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Viruses as intracellular pathogens take over the host metabolism and reprogram to facilitate optimal virus production. DNA viruses can cause alterations in several metabolic pathways, including aerobic glycolysis also known as the Warburg effect, pentose phosphate pathway activation, and amino acid catabolism such as glutaminolysis, nucleotide biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis. The available energy for productive infection can be increased in infected cells via modification of different carbon source utilization. This review discusses the metabolic alterations of the DNA viruses that will be the basis for future novel therapeutic approaches.

Background There is a growing body of evidence on low serum vitamin-D levels and the risk of uterine leiomyomas (UL). Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the association between serum vitamin D levels and UL occurrence. Methods Searches were systematically conducted of the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science (ISI), Cochrane library, Ovid, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies from inception until February 6, 2020. Heterogeneity across the included studies was examined using Cochran’s Q and I-square (I2). Data was pooled using random effects modeling and expressed as standardized mean differences (SMDs). Results Nine eligible studies with a total of 1730 participants (835 patients with UL and 895 controls) were included in the current meta-analysis. Pooled results with random effects modeling indicated that serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in patients with UL than in the control group (n = 9, SMD = − 0.67; 95% CI, − 0.98, − 0.35, p 2 = 89.3%, p n = 4, SMD = − 1.20; 95% CI, − 1.45, − 0.96, p 2 = 30.6%, p = 0.229) were lower than those from Europe (n = 3, SMD = − 0.34; 95% CI, − 0.49, − 0.18, p 2 = 0.0%, p = 0.602) and Africa (n = 2, SMD = − 0.13; 95% CI, − 0.29, 0.04, p = 0.128; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.417), although the difference was not significant in Africa. Publication year was also found to be a potential contributor’s variable in the pooled SMD using the meta-regression method (t = − 3.00, p = 0.02). Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, the current meta-analysis showed for the first time that serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in women with UL in selected populations.

Rabies virus as a neurotropic agent causes rabies in humans and animals. Rabies virus transmission usually occurs through direct contact with saliva of rabid animals. However, serological and molecular tests commonly are used in diagnosing rabies but all the detection methods of rabies have some limitations. It is necessary to develop a rapid, effective, and low-cost biosensor as an alternative tool to detect rabies virus. In this review, we studied related biosensor researches to rabies virus detection for comparing it with other detection test including serological and molecular methods. Given that very limited studies have been conducted in this field, biosensors as quick, effective, and high sensitivity tools can be used in diagnostic of rabies as an alternative tool instead of other detection methods. According to the important role of rapid detection of rabies in the control of infection and public health measures, development of a biosensor as a quick tool can be very significant in the diagnosis of rabies.

Background It is well established that lack of physical activity is detrimental to the overall health of an individual. Modern-day activity trackers enable individuals to monitor their daily activities to meet and maintain targets. This is expected to promote activity encouraging behavior, but the benefits of activity trackers attenuate over time due to waning adherence. One of the key approaches to improving adherence to goals is to motivate individuals to improve on their historic performance metrics. Objective The aim of this work was to build a machine learning model to predict an achievable weekly activity target by considering (1) patterns in the user’s activity tracker data in the previous week and (2) behavior and environment characteristics. By setting realistic goals, ones that are neither too easy nor too difficult to achieve, activity tracker users can be encouraged to continue to meet these goals, and at the same time, to find utility in their activity tracker. Methods We built a neural network model that prescribes a weekly activity target for an individual that can be realistically achieved. The inputs to the model were user-specific personal, social, and environmental factors, daily step count from the previous 7 days, and an entropy measure that characterized the pattern of daily step count. Data for training and evaluating the machine learning model were collected over a duration of 9 weeks. Results Of 30 individuals who were enrolled, data from 20 participants were used. The model predicted target daily count with a mean absolute error of 1545 (95% CI 1383-1706) steps for an 8-week period. Conclusions Artificial intelligence applied to physical activity data combined with behavioral data can be used to set personalized goals in accordance with the individual’s level of activity and thereby improve adherence to a fitness tracker; this could be used to increase engagement with activity trackers. A follow-up prospective study is ongoing to determine the performance of the engagement algorithm.

