Molecular Mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza Quality Formation Based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of Functional Genes / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the single nucleotide polymorphism（SNP）of function genes and effective components of <italic>Salvia miltiorrhiza</italic> and the molecular mechanism of specific quality formation of <italic>S. miltiorrhiza</italic>. Method:The fingerprints of components in <italic>S. miltiorrhiza</italic> from eight different habitats and varieties were obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. The full-length cDNA of three functional genes<italic> </italic>acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase（<italic>SmAACT</italic>），4-diphosphocytidyl-2-C-methyl-<italic>D</italic>-erythritol kinase（<italic>SmCMK</italic>） and isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase（<italic>SmIPPI</italic>） in tanshinone metabolic pathway were amplified by polymerase chain reaction（PCR），cloned， and sequenced，followed by bioinformatics analysis. Result:The full-length cDNA sequences of three functional genes <italic>SmAACT</italic>，<italic>SmCMK</italic>， and <italic>SmIPPI</italic> in tanshinone metabolic pathway were obtained from 23 strains of <italic>S. miltiorrhiza</italic> from eight different habitats and varieties. As revealed by the analysis of SNP and amino acid polymorphisms of three functional genes，18，16， and 14 SNP sites were found respectively. HPLC results showed the samples from Beijing，Hubei，Shandong （No. SDB），Shanxi，Henan， and Shandong （No. SDZ） were clustered into one branch，and those from Hebei and Inner Mongolia were clustered into another branch， which suggested that the variation trend of <italic>S. miltiorrhiza</italic> components had little correlation with geographical distance，but the variety was a critical factor for the quality. Conclusion:There was an obvious genetic differentiation trend in <italic>S. miltiorrhiza</italic> from different habitats，and different origin-specific genotypes were formed. The molecular mechanism of the formation of the specific quality of <italic>S. miltiorrhiza</italic> from different habitats was discussed，which laid a foundation for the stability and effectiveness of clinical medication，and guided the breeding of excellent varieties of <italic>S. miltiorrhiza</italic>.

Proportion of family caregivers at risk for committing elder abuse in Metro Manila 2020 / The Health Sciences Journal

INTRODUCTION@#Abuse of the elderly exists as a problem in both developed and developing countries. It can be in the form of fnancial exploitation, abandonment, physical, psychological, or sexual abuse, and the most common perpetrators are their own caregivers. This study aimed to determine the proportion of family caregivers in Metro Manila at risk for committing elder abuse. @*METHODS@#A descriptive cross-sectional study was employed and data collection was done via a Google Form online survey. It consisted of two parts, the Caregiver Abuse Screen (CASE) questionnaire and the Short Form Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-12). Respondents were recruited by non-probability convenience sampling. Google Sheets was used for data encoding and analysis.@*RESULTS@#The study found that 29.03% of family caregivers have a high risk of abuse. The risk of committing elder abuse was highest among 18 to 32 year-old caregivers, males, those with monthly income of less than PhP 7,890, and those with at least a college or postgraduate degree. Most of the respondents were also found to have no to mild burden. @*CONCLUSION@#The results of this study showed that there was a signifcant proportion of family caregivers at risk for elder abuse.

Survival Status and Predictors of Mortality amongColorectal Cancer Patients in Tikur Anbessa SpecializedHospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Retrospective FollowupStudy

Colorectal cancer is one of the commonest cancer types that has a great public health impact both in developed and developingcountries. However, in Ethiopia, the survival status of colorectal cancer patients was not well understood. Therefore, the aim of thisstudy was to determine the survival status and predictors of mortality among colorectal cancer patients in Tikur Anbessa SpecializedHospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2019. The institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted with 621 subjects whowere selected from patients registered between January 1, 2013 and December 30, 2017 with follow-up until December 30th, 2018.Data were collected from patient record review charts. A Kaplan–Meier analysis with a log-rank test, and bivariate and multivariableanalysis using the Cox proportional hazard model were used. Of the 621 colorectal cancer patients who were included in the analysis,202 (32.5%) died. The overall mortality rate was 20.3% per year (95% CI: 17.7-23.3). The overall survival was 18.1% with mediansurvival time of 34.8 months (95% CI: 30.4-36.8). Comorbidity (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3-2.5); stage (II [AHR= 3.8, 95% CI: 1.3-11.1], III [AHR = 8.0, 95% CI: 2.8-23.3], IV [AHR = 17.6, 95% CI: 6.1-50.7]); smoking (AHR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3); alcohol consumption (AHR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.07-2.2); age ≥ 70 (AHR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.02-2.9); and marital status (married [AHR= 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5-3.8], widowed [AHR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2-4.6], divorced [AHR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.7]) were significant predictors ofcolorectal cancer mortality. It is crucial to implement early detection and screening, giving priority to rural dweller, comorbid patientsand advanced stage diagnosed patients.

