Correlation analysis between peripheral blood dendritic cell subsets and PD-1 in patients with peritoneal adenocarcinoma

Abstract The aim of this study was to explore the association between differential percentages of dendritic cell (DC) subsets in peripheral blood and malignancy (grade and lymph node metastasis) of peritoneal adenocarcinoma patients and the frequencies of dendritic cell subsets in the normal controls. The peripheral blood of 30 patients with peritoneal adenocarcinoma and 12 healthy controls were collected for multicolor flow cytometry analysis. Peritoneal adenocarcinoma patients were grouped according to the malignant degree (grade and lymph node metastasis). Percentages of myeloid DCs (mDCs) and its subsets MDC1 and MDC2 in DCs were lower in peripheral blood of patients with peritoneal adenocarcinoma than in normal controls. The percentages of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and CD16+mDCs in DCs were higher than in normal controls. Compared with poor differentiation grade, patients with well/moderate differentiation grade had an increased percentage of CD16+mDCs. Contrary to CD16+mDCs, the percentage of MDC1 was lower in the well/moderate differentiation grade group. In patients with no lymph node metastasis, pDCs and CD16+mDCs levels were higher compared with patients with lymph node metastasis. mDCs and MDC1 levels had opposite results. pDCs were positively correlated with CD16+mDCs in peripheral blood of peritoneal patients, as was mDCs and MDC1. CD16+mDCs were negatively correlated with MDC1. The percentages of pDCs and CD16+mDCs in DCs were positively correlated with CD3+CD8+T cells, and pDCs also positively correlated with CD8+PD-1+T cells. Our results revealed that DCs subsets correlated with peritoneal adenocarcinoma malignancy. Dendritic cells play an independent role in the immune function of peritoneal adenocarcinoma.

Umbral crítico de administración en pacientes con trauma severo y reanimación endovascular: ¿Un concepto útil? / Critical Administration Threshold in severe trauma patients and endovascular resuscitation: A useful concept?

Introducción. Se describe la utilidad del umbral crítico de administración (CAT por su denominación en inglés) como herramienta para la reanimación hemostática en pacientes con trauma severo y oclusión endovascular aórtica. Métodos. Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes adultos con hemorragia por trauma, con o sin oclusión endovascular aórtica (REBOA), atendidos entre enero de 2015 y junio de 2020, en un centro de trauma nivel I en Cali, Colombia. Se registraron variables demográficas, severidad del trauma, estado clínico, requerimiento transfusional, tiempo hasta CAT+ y CAT alcanzado (1, 2 ó 3). Resultados. Se incluyeron 93 pacientes, se utilizó REBOA en 36 y manejo tradicional en 57. El grupo REBOA presentó mayor volumen de sangrado (mediana de 3000 ml, RIC: 1950-3625 ml) frente al grupo control (mediana de1500 ml, RIC: 700-2975ml) (p<0,001) y mayor cantidad de glóbulos rojos transfundidos en las primeras 6 horas (mediana de 5, RIC:4-9); p=0,015 y en las primeras 24 horas (mediana de 6, RIC: 4-11); p=0,005. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en número de pacientes CAT+ entre grupos o tiempo hasta alcanzarlo. Sin embargo, el estado CAT+ durante los primeros 30 minutos de la cirugía fue mayor en grupo REBOA (24/36, 66,7 %) frente al grupo control (17/57, 29,8 %; p=0,001), teniendo este mayor tasa de mortalidad intrahospitalaria frente a los pacientes CAT-. Conclusión. El umbral crítico de administración es una herramienta útil en la reanimación hemostática de pacientes con trauma y REBOA, que podría predecir mortalidad precoz.

Introduction. The objective is to describe the utility of the Critical Administration Threshold (CAT) as a tool in hemostatic resuscitation in patients with severe trauma and REBOA. Methods. Retrospective review between January 2015 and June 2020 of adult patients with hemorrhage secondary to trauma with or without REBOA in a level I trauma center in Cali, Colombia. Demographic variables, trauma severity, clinical status, transfusion needs, time to CAT+ and number of CAT achieved (1, 2 or 3) were recorded. Results. Ninety-three patients were included, in which REBOA was used in 36 and traditional management in 57. The REBOA group had a higher bleeding volume (3000 ml), IQR: 1950-3625 ml vs the control group (1500 ml, IQR: 700-2975 ml) (p<0.001) and a higher rate of PRBC units transfused in the first 6 hours (median 5, IQR: 4-9); p=0.015 and in the first 24 hours (median 6, IQR: 4-11); p=0.005. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of CAT+ patients between groups or time to CAT+. However, CAT+ status during the first 30 minutes of surgery was higher in the REBOA Group (24/36, 66.7%) vs. the control group (17/57, 29.8%; p=0.001), having this group a higher in-hospital mortality rate vs. CAT- patients. Conclusion. CAT is a useful tool in the hemostatic resuscitation of patients with trauma and REBOA that could predict early mortality.

