Evidence for Differentiation of Colon Tissue Microbiota in Patients with and without Postoperative Hirschsprung's Associated Enterocolitis: A Pilot Study / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Purpose@#To investigate the differences in the colon microbiota composition of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) patients with and without a history of postoperative Hirschsprung's associated enterocolitis (HAEC). @*Methods@#Colon tissue microbiota was characterized by bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and 16S rDNA sequencing for taxonomic classification and comparison. @*Results@#The sequence diversity richness within samples was significantly higher in samples from patients with a history of postoperative HAEC. We observed an increased relative abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria in HAEC patients and Fusobacteria, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria in HSCR patients and, an increased relative abundance of the genera Dolosigranulum, Roseouria and Streptococcus in HAEC patients and Propionibacterium and Delftia in HSCR patients. @*Conclusion@#Our findings provide evidence that the colon tissue microbiota composition is different in HSCR patients with and without postoperative HAEC.

Evidence for Differentiation of Colon Tissue Microbiota in Patients with and without Postoperative Hirschsprung's Associated Enterocolitis: A Pilot Study / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Purpose@#To investigate the differences in the colon microbiota composition of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) patients with and without a history of postoperative Hirschsprung's associated enterocolitis (HAEC). @*Methods@#Colon tissue microbiota was characterized by bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and 16S rDNA sequencing for taxonomic classification and comparison. @*Results@#The sequence diversity richness within samples was significantly higher in samples from patients with a history of postoperative HAEC. We observed an increased relative abundance of the phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria in HAEC patients and Fusobacteria, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria in HSCR patients and, an increased relative abundance of the genera Dolosigranulum, Roseouria and Streptococcus in HAEC patients and Propionibacterium and Delftia in HSCR patients. @*Conclusion@#Our findings provide evidence that the colon tissue microbiota composition is different in HSCR patients with and without postoperative HAEC.

Parasites of stray and client-owned domestic cats in urban areas in Russia during 2000-2015 years

Cats are commonly infected by many species of parasites that includes helminths,protozoan parasites, mites and fleas. Parasites affect the health of cats and cause morbidityand mortality, especially in young and old animals. Some species such as Ancylostoma spp.,Opisthorchis felineus and Echinococcus spp. are well-known zoonotic parasites worldwide,that high public health risks. Currently of available data on prevalence of feline parasites inRussia, and published studies provide incomplete information regarding the period ofparasitological study, number of cats examined, origin, gender and life condition of examinedanimals. There are no official veterinary guidelines on parasitological examination available.Moreover low quality of veterinary monitoring and inadequate preventive measures has leadto the high rates of environmental contamination by infested cats’ feces containing helminthseggs and protozoan cysts. This paper reviews the knowledge on feline parasites fauna andthe prevalence in Russia. Practical aspects related to diagnosis, treatment, and controls ofparasitic diseases of cats in Russia are discussed.

Trends in intensity-modulated radiation therapy use for rectal cancer in the neoadjuvant setting: a National Cancer Database analysis

PURPOSE: Traditionally, three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) is used for neoadjuvant chemoradiation in locally advanced rectal cancer. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was later developed for more conformal dose distribution, with the potential for reduced toxicity across many disease sites. We sought to use the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to examine trends and predictors for IMRT use in rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We queried the NCDB from 2004 to 2015 for patients with rectal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation to standard doses followed by surgical resection. Odds ratios were used to determine predictors of IMRT use. Univariable and multivariable Cox regressions were used to determine potential predictors of overall survival (OS). Propensity matching was used to account for any indication bias. RESULTS: Among 21,490 eligible patients, 3,131 were treated with IMRT. IMRT use increased from 1% in 2004 to 22% in 2014. Predictors for IMRT use included increased N stage, higher comorbidity score, more recent year, treatment at an academic facility, increased income, and higher educational level. On propensity-adjusted, multivariable analysis, male gender, increased distance to facility, higher comorbidity score, IMRT technique, government insurance, African-American race, and non-metro location were predictive of worse OS. Of note, the complete response rate at time of surgery was 28% with non-IMRT and 21% with IMRT. CONCLUSION: IMRT use has steadily increased in the treatment of rectal cancer, but still remains only a fraction of overall treatment technique, more often reserved for higher disease burden.