Primary intraosseous carcinoma of the mandible: A case report

Objective@#To present a rare case of primary intraosseous carcinoma arising from the mandible and to discuss the ensuing course and the management of the patient. @*Methods@#Design: Case Report. Setting: General Tertiary Government Training Hospital. Patient: One. @*Result@#A 56-year-old man consulted for a right mandibular mass of 4 months that started as a small bony swelling which gradually increased to its present size of 8 x 6 cm. Incisional biopsy revealed invasive squamous cell carcinoma and the patient underwent segmental mandibulectomy and bilateral selective neck dissection (levels 1 to 3). Final histopathologic findings revealed squamous cell carcinoma. @*Conclusion@#Primary intraosseous carcinoma of the mandible was diagnosed since there was no overlying mucosal ulceration, other types of odontogenic carcinoma were ruled out, and no other distant primary tumor was noted from the time of examination until six months post-treatment.

Empowering Single Mothers through Creative Group Counselling: An Effective Intervention to Improve Mental Wellbeing

@#Introduction: Single parent families, especially, those headed by single mothers are becoming increasingly common around the world especially in Malaysia. Single mothers generally suffer from poorer mental health, job discrimination, abuse and neglect. Hence, they often experience high anxiety, depression, and stress. This calls for research to empower their mental wellbeing. The present study examined the effectiveness of creative group counselling in increasing self-compassion, and decreasing depression, anxiety and stress among single mothers. Methods: A quasi experimental pre-test post-test design was employed in the study. Research participants consisted of 36 single mothers placed in two experimental and two control groups. The instruments used were Self-Compassion Scale and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. A self-compassion module was developed that comprised creative therapeutic activities which was administered to the participants in the experimental groups via a 7-session group counselling programme. Participants in the control groups, on the other hand, took part in guidance activities. Semi structured interviews were also performed to gather feedback on the impact of the creative intervention from three single mothers. Results: Findings revealed that creative group counselling successfully increased the level of self-compassion among single mothers. Additionally, the depression, stress and anxiety scores of single mothers were lower after joining the group counselling programme. Furthermore, three themes emerged from the present study which are i) be kind to oneself; ii) mistakes are part of life; and iii) self-transformation. Conclusion: It is evident that the implementation of creative group counselling improves the mental wellbeing of single mothers.

Promoter methylation and Ile105val polymorphism of GSTP1 gene in the modulation of colorectal cancer risk in ethnic Kashmiri population

BACKGROUND: Glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) are the most important phase II enzymes of the xenobiotic pathway responsible for the detoxification of carcinogens. GSTP1 gene polymorphisms are mostly associated with a lack or an alteration of enzymatic activity toward several substrates thus resulting in increased cancer susceptibility. GSTP1 promoter methylation is also frequently associated with tumor development or poor prognosis in a wide range of tumors. AIM: In this study, we examined the role of genetic polymorphism and promoter methylation of GSTP1 gene in the context of modulation of risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Kashmiri population. METHODS: This study used tissue tumor samples (114) and blood samples from (160) patients with CRC and 200 blood samples from healthy donors. GSTP1 polymorphism was studied using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism and methylation using methylation-specific PCR. RESULTS: There was no significant association between GSTP1 I105V genotypes and the CRC (P>0.05). However, we found a significant association of the Val/Val variant genotype with the dwelling and smoking status (P-value < 0.05). Overall, the homozygous variant Val/Val genotype was associated with a modestly elevated risk for CRC (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 0.67–3.57). Methyl-specific-PCR analysis revealed 25.4% methylation of the GSTP1 promoter in CRC cases and was not found to be statistically significantly associated with clinicopathological parameters of the CRC cases (P>0.05). Also, no significant associations of any of the three genotypes with promoter hypermethylation were observed. CONCLUSION: We conclude that promoter hypermethylation in homozygous GSTP1 mutants did not elevate the risk of CRC in Kashmiri population.

