1.
Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillosis in 2019.
Latgé, JP, Chamilos, G
Clinical microbiology reviews. 2019;(1)
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Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprotrophic fungus; its primary habitat is the soil. In its ecological niche, the fungus has learned how to adapt and proliferate in hostile environments. This capacity has helped the fungus to resist and survive against human host defenses and, further, to be responsible for one of the most devastating lung infections in terms of morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will provide (i) a description of the biological cycle of A. fumigatus; (ii) a historical perspective of the spectrum of aspergillus disease and the current epidemiological status of these infections; (iii) an analysis of the modes of immune response against Aspergillus in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients; (iv) an understanding of the pathways responsible for fungal virulence and their host molecular targets, with a specific focus on the cell wall; (v) the current status of the diagnosis of different clinical syndromes; and (vi) an overview of the available antifungal armamentarium and the therapeutic strategies in the clinical context. In addition, the emergence of new concepts, such as nutritional immunity and the integration and rewiring of multiple fungal metabolic activities occurring during lung invasion, has helped us to redefine the opportunistic pathogenesis of A. fumigatus.
2.
From the intestinal flora to the microbiome.
Sebastián Domingo, JJ, Sánchez Sánchez, C
Revista espanola de enfermedades digestivas. 2018;(1):51-56
Abstract
In this article, the history of the microbiota is reviewed and the related concepts of the microbiota, microbiome, metagenome, pathobiont, dysbiosis, holobiont, phylotype and enterotype are defined. The most precise and current knowledge about the microbiota is presented and the metabolic, nutritional and immunomodulatory functions are reviewed. Some gastrointestinal diseases whose pathogenesis is associated with the intestinal microbiota, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease, among others, are briefly discussed. Finally, some prominent and promising data with regard to the fecal microbiota transplantation in certain digestive illness are discussed.
3.
Fuller Albright and our current understanding of calcium and phosphorus regulation and primary hyperparathyroidism.
Felsenfeld, AJ, Levine, BS, Kleeman, CR
Nefrologia : publicacion oficial de la Sociedad Espanola Nefrologia. 2011;(3):346-57
Abstract
The major contributions of Fuller Albright to our understanding of calcium and phosphorus regulation and primary hyperparathyroidism are highlighted. Albright was the first investigator to initiate a systematic study of mineral metabolism. With resources limited to the measurement of serum calcium and phosphorus and the infusion of parathyroid extract, Albright used balance studies to establish a framework for our understanding of calcium and phosphorus regulation and primary hyperparathyroidism. Albright was the first to show that the etiology of primary hyperparathyroidism could be from either an adenoma or hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands and stone disease was a separate manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism. Albright also showed that: 1) a renal threshold for calcium excretion was present in hypoparathyroid patients; 2) correction of hypocalcemia in hypoparathyroid patients with vitamin D had a phosphaturic action; 3) renal failure reduced the intestinal absorption of calcium in primary hyperparathyroidism; 4) the ''hungry bone'' syndrome developed after parathyroidectomy in severe primary hyperparathyroidism; and 5) a target organ can fail to respond to a hormone. He also suggested that a malignant tumor could be responsible for ectopic hormone production. Finally, our review integrates the observations of Albright with our current knowledge of calcium regulation and disorders.
4.
Metabolic syndrome: what are the risks for humans?
Gupta, A, Gupta, V
Bioscience trends. 2010;(5):204-12
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a widely prevalent and multi-factorial disorder. The syndrome has been given several names such as insulin resistance (IR) syndrome, plurimetabolic syndrome, Reaven's syndrome, Syndrome X, and the deadly quartet. The formulation of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP) guidelines has led to some uniformity and standardization of the definition of MetS and has been helpful epidemiologically. The clinical relevance of MetS is related to its role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Weight reduction is one of the mainstays of treatment. This article provides a comprehensive discussion of metabolic risk factors, the history of MetS, and its diagnosis, epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment. There is a need to comprehensively review this particular syndrome in view of the ever increasing-incidence of this condition.