Detection of plasma anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS)antibodies against enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli(EHEC) in asymptomatic kindergarten teachers fromBuenos Aires province

Resumen En Argentina, el síndrome urémico hemolítico causado por Escherichia coli enterohemorrágica (EHEC) tiene la más alta incidencia del mundo. Las infecciones por EHEC tienen un comportamiento endemoepidémico y causan del 20 al 30% de los síndromes de diarrea sanguinolenta en niños menores de 5 años. En el período 2016-2020, se notificaron 272 nuevos casos por año al Sistema de Vigilancia de Salud Nacional. Múltiples factores son responsables de la alta incidencia de SUH en Argentina, incluyendo la transmisión persona-persona. Con el objetivo de detectar posibles portadores asintomáticos de EHEC, realizamos un estudio preliminar de la frecuencia de anticuerpos antilipopolisacáridos contra los serotipos de EHEC más prevalentes en Argentina. El estudio se realizó con muestras de plasma obtenidas de 61 maestras y maestros de jardines de infantes de 26 instituciones del distrito de José C. Paz, localizado en el área suburbana de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. El 51% de las muestras presentaron anticuerpos contra los serotipos de lipopolisacáridos O157, O145, O121 y O103; el 6,4% de las muestras positivas tuvieron el isotipo IgM (n=2), el 61,3% el isotipo IgG (n=19) y el 32,3% los isotipos IgM e IgG (n=10). Dado que los anticuerpos antilipopolisacáridos presentan usualmente una duración corta, la detección de IgM específica podría indicar una infección reciente. Además, el alto porcentaje de muestras positivas hallado podría indicar una exposición frecuente a las cepas de EHEC en la cohorte estudiada. Asimismo, la gran población de adultos portadores asintomáticos de estas cepas patógenas podría contribuir al comportamiento endémico, a través de la transmisión persona-persona. El perfeccionamiento de programas educacionales continuos en jardines de infantes podría constituir una medida importante para reducir los casos de síndrome urémico hemolítico, no solo en Argentina, sino también en el mundo.

Abstract In Argentina, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by EHEC has the highest incidence in the world. EHEC infection has an endemo-epidemic behavior, causing 20-30% of acute bloody diarrhea syndrome in children under 5 years old. In the period 2016-2020, 272 new cases per year were notified to the National Health Surveillance System. Multiple factors are responsible for HUS incidence in Argentina including person-to-person transmission. In order to detect possible EHEC carriers, we carried out a preliminary study of the frequency of kindergarten teachers with anti-LPS antibodies against the most prevalent EHEC serotypes in Argentina. We analyzed 61 kindergarten teachers from 26 institutions from José C. Paz district, located in the suburban area of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Fifty-one percent of the plasma samples had antibodies against O157, O145, O121 and O103 LPS: 6.4% of the positive samples had IgM isotype (n=2), 61.3% IgG isotype (n=19) and 32.3% IgM and IgG (n=10). Given that antibodies against LPS antigens are usually short-lived specific IgM detection may indicate a recent infection. In addition, the high percentage of positive samples may indicate a frequent exposure to EHEC strains in the cohort studied, as well as the existence of a large non-symptomatic population of adults carrying pathogenic strains that could contribute to the endemic behavior through person-to-person transmission. The improvement of continuous educational programs in kindergarten institutions could be a mandatory measure to reduce HUS cases not only in Argentina but also globally.

Comparative analysis of asymptomatic infection prevalence in Beta, Delta, and Omicron surges of COVID-19

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had a devastating impact on the global population, with an estimated 650 million people infected and more than 6.6 million lives lost. Asymptomatic individuals have been shown to play a significant role in the transmission of the virus. Therefore, this study aims to investigate and compare the prevalence of asymptomatic individuals across three waves associated with the Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants of the virus. Methods This retrospective study was conducted between December 2020 and March 2022. The study population consisted of passengers on international flights who were referred to the Gerash Clinical and Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory. Real-time PCR was employed for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Results Out of a total of 8592 foreign travelers referred to our laboratory, 139 (1.16 %) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection and were asymptomatic. During the Beta surge, 35 (1.49 %) out of 2335 passengers tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. In the Delta surge, 31 (0.6 %) out of 5127 passengers tested positive. However, during the Omicron surge, a significantly higher number of passengers, specifically 73 (6.46 %) out of 1130, had a positive result for the SARS-CoV-2 test. Conclusion Considering the significant role of asymptomatic transmission in the spread of COVID-19, it is imperative to reconsider health policies when dealing with future surges of the Omicron subvariants. Additionally, we strongly recommend that the World Health Organization prioritize the development and distribution of second-generation vaccines that target not only disease but also infection prevention.