Bundle para quantificação de perda sanguínea pós-parto vaginal / Bundle para la cuantificación de pérdida sanguínea posparto vaginal / Bundle for quantifying vaginal blood loss after childbirth

Resumo Objetivo Construir e validar o conteúdo de um bundle para quantificação da perda sanguínea pós-parto vaginal. Métodos Estudo metodológico desenvolvido de fevereiro a agosto de 2022, em três etapas: levantamento bibliográfico, construção do instrumento e validação de conteúdo por 14 experts. O instrumento para validação foi composto por 11 itens selecionados a partir de revisão sistemática. Para cada item do bundle aplicou-se escala Likert e para verificar a concordância entre experts, calculou-se o Índice de Concordância. Consideraram-se válidos os itens com concordância acima de 80%. A validação de conteúdo foi realizada em uma única rodada de avaliação. Resultados A versão final do bundle foi composta por nove itens. Os cuidados propostos estão relacionados à quantificação direta do sangramento pós-parto e seu registro, observação da puérpera, a utilização de protocolos institucionais em casos de hemorragia pós-parto, assim como a capacitação da equipe. Conclusão O estudo permitiu construir e validar bundle para quantificação da perda sanguínea pós-parto vaginal, com vistas à melhora do diagnóstico de hemorragia pós-parto.

Resumen Objetivo Elaborar y validar el contenido de un bundle para la cuantificación de pérdida sanguínea posparto vaginal. Métodos Estudio metodológico, llevado a cabo de febrero a agosto de 2022, en tres etapas: análisis bibliográfico, construcción del instrumento y validación de contenido por 14 expertos. El instrumento para validación consistió en 11 ítems seleccionados a partir de revisión sistemática. Se aplicó la escala Likert para cada ítem del bundle; y para verificar la concordancia entre expertos, se calculó el Índice de Concordancia. Se consideraron válidos los ítems con concordancia superior a 80 %. La validación de contenido se realizó en una única ronda de evaluación. Resultados La versión final del bundle consistió en nueve ítems. Los cuidados propuestos están relacionados con la cuantificación directa del sangrado posparto y su registro, la observación de la puérpera, la utilización de protocolos institucionales en casos de hemorragia posparto, así como también la capacitación del equipo. Conclusión El estudio permitió elaborar y validar un bundle para la cuantificación de pérdida sanguínea posparto vaginal, con el fin de mejorar el diagnóstico de hemorragia posparto.

Abstract Objective To construct and validate the content of a bundle to quantify vaginal blood loss after childbirth. Methods This is a methodological study developed from February to August 2022, divided into bibliographic survey, instrument construction and content validity, by 14 experts. The instrument for validity consisted of 11 items selected from a systematic review. For each item in the bundle, a Likert scale was applied, and to check agreement among experts, the Concordance Index was calculated. Items with agreement above 80% were considered valid. Content validity was carried out in a single round of assessment. Results The final version of the bundle consisted of nine items. The proposed care is related to direct quantification of postpartum bleeding and its recording, observation of postpartum women, use of institutional protocols in cases of postpartum hemorrhage as well as team training. Conclusion The study allowed constructing and validating a bundle for quantifying vaginal blood loss after childbirth, with a view to improving postpartum hemorrhage diagnosis.

Choroidal macrovascular and capillary alterations in eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membranes

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the choroidal vascular alterations and effect of surgical treatment in the setting of idiopathic epiretinal membranes. Methods: The structure of the choroid was studied in 33 patients with unilateral idiopathic epiretinal membrane using optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging and optical coherence tomography angiography. Eyes with epiretinal membrane underwent 25-gauge vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane peeling. The choroidal vascularity index, Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio, and choriocapillaris flow density were used to evaluate changes in choroidal structure after surgery and compare with the healthy fellow eyes. Results: The choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio of the eyes with epiretinal membrane were higher than those of the fellow eyes at baseline (p=0.009 and p=0.04, respectively) and decreased postoperatively compared with preoperative values (p=0.009 and p=0.001, respectively). The choriocapillaris flow of eyes with epiretinal membrane was lower than that of the fellow eyes at baseline (p=0.001) and increased after surgery compared with the preoperative value (p=0.04). The choroidal vascularity index, Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio, and choriocapillaris flow values of the healthy fellow eyes were comparable at baseline and final visit. In eyes with epiretinal membrane, the final choroidal vascularity index correlated with the final choriocapillaris flow (r=-0.749, p=0.008) in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Idiopathic epiretinal membrane appears to affect the choroidal structure with increased choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness ratio and decreased choriocapillaris flow. These macrovascular (choroidal vascularity index and Haller layer/choroidal thickness) and microvascular (choriocapillaris flow) alterations appear to be relieved by surgical treatment of the epiretinal membranes.