Individual expression features of GPX2, NQO1 and SQSTM1 transcript variants induced by hydrogen peroxide treatment in HeLa cells

Abstract Pathway activity assessment-based approaches are becoming highly influential in various fields of biology and medicine. However, these approaches mostly rely on analysis of mRNA expression, and total mRNA from a given locus is measured in the majority of cases. Notably, a significant portion of protein-coding genes produces more than one transcript. This biological fact is responsible for significant noise when changes in total mRNA transcription of a single gene are analyzed. The NFE2L2/AP-1 pathway is an attractive target for biomedical applications. To date, there is a lack of data regarding the agreement in expression of even classical target genes of this pathway. In the present paper we analyzed whether transcript variants of GPX2, NQO1 and SQSTM1 were characterized by individual features of expression when HeLa cells were exposed to pro-oxidative stimulation with hydrogen peroxide. We found that all the transcripts (10 in total) appeared to be significantly individually regulated under the conditions tested. We conclude that individual transcripts, rather than total mRNA, are best markers of pathway activation. We also discuss here some biological roles of individual transcript regulation.

Smoking behavior among third year dental students in Latin American countries: prevalence, perceptions, and risk factors / Tabaquismo en estudiantes de tercer año de odontología en países latinoamericanos: prevalencias, percepciones y factores de riesgos

Abstract: Objective: To examine the association between tobacco-related risk factors and smoking among third-year dental students in Latin American countries. Materials and methods: Logistic regression models were used to analyze Global Health Professions Student Survey (GHPSS) data. Results: Of 5 605 respondents, 33% smoked and 45% had been exposed to secondhand smoke during the previous month, 34% smoked in school buildings during the past year, and 85% had never received formal training in smoking cessation. Smoking was significantly associated with male sex; Bolivian, Chilean, or Mexican nationality; exposure to secondhand smoke; lacking self-perception of being a “role model” for patients; and not believing that health professionals who smoke are less likely to advise patients to quit smoking. Conclusions: All dental schools should encourage tobacco-free policies and offer cessation services. Cessation training must be incorporated into dental curricula to include dental professionals in the battle against the tobacco epidemic.

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre ciertos factores de riesgo relacionados con el tabaquismo en estudiantes de tercer año de odontología de países latinoamericanos. Material y métodos: Se analizaron los datos de la Encuesta Mundial de Estudiantes de Profesiones de la Salud (GHPSS, por sus siglas en inglés) mediante la aplicación de modelos de regresión logística. Resultados. De los 5 605 encuestados, 33% fumó y 45% estuvo expuesto al humo de segunda mano durante el mes pasado; 34% fumó en los edificios de las escuelas dentales durante el pasado año y 85% nunca recibió entrenamiento formal en cesación de tabaquismo. Ser boliviano, chileno o mexicano; estar expuestos al humo de segunda mano; no auto-percibirse como un “modelo a seguir” para los pacientes; y no creer que un profesional de salud que fuma es menos propenso a aconsejar a sus pacientes para dejar de fumar fueron factores asociados significativamente con el tabaquismo. Conclusiones: Todas las escuelas dentales deben fomentar las políticas contra el consumo de tabaco y ofrecer servicios de cesación de tabaquismo. La formación sobre cesación debe incorporarse a los planes de estudio con el fin de incluir a los profesionales dentales en la batalla contra la epidemia de tabaquismo.

Glaucoma, Stem Cells, and Gene Therapy: Where Are We Now?

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness, affecting 70~80 million people around the world. The death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is the main cause of blindness related to this disease. Current therapies do not provide enough protection and regeneration of RGCs. A novel opportunity for treatment of glaucoma is application of technologies related to stem cell and gene therapy. In this perspective we will thus focus on emerging approaches to glaucoma treatment including stem cells and gene therapy.

Prevalence of cervical cancer and associated mortality in Grenada, 2000-2010 / Prevalencia del cáncer cervicouterino y mortalidad asociada en Granada, 2000-2010