Viable Leishmania parasites in the absence of an in vitro IFN-γ response in asymptomatic carriers

ABSTRACT Asymptomatic infection (the absence or inapparent signs and symptoms) has been observed in many endemic areas of leishmaniasis, however, little is known about the parasitological and immunological factors associated with this type of infection. This study aimed to identify the in vitro expression of IFN-γ in asymptomatic carriers of viable Leishmania parasites. Asymptomatic infection was identified using the Montenegro skin test in an at-risk population from Yucatan, Mexico. Parasite viability was evinced in the blood by 7SL RNA transcripts amplification. The expression of mRNA IFN-γ was analyzed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with soluble Leishmania antigen, using RT-qPCR. Parasite viability was observed in 33.3 % (5/15) of asymptomatic subjects. No differences were found in the expression of IFN-γ between asymptomatic and healthy subjects, and no correlation was found between the presence of viable parasites and the expression of IFN-γ. This study demonstrates the persistence of Leishmania parasites in the absence of an in vitro IFN-γ response in asymptomatic carriers from Mexico.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome for COVID-19 by RT-PCR test during its intensifying phase, Gujarat, India

Background: The COVID-19 disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) originated from Wuhan, China, a pandemic. By knowing different demographic and clinical data, one can have a better idea about the progress and fate of disease, which will help others to plan accordingly to manage patients in terms of decreasing morbidity and mortality caused by it. Aims and Objectives: The study was done to describe the RT-PCR diagnostic profiles of SARS-CoV-2 patients in Gujarat from three districts (Arvalli, Sabarkantha, and Gandhinagar) and their correlation with respect to age, sex, travel history, symptoms, and underlying conditions. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with COVID-19, who were screened for SARS-CoV-2 from April 16 to May 25, 2020, from three districts of Gujarat (Arvalli, Sabarkantha, and Gandhinagar). Positive cases were confirmed by qRT-PCR and analyzed for epidemiological, demographic, and clinical characterization among different groups. Results: Of 4000 suspects screened, a total of 199 patients were confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among them, middle-aged group (5.4%) and young adult patients (4.3%) were infected with SARS-CoV-2. The median age was 33 years, including 143 males and 56 females. The positivity rate from breathlessness was 8 (28.5%), nasal discharge 2 (25%), and nausea/vomiting 2 (25%) followed by fever 28 (20%) among total cases in respective categories. Among asymptomatic 3536 patients, 146 patients were confirmed for SARS-CoV. Among 256 patients with comorbidities, 14 patients were confirmed for SARS-CoV. Conclusion: Clinical investigation in initial SARS-CoV-2 patients in the western Indian region revealed that young adult male was more susceptible than female. Symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat reports are useful for screening the SARS-CoV-2.

Shedding of infectious SARS-COV-2 in two asymptomatic children / Excreción de SARS-CoV-2 infeccioso en dos niños asin tomáticos

Abstract Asymptomatic infections with SARS-CoV-2 are associ ated with viral transmission and have a key role in the propagation of the pandemic. Understanding viral shed ding during asymptomatic infections is critical. Unfor tunately, data on asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is extremely limited. To determine the presence of viral viable shedding, we prospectively followed two healthy children of a family where both parents devel oped mild COVID-19 (April 2021). SARS-CoV-2 detection was made by RT-PCR and virus isolation by cell culture from saliva samples. Positive samples were sequenced to identify variants of SARS-CoV-2. Serum samples were evaluated to determine the presence of antibodies using a single enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, COVIDAR IgG). Both children were SARS-CoV-2 positive and asymptomatic. In addition, the virus grew in cell cul ture from saliva samples. Furthermore, one child showed viable SARS-CoV-2 for at least 17 days after the onset symptoms from his father. The recommended isolation period for asymptomatic contacts during the acquisition of data had been established for 10 days; however, this child remained with viable virus beyond that period. The positive samples from both children were consistent with B.1.1.28.1 lineage (Gamma). In both asymptomatic children, anti-Spike IgG was detected. Asymptomatic children may represent a source of infection that should not be underestimated during this pandemic.