Open revascularization for chronic mesenteric ischemia in the endovascular era: a quaternary-center experience and management algorithm / Revascularização aberta na isquemia mesentérica crônica durante a era endovascular: experiência de um centro quaternário e um algoritmo de tratamento

Abstract Background Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) is a debilitating disease with a heavy burden on quality of life. Stenting of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is the first option for treatment, but there is a lack of consensus defining precise indications for open revascularization (OR). Objectives To describe a series of 4 patients with CMI treated with OR and to present an algorithm for the management of this condition. Methods Three patients presented with typical intestinal angina and weight loss. One patient was subjected to prophylactic revascularization during open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Surgical techniques included: 1) Bypass from the infrarenal aorta to the SMA; 2) Bypass from an aorto-bifemoral polyester graft to the SMA; 3) Bypass from the right iliac artery to the SMA; 4) Bypass from the right graft limb of an aorto-biiliac polyester graft to the median colic artery at Riolan's arcade. PTFE was used in all surgeries. All grafts were placed in a retrograde configuration, tunneled under the left renal vein, making a smooth C-loop. A treatment algorithm was constructed based on the institution's experience and a review of recent literature. Results All patients demonstrated resolution of symptoms and recovery of body weight. All grafts are patent after mean follow-up of two years. Conclusions Open revascularization using the C-loop configuration is a valuable technique for CMI and may be considered in selected cases. The algorithm constructed may help decision planning in other quaternary centers.

Resumo Contexto A isquemia mesentérica crônica (IMC) é uma doença debilitante, com grave impacto na qualidade de vida. A literatura recomenda a angioplastia com stent da artéria mesentérica superior (AMS) como primeira opção de tratamento, mas há falta de consenso que defina indicações precisas para a revascularização aberta. Objetivos Descrever uma série de quatro pacientes com IMC, tratados com revascularização aberta, e apresentar um algoritmo para o manejo dessa condição. Métodos Três pacientes apresentaram angina intestinal típica e perda ponderal. Uma paciente foi submetida a reparo aberto de aneurisma da aorta abdominal e apresentava obstrução da AMS, que foi revascularizada profilaticamente. As técnicas cirúrgicas incluíram: 1) enxerto entre a aorta infrarrenal e a AMS; 2) enxerto entre o dácron utilizado em um enxerto aortobifemoral e a AMS; 3) enxerto entre a artéria ilíaca comum direita e a AMS; e 4) enxerto entre o ramo direito do dácron utilizado em um enxerto aorto-biilíaco e a artéria cólica média (ao nível da arcada de Riolan). Todos os enxertos foram feitos utilizando politetrafluoretileno em uma configuração retrógrada, tunelizados abaixo da veia renal esquerda, fazendo uma alça em C. Resultados Todos os pacientes demonstraram resolução dos sintomas e ganho ponderal. Todos os enxertos se mantiveram pérvios durante um seguimento médio de 2 anos. Conclusões A revascularização aberta para IMC utilizando-se a alça em C é uma técnica valiosa e pode ser considerada em pacientes selecionados. O algoritmo proposto pode auxiliar na decisão terapêutica em centros quaternários.

Predicting the Need for Blood Transfusions in Cardiac Surgery: A Comparison between Machine Learning Algorithms and Established Risk Scores in the Brazilian Population

ABSTRACT Introduction: Blood transfusion is a common practice in cardiac surgery, despite its well-known negative effects. To mitigate blood transfusion-associated risks, identifying patients who are at higher risk of needing this procedure is crucial. Widely used risk scores to predict the need for blood transfusions have yielded unsatisfactory results when validated for the Brazilian population. Methods: In this retrospective study, machine learning (ML) algorithms were compared to predict the need for blood transfusions in a cohort of 495 cardiac surgery patients treated at a Brazilian reference service between 2019 and 2021. The performance of the models was evaluated using various metrics, including the area under the curve (AUC), and compared to the commonly used Transfusion Risk and Clinical Knowledge (TRACK) and Transfusion Risk Understanding Scoring Tool (TRUST) scoring systems. Results: The study found that the model had the highest performance, achieving an AUC of 0.7350 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.7203 to 0.7497). Importantly, all ML algorithms performed significantly better than the commonly used TRACK and TRUST scoring systems. TRACK had an AUC of 0.6757 (CI: 0.6609 to 0.6906), while TRUST had an AUC of 0.6622 (CI: 0.6473 to 0.6906). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that ML algorithms may offer a more accurate prediction of the need for blood transfusions than the traditional scoring systems and could enhance the accuracy of predicting blood transfusion requirements in cardiac surgery patients. Further research could focus on optimizing and refining ML algorithms to improve their accuracy and make them more suitable for clinical use.

Use of FGF21 analogs for the treatment of metabolic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT FGF21 is a hormone produced primarily by the liver with several metabolic functions, such as induction of heat production, control of glucose homeostasis, and regulation of blood lipid levels. Due to these actions, several laboratories have developed FGF21 analogs to treat patients with metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that used FGF21 analogs and analyzed metabolic outcomes. Our search yielded 236 articles, and we included eight randomized clinical trials in the meta-analysis. The use of FGF21 analogs exhibited no effect on fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, HOMA index, blood free fatty acids or systolic blood pressure. However, the treatment significantly reduced fasting insulinemia, body weight and total cholesterolemia. None of the included studies were at high risk of bias. The quality of the evidence ranged from moderate to very low, especially due to imprecision and indirection issues. These results indicate that FGF21 analogs can potentially treat metabolic syndrome. However, more clinical trials are needed to increase the quality of evidence and confirm the effects seen thus far.

