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Background@#Cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced kidney injury is characterized by renal impairment with inflammatory cell infiltrations, apoptosis, fibrosis, and hypoxic injury. It is not clear whether omega-3 fatty acids (O-3 FAs), which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant roles, affect nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression. The aim of this study was to investigate whether O-3 FAs affect Nrf2 expression and exert anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic effects in CsA-induced nephropathy. @*Methods@#Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, CsA-treated, and CsA-treated with O-3 FA groups. Nrf2 expression was measured by Western blots and immunohistochemical staining. @*Results@#Kidney function was impaired in the CsA-treated rats compared to the controls. Caspase-3 and caspase-7 were activated in the CsA-treated group, and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio was higher. O-3 FAs attenuated these apoptosis-related changes. ED-1 and inhibition of kappa B (IĸB) protein expression were significantly upregulated in the CsA-treated group. Compared to the control group, O-3 FA supplementation attenuated the increased expression of ED-1 and IĸB related to inflammation. Smad2/3, Smad4, and transforming growth factor-β1 were activated in the CsA group, and O-3 FA treatment prevented these changes related to renal fibrosis. The expression of Nrf2 was reduced in CsA-treated rats, but Nrf-2 was increased by O-3 FA treatment. @*Conclusions@#We suggest that Nrf2 is a potential mediator induced by O-3 FA supplementation and that it attenuates pro-inflammatory pathways, fibrotic processes, and apoptosis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the crosstalk between Nrf2 expression and signals related to O-3 FA treatment.
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Background@#Exposure to cadmium and mercury is associated with renal dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the possible ability of dietary education to decrease blood cadmium and mercury levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). @*Methods@#Twenty-seven patients with CKD were enrolled in this prospective, single-arm pilot study. Patients with blood cadmium levels ≥1.4 μg/L were instructed to reduce their intake of shellfish, while those with blood mercury levels ≥5.0 μg/L were asked to reduce their intake of externally blue-colored fish. @*Results@#Seven dialysis patients and 15 pre-dialysis patients completed the study. Compared with baseline, the blood cadmium (2.0±0.7 μg/L vs. 1.8±0.7 μg/L, p=0.031) and mercury levels (4.4±2.6 μg/L vs. 3.5±1.9 μg/L, p=0.005) after 1 year significantly decreased, although the dietary intake was not significantly different in patients with blood cadmium levels ≥1.4 μg/L and blood mercury levels ≥5.0 μg/L. In pre-dialysis patients, kidney function worsened after 1 year compared with that at baseline despite the reduction in blood cadmium and mercury levels. @*Conclusions@#Reduction of food intake containing cadmium and mercury may lower the blood cadmium and mercury levels in CKD patients with higher cadmium and mercury levels. Higher blood cadmium levels may cause renal disease progression in pre-dialysis patients, and further studies are necessary to determine the underlying mechanisms.
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Purpose@#To develop and evaluate a deep learning technique to automatically segment bone structures in zero echo time (ZTE) for skull magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children. @*Materials and Methods@#From January to December 2021, 38 bone ZTE MRIs from infants and children (age range, 1–31 months) were collected for model development.Mask images were generated by manually segmenting the craniofacial bone using a commercial segmentation program. Among them, 35 ZTE series were used to train the three-dimensional (3D)-nnUnet deep learning model and the remaining three series were used for model validation. A temporally different dataset of 19 ZTE bone MRIs obtained in May 2022 from infants and children (age range, 3–168 months) was used to determine the model’s performance. Dice similarity coefficient was calculated for each test case.From 3D volume rendering images, segmentation accuracy, overall image quality, and visibility of cranial sutures were subjectively evaluated on a 5-point scale and compared with ground truth data from manual segmentation. Reasons for segmentation failure were analyzed using axially segmented ZTE images. @*Results@#For the test set, the mean Dice similarity coefficient was 0.985 ± 0.019. The segmentation accuracy was lower than the ground truth without showing a statistically significant difference between the two (3.39 ± 1.11 vs. 3.73 ± 0.77, p = 0.055). The overall image quality and suture visibility showed no significant difference (3.34 ± 0.75 vs.3.42 ± 0.69, p = 0.317; 3.55 ± 0.97 vs. 3.60 ± 0.95, p = 0.157). Common reasons for low segmentation accuracy were well-pneumatized sinuses, metal artifacts, skin at the vertex level, and bones too thin. @*Conclusion@#The deep learning-based automatic segmentation technique of bone ZTE MRIs showed comparable segmentation performance to manual segmentation. Using the deep learning-based segmentation results, acceptable 3D-volume rendering images of craniofacial bones were generated.