An Anatomical Study Of Gracilis Muscle & Its Role In Clinical Reconstruction Surgeries

Introduction: It is the most superficial of the adductor group of muscles. Gracilis muscle is used oftenly inreconstructive plastic surgery,because ofits reliable vascular and neurological pedicles and the minimal donorsite morbidity.Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 40 cadaveric lower limbs (22 males and 18 females)in the Deptartment of Anatomy of VIMS&RC.Metrical and non-metrical characteristics of gracilis muscle andvascular pedicles were analyzed.Results: All the parameter were more in males compared to females. distal tendon length was more than proximaltendon length. P value was significant in all the measurements. The ratios between various components ofmuscle remain fairly constant. Main vascular primary pedicle was arising from profund femoral artery in 60 %& 40% from Medial circumflex femoral artery .Presence of proximal secondary pedicle was only in 30% of thespecimens arising from profunda femoral artery or Medial circumflex femoral artery. Distal secondary pediclesarising from 5% of femoral artery.Conclusion: These parameters will help the reconstructive surgeon in assessing the length of muscle belly ortendon available for reparative procedures before undertaking surgery like Anterior Cruciate Ligament graft,Restoration of sphincteric function in anogenital area, Repair of ano-vaginal or recto-vaginal fistulas, Facialrehabilitation, Upper limb and lower limb defects, Groin wounds and autologous breast reconstruction.

Molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility pattern of non-albicans candida species isolated from vulvovaginal candidiasis

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis [VVC] is an important health problem caused by Candida spp. The aim of this study was molecular identification, phylogenetic analysis, and evaluation of antifungal susceptibility of nonalbicans Candida isolates from VVC

Methods: Vaginal secretion samples were collected from 550 vaginitis patients at Sayyad Shirazi Medical and Educational Center of Gorgan [Golestan Province, Iran] from May to October 2015. Samples were analyzed using conventional mycological and molecular approaches. Clinical isolates were analyzed with specific PCR using CGL primers, and the internal transcribed spacer region and the D1-D2 domain of the large-subunit rRNA gene were amplified and sequenced. Susceptibility to amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, and clotrimazole was determined by the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute

Results: In total, 35 non-albicans Candida isolates were identified from VVC patients. The isolates included 27 strains of Candida glabrata [77.1%], 5 Candida krusei [Pichia kudriavzevii; 14.3%], 2 Candida kefyr [Kluyveromyces marxianus; 5.7%], and 1 Candida lusitaniae [Clavispora lusitaniae; 2.9%]. The fungicides itraconazole and amphotericin B were effective against all species. One isolate of C. glabrata showed resistance to fluconazole and clotrimazole, and 26 isolates of C. glabrata indicated dose-dependent susceptibility to fluconazole. C. lusitaniae was susceptible in a dose-dependent manner to fluconazole and resistant to clotrimazole

Conclusions: Non-albicans Candida spp. are common agents of vulvovaginitis, and C. glabrata is the most common species in the tested patients

The predicting roles of reasons for living and social support on depression, anxiety and stress among young people in Malaysia

Introduction: This research examined the predicting roles of reasons for living and social support on depression, anxiety and stress in Malaysia. Method: This research was carried out on a sample of 263 participants (age range 12-24 years old), from Klang Valley, Selangor. The survey package comprises demographic information, a measure of reasons for living, social support, depression, anxiety and stress. To analyse the data, correlation analysis and a series of linear multiple regression analysis were carried out. Results: Findings showed that there were low negative relationships between all subdomains and the total score of reasons for living and depression. There were also low negative relationships between domain-specific of social support (family and friends) and total social support and depression. In terms of the family alliance, self-acceptance and total score of reasons for living, they were negatively associated with anxiety, whereas family social support was negatively associated with stress. The linear regression analysis showed that only future optimism and family social support found to be the significant predictors for depression. Family alliance and total reasons for living were significant in predicting anxiety, whereas family social support was significant in predicting stress. Conclusion: These findings have the potential to promote awareness related to depression, anxiety, and stress among youth in Malaysia.

Role of TLR4 gene polymorphisms in the colorectal cancer risk modulation in ethnic Kashmiri population - a case-control study

Background: Colorectal carcinogenesis has been found to be associated with the polymorphic status of Toll-like receptor 4 gene in various populations of the world

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the genetic association of TLR4 gene polymorphisms [Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile] with disease susceptibility and risk development in colorectal cancer [CRC] patients of Kashmir, India

Materials and methods: Genotype frequencies of TLR4 polymorphisms [Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile] were compared between 120 CRC patients and 200 healthy controls using PCRRFLP method

Results: We did not find any significant association between the TLR4 gene polymorphisms and the CRC cases [p>0.05]. However CT genotype [Thr399Ile] showed modest elevated risk of the development of CRC [OR = 1.78 95% CI [0.88-3.5]]. Also G allele [AG genotype] of TLR-4 Asp299Gly polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with the male gender [p value = 0.006] and involvement of Nodes [p value = 0.01] whereas, T allele [CT genotype] of Thr399Ile polymorphism showed significant association with the smoking status [p value = 0.03]

Conclusion: Our results suggest that TLR4 gene polymorphism is not a key modulator of the risk of developing colorectal cancer in Kashmiri population

Multi-component quantitative analysis combined with chromatographic fingerprint for quality assessment of Onosma hookeri / 中国中药杂志

A method for simultaneous determination of the shikonin, acetyl shikonin and β, β'-dimethylpropene shikonin in Onosma hookeri and the chromatographic fingerprint was estabished by HPLC-DAD on an Agilent Zorbax SB-column with a gradient elution of acetonitrile and water at 0.8 mL x min(-1), 30 degrees C. The quality assessment was conducted by comparing the content difference of three naphthoquinone constituents, in combination with chromatographic fingerprint analysis and systems cluster analysis among 7 batches of radix O. hookeri. The content of the three naphthoquinone constituents showed wide variations in 7 bathces. The similarity value of the fingerprints of sample 5, 6 and 7 was above 0.99, sample 2 and 3 above 0.97, sample 3 and 4 above 0.90, and other samples larger than 0.8, which was in concert with the content of three naphthoquinone constituents. The 7 samples were roughly divided into 4 categories. The results above indicated that the using of this medicine is complex and rather spotty. The established HPLC fingerprints and the quantitative analysis method can be used efficiently for quality assessment of O. hookeri.

A case of primary amenorrhea with 46+XY genotype from Kashmir Valley.

Primary amenorrhea is one of the common reproductive disorder affecting females. It leads to the absence of menarche in the reproductive age group in females and/or complete absence of reproductive organs. There are many causes which lead to PA, including genetic aberrations which are the leading factors.

Avaliação do impacto da doença cárie na qualidade de vida de crianças com faixaEtária de 6 A 12 Anos, atendidas na clínica odontológica da faculdade São Lucas / Evaluation of the impact of the carie disease on the quality of life of children from 6 to 12 years of age, treated at the faculdade São Lucas school of dentistry

Introdução: As doenças bucais embora não se apresentem inicialmente como uma ameaça à vida, elasconstituem importantes problemas de saúde pública, não somente devido à sua alta prevalência, mas tambémem virtude dos danos causados aos indivíduos e à comunidade, em aspectos de dor, desconforto elimitações funcionais e sociais, afetando a qualidade de vida dos mesmos. O propósito do presente estudotransversal é avaliar o impacto da doença cárie sobre a qualidade de vida em 50 pacientes de 6 a 12 anos deambos os gêneros, atendidos na clínica infantil da Faculdade São Lucas, do município de Porto Velho-RO,no período de 2006 a 2008. Métodos: A metodologia usada foi por questionário com 37 questões fechadas,baseadas no modelo do Child Perceptions Questionaire (CPQ). A amostra foi composta de 52% do gênerofeminino e 48% do gênero masculino com idade média com o desvio-padrão de 9,12 ± 1,80. Resultados:Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram que 50% das crianças relataram apresentarem saúde regular e apenas4% excelente saúde bucal, 46% responderam que a saúde bucal não afeta de jeito nenhum a qualidade devida e 14% disse que afeta. Analisando a história da doença cárie em comparação com escores, não houvediferença estatisticamente significante. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir, através dos resultados obtidos, que ascrianças não apresentaram impacto em sua qualidade de vida em relação à experiência de cárie

Introduction: Even though oral diseases are not initially presented as life threatening, they are importantpublic health problems, not only because of their high incidence, but also because of damage to individualsand the community in aspects of pain, discomfort of functional and social limitations, affectingone´s quality of life. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the impact of caries diseaseon the quality of life in 50 patients, ages from 6 to 12, of both genders, treated at the Children´s Clinic atthe Faculdade São Lucas, in the city of Porto Velho, RO, during the period 2006 to 2008. Methods: Themethodology used was a questionnaire with 37 closed questions, based on the model of the Child PerceptionsQuestionnaire (CPQ). The sample was comprised of 52% female subjects and 48% male subjects, theaverage age with the standard deviation of 9.12 ± 1.80. Results: The survey results showed that 50% of thechildren reported regular health and only 4% reported excellent oral health; 46% said that oral health doesnot affect their quality of life at all and 14% said it affects. Looking at the history of the disease comparedwith caries scores, no significant statistical difference was found. Conclusion: By the results of the research,the children had no impact on their quality of life in relation to their experience of caries

Clinicopathological correlation of blistering diseases of skin.