Treatment For Infected Frozen Elephant Trunk Prosthesis Caused by Propionibacterium acnes: A Surgical Challenge

ABSTRACT In this article, we present the case of a 47-year-old man who underwent Bentall-Bono procedure and frozen elephant trunk prosthesis implantation due to severe aortic regurgitation and aortic dilatation with a second-time endovascular stent-graft repair in descending aorta. Over eight years, a subacute graft infection by Propionibacterium acnes was developed, culminating in cardiogenic shock secondary to severe aortic regurgitation due to a complete aortic root dehiscence because of multiple aortic pseudoaneurysms. The patient underwent emergency surgery in which the replacement of the graft by a biological valve tube was performed accompanied by a complete debranching of the three supra-aortic vessels.

Quantitative relationship between physical activity and antihypertensives in elderly women / Relación cuantitativa entre actividad física y antihipertensivos en ancianas / Relação quantitativa entre atividade física e anti-hipertensivos em idosas

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical activity is an important tool to manage systemic arterial hypertension. However, less is known about the relationship of physical activity with the number of antihypertensive drugs used by older adults. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the number of antihypertensive drugs used by older female adults (aged ≥ 60 years) with a low level of physical activity with the number used by those with a high level of physical activity, and to verify how many participants used more than two antihypertensive drugs. Methods: Twenty-eight physically active older women with systemic arterial hypertension who participated in a physical activity program for community-dwelling older female adults were divided into two groups: participants who presented lower habitual physical activity levels were placed in group 1 and participants that presented higher habitual physical activity levels were placed in group 2, according to the Baecke questionnaire. In addition, the number of antihypertensive drugs used by participants was collected. Results: The number of prescribed antihypertensive drugs was 2.0 (median) for both groups investigated. There was no significant difference between groups regarding the number of antihypertensive tablets prescribed (p>0.05). Although there was no statistical difference, a higher proportion of participants from the lower physical activity group used more than two antihypertensive drugs. Conclusion: The level of habitual physical activity did not affect the number of antihypertensive tablets used by hypertensive elderly women. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMEN Introducción: La actividad física es una herramienta importante para el manejo de la hipertensión arterial sistémica. Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre la relación de la actividad física con la cantidad de medicamentos antihipertensivos utilizados por las ancianas. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue hacer una comparación entre el número de medicamentos antihipertensivos utilizados por mujeres adultas mayores (≥ 60 años) y bajo nivel de actividad física con el número utilizado por aquellas con alto nivel de actividad física, y verificar cuántas de las participantes usaron más de dos medicamentos antihipertensivos. Métodos: Veintiocho ancianas físicamente activas con hipertensión arterial sistémica que participaron en un programa de actividad física para mujeres adultas mayores residentes en la comunidad fueran divididas en dos grupos: las participantes que presentaron niveles más bajos de actividad física habitual se ubicaron en el grupo 1 y las participantes que presentaron los mayores niveles de actividad física se ubicaron en el grupo 2, según el cuestionario de Baecke. Además, se recogió el número de medicamentos antihipertensivos utilizados por las participantes. Resultados: El número de comprimidos antihipertensivos prescritos fue de 2,0 (mediana) para ambos grupos investigados. No hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos en cuanto al número de medicamentos antihipertensivos prescritos (p>0,05). Aunque no hubo diferencia estadística, una mayor proporción de participantes del grupo de menor actividad física usó más de dos medicamentos antihipertensivos. Conclusión: El nivel de actividad física habitual no afectó el número de comprimidos antihipertensivos utilizados por las ancianas hipertensas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos: investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

RESUMO Introdução: A atividade física é uma importante ferramenta no manejo da hipertensão arterial sistêmica. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre a relação entre a atividade física e a quantidade de anti-hipertensivos usados por idosos. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma comparação entre o número de anti-hipertensivos usados por idosas (≥ 60 anos) com baixo nível de atividade física com o número usado por aquelas com alto nível de atividade física, verificando quantas participantes usaram mais de dois anti-hipertensivos. Métodos: Vinte e oito idosas fisicamente ativas com hipertensão arterial sistêmica que participavam de um programa de atividade física para idosas da comunidade foram divididas em dois grupos: as participantes que apresentaram níveis mais baixos de atividade física habitual foram colocadas no grupo 1 e as participantes que apresentaram maiores níveis de atividade física foram colocados no grupo 2, de acordo com o questionário de Baecke. Ademais, coletou-se o número de medicamentos anti-hipertensivos utilizados pelas participantes. Resultados: O número de fármacos anti-hipertensivos prescritos foi de 2,0 (mediana) para ambos os grupos investigados. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto ao número de comprimidos anti-hipertensivos prescritos (p>0,05). Embora não tenha havido diferença estatística, uma maior proporção de participantes entre o grupo de menor atividade física utilizava mais de dois anti-hipertensivos. Conclusão: O nível de atividade física habitual não afetou a quantidade de comprimidos anti-hipertensivos utilizados pelas idosas hipertensas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Alpha-synuclein dynamics bridge Type-I Interferon response and SARS-CoV-2 replication in peripheral cells