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Purpose@#Subpial hemorrhage (SPH) is a subtype of intracranial hemorrhage characterized by damage to the adjacent brain parenchyma. The aim of this study was to describe the sonographic features of SPH in neonates. @*Methods@#The cranial ultrasound (US) findings of neonates with SPH confirmed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were analyzed retrospectively. Initial and follow-up US and MRI scans were reviewed by two pediatric radiologists who were blinded to both clinical history and outcomes. The US features were compared with the MRI findings. @*Results@#Sixteen patients were included (median gestational age, 38 weeks; range, 26 to 40 weeks; 69% term). SPH was detected most often in the temporal lobe (63%), and multiple SPHs were found in seven of 16 neonates, based on MRI. Acute SPH with an underlying venous infarct (UVI) was detected on US in 15 of 16 patients: small or large fan-shaped hyperechoic lesions (n=7 and 4, respectively) and gyriform hyperechoic lesions (n=4). The sonographic yin-yang sign was observed in three of the four large fan-shaped SPH cases. The accompanying findings on US were intraventricular hemorrhage (four out of six MRI-confirmed cases), and concurrent periventricular venous infarcts (five out of nine MRI-confirmed cases). In five patients, subpial cysts were observed on follow-up US or MRI (n=4 and n=4, respectively). @*Conclusion@#Acute SPH with UVI can appear as a peripheral fan-shaped or gyriform hyperechoic lesion on cranial US. SPH can be detected and suspected based on the US features of SPH with the accompanying findings.
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Background/Aims@#The risk factors and clinical impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) remain controversial, and no data have been reported in Korea. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and importance of CAPA diagnostic efforts and to identify the predictors of CAPA and the impacts on clinical outcomes. @*Methods@#Between January 2020 and May 2021, data of severely to critically ill COVID-19 patients were extracted from seven hospitals of the Catholic Medical Center through a clinical data warehouse. Corticosteroid use was subcategorized into total cumulative dose, early 7-day dose, mean daily dose, and duration of use. @*Results@#A total of 2,427 patients were screened, and 218 patients were included. CAPA was diagnosed in 4.6% (10/218) of all hospitalized and 11.2% (10/89) of intensive care unit patients. Total cumulative dose (over 1,000 mg as methylprednisolone) and daily high-dose corticosteroid use (over 60 mg/day) were independent predictors but not early 7-day high-dose corticosteroid use (over 420 mg/week) (odds ratio [OR], 1.731; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.350 to 8.571) nor prolonged use (OR, 2.794; 95% CI, 0.635 to 13.928). In-hospital overall mortality was 11.9% (26 of 218). CAPA itself did not affect the outcome; rather, daily high-dose steroid use significantly increased the 30-day mortality (hazard ratio, 5.645; 95% CI, 1.225 to 26.091). @*Conclusions@#CAPA was not uncommon, especially in critically ill patients. Daily high-dose corticosteroid use was the predictor of CAPA and associated with high mortality rates. High-dose corticosteroids use after early inflammatory phase should be avoided, and active surveillance methods for CAPA are essential for those high-risk patients.
