Coffee and Tea a Threat or Ally to Cardiovascular Health?
Mendpara, V, Garg, S, Shah, P, Bhavsar, J, Anamika, F, Patel, M, Munjal, RS, Gupta, V, Garg, N, Jain, R
Cureus. 2023;(12):e49991
Abstract
Tea and coffee have become ingrained in our daily lives and have become the most widely consumed drinks after water. Their effects vary on an individual basis depending upon the amount of daily consumption, genetic polymorphisms, and the presence of comorbidities. Non-habitual individuals experience an initial, brief increase in blood pressure due to caffeine's vasoactive effects. Caffeine also appears to be protective against arrhythmias and heart failure. Along with having a generally cardioprotective profile, they have also demonstrated to have a favorable impact on insulin resistance and reduced risk of diabetes mellitus. Physicians often practice caution and advise patients with known cardiovascular diseases to refrain from drinking caffeine; however, studies have shown that drinking two to three cups a day has either no or some beneficial effects on both patients with or without cardiac disorders like arrhythmias. This article focuses on the effects of tea and coffee on the cardiovascular system as well as the potential mechanisms involved.
-
6.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of urinary biomarkers in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
Taccori, A, Maksoud, R, Eaton-Fitch, N, Patel, M, Marshall-Gradisnik, S
Journal of translational medicine. 2023;(1):440
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a multifactorial illness that affects many body systems including the immune, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, and urinary systems. There is currently no universal diagnostic marker or targeted treatment for ME/CFS. Urine is a non-invasive sample that provides biomarkers that may have the potential to be used in a diagnostic capacity for ME/CFS. While there are several studies investigating urine-based biomarkers for ME/CFS, there are no published systematic reviews to summarise existing evidence of these markers. The aim of this systematic review was to compile and appraise literature on urinary-based biomarkers in ME/CFS patients compared with healthy controls. METHODS Three databases: Embase, PubMed, and Scopus were searched for articles pertaining to urinary biomarkers for ME/CFS compared with healthy controls published between December 1994 to December 2022. The final articles included in this review were determined through application of specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality and bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Control Studies. A meta-analysis according to Cochrane guidelines was conducted on select studies, in particular, those that investigate urinary free cortisol levels in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls using the program STATA 17. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were included in this review. All of the studies investigated urinary-based markers in ME/CFS patients compared with healthy controls. The reported changes in urinary outputs include urinary free cortisol (38.10%), carnitine (28.6%), iodine (4.76%), and the metabolome (42.86%). In most cases, there was minimal overlap in the main outcomes measured across the studies, however, differences in urinary free cortisol between ME/CFS patients and healthy controls were commonly reported. Seven studies investigating urinary free cortisol were included in the meta-analysis. While there were significant differences found in urinary free cortisol levels in ME/CFS patients, there was also substantial heterogeneity across the included studies that makes drawing conclusions difficult. CONCLUSIONS There is limited evidence suggesting a consistent and specific potential urinary-based biomarker for ME/CFS. Further investigations using more standardised methodologies and more stringent case criteria may be able to identify pathophysiological differences with diagnostic potential in ME/CFS patients compared with healthy controls.
-
7.
2D Materials-Based Aptamer Biosensors: Present Status and Way Forward.
Sen, RK, Prabhakar, P, Bisht, N, Patel, M, Mishra, S, Yadav, AK, Venu, DV, Gupta, GK, Solanki, PR, Ramakrishnan, S, et al
Current medicinal chemistry. 2022;(37):5815-5849
Abstract
Current advances in constructing functional nanomaterials and elegantly designed nanostructures have opened up new possibilities for the fabrication of viable field biosensors. Two-dimensional materials (2DMs) have fascinated much attention due to their chemical, optical, physicochemical, and electronic properties. They are ultrathin nanomaterials with unique properties such as high surface-to-volume ratio, surface charge, shape, high anisotropy, and adjustable chemical functionality. 2DMs such as graphene-based 2D materials, Silicate clays, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), MXenes, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and transition metal oxides (TMOs) offer intensified physicochemical and biological functionality and have proven to be very promising candidates for biological applications and technologies. 2DMs have a multivalent structure that can easily bind to single-stranded DNA/RNA (aptamers) through covalent, non-covalent, hydrogen bond, and π-stacking interactions, whereas aptamers have a small size, excellent chemical stability, and low immunogenicity with high affinity and specificity. This review discussed the potential of various 2D material-based aptasensor for diagnostic applications, e.g., protein detection, environmental monitoring, pathogens detection, etc.