Background Increasing evidence suggests a double-faceted role of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) following infection by a variety of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Although α-syn accumulation is known to contribute to cell toxicity and the development and/or exacerbation of neuropathological manifestations, it is also a key to sustaining anti-viral innate immunity. Consistently with α-syn aggregation as a hallmark of Parkinson's disease, most studies investigating the biological function of α-syn focused on neural cells, while reports on the role of α-syn in periphery are limited, especially in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results Results herein obtained by real time qPCR, immunofluorescence and western blot indicate that α-syn upregulation in peripheral cells occurs as a Type-I Interferon (IFN)-related response against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Noteworthy, this effect mostly involves α-syn multimers, and the dynamic α-syn multimer:monomer ratio. Administration of excess α-syn monomers promoted SARS-CoV-2 replication along with downregulation of IFN-Stimulated Genes (ISGs) in epithelial lung cells, which was associated with reduced α-syn multimers and α-syn multimer:monomer ratio. These effects were prevented by combined administration of IFN-β, which hindered virus replication and upregulated ISGs, meanwhile increasing both α-syn multimers and α-syn multimer:monomer ratio in the absence of cell toxicity. Finally, in endothelial cells displaying abortive SARS-CoV-2 replication, α-syn multimers, and multimer:monomer ratio were not reduced following exposure to the virus and exogenous α-syn, suggesting that only productive viral infection impairs α-syn multimerization and multimer:monomer equilibrium. Conclusions Our study provides novel insights into the biology of α-syn, showing that its dynamic conformations are implicated in the innate immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection in peripheral cells. In particular, our results suggest that promotion of non-toxic α-syn multimers likely occurs as a Type-I IFN-related biological response which partakes in the suppression of viral replication. Further studies are needed to replicate our findings in neuronal cells as well as animal models, and to ascertain the nature of such α-syn conformations.

Frequency of blood donation and malaria occurrence among blood donors in a tertiary hospital, Nigeria

Context: Malaria is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Transfusion transmitted malaria contributes significantly to the burden of malaria in SSA. The safety of blood transfusion as it relates to frequency of blood donation and malaria occurrence on the part of donors is an aspect that has not been properly investigated hence this study. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the frequency of blood donation and occurrence of malaria among blood donors at OAUTHC, Ile-Ife. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Ethical approval was obtained. One hundred and thirty-three consenting blood donors aged between 18-50 years were recruited for the study. Two milliliter's of blood were collected from each study participant and immediately transported to the laboratory for processing. Giemsa-stained films of the samples were viewed under the oil immersion objective of the microscope. Questionnaires were administered to the study participants to obtain relevant information. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS software version 20. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of malaria among the blood donors was 21.1% with the highest rate among commercial donors (33.3%) followed by family donors (12.9%) then voluntary donors (11.9%). Evaluation of the frequency of donation showed that malaria occurred more in recurring donors (77.78%) than first time donors (22.22%).

Microbiological characteristics of bloodstream infections in a reference hospital in northeastern Brazil / Características microbiológicas de infecções da corrente sanguínea em hospital de referência no nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Routine blood culture is used for the detection of bloodstream infections by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and by common pathogenic yeasts. A retrospective study was conducted in a public hospital in Maceió-AL, by collecting data of all medical records with positive blood cultures. Out of the 2,107 blood cultures performed, 17% were positive with Staphylococcus coagulase negative (51.14%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (11.21%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.32%). Gram-positive bacteria predominated among positive blood cultures, highlighting the group of Staphylococcus coagulase-negative. While Gram-negative bacteria had a higher number of species among positive blood cultures.

Resumo A cultura sanguínea de rotina é usada para a detecção de infecções na corrente sanguínea por bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias e por leveduras patogênicas comuns. Estudo retrospectivo realizado em hospital público de Maceió-AL, por meio da coleta de dados de todos os prontuários com culturas sanguíneas positivas. Das 2.107 culturas sanguíneas realizadas, 17% foram positivas com Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (51,14%), seguido por Staphylococcus aureus (11,21%) e Klebsiella pneumoniae (6,32%). As bactérias Gram-positiva predominaram entre as culturas de sangue positivas, destacando-se o grupo das Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo. Enquanto as bactérias Gram-negativas apresentaram um número maior de espécies entre as culturas de sangue positivas.

Association of blood groups/Rh and diabetes mellitus in Karachi city, Pakistan / Associação de grupos sanguíneos/Rh e diabetes mellitus na cidade de Karchi, Paquistão

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to find out a possible association between ABO blood groups or Rh and diabetes mellitus (DM) in the local population of eight (8) different towns of Karachi, Pakistan. For this purpose a survey was carried out in Karachi to have a practical observation of these towns during the period of 9 months from June 2019 to Feb. 2020. Out of eighteen (18) towns of Karachi, samples (N= 584) were collected from only eight (8) Towns of Karachi and gave a code-number to each town. Diabetic group sample was (n1=432) & pre-diabetes sample was (n2 =152). A standard Abbot Company Glucometer for Random Blood Sugar (RBS) and Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) tests, standard blood anti sera were used for ABO/Rh blood type. Health assessment techniques were performed ethically by taking informed consent from all registered subjects. Finally data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.0. In our current study, the comparison of ABO blood groups frequencies between diabetic and pre-diabetic individuals were carried out. The percentage values of blood Group-B as given as: (32% in DM vs. 31% in pre-diabetics), followed by blood Group-O as: (18% in DM vs. 11% in pre-diabetics). Contrary to Group-"B" & "O", blood Group-A and Group-AB were distribution percentage higher pre-diabetic as compared to DM patients, as given as: Group-A (32% in pre-diabetics vs. 26% in DM) & Group-AB (26% in pre-diabetics vs. 24% in diabetic's patients). In addition, percentage distribution of Rh system was also calculated, in which Rh+ve Group was high and more common in DM patients as compared to pre-diabetics; numerically given as: Rh+ve Group (80% in DM vs. 72% in pre-diabetics). Different views and dimensions of the research topic were studied through literature support, some have found no any association and some established a positive association still some were not clear in making a solid conclusion. It is concluded that DM has a positive correlation with ABO blood groups, and people with Group-B have increased susceptibility to DM disease.