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Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical practice patterns of Korean obstetricians and gynecologists the diagnosis and management of hypertensive disease in pregnant women. @*Methods@#From April 2015 to October 2015, questionnaire was distributed via email to obstetricians who were members of the Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine. The survey consisted of 37 questions in 6 categories. Responses to the questions on the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, from diagnosis to treatment, were evaluated. @*Results@#A total of 93 obstetricians and gynecologists responded to the survey. High blood pressure was allocated the highest priority as an index mainly used when deciding to hospitalize patients with hypertensive disease during pregnancy, followed by pregnancy symptoms, proteinuria, and blood test results. Calcium channel blocker (CCB) for oral administration and hydralazine for injection were preferred as antihypertensive drugs mainly used to control severe hypertension. Regarding the delivery method for hypertensive disease during pregnancy, in cases of preeclampsia, 63% of the respondents chose the delivery method according to the cervical status, and in cases of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and eclampsia, which increased in severity, 52% and 31% responded that the delivery method was determined according to the cervical status, respectively. In cases of mild preeclampsia, the 70% of respondents preferred 37–38 weeks of gestation for the delivery time. Regarding the use of aspirin in patient with hypertension during pregnancy, 52% of the respondents occasionally administered aspirin, and in patients with a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy, only 43% were administered prophylactic aspirin. @*Conclusion@#Domestic obstetricians regarded blood pressure as the most meaningful factor when treating women with hypertension during pregnancy and considered blood pressure control as important. The preferred antihypertensive agents were oral CCB and hydralazine injections, and the choice of delivery method was determined according to the condition of the cervix and severity of the disease. Even in women with high risk factors for preeclampsia, prophylactic aspirin was administered in as low as 50%, of patients, possibly may due to the absence of domestic guidelines for aspirin use during pregnancy. Korean guidelines for prophylactic aspirin administration during pregnancy is needed based on additional research on the efficacy of aspirin for domestic women in the future.
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Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical practice patterns of Korean obstetricians and gynecologists the diagnosis and management of hypertensive disease in pregnant women. @*Methods@#From April 2015 to October 2015, questionnaire was distributed via email to obstetricians who were members of the Society for Maternal and Fetal Medicine. The survey consisted of 37 questions in 6 categories. Responses to the questions on the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, from diagnosis to treatment, were evaluated. @*Results@#A total of 93 obstetricians and gynecologists responded to the survey. High blood pressure was allocated the highest priority as an index mainly used when deciding to hospitalize patients with hypertensive disease during pregnancy, followed by pregnancy symptoms, proteinuria, and blood test results. Calcium channel blocker (CCB) for oral administration and hydralazine for injection were preferred as antihypertensive drugs mainly used to control severe hypertension. Regarding the delivery method for hypertensive disease during pregnancy, in cases of preeclampsia, 63% of the respondents chose the delivery method according to the cervical status, and in cases of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and eclampsia, which increased in severity, 52% and 31% responded that the delivery method was determined according to the cervical status, respectively. In cases of mild preeclampsia, the 70% of respondents preferred 37–38 weeks of gestation for the delivery time. Regarding the use of aspirin in patient with hypertension during pregnancy, 52% of the respondents occasionally administered aspirin, and in patients with a history of hypertensive disease during pregnancy, only 43% were administered prophylactic aspirin. @*Conclusion@#Domestic obstetricians regarded blood pressure as the most meaningful factor when treating women with hypertension during pregnancy and considered blood pressure control as important. The preferred antihypertensive agents were oral CCB and hydralazine injections, and the choice of delivery method was determined according to the condition of the cervix and severity of the disease. Even in women with high risk factors for preeclampsia, prophylactic aspirin was administered in as low as 50%, of patients, possibly may due to the absence of domestic guidelines for aspirin use during pregnancy. Korean guidelines for prophylactic aspirin administration during pregnancy is needed based on additional research on the efficacy of aspirin for domestic women in the future.
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Objective@#To investigate clinical and psychological characteristics of young men referred for a psychiatric evaluation due to expected unsuitability for military service and identify their heterogeneous subgroups based on the profiles of MMPI-2 and TCI. @*Methods@#We conducted a latent profile analysis of 348 men using MMPI-2 and TCI and then a comparative analysis of four latent classes in relation to sociodemographic, clinical, and IQ variables. @*Results@#We identified four classes with distinct clinical and psychological features: Class 1 (nonclinical: n=68), Class 2 (internalized: n=129), Class 3 (externalized: n=60), Class 4 (confused: n=91). Class 1 showed no significant psychiatric symptoms and relatively adaptive temperament and characteristics. Class 2 showed relatively higher harm avoidance and introverted traits indicating vulnerability to internalizing disorder. Class 3 was related to higher novelty seeking, impulsivity, and bipolarity. Class 4 showed the most severe clinical symptoms including psychotic experiences with extremely unstable temperament and immature personality. In total, 50–70% participants reported clinically significant depression, anxiety, and suicidal idea. Participants showed lower processing speed index (M=85.9, SD=16.6) than the general population. @*Conclusion@#The results suggest that clinical conceptualization and therapeutic intervention considering distinctive features of young men with adaptive problems related to military service are needed.