-
8.
Oral Cavity and Candida albicans: Colonisation to the Development of Infection.
Patel, M
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland). 2022;(3)
Abstract
Candida colonisation of the oral cavity increases in immunocompromised individuals which leads to the development of oral candidiasis. In addition, host factors such as xerostomia, smoking, oral prostheses, dental caries, diabetes and cancer treatment accelerate the disease process. Candida albicans is the primary causative agent of this infection, owing to its ability to form biofilm and hyphae and to produce hydrolytic enzymes and candialysin. Although mucosal immunity is activated, from the time hyphae-associated toxin is formed by the colonising C. albicans cells, an increased number and virulence of this pathogenic organism collectively leads to infection. Prevention of the development of infection can be achieved by addressing the host physiological factors and habits. For maintenance of oral health, conventional oral hygiene products containing antimicrobial compounds, essential oils and phytochemicals can be considered, these products can maintain the low number of Candida in the oral cavity and reduce their virulence. Vulnerable patients should be educated in order to increase compliance.
-
9.
A Systematic Review of Mixed Studies Exploring the Effects of Probiotics on Gut-Microbiome to Modulate Therapy in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Patel, M, Atluri, LM, Gonzalez, NA, Sakhamuri, N, Athiyaman, S, Randhi, B, Gutlapalli, SD, Pu, J, Zaidi, MF, Khan, S
Cureus. 2022;(12):e32313
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder(ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits, repetitive typical behaviors, insistence on the same routines, and communication impairments. The prevalence of ASD has increased in the past decade. While we are aware that there is no cure for ASD, attempts are being made to reduce its symptoms and improve the learning, overall growth, and well-being of ASD patients. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are frequent occurrences in patients with ASD, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Recent studies show that the microbiota-gut-brain axis is the key modulator of neuropsychiatric health. Although fecal transplants have shown positive outcomes in treating dysbiosis and symptoms of autism, lifestyle modifications such as dietary intervention will prevent and treat this disorder without causing major adverse effects. Probiotics enhance the microbiome to provide necessary metabolites, which help in gut permeability, cognitive function, and immunity. In some studies, children with increased GI symptoms have also shown increased behavioral disturbances. In this study, a systematic review of mixed studies is conducted to obtain more robust and conclusive results. We included randomized controlled studies with larger sample sizes and specifications on probiotics.
-
10.
Perioperative management of antithrombotic therapy: a case-based narrative review.
Chen, AT, Patel, M, Douketis, JD
Internal and emergency medicine. 2022;(1):25-35
Abstract
The periprocedural management of patients who are receiving vitamin K antagonists, direct oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet therapy is a common and challenging clinical scenario as the decision to interrupt or continue these medications is anchored on patient and procedure-related risks for bleeding and thrombosis. Adding to the complexity of clinical management is the fact that anticoagulants have varied pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and indications for clinical use. In many minimal-bleed-risk procedures, anticoagulants can be safely continued, without interruption, whereas in cases where anticoagulants cannot be safely continued, the timing of interruption and resumption, as well as the need for heparin bridging requires consideration. Perioperative antithrombotic management scenarios occur most often in patients with atrial fibrillation, mechanical heart valves, coronary stents, and cerebrovascular disease as such patients are likely to be prescribed anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet therapy. The objective of this case-based narrative review is to provide a practical evidence-based approach to the perioperative management of patients on anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy. Four clinical scenarios will be provided: (1) managing patients in whom anticoagulants can be continued; (2) perioperative management of direct oral anticoagulants; (3) management of patients on dual antiplatelet therapy; and (4) anticoagulant management for emergency or urgent surgery.