Resumo O objetivo principal deste estudo foi descobrir uma possível associação entre grupos sanguíneos ABO ou Rh e diabetes mellitus (DM) na população local de oito (8) diferentes cidades de Karachi, Paquistão. Para tanto, foi realizado um levantamento em Karachi para observação prática dessas cidades durante o período de 9 meses de junho de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020.De dezoito (18) cidades de Karachi, as amostras (N = 584) foram coletadas de apenas oito (8) cidades de Karachi e deram um número-código para cada cidade. A amostra do grupo de diabéticos foi (n1 = 432) e a amostra de pré-diabetes foi (n2 = 152). Um glicômetro padrão da Abbot Company para testes de açúcar no sangue aleatório (RBS) e açúcar no sangue em jejum (FBS), antissoros de sangue padrão foram usados ​​para o tipo de sangue ABO / Rh. As técnicas de avaliação de saúde foram realizadas de forma ética, tomando o consentimento informado de todos os indivíduos registrados. Finalmente, os dados foram analisados ​​pelo SPSS versão 20.0.No presente estudo, foi realizada a comparação das frequências dos grupos sanguíneos ABO entre diabéticos e pré-diabéticos. Os valores percentuais do sangue do Grupo-B são dados como: (32% em DM vs. 31% em pré-diabéticos), seguido pelo sangue do Grupo-O como: (18% em DM vs. 11% em pré-diabéticos). Ao contrário dos Grupos "B" e "O", sangue do Grupo-A e Grupo-AB tiveram distribuição percentual maior de pré-diabéticos em comparação com pacientes com DM, dado como: Grupo-A (32% em pré-diabéticos vs. 26% em DM) e Grupo AB (26% em pré-diabéticos vs. 24% em pacientes diabéticos). Além disso, também foi calculada a distribuição percentual do sistema Rh, no qual o Grupo Rh + ve foi elevado e mais comum em pacientes com DM em comparação aos pré-diabéticos; dados numericamente como: Grupo Rh + ve (80% em DM vs. 72% em pré-diabéticos). Diferentes visões e dimensões do tema de pesquisa foram estudadas com o suporte da literatura, alguns não encontraram nenhuma associação e alguns estabeleceram uma associação positiva, embora alguns não estivessem claros em fazer uma conclusão sólida. Conclui-se que o DM tem correlação positiva com os grupos sanguíneos ABO, e as pessoas com o Grupo B têm maior suscetibilidade à doença DM.

Asociación del riesgo a desarrollar diabetes mellitus tipo 2 según la calculadora de la asociación americana de diabetes (ADA) y los hábitos tóxicos no ilícitos en pacientes que residen en una comunidad rural de Peravia, República Dominicana / Association of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) calculator and non-illicit toxic habits in patients residing in a rural community in Peravia, Dominican Republic

Introducción: la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) se define como un trastorno metabólico caracterizado por niveles de glucosa en sangre crónicamente elevados. La DM2 representa el paradigma de las enfermedades crónicas en las que existe una estrecha asociación entre factores familiares y ambientales. Por este motivo, este estudio tiene como finalidad determinar la asociación del riesgo a desarrollar DM2 y los hábitos tóxicos no ilícitos en pacientes que residen en una comunidad rural de Peravia, República Dominicana. Tales incluyen: alcohol, café y té. Metodología: Estudio observacional, transversal, analítico y prospectivo. Se aplicó cuestionario, recolectaron datos antropométricos y se determinó glucosa capilar a la muestra (n=304). Resultados: la prevalencia a presentar un alto riesgo a desarrollar DM2 en la población es de 35.5%, mientras que la prevalencia a presentar riesgo bajo es de 64.5%. En cuanto a hábitos tóxicos, no existió correlación positiva entre consumo de té y desarrollo de DM2. Sin embargo, sí entre el consumo de café y alcohol. Conclusiones: los habitantes de salinas presentan un bajo riesgo a desarrollar DM2, pero utilizan factores de riesgos modificables que aumentan la prevalencia a DM2.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is defined as a metabolic disorder characterized by chronically elevated blood glucose levels. DM2 represents the paradigm of chronic diseases in which there is a close association between family and environmental factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the association of the risk of developing DM2 and non-illicit toxic habits in patients residing in a rural community in Peravia, Dominican Republic. Such habits include alcohol, coffee and tea. Methodology: Observational, cross-sectional, analytical and prospective study. A questionnaire was applied, anthropometric data was collected, and capillary glucose was determined in the study sample (n=304). Results: the prevalence of presenting a high risk of developing DM2 in the population is 35.5%, while the prevalence of presenting low risk is 64.5%. Regarding toxic habits, there was no positive correlation between tea consumption and the development of DM2. However, this result differed between consumption of coffee and alcohol. Conclusions: the inhabitants of Salinas have a low risk of developing DM2 but are subject to modifiable risk factors that increase said prevalence.

Screening for the etiology of non-cirrhotic splanchnic vein thrombosis should be taken seriously in clinical practice / 临床肝胆病杂志

Non-cirrhotic splanchnic vein thrombosis （NC-SVT） mainly includes portal vein thrombosis， superior mesenteric vein thrombosis， splenic vein thrombosis， and hepatic vein thrombosis （Budd-Chiari syndrome）， and its prevalence rate is increasing with the increase in the incidence rates of related underlying diseases. Due to the harm of NC-SVT， there have been significant improvements in the awareness and ability for diagnosis among clinicians. However， anticoagulation and intervention therapies for thrombosis are often taken seriously in treatment， while the screening for risk factors or underlying diseases leading to SVT is ignored， which may affect the treatment outcome of thrombus in some patients and delay the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease. This article mainly introduces the acquired， hereditary， systemic， and local underlying diseases associated with the development of NC-SVT.

Exploring Modern Mechanism of Treating Diabetic Retinopathy and Coronary Heart Disease from Perspective of Blood Stasis Under Viewpoint of Treating Different Diseases with the Same Method / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Diabetic retinopathy（DR） and coronary heart disease（CHD） are both major chronic vascular complications that seriously jeopardize the health of the population and often occur together in clinical practice， it is of great clinical value to actively explore the association between the two in the process of disease development and methods of prevention and treatment of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）. According to TCM， the heart and eyes physiologically communicate with each other by taking Qi， blood and veins as bridges， blood stasis obstructing collaterals is the common TCM etiology of DR and CHD， whose mechanism involves inflammation， oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. Promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis plays an important role in the same treatment for different diseases and prevention and treatment of comorbidities， possibly by inhibiting the expression of interleukin-1β（IL-1β）， endothelin-1（ET-1） and hypoxia inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor（HIF-1α/VEGF）， regulating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin（PI3K/Akt/mTOR） pathway， initiating adenosine monophosphate（AMP）-activated protein kinase/silent information regulator 1（AMPK/SIRT1） and nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1（Nrf2/HO-1） signaling pathways， inhibiting Hippo/Yes-associated protein（Hippo/YAP） signaling pathway， inhibiting mitochondrial permeability transition pore and anti-platelet agglutination for treating DR and CHD， which provides a multi-component， multi-pathway and multi-target selection strategies and ideas for the prevention and treatment of DR and CHD by TCM from a biological perspective. Based on this， subsequent studies should focus on constructing clinically relevant comorbidity models， conducting multicenter prospective studies， and fully utilizing artificial intelligence technology to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between the two diseases， so as to elucidate the mechanism of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis in preventing and treating panvascular diseases.

Clinical Effect of Jianpi Huoxue Prescription Combined with Acupuncture on Chronic Atrophic Gastritis with Gastric Blood Stasis and Its Impact on Inflammatory Indicators and Gastric Mucosal Function / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the application effect of Jianpi Huoxue prescription combined with acupuncture in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG） of gastric blood stasis type. MethodA total of 86 patients with CAG admitted to Wuhan First Hospital from November 2021 to March 2023 were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The control group was treated with conventional Western medicine， while the observation group was treated with Jianpi Huoxue prescription combined with acupuncture. The clinical efficacy， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score， pathological score， negative conversion rate of Helicobacter pylori （Hp）， inflammatory indicators ［neutrophils/lymphocytes （NLR） and interleukin （IL）-1β］， changes in levels of gastric protease （PG） Ⅰ， PG Ⅰ/PG Ⅱ， and gastrin-17 （G-17）， and drug safety during treatment were observed after treatment in both groups. ResultAfter treatment， the total effective rate of the observation group ［95.35% （41/43）］ was significantly better than that of the control group ［79.07% （34/43）］， and the difference was statistically significant （χ2=5.108， P<0.05）. After treatment， the scores of the primary and secondary TCM syndromes in the observation group and the control group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. After treatment， the scores of primary and secondary TCM syndromes in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the pathological scores of gastric mucosa atrophy， activity， chronic inflammation， intestinal metaplasia， and dysplasia were significantly lower in the observation group and control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the pathological scores of gastric mucosa atrophy， activity， chronic inflammation， intestinal metaplasia， and dysplasia in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the Hp conversion rate in the observation group was significantly increased compared with the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the levels of inflammatory indicators NLR and IL-1β in the observation group and control group were significantly lower （P<0.05）， and the levels of inflammatory indicators NLR and IL-1β in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the levels of PGI and PGⅠ/PGⅡ in the observation group and control group were significantly higher （P<0.05）， and the levels of PGI and PGⅠ/PGⅡ in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the G-17 level of the observation group and the control group was different at different time points （P<0.05）， and the G-17 level of the observation group was higher at different time points than that of the control group （P<0.05）. The G-17 level of the observation group had an increasing trend compared with the control group （P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in the risk of adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionThe combination of Jianpi Huoxue prescription and acupuncture can effectively alleviate symptoms， increase Hp negative conversion rate， inhibit inflammation， and regulate PG and G-17 levels in CAG patients， thus controlling or even reversing gastric mucosal atrophy and reducing the probability of its progression to gastric cancer.

Distribution characteristics and potential interaction between uric acid level and blood glucose status in elderly hypertension patients / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To study the distribution characteristics of blood uric acid level and blood glucose status and their potential interaction in elderly hypertensive patients. Methods The randomized study enrolled elderly patients with essential hypertension who were treated in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2022 and received antihypertensive therapy. Collected patients’ sociodemographic information, medical history, treatment history, etc., and detected their blood uric acid and blood glucose levels. Analyzed and described the subjects’ basic characteristics and the distribution of blood uric acid and blood glucose, and the potential interaction between them. Results A total of 205 subjects were included in this study, including 108 males and 97 females, with an average age of 70.94 years and an average BMI of 23.19kg/m2. During the study period, the average blood pressure level was controlled at SBP 151.34±10.96mmHg and DBP 96.24±9.87mmHg, and the proportion of excellent blood pressure control reached 89.27%. The blood uric acid level of the subjects was elevated by increasing of subjects' age and BMI (P < 0.05), and blood glucose only elevated by the increasing of BMI (P < 0.001). High BMI, high DBP, family history of hypertension, high blood uric acid level, and current history of diabetes were risk factors for elevated hypertension grade. Conclusions High DBP, high BMI, high blood uric acid level, current history of diabetes and family history of hypertension are risk factors in elderly hypertensive patients, we could make clinical treatment strategies for these patients accordingly.

Correlation analysis of serum lipids, HbA1C levels and insulin resistance in obese type 2 diabetes patients / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate the changes of blood lipid and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in obese type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients and their relationship with insulin resistance (Homa-IR). Methods A total of 120 cases of T2DM newly diagnosed in Motuo County, Tibet from February to October 2022 were selected as the observation group. According to BMI, the patients were divided into diabetes normal weight group (46 cases), overweight group (43 cases) and obesity group (31 cases); 145 healthy subjects were selected as the control group. The levels of HbA1c, fasting blood glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were detected in the study subjects, and Homa-IR and Homa-β indices were calculated. The height, weight, and abdominal circumference were measured. The differences in the levels of the above indicators between the observation group patients and the control group, as well as among various subgroups within the observation group were compared. The influencing factors of Homa-IR in obese T2DM patients were analyzed. Results Compared with the control group, a significant increase in BMI, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, HbA1c, FBG, FINS, TC, TG, LDL-C, UA, visceral fat area, and the levels of Home-IR and Home-β was found in the observation group (all P<0.05). There were significant differences in BMI, abdominal circumference, and the levels of FINS, Homa IR, Homa-β, and HbA1c in diabetes patients with different BMI (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that TG levels in obese T2DM patients in the observation group were significantly correlated with HbA1c (r=0.396, P=0.027), Homa-IR (r=0.405, P=0.024), and Home-β (r=-0.401, P=0.025); LDL-C was significantly correlated with Homa-IR (r=0.411, P=0.022) and Homa-β (r=-0.412, P=0.021); HbA1c was significantly positively correlated with BMI (r=0.371, P=0.040). Conclusion Insulin resistance is closely related to TG, LDL-C, and BMI in obese T2DM patients from the Motuo ethnic minority of Tibet, suggesting that these factors may play a role in the occurrence of T2DM.

Hearing loss and its relationship with blood pressure among workers exposed to noise in a brewery / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate the health status of workers exposed to noise in a brewery in Beijing and to analyze the relationship between hearing loss and blood pressure. Methods A total of 949 noise-exposed workers in a brewery who participated in occupational health examination were selected as the investigation subjects. A survey was conducted to investigate the pure tone hearing threshold and abnormal blood pressure of the workers with different characteristics, and to analyze the relationship between the two. Results Among the noise-exposed workers, the detection rates of hearing abnormality, hypertension, and increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 73.55%, 52.37%, 43.84% and 46.47%, respectively. The detection rates of hearing abnormality, indicators of hypertension, high frequency hearing threshold abnormality and increased binaural high frequency hearing threshold on average in males were higher than those in females (P 0.05), the detection rates of other hearing abnormality, indicators of hypertension, speech frequency hearing threshold abnormality, high frequency hearing threshold abnormality，increased binaural high frequency hearing threshold on average and the weighted value of the better ear's hearing threshold all increased or had an increasing trend with the increase of age or working years (P< 0.05). The detection rates of hypertension in the groups with high frequency hearing threshold abnormality and increased binaural high frequency hearing threshold on average were higher than those in the normal group (P＜0.05). Conclusion The noise-exposed workers in the brewery have hearing impairment, which is related to the occurrence of hypertension. It is recommended to strengthen the publicity and education on noise protection and take protective measures to reduce the occurrence of occupational noise injury.