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Background@#Statin treatment has decreased the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Erythrocyte membrane oleic acid level is higher in patients with acute coronary syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pravastatin on the erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (FA) contents in patients with CKD. @*Methods@#Sixty-two patients were enrolled from January 2017 to March 2019 (NCT02992548). Pravastatin was initially administered at a dose of 20 mg for 24 weeks. The pravastatin dose was increased to 40 mg after 12 weeks if it was necessary to control dyslipidemia. The primary outcome was change in erythrocyte membrane FA, including oleic acid, after pravastatin treatment for 24 weeks. @*Results@#Forty-five patients finished this study, and there was no adverse effect related to pravastatin. Compared with baseline, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased after pravastatin treatment. Compared with baseline, saturated FA, oleic acid, and arachidonic acid levels were significantly increased and polyunsaturated FA and linoleic acid (LA) levels were significantly decreased after pravastatin treatment. There was also a decrease in eicosapentaenoic acid after pravastatin treatment in CKD patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. @*Conclusion@#Administration of pravastatin in patients with CKD leads to a decrease in FA known to be protective against the risk of CVD. Omega-3 FA or LA supplementation might be necessary to recover changes in erythrocyte membrane FA contents when pravastatin is used for treating dyslipidemia in patients with CKD.
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Green tea polyphenol (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a potent antioxidant with protective effects against neurotoxicity. However, it is currently unclear whether EGCG protects neuronal cells against radiation-induced damage. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of EGCG on ultraviolet (UV)-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in PC12 cells. The effects of UV irradiation included apoptotic cell death, which was associated with DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, enhanced caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. UV irradiation also increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and mitochondrial pathway-associated cytochrome c expression. However, pretreatment with EGCG before UV exposure markedly decreased UV-induced DNA fragmentation and ROS production. Furthermore, the UV irradiationinduced increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, cytochrome c upregulation, and caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation were each ameliorated by EGCG pretreatment. Additionally, EGCG suppressed UV-induced phosphorylation of p38 and rescued UV-downregulated phosphorylation of ERK. Taken together, these results suggest that EGCG prevents UV irradiationinduced apoptosis in PC12 cells by scavenging ROS and inhibiting the mitochondrial pathways known to play a crucial role in apoptosis. In addition, EGCG inhibits UV-induced apoptosis via JNK inactivation and ERK activation in PC12 cells. Thus, EGCG represents a potential neuroprotective agent that could be applied to prevent neuronal cell death induced by UV irradiation.
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PURPOSE: Few studies have been investigated the in vivo efficacy of generic vancomycin products available outside of the United States. In this study, we aimed to compare the in vivo pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of five generic vancomycin products available in Korea with those of the innovator.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vitro vancomycin purity of each product was examined using high-pressure liquid chromatography. Single-dose PK analyses were performed using neutropenic mice. The in vivo efficacy of vancomycin products was compared with that of the innovator in dose-effect experiments (25 to 400 mg/kg per day) using a thigh-infection model with neutropenic mice.RESULTS: Generic products had a lower proportion of vancomycin B (range: 90.3–93.8%) and a higher proportion of impurities (range: 6.2–9.7%) than the innovator (94.5% and 5.5%, respectively). In an in vivo single-dose PK study, the maximum concentration (C(max)) values of each generic were lower than that of the innovator, and the geographic mean area under the curve ratios of four generics were significantly lower than that of the innovator (all p<0.1). In the thigh-infection model, the maximum efficacies of generic products reflected in maximal effect (E(max)) values were not significantly different from the innovator. However, the PD profile curves of some generic products differed significantly from that of the innovator in mice injected with a high level of Mu3 (all p≤0.05).CONCLUSION: Some generic vancomycin products available in Korea showed inferior PK and PD profiles, especially in hetero-vancomycin-resistant mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus.
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The integrins αvβ1, αvβ3, αvβ6, and αvβ8 are known to be the natural receptors of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). Among them, integrin αvβ6 is considered a major receptor for FMDV. We performed protein expression of full-length bovine integrins αv, β3, and β6 and confirmed the high efficiency of bovine αvβ6 as the FMDV receptor in FMDV non-permissive SW 480 cells. Next, we established the black goat kidney (BGK) cell line, stably expressing bovine integrin β6 (BGK-β6-4). We observed that BGK-β6-4 cells had significantly enhanced sensitivity to FMDV compared with that of BGK cells (P<0.05). In addition, BGK-β6-4 cells had equal or higher sensitivity to several serotypes of FMDV compared with that of other FMDV permissive cell lines, such as BHK-21 and IBRS-2. In conclusion, we established a promising novel goat cell line, BGK-β6-4, which can be used to isolate or culture FMDV. Furthermore, the BGK-β6-4 cell line may serve as a promising tool for studying integrin αvβ6 receptor functions.
