EAGLES EYE UPDATE

A team led by neurobiologist Prof. Dr. Hilmar Bading at Heidelberg University has identified a key molecular process that drives the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Working with researchers from Shandong University (China), the scientists used a mouse model of Alzheimer's to show that a harmful protein interaction causes brain cells to die, leading to cognitive decline. The findings point to new possibilities for developing more effective treatments. The harmful protein interaction involves two components previously studied: the NMDA receptor and the TRPM4 ion channel. NMDA receptors play an essential role in communication between nerve cells and are located on the cell surface, both at synapses and in areas outside these junctions. They are activated by glutamate, a key neurotransmitter. When NMDA receptors function within synapses, they support neuron survival and help maintain cognitive function. However, when TRPM4 interacts with NMDA receptors outside synap...

🔸Causes: Hepatitis A 🔸Transmission: Through ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces from an infected person (fecal-oral route) Disease Characteristics 🔸Acute phase: Most cases resolve spontaneously 🔸Does not become chronic 🔸Prevention: Vaccination provides effective immunity and is widely used Laboratory Testing 1.Serological Tests 🔸Anti-HAV IgM: Detects acute infection. Appears 1–2 weeks before symptom onset and persists for about 3–6 months.  👉A Positive result indicates an ongoing acute HAV infection. 🔸Anti-HAV IgG: Indicates immunity to HAV. Appears after infection or vaccination and persists lifelong.  👉A Positive result indicates previous infection or successful vaccination and provides long-term immunity. Summary : 🔸Anti HAV IgM → Recent infection 🔸Anti HAV IgG → Long-term immunity 2. Molecular Tests 🔸HAV RNA detection (RT-PCR): Detects viral genetic material in blood or stool. 🔸Used to confirm acute infection, especially when IgM is not yet dete...