Blistering diseases are alarming skin conditions where blister formation occurs in various ways and cannot be differentiated clinically. For confirmation of diagnosis, along with routine histological examination, immunofluorescence study is essential. Tzanck smear may be used as a rapid diagnostic tool. We included here 34 cases of different blistering lesions. Other than routine Hematoxylin and Eosin stain, direct immunofluorescence test was done in 31 cases, indirect immunofluorescence in 28 cases and Tzanck smear in 33 cases. Direct immunofluorescence stain was also applied on Tzanck smears. The most frequent diagnoses were pemphigus (n = 16), bullous pemphigoid (n = 11) and linear IgA dermatosis (n = 3). Clinical findings and histological examination were sufficient for the diagnosis of most cases. Direct immunofluorescence study is essential in many cases, and indirect immunofluorescence study is a useful method for diagnosis of some of the blistering diseases, especially in pemphigus. Direct immunofluorescence staining on Tzanck smear is a novel technique for the diagnosis of pemphigus.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies among healthy young men in Pakistan

This study was to investigate the seroprevalence of antibodies against HCV [anti HCV] in healthy young men. The study was done at Combined Military Hospital, Attock, from Jan 2001 to Mar 2002. Blood samples of 4552 young healthy men belonging to all the provinces/regions of Pakistan, who presented for pre-employment physical examination, were tested for anti HCV by third generation Enzyme Immunoassay kit. The history of intravenous injections, blood transfusions, surgery, jaundice, jaundice in wife or in family and sharing of razors was sought in all subjects. Anti-HCV antibodies were positive in 183 subjects 4.0%. Young Sindhi males had significantly higher seroprevalence than men belonging to other areas. Major risk factors in seropositive subjects were sharing of razors 62.8% and use of injections 35.5%. Past history of jaundice in the family was present in 19%. No identifiable risk factor could be found in 13.1% of seropositive men. Sharing of razors and indiscriminate use of injections for various indications appear to be the major source of transmission of the disease; public education on a major scale is likely to reduce this trend

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Changes during Routine Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy / 日本農村医学会雑誌

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is an invasive examination. Cardiovascular and respiratory adverse effects are commonly observed in patients undergoing endoscopy. We investigated prospectively the cardiovascular and respiratory changes every oneminute before, during and after routine endoscopy. Sixteen healthy adult patients were enrolled in this study. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO<SUB>2</SUB>) were recorded every one-minute throughout the procedure. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increased significantly one minute after the insertion of the endoscope. Increases in pulse rate were noted after the insertion of the endoscope. Rate pressure product increased significantly one minute after the insertion of the endoscope. No significant change in SpO<SUB>2</SUB> was observed during endoscopy. Our results indicated that upper gastrointestinal endoscopy might induce cardiovascular stress and abnormality. Therefore, we should carefully insert and manipulate upper gastrointestinal endoscope.

Tuberculous Arthritis of Bilateral Hip Joints / 日本農村医学会雑誌

An 87-year-old woman with unknown fever origin was admitted to our internal department. We could not determine the fever origin from clinical findings, serious blood data, urine data, bacteriological data, and images obtained by ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance. Body inflammatory findings did not respond to several antibiotics we used. Gallium scintiphotography revealed abnormal radioisotope uptake in the bilateral inguinal region. And ultrasonography and enhanced computed tomography showed tumors in front of the bilateral femur neck. Moreover, bone scintiphotography (<SUP>99m</SUP>Tc) revealed abnormal radioisotope uptake in the bilateral hip joints. We performed resection of the right inguinal tumor. The tumor was solid mass 30×20×20mm in size. It was covered with an articular capsule in front of the right femur neck. We identified the mass as bilateral tuberculous granulation with Langhans-type giant cells pathologically. It was only with difficulty that we firmly diagnosed the case as tuberculous arthritis of bilateral hip joints because the fever origin was unknown. It is important to diagnose tuberculous arthritis by use of various imaging techniques. We should take tuberculous infection into consideration when we encounter a case of arthritis of unknown fever origin or a case of antibiotics resistant arthritis.