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Animals , Cell Line , Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus , Foot-and-Mouth Disease , Goats , Integrins , Kidney , SerogroupABSTRACT
Many studies have been conducted to assess the health effects of climate change in Korea. However, there has been a lack of consideration regarding how the results of these studies can be applied to relevant policies. The current study aims to examine research trends at the agenda-setting stage and to review future ways in which health-related adaptation to climate change can be addressed within national public health policy. A systematic review of previous studies of the health effects of climate change in Korea was conducted. Many studies have evaluated the effect of ambient temperature on health. A large number of studies have examined the effects on deaths and cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, but a limitation of these studies is that it is difficult to apply their findings to climate change adaptation policy in the health sector. Many infectious disease studies were also identified, but these mainly focused on malaria. Regarding climate change-related factors other than ambient temperature, studies of the health effects of these factors (with the exception of air pollution) are limited. In Korea, it can be concluded that studies conducted as part of the agenda-setting stage are insufficient, both because studies on the health effects of climate change have not ventured beyond defining the problem and because health adaptation to climate change has not been set as an important agenda item. In the future, the sharing and development of relevant databases is necessary. In addition, the priority of agenda items should be determined as part of a government initiative.
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Background@#The quality of a vaccine depends strongly on the effects of the adjuvants applied simultaneously with the antigen in the vaccine. The adjuvants enhance the protective effect of the vaccine against a viral challenge. Conversely, oil-type adjuvants leave oil residue inside the bodies of the injected animals that can produce a local reaction in the muscle. The longterm immunogenicity of mice after vaccination was examined. ISA206 or ISA15 oil adjuvants maintained the best immunity, protective capability, and safety among the oil adjuvants in the experimental group. @*Objectives@#This study screened the adjuvant composites aimed at enhancing foot-andmouth disease (FMD) immunity. The C-type lectin or toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist showed the most improved protection rate. @*Methods@#Experimental vaccines were fabricated by mixing various known oil adjuvants and composites that can act as immunogenic adjuvants (gel, saponin, and other components) and examined the enhancement effect on the vaccine. @*Results@#The water in oil (W/O) and water in oil in water (W/O/W) adjuvants showed better immune effects than the oil in water (O/W) adjuvants, which have a small volume of oil component. The W/O type left the largest amount of oil residue, followed by W/O/W and O/W types. In the mouse model, intramuscular inoculation showed a better protection rate than subcutaneous inoculation. Moreover, the protective effect was particularly weak in the case of inoculation in fatty tissue. The initial immune reaction and persistence of long-term immunity were also confirmed in an immune reaction on pigs. @*Conclusions@#The new experimental vaccine with immunostimulants produces improved immune responses and safety in pigs than general oil-adjuvanted vaccines.
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Green tea polyphenol (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a potent antioxidant with protective effects against neurotoxicity. However, it is currently unclear whether EGCG protects neuronal cells against radiation-induced damage. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of EGCG on ultraviolet (UV)-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in PC12 cells. The effects of UV irradiation included apoptotic cell death, which was associated with DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, enhanced caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. UV irradiation also increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and mitochondrial pathway-associated cytochrome c expression. However, pretreatment with EGCG before UV exposure markedly decreased UV-induced DNA fragmentation and ROS production. Furthermore, the UV irradiationinduced increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, cytochrome c upregulation, and caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation were each ameliorated by EGCG pretreatment. Additionally, EGCG suppressed UV-induced phosphorylation of p38 and rescued UV-downregulated phosphorylation of ERK. Taken together, these results suggest that EGCG prevents UV irradiationinduced apoptosis in PC12 cells by scavenging ROS and inhibiting the mitochondrial pathways known to play a crucial role in apoptosis. In addition, EGCG inhibits UV-induced apoptosis via JNK inactivation and ERK activation in PC12 cells. Thus, EGCG represents a potential neuroprotective agent that could be applied to prevent neuronal cell death induced by UV irradiation.