ABSTRACT Objective To assess cervical cancer prevalence and associated mortality in Grenada, West Indies during 2000–2010. Methods Records of visits to hospital and clinical facilities were obtained from the histopathology laboratory of the Grenada General Hospital. Records were de-identified and electronically compiled. Cervical cancer prevalence was assessed via cross-sectional analysis of this secondary data. Of a total 12 012 records, 2 527 were selected for analysis using sampling without replacement. Cases were matched to corresponding patient data from death registries, where possible, and used to calculate associated mortality rates. Results The observed prevalence of cervical cancer was 52.4 per 100 000 women (ages 15 and above). The highest rates of cervical cancer occurred in the 35–44 age group, with the second highest among 45–64-year-olds. A total of 65 deaths were attributable to cervical cancer during 2000–2010, more than 50% of which were among women > 65 years old. The observed mortality rate was 16.7 per 100 000, almost twice the rate estimated by WHO for the region. Conclusions This study demonstrates the need for a comprehensive cervical cancer-screening program in Grenada. Results should contribute to informing future studies on how to appropriately generate and execute public health policy for education, screening, prevention, and control of cervical cancer in Grenada.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la prevalencia del cáncer cervicouterino y la mortalidad asociada en Granada, Antillas Menores, entre el 2000 y el 2010. Métodos Se obtuvieron los registros de las visitas al hospital y a consultorios clínicos a partir del laboratorio de histopatología del Hospital General de Granada. Se borraron los datos personales de los registros y se los compiló electrónicamente. La prevalencia de cáncer cervicouterino se evaluó por medio del análisis transversal de estos datos secundarios. De un total de 12 012 registros, fueron seleccionados para el análisis 2 527 mediante un método de muestreo sin reemplazo. Los casos se compararon con los datos correspondientes de pacientes en los registros de defunciones, cuando fue posible, y se usaron para calcular las tasas de mortalidad asociadas. Resultados La prevalencia observada de cáncer cervicouterino fue 52,4 por 100 000 mujeres (de 15 años o más). Las tasas más elevadas de cáncer cervicouterino se observaron en el grupo de edad de 35 a 44 años, seguido por el grupo de 45 a 64 años. Del 2000 al 2010, 65 defunciones fueron atribuibles al cáncer cervicouterino, más del 50% en mujeres mayores de 65 años. La tasa de mortalidad observada fue 16,7 por 100 000, casi el doble de la calculada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud para la región. Conclusiones Este estudio indica la necesidad de establecer un programa integral de detección del cáncer cervicouterino en Granada. Los resultados deben servir como base para estudios futuros sobre cómo generar y ejecutar apropiadamente políticas de salud pública para la educación en la materia, la detección, la prevención y el control del cáncer cervicouterino en Granada.

The Effects of Rituximab on Lipids, Arterial Stiffness and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The aim of the study was to examine lipid profiles, arterial stiffness (AS), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), in 55 women with RA without overt cardiovascular disease (capital ES, CyrillicVD) treated with rituximab (RTX).The following parameters were recorded before and 24 weeks after RTX therapy (2 infusions of 500 or 1,000 mg RTX intravenously, fortnightly): plasma total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, DAS 28-ESR, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), RF IgM, AS (SI - stiffness index, RI - reflection index) by digital volume pulse contour analysis (Micro Medical, UK), and common cIMT by high-resolution B-mode carotid ultrasound. Based on the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria, patients were divided into two groups: 1) moderate/good response to RTX therapy after 24 weeks (41 patients, 75%), 2) no response to RTX therapy (14 patients, 25%). Effective RTX therapy resulted in 9% increase in TC, 23% increase in HDL-C and 14% decrease in atherogenic index, 57% decrease in SI and 24% decrease in RI. We observed a 9% decrease of cIMTmax at 24 weeks. The improvement of cardiovascular parameters was accompanied by statistically significant decreases of CRP, ESR, RF IgM and DAS 28 in group 1 (P < 0.05). There were not significant changes in lipid profile, AS parameters, and cIMT in group 2. Two infusions of RTX in case of moderate/good EULAR effect of therapy exerted favorable effects on lipid profile, AS and cIMT in women with RA without overt CVD.

The Effects of Rituximab on Lipids, Arterial Stiffness and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The aim of the study was to examine lipid profiles, arterial stiffness (AS), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), in 55 women with RA without overt cardiovascular disease (capital ES, CyrillicVD) treated with rituximab (RTX).The following parameters were recorded before and 24 weeks after RTX therapy (2 infusions of 500 or 1,000 mg RTX intravenously, fortnightly): plasma total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, DAS 28-ESR, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), RF IgM, AS (SI - stiffness index, RI - reflection index) by digital volume pulse contour analysis (Micro Medical, UK), and common cIMT by high-resolution B-mode carotid ultrasound. Based on the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria, patients were divided into two groups: 1) moderate/good response to RTX therapy after 24 weeks (41 patients, 75%), 2) no response to RTX therapy (14 patients, 25%). Effective RTX therapy resulted in 9% increase in TC, 23% increase in HDL-C and 14% decrease in atherogenic index, 57% decrease in SI and 24% decrease in RI. We observed a 9% decrease of cIMTmax at 24 weeks. The improvement of cardiovascular parameters was accompanied by statistically significant decreases of CRP, ESR, RF IgM and DAS 28 in group 1 (P < 0.05). There were not significant changes in lipid profile, AS parameters, and cIMT in group 2. Two infusions of RTX in case of moderate/good EULAR effect of therapy exerted favorable effects on lipid profile, AS and cIMT in women with RA without overt CVD.