Resumen Las infecciones asintomáticas por SARS-CoV-2 están asociadas a la transmisión viral y tienen un papel cla ve en la propagación de la pandemia. Comprender la excreción viral durante las infecciones asintomáticas es fundamental. Desafortunadamente, los datos sobre la infección asintomática por SARS-CoV-2 en niños son extremadamente limitados. Para determinar la presencia de excreción de virus viable, se siguió prospectivamente a dos niños sanos de una familia en la que ambos padres desarrollaron COVID-19 leve (abril 2021). La detección de SARS-CoV-2 se realizó por RT-PCR y el aislamiento del virus por cultivo celular a partir de muestras de saliva. Las muestras positivas se secuenciaron para identificar variantes de SARS-CoV-2. En las muestras de suero se determinó la presencia de anticuerpos utilizando un ensayo de ELISA (COVIDAR IgG). Ambos niños fueron positivos para SARS-CoV-2 y asintomáticos. Además, el virus creció en cultivos celulares a partir de muestras de saliva. Uno de los niños mantuvo SARS-CoV-2 via bles durante al menos 17 días después de la aparición de los síntomas de su padre. El período de aislamiento recomendado para contactos asintomáticos durante la adquisición de datos se había establecido en 10 días, sin embargo, este niño permaneció con virus viable más allá de ese período. Las muestras positivas de estos niños correspondieron al linaje B.1.1.28.1 (Gamma). En ambos niños asintomáticos se detectó anticuerpos IgG anti-Spike. Concluimos que los niños asintomáticos pueden representar una fuente de infección que no debe subestimarse durante esta pandemia.

¿Debemos manejar la hiperuricemia asintomática para proteger al riñón?

Contexto: el ácido úrico es el producto final de la degradación de las purinas en los primates, en condiciones normales es un agente antioxidante endógeno y participa en varias vías fisiológicas, sin embargo, cuando los niveles séricos de urato se incrementan, estos participan en el desarrollo de diversas enfermedades. Desde el siglo XIX se conoce de la asociación entre hiperuricemia y daño renal, aunque ninguna guía de manejo recomienda el uso de fármacos hipouricemiantes en pacientes asintomáticos, en algunos casos especiales, el manejo farmacológico beneficiará a pacientes con hiperuricemia, brindando protección al riñón y disminuyendo el riesgo de desarrollar enfermedad renal terminal. Objetivo: describir la relación entre hiperuricemia y daño renal, y analizar los casos en los que el manejo de esta condición con medicamentos resultará en un beneficio para el riñón de los pacientes. Metodología: revisión de la literatura sobre la participación de la hiperuricemia en el daño renal y análisis de los artículos revisados. Resultados: el manejo de la hiperuricemia asintomática puede proteger el riñón en algunas situaciones específicas. Conclusiones: hay situaciones específicas para la disminución de los niveles séricos de ácido úrico.

Background: Uric acid is the end product of purine degradation in primates, under normal conditions it is an endogenous antioxidant agent and participates in several physiological pathways. However, when serum urate levels are increased, they participate in the development of various diseases. Since the nineteenth century, the association between hyperuricemia and kidney damage has been known. Although no management guideline recommends the use of hypouricemic drugs in asymptomatic patients, in some special cases pharmacological management will benefit patients with hyperuricemia, providing protection to the kidney and decreasing the risk of developing end-stage renal disease. Purpose: To describe the relationship between hyperuricemia and kidney damage, and to analyze the cases in which the management of this condition with medications will result in a benefit for the kidney of patients. Methodology: Review of the literature on the involvement of hyperuricemia in kidney damage, analysis of the reviewed articles. Results: Management of asymptomatic hyperuricemia may protect the kidney in some specific situations. Conclusions: There are specific situations for the decrease of serum uric acid levels.