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Background@#Ankylosis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is known to have various etiologies in veterinary medicine. We observed a case of fibrous ankylosis of the TMJ in a newly imported rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).Case presentation:Moderate to severe attrition was found in the middle labial portion of the left maxillary canine. No tenderness around the jaw was detected in the physical examination. The WBC count, CRP level, rheumatoid factor level, and other parameters were normal. Irregularity in the joint surface was observed in both TMJs in the radiographic and computed tomographic examinations, but the left TMJ presented more severe irregularity. It was determined that the removal of the locked portion of the left canine would alleviate the case of lockjaw and allow intubation with an endotracheal tube. Canine tooth crown reduction was performed for both canine teeth. The mouth opening distance slightly (approximately 5 mm) increased up to 20 mm. We concluded that the attrition of canine teeth was not the reason for lockjaw and ankyloses originating from TMJ disease. Fibrotic synovial tissue and joint surface irregularity were observed by necropsy. The presence of fibrocartilage in most areas of the TMJ was confirmed by histology. The diagnosis was fibrous ankylosis of the TMJ associated with DJD. @*Conclusions@#To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of degenerative joint disease of the TMJ in a rhesus monkey with fibrous ankylosis of the TMJ.
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Background@#The reduction of canine teeth in adult males in whom permanent canine teeth eruption occurs should be considered due to the safety of humans or other monkeys. The objective of this study was to evaluate the complications of canine teeth reduction in macaques. Case presentation: Canine teeth reductions were performed in 8 rhesus and 2 cynomolgus macaques. Complications related to canine teeth reduction were evaluated at one to three week intervals during the experimental period by gross examination, CBC, and monitoring of appetite. One monkey showed a fistula due to periapical abscess and neutrophilia more than 2 years after canine teeth reduction, and extraction of the diseased canine tooth was performed; the other 9 monkeys showed no complications during the observation period. This report shows the effectiveness of canine teeth reduction with few complications. @*Conclusion@#Canine teeth reduction in male macaques is an acceptable procedure for reducing the severity of injury to humans or other monkeys.
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Objectives@#We evaluated the efficacy of gold thread implantation (GTI) in the vulva and vagina to improve female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and vaginal laxity. @*Methods@#A retrospective chart review was conducted on 46 women who underwent GTI between 2017 and 2018 at our institution.Physicians interviewed patients using questionnaires at baseline and 1–3 months post-treatment. The questionnaires consisted of eight questions: vaginal laxity, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, sexual satisfaction during intercourse, sexual arousal confidence, sexual satisfaction of partner, frequency, and maintaining lubrication. @*Results@#Overall, participants experienced significant improvement after GTI treatment (P < 0.0001). The median score of vaginal laxity was 3 (slightly loose) at baseline and 5 (slightly tight) at post-treatment. Vaginal dryness also improved from 4 (moderate) at baseline to 2 (little) at post-treatment. The degree of pain during intercourse decreased from 3 to 1. The sexual satisfaction score was 3 (moderately dissatisfied) at baseline and 4 (about equally satisfied and dissatisfied) at post-treatment. Sexual confidence of arousal increased from a score of 3 (low confidence) at baseline to 4 (moderate confidence) at post-treatment. They perceived greater partner sexual satisfaction, moving from a score of 2 to 4. Participants reported lubrication was more frequent during sexual activity, which was maintained until completion of sexual activity. Both scores regarding lubrication increased from 3.5 at baseline to 5 at post-treatment. @*Conclusions@#GTI may be an option for FSD and vaginal laxity.
