International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Jun 2014
Endocannabinoid system activation contributes to glucose metabolism disorders of hepatocytes and promotes hepatitis C virus replication.
Insulin resistance is highly prevalent in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and to some extent accounts for fibrosis and reducing viral eradication. Activated cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) signaling has been implicated in the development of phenotypes associated with insulin resistance and steatosis. We investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system in glucose metabolism disorders induced by hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. ⋯ HCV replication may not only increase the 2-AG content, but may also up-regulate the expression of CB1R of hepatocytes, then change the expression profile of glucose metabolism-related genes, thereby causing glucose metabolism disorders of hepatocytes and promoting HCV replication. Treatment with CB1R antagonist improved glucose metabolism disorders and inhibited viral genome replication.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Jun 2014
Community case clusters of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in Hafr Al-Batin, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a descriptive genomic study.
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first described in September 2012 and to date 86 deaths from a total of 206 cases of MERS-CoV infection have been reported to the WHO. Camels have been implicated as the reservoir of MERS-CoV, but the exact source and mode of transmission for most patients remain unknown. During a 3 month period, June to August 2013, there were 12 positive MERS-CoV cases reported from the Hafr Al-Batin region district in the north east region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ⋯ Analysis of previously reported genetic data indicated that at least two of the infected contacts could not have been directly infected from the index patient and alternate source should be considered. While camels appear as the likely source, other sources have not been ruled out. More detailed case control studies with detailed case histories, epidemiological information and genomic analysis are being conducted to delineate the missing pieces in the transmission dynamics of MERS-CoV outbreak.
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The diagnosis of gnathostomiasis typically includes a triad of eosinophilia, migratory skin lesions, and exposure risk. The cutaneous manifestations are protean yet often involve intermittent migratory swellings and creeping skin eruptions with abscesses or nodules, which vary in onset and duration. We report the first case of gnathostomiasis presenting as fever and eosinophilia without cutaneous migratory and internal organ involvement.