Erythropoietin Improves Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Experimental Endotoxemia.

Aims: Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in intensive care units. Development of new strategies such as the therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) appears beneficial for the treatment of sepsis. In this study we evaluated anti-septic effects of rat MSCs and recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) in a rat experimental model of endotoxemia. Study Design: Controlled in vitro and in vivo studies. Place and Duration of Study: Federal Research Clinical Center of FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia, between June 2014 and May 2015. Methodology: Endotoxemia was induced by intraperitoneal administration of bacterial lipopolysacharide (LPS). The animals were then treated either with allogeneic MSCs alone, with recombinant EPO alone, or with a combination of EPO and MCS. After 3 days , the animals were euthanized, and a pathology study of their liver, spleen, thymus, lung, and kidney was performed. The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were quantified. A histochemical analysis of splenic and thymic expression of CD3, CD57, p53, and Bcl-2 was performed. Results: Essential positive effects of the combined MSC-EPO treatment were observed: 1) The animals treated with MSCs and EPO had the lowest serum concentrations of IL-1β in respect to that of the rats treated with LPS alone (58 ± 22 pg/mL vs. 155±90 pg/mL, P = .01); 2) The treatment of endotoxemic rats with a combination of MSCs and EPO also caused production of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2, while its expression was markedly down-regulated in the other groups of animals; 3) In the MSC + EPO group, the degree of interstitial pulmonary edema was the lowest as compared to the other groups, and a minimal renal injury was detected . Conclusion: These findings suggest that EPO generally improves anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of MSCs injected in the acute phase of experimental endotoxemia.

AIDS Awareness among Clinical Dental Students of Karnataka, India.

Objective: HIV-infected patients, with or without knowledge of their own serologic status are seeking dental care in increasing numbers. Dental students are at the risk of exposure to the HIV infections during their clinical training if adequate and stringent infection control measures. The objective of the present study was to assess the level of understanding and awareness of this disease among the third year clinical dental students at a private dental institution in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Materials and methods: A cross sectional survey of 100 third year clinical dental students of Karnataka was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of sociodemographic details, apart from 8 questions on knowledge and 2 questions on attitude towards HIV/AIDS patient. Descriptive analysis was carried out. Results: The response rate was 100%. Majority of students’ knew that AIDS is a disease of immunity. About 78% of the students knew that HIV/ AIDS is transmitted by contaminated blood products. Eighty six percent of the subjects knew which test was done to detect AIDS while others were not quite sure of it. Only 15% answered correctly regarding the percentage risk of transmission of HIV to a health care worker following contaminated needle stick injury. Most of the students were either not aware or not sure about the universal precaution measures to be taken while treating an AIDS patient. Conclusion: The results showed that the third year dental students of Karnataka, India had fair knowledge and good attitude regarding HIV/AIDS. However it did reveal some of the inadequacies and misconceptions regarding the disease among the dental students.

Chemical constituents of Caragana bungei shoots

The phytochemical study of flowering shoots of Caragana bungei Ledeb., Fabaceae, collected in Tuva Republic (Russian Federation) resulted in the isolation of sixteen compounds identified as β-sitosterol, β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside, umbelliferone, kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, isoquercitrin, rutin, narcissin, nicotiflorin, caffeic acid, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, gallic acid and sucrose. The structures of the compounds were established by spectral analyses. This is the first phytochemical investigation of C. bungei. The nicotiflorin, phenylpropanoids and gallic acid were isolated from the Caragana genus for the first time.

A Case of Effective Single-Session Treatment for Attention Deficit and Learning Problems in A Routine Clinical Practice:The Value of a Tran diagnostic Approach to Case Formulation

This article reports a systematic clinical case study of the psychological assessment and treatment of Daniel (9); a coloured South African boy with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (inattentive type). The case is of scientific interest because: (1) there was only a single treatment session; in which contingency management training was delivered to Daniel's parents and teacher; (2) there was evidence for the effectiveness of the intervention immediately and at two-year follow-up; (3) it documents the transportability to a South African context of an intervention developed by overseas research; (4) it documents the central role of case formulation in the delivery of effective psychological interventions; and (5) although Daniel met the criteria for ADHD; he also displayed symptoms of depression and social anxiety and the case supports the use of a transdiagnostic approach to case formulation. The conscientiousness with which his parents and teachers applied the programme was a major factor in the effectiveness of the intervention; and such rapid impact would not be possible where parents and teachers are unavailable or not co-operative. The publication of systematic case studies such as this one is important for the development of a local evidence-based practice in South Africa