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ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes a variety of immunosuppressants and biological agents, which increase the risk of infections due to altered cellular and humoral immunity. Prevention of these infections can be done through vaccination, however, patients with IBD are usually under-immunized. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the immunization status of patients with IBD and confront it with the current recommendations to verify if the immunization guidelines are being followed correctly. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study including 239 IBD patients being regularly followed in the Gastroenterology Service from Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, which were subjected to a survey about their relevant demographic data and immunization status. RESULTS: The amount of patients that declared being unaware of their immunization status is high - between 34.3% (Tdap) and 52% (meningococcal) - excepting IIV, hepatitis B and HPV. The vaccines with the largest rates of patients declaring to have taken it are inactivated influenza vaccine (72.4%), BCG (55.3%), hepatitis B (48.3%), measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (43.8%) and DTaP (43%). The vaccines with the lowest rates of patients declaring to have taken it are Haemophilus influenza type b (0.8%), herpes zoster (2.1%) and HPV (3.4%). Patients that are being treated or have been treated with biological therapy have the largest immunization coverage for inactivated influenza vaccine (81%) and PPSV23 (25.9%), also they have the largest awareness rates for those vaccines. CONCLUSION: Although being a specialized service linked to a university hospital, vaccination coverage and patients' awareness rates proved to be below the desirable level. Vaccination and recovery of the immunization history is recommended immediately after the diagnosis of IBD, regardless of the use of biological agents. Those findings support the need of implementing hospital guidelines and constantly verifying its application by the multidisciplinary team in specialized services in IBD.
RESUMO CONTEXTO: No tratamento de doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII) são usados imunossupressores e agentes biológicos, o que aumenta o risco de infecções pela alteração da imunidade celular e humoral. A prevenção de algumas dessas infecções pode ser feita pela vacinação, entretanto pacientes com DII apresentam baixas taxas de cobertura vacinal. OBJETIVO: Analisar a situação vacinal de pacientes com DII e comparar com a recomendação vigente na literatura para verificar se os esquemas de imunização estão sendo corretamente aplicados nessa população. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal analítico com 239 pacientes com DII em acompanhamento no Serviço de Gastroenterologia do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, os quais foram submetidos a um questionário sobre dados demográficos relevantes e sobre a situação vacinal. RESULTADOS: A taxa de pacientes que declarou não ter conhecimento de sua situação vacinal é alta - entre 34,3% (dTpa) e 52% (meningocócica) - com exceção das vacinas influenza, hepatite B e HPV. As vacinas com maior taxa de pacientes que declararam ter recebido a vacina são influenza (72,4%), BCG (55,3%), hepatite B (48,3%), tríplice viral (43,8%) e DTPa (43%). As vacinas com menor taxa de pacientes que declararam ter recebido a vacina são Haemophilus influenza b (0,8%), herpes zoster (2,1%) e HPV (3,4%). Pacientes que fazem ou já fizeram tratamento com agentes biológicos têm melhor cobertura vacinal das vacinas para influenza (81%) e PP23V (25,9%), além de maior conhecimento sobre o estado vacinal para essas vacinas. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de se tratar de um serviço especializado ligado a um hospital universitário, a cobertura vacinal e o conhecimento dos pacientes sobre as vacinas estão abaixo do desejado. A recuperação do histórico vacinal e a recomendação das vacinas necessárias devem ser realizadas logo após o diagnóstico de DII, independentemente do uso de agentes biológicos. Esses achados indicam a necessidade da criação e monitoramento constante da aplicação de um protocolo pela equipe multidisciplinar de serviços especializados em DII.
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Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/immunology , Immunization Schedule , Vaccination/statistics & numerical data , Vaccination Coverage/statistics & numerical data , Socioeconomic Factors , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Middle AgedABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to estimate the antioxidant activities of 50%, 70%, and 100% ethanol extracts of Lycium barbarum leaf and chlorophyll removal extract. METHODS: The antioxidant activities were estimated by measuring total polyphenol content and by assays of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfate) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA fragmentation, and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activities of the extracts were measured in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-stressed HepG2 cells. RESULTS: The total polyphenol content, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, and FRAP value of the extracts increased in an ethanol concentration-dependent manner. The antioxidant activities of the chlorophyll-removal extracts were much higher than those of the chlorophyll-containing extracts. Cytotoxicity was not observed in HepG2 cells with extracts up to 1,000 µg/mL. All extracts inhibited ROS production in a concentration-dependent manner from 31.3 µg/mL and inhibited DNA damage at 250 µg/mL. The SOD and catalase activities of cell lines treated with the extracts and H2O2 were similar to those of normal cells, indicating a strong protective effect. CONCLUSION: Lycium barbarum leaf extracts had high antioxidant activities and protected H2O2-stressed HepG2 cells. Since the chlorophyll-removal extract exhibited higher antioxidant activities than the chlorophyll-containing ones and the cytoprotective effect was similar, chlorophyll removal extract of Lycium barbarum leaf could be developed as ingredients of functional food and cosmetics.