Rare Incidental Foreign Body in the Maxillary Sinus on Routine Radiographic Examination

Accidental entry of any foreign body into the paranasal sinus could be due to known causes or unknown causes with the patient being either symptomatic or sometimes asymptomatic. Such asymptomatic conditions make it difficult to detect the foreign body for an indefinite period which on a longer duration may lead to various complications later. Routine radiographic examination during dental checkup reports to serve a good purpose in these kinds of cases by accidental detection of such foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region leading to early diagnosis and timely management. The present paper highlights the importance of routine radiographs in detecting a rare type of foreign body (nasal stud) in the maxillary sinus in the asymptomatic patient.

Características poblacionales y placentarias asociadas a óbito en infección asintomática por SARS-CoV-2 / Population characteristics and placental findings associated with stillbirth in asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection

Resumen Objetivo: Comparar características poblacionales y hallazgos placentarios asociados a óbito, en mujeres con infección asintomática por coronavirus 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2) al momento de la resolución del embarazo. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal analítico, mujeres con diagnóstico de óbito e infección asintomática por SARS-CoV-2. Se excluyeron pacientes con patología ginecológica y aquellas con más de una prueba RT-PCR. Resultados: No hay diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las pacientes con infección asintomática por SARS-CoV-2 comparadas con pacientes sin infección para las características poblacionales como edad materna, antecedentes obstétricos, edad gestacional, escolaridad, estado civil, hábito tabáquico y enfermedades crónico-degenerativas. Tampoco hubo diferencia en los hallazgos placentarios de corioamnionitis, vasculitis, deciduitis, trombosis, aterosis aguda y necrosis fibrinoide. Conclusiones: No hay diferencia estadísticamente significativa en las características poblacionales y placentarias en embarazadas con diagnóstico de óbito, con y sin infección asintomática por SARS-CoV-2. Tenemos datos insuficientes para afirmar alguna característica asociada a óbito en pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2 asintomática.

Abstract Objective: To compare population characteristics and placental findings associated with stillbirth, in women with asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection at the time of delivery. Materials and methods: Analytical cross-sectional study women with a diagnosis of stillbirth and with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with gynecological pathology and those with more than one RT-PCR test were excluded. Results: There is no statistically significant difference between patients with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to patients without infection for population characteristics such as maternal age, obstetric history, gestational age, education, marital status, smoking habit, chronic-degenerative diseases. There was no difference in placental findings of chorioamnionitis, vasculitis, deciduitis, thrombosis, acute atherosis, and fibrinoid necrosis. Conclusions: There is no statistically significant difference in the population and placental characteristics, in pregnant women diagnosed with stillbirth with and without confirmed asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. For the moment, we have insufficient data to affirm any population characteristic associated with stillbirth in patients with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Prevalencia de infección por Chlamydia trachomatis y relación con el perfil de conductas sexuales en adolescentes y mujeres jóvenes de la Provincia de Osorno, Chile

Introducción: La infección por Chlamydia trachomatis es la ITS bacteriana más frecuente del mundo. En el cervix se presenta mayormente de forma asintomática y afecta especialmente a mujeres jóvenes y adolescentes. Puede producir daño permanente en el tracto reproductor femenino, se asocia a parto prematuro, infecciones neonatales transmitidas vía vertical y mayor riesgo de adquirir otras ITS como VIH Y VPH. Por estos motivos se han establecido estrategias de tamizaje para detectar y tratar precozmente la infección asintomática por C. trachomatis en diferentes países. En nuestro país no contamos con un programa nacional de tamizaje. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de infección asintomática por Chlamydia trachomatis en mujeres entre 12 y 21 años de la Provincia de Osorno, Región de Los Lagos, Chile. Pacientes y Métodos: Se desarrolló un estudio de diseño transversal con una cohorte única de mujeres adolescentes y jóvenes consultantes en el Policlínico de Alto Riesgo Obstétrico y de Ginecología Infantil y Adolescente, del Hospital Base de Osorno, entre enero de 2019 y enero 2020. Se determinó el estado de infección asintomática mediante RPC en tiempo real para C. trachomatis. Se realizó una encuesta a fin de determinar características demográficas, hábitos y conductas sexuales de las pacientes estudiadas. Resultados: Fueron reclutadas 124 mujeres entre 12 a 21 años de edad, de las cuales, 36 (29,3%) se encontraban embarazadas al momento del estudio. La prevalencia de infección asintomática por C. trachomatis fue de 14/124 (11,3%). En las mujeres gestantes se encontraron 6/36 (16,7%) casos positivos de infección por C. trachomatis y 8/88 (9,1%) en las no gestantes. Existe una mayor frecuencia de infección asintomática a menor edad de inicio de actividad sexual (33,3% en aquellas que inician entre 11-12 años vs. 16,2% en las que inician entre 1314 años, 7,4% entre 15-16 y 8% entre 17-21 años; p < 0,05). Esta tendencia no fue observada al comparar el estado de infección con el tiempo de vida sexual activa. Sólo 15,7% de las pacientes utilizó preservativo en todas sus relaciones sexuales. Discusión: La infección asintomática por C. trachomatis es frecuente en las mujeres adolescentes y jóvenes sexualmente activas. Las pacientes con inicio más temprano de la actividad sexual coital (bajo 13 años de edad) podrían estar en mayor riesgo. Se requiere con urgencia establecer la frecuencia nacional de infección para desarrollar una estrategia sanitaria para su pesquisa y manejo oportuno en nuestro país.