In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of shear wave elastography (SWE) for differentiating high-risk non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (hrNASH) from non-alcoholic fatty liver and low-risk non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease scheduled for liver biopsy underwent pre-biopsy SWE. Ten SWE measurements were obtained. Biopsy samples were reviewed using the NASH Clinical Research Network Scoring System and patients with hrNASH were identified. Receiver operating characteristic curves for SWE-based hrNASH diagnosis were charted. One hundred sixteen adult patients underwent liver biopsy at our institution for the evaluation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of SWE for hrNASH diagnosis was 0.73 (95% confidence interval: 0.61-0.84, p < 0.001). The Youden index-based optimal stiffness cutoff value for hrNASH diagnosis was calculated as 8.4 kPa (1.67 m/s), with a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 66%. SWE may be useful for the detection of NASH patients at risk of long-term liver-specific morbidity and mortality.

Background It is well reported that tracking physical activity can lead to sustained exercise routines, which can decrease disease risk. However, most stop using trackers within a couple months of initial use. The reasons people stop using activity trackers can be varied and personal. Understanding the reasons for discontinued use could lead to greater acceptance of tracking and more regular exercise engagement. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the individualistic reasons for nonengagement with activity trackers. Methods Overweight and obese participants (n=30) were enrolled and allowed to choose an activity tracker of their choice to use for 9 weeks. Questionnaires were administered at the beginning and end of the study to collect data on their technology use, as well as social, physiological, and psychological attributes that may influence tracker use. Closeout interviews were also conducted to further identify individual influencers and attributes. In addition, daily steps were collected from the activity tracker. Results The results of the study indicate that participants typically valued the knowledge of their activity level the activity tracker provided, but it was not a sufficient motivator to overcome personal barriers to maintain or increase exercise engagement. Participants identified as extrinsically motivated were more influenced by wearing an activity tracker than those who were intrinsically motivated. During the study, participants who reported either owning multiple technology devices or knowing someone who used multiple devices were more likely to remain engaged with their activity tracker. Conclusions This study lays the foundation for developing a smart app that could promote individual engagement with activity trackers.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is the most common form of acute hepatitis in adults in endemic regions of Asia. In a descriptive, cross-sectional study, anti-HEV antibody was measured in patients referred to the 2 haemodialysis centres in Zanjan city, Islamic Republic of Iran. Among 93 patients with chronic renal failure, mean age 57.0 (SD 18.5) years, antibodies against HEV were positive in 25 (26.9%) patients. HEV infection was not significantly associated with sex, age, educational level, residence or water source. The rate of HEV positivity was higher in patients with1 thanor = 1 year of haemodialysis (31.3% versus 15.4%) but this was not statistically significant. None of the patients had chronic hepatitis C or HIV infection, and only 2 were suffering from chronic hepatitis B infection. Given the high prevalence of HEV in haemodialysis patients in Zanjian, more attention is needed towards HEV epidemiology, control, prevention and training in the west of the Isalamic Republic of Iran and possibly neighbouring countries.معدّل الانتشار المصلي لفيروس التهاب الكبد "ئي" بين مرضى الديال في زنجان، في جمهورية إيران الإسلاميةأحمد رضا مُبَيِّ، رامين محمدي، رحيم سروري، كيانا صادقيإن فيروس التهاب الكبد "ئي" Ε هو الأكثر شيوعاً بين أسباب التهاب الكبد الحاد بين البالغين في المناطق الموطونة به في آسيا. وقد أجرى الباحثون هذه الدراسة الوصفية المستعرضة لقياس أضداد فيروس التهاب الكبد "ئي" لدى المرضى المحوَّلين إلى مركزين للديال في مدينة زنجان في جمهورية إيران الإسلامية، وشملت الدراسة 93 مريضاً بالفشل الكلوي المزمن، بعمر وسطي 57.0 عاماً (الانحراف المعياري 18.5)، فوجدوا أن أضداد فيروس التهاب الكبد اليائي إيجابية في 25 مريضاً (26.9%) . ولم يكن هناك ارتباط يُعتَدُّ به إحصائياً بين العدوى بفيروس التهاب الكبد اليائي وبين الجنس أو العمر أو المستوى التعليمي أو مكان الإقامة أو مصدر المياه. وكان معدل إيجابية فيروس التهاب الكبد اليائي أعلى لدى المرضى الذين أمضوا فترة تزيد على العام الواحد في الديال (31.3%) مما لدى المرضى الذين أمضوا فترة عام أو أقل في الديال (15.4%)؛ إلا أن ذلك لم يكن له اعتداد إحصائي. ولم يكن لدى أحد من المرضى عدوى مزمنة بالتهاب الكبد سي أو بفيروس الإيدز، وكان اثنان منهم يعانون من العدوى بالتهاب الكبد (بي) أو البائي المزمن. ونظراً لارتفاع معدلات انتشار فيروس التهاب الكبد اليائي بين مرضى الديال في زنجان فإن الحاجة ماسّة إلى المزيد من الاهتمام بالسمات الوبائية لفيروسSéroprévalence du virus de l'hépatite E chez des patients hémodialysés dans la province de Zanjan (République islamique d'Iran).RÉSUMÉ L'infection par le virus de l'hépatite E (VHE) représente la forme la plus fréquente de l'hépatite aiguë chez l'adulte dans les régions endémiques d'Asie. Dans une étude descriptive transversale, les anticorps anti-VHE ont été mesurés chez des patients orientés vers deux centres d'hémodialyse de la ville de Zanjan (République islamique d'Iran). Sur 93 patients atteints d'une insuffisance rénale chronique, âgés en moyenne de 57,0 ans (ET 18,5), 25 patients (26,9%) étaient positifs pour les anticorps anti-VHE. L'infection par le VHE n'était pas significativement associée au sexe, à l'âge, au niveau d'études, au lieu de résidence ni à une source d'eau. Le taux de positivité pour le virus de l'hépatite E était supérieur chez les patients sous hémodialyse depuis plus d'un an, par rapport à ceux traités depuis un an ou moins (31,3% contre 15,4%), mais la différence n'était pas statistiquement significative. Aucun des patients n'était infecté par le virus de l'hépatite C chronique ou le VIH, et seulement deux patients souffraient d'une infection chronique par le virus de l'hépatite B. Étant donné la forte prévalence du VHE chez les patients hémodialysés à Zanjan, une attention accrue est requise vis-à-vis de l'épidémiologie du VHE, de la lutte, de la prévention mais aussi de la formation en la matière dans l'ouest de la République islamique d'Iran, voire éventuellement dans les pays voisins.

The role of metabolic syndrome (MS) in hemodialysis population has not been thoroughly studied. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MS and to identify its correlates among hemodialysis patients.This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients in a hemodialysis center. The MS was defined according the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Clinical data of the patients were collected and blood samples were studied to measure fasting blood glucose and lipid profile.Eighty hemodialysis patients, including 47 men (58.8%) and 33 women (41.2%) with a mean age of 55.6 ± 15.6 years, were enrolled in this study. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 23 patients (28.7%). Hypertension was present in 55 patients (68.8%). Fifteen patients (18.8%) were diabetic, 24 (30.0%) had a high serum triglyceride, 22 (27.5%) had a low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 20 (25.0%) had evidence of abdominal obesity. Patients with MS had significantly higher body mass indexes (P.001), fasting blood glucose levels (P.001), and triglyceride levels (P = .004). Metabolic syndrome was not associated with gender, age, and duration of hemodialysis. Men showed significant abnormality in glucose metabolism (P = .008). Prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly higher in the women than in the men (P = .02).The prevalence of MS in our hemodialysis patients was relatively high, with the most common element being hypertension. We suggest that there needs to be a new set of criteria defined for MS in hemodialysis patients.