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the world most common bacterial STI. At uterine cervix it presents mostly asymptomatically and especially affects young women and adolescents. It can cause permanent damage to the female reproductive tract and is associated with premature birth, connatal infections and increased risk of acquiring other STIs such as HIV and HPV. For these reasons, other countries have established screening strategies to detect and treat asymptomatic C. trachomatis infection. Our country don't have a national screening program. Aim: To determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis asymptomatic infection in adolescent and young women in Osorno province, Los Lagos Region, Chile. Methods: A crosssectional study was performed in adolescent and young women who consult at Hospital Base Osorno in the MaternoFetal and PediatricAdolescent Gynecology ambulatory clinics, between January 2019 and January 2020. The status of asymptomatic infection was determined by PCR for C. trachomatis. A survey was carried out to determine the demographic characteristics, habits and sexual behaviors. Results: 124 women between 12 and 21 years of age were recruited, of which 36 (29,3%) were pregnant at the time of the study. The prevalence of asymptomatic infection by C. trachomatis was 11.3.%. In pregnant women, there were 6/36 (16.7%) positive cases for C. trachomatis and 8/88 (9.1%) in nonpregnant women. We found a higher frequency of asymptomatic infection at younger age of first sexual intercourse (33% in adolescents at 11-12 years old vs. 16.2% at 13-14, 7.4% at 15-16 and 8% at 17-21; p<0.05). Only 15.7% of the patients utilized condoms in all their intercourses. Discussion: Asymptomatic C. trachomatis infection is common in adolescent and young women, with a higher risk in those who onset sexual activity at an early age (less than 13 years old). It is urgently required to determine the national frequency of asymptomatic C. trachomatis infection to develop a national strategy for screening and timely treatment.

Prevalence of Undiagnosed Diabetes and Impaired Glucose Tolerance in a Semi-urban Population from Calicut City

Though the prevalence of Diabetes is increasing worldwide, a thorough knowledge of the prevalence of undiagnosed Diabetes a pre-diabetes is lacking. This study from India is to evaluate the prevalence of asymptomatic diabetes among adults with comorbidities and without any history of Diabetes. Prevalence of asymptomatic individuals with Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerancewas 3% and 15%, respectively. The high prevalence found in the study raises concern over the health care indices and the need for urgent public health action to control the pandemic. Regular screening for Diabetes in adults is required to prevent complications of long-term diabetes

Clinical observation on Yi Jin Jing(Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises)in improving anxiety for asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 infection during quarantine / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effect of Yi Jin Jing(Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises)intervention on anxiety in asymptomatic patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)infection during quarantine.Methods:A total of 160 asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 infection were stratified by gender and divided into an observation group and a control group by the stratified randomization method,with 80 cases in each group.The control group was given basic nursing in the cabin,and the observation group was given additional Yi Jin Jing exercises once a day,20 min each time,and trained continuously until 1 d before leaving the cabin.The Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA)score was compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 154 cases were included for data analysis in this study,including 74 cases in the observation group and 80 cases in the control group.After intervention,the HAMA scores in both groups increased(P<0.05),while the score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).In the control group,the HAMA score of females after intervention was higher than that of males.The scores of mental anxiety and somatic anxiety in both groups were higher than those before intervention,while the score of mental anxiety in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control(P<0.05).However,there was no statistical difference in the somatic score between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Patients with COVID-19 infection will get anxious during quarantine.Yi Jin Jing exercise can effectively reduce the aggravation of anxiety in asymptomatic patients with COVID-19 infection during concentrated quarantine.

Necessity of asymptomatic bacteriuria screening during pregnancy / 中华围产医学杂志

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) refers to the presence of one or more species of bacteria in an individual's urine without the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Previous studies have shown that untreated ASB during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Many international guidelines recommend a single screen-and-treat approach to ASB during pregnancy. Still, this approach has not been proven favorable to pregnancy outcomes in low-risk populations by recent studies. ASB screening is not a routine obstetric examination in clinical practice in China. Given this, this article will review the evidence of ASB screening during pregnancy and analyze the recommendations and existing problems in the guidelines from various academic organizations. Clinical studies should be carried out according to the situation in the region, and the basic risks and treatment benefits of ASB in pregnancy should be analyzed in combination with specific data to establish a proper screening and treatment plan for ASB during pregnancy. Screening for ASB is recommended for pregnant women with high-risk factors at this stage.

Effect of febuxostat on vascular endothelial function and elasticity in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of febutostat on vascular endothelial function, intima-media thickness(C-IMT) and elasticity of the carotid artery in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial that enrolled asymptomatic hyperuricemia patients from the outpatient and inpatient departments of Huai′an First People′s Hospital from October 2018 to October 2020. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: the Febuxostat group and the control group. Serum triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), nitric oxide(NO), endothelin-1(ET-1), malondialdehyde(MDA), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) were measured at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment, and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation(FMD) was quantified by color Doppler ultrasound. The following parameters of the common carotid artery were detected at baseline and 12 months after treatment: C-IMT, arterial compliance(AC), one-point pulse wave velocity(PWV), stiffness index(β), and pressure-strain elasticity modulus(Ep). The differences before and after treatment and between the two groups were compared. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between ΔUA and ΔNO, ΔET-1, ΔC-IMT, ΔAC, Δβ, ΔEp, and ΔPWVβ after treatment with febuxostat. Results:Compared with baseline, TG, HOMA-IR, ET-1 and MDA were significantly lower, while FMD, NO and SOD were significantly higher after 3-months treatment with febuxostat. After 12-months treatment, there was no significant difference in C-IMT or Ep, but there was an increase in AC and a decrease in PWVβ or β compared with baseline. There was a negative correlation between ΔFMD and ΔUA( r=-0.403, P=0.004), but there were no correlations between ΔNO and ΔUA( r=-0.187, P=0.194), ΔET-1 and ΔUA( r=0.038, P=0.791) after 6-months treatment. And ΔUA was an independent factor for ΔFMD( F=2.94, P=0.003, adjusted R2=0.139). After 12-months treatment, there was a negative correlation between ΔAC and ΔUA, and a positive correlation between ΔPWVβ and ΔUA, but there were no correlations between the following indicators: ΔC-IMT and ΔUA( r=0.169, P=0.240), Δβ and ΔUA( r=-0.214, P=0.136), ΔEp and ΔUA( r=-0.077, P=0.597). In the control group, there were no differences among the above indicators between each follow-up time and baseline. Conclusion:Febuxostat improves vascular endothelial function and elasticity in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, which may be related to the decreased oxidative stress response.

Correlation between cognitive impairment and cortical atrophy in elderly patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To analyze the correlation between cognitive impairment and cortical atrophy in elderly patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS).Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 40 consecutive elderly patients with ACAS treated in the Department of Neurology, Northern Jiangsu People′s Hospital from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 (ACAS group), and 40 elderly healthy controls who accepted physical examination during the same period (control group) were included. Cognitive assessment was performed using the Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), and brain magnetic resonance imaging scanning was performed in the ACAS group. The artificial intelligence technique was applied for brain lobe segmentation and cortical volume calculation. The χ2-test, independent sample t-test and Wilcoxon non-parametric test were used to analyze the difference of clinical data and cognitive scores between the two groups. In the ACAS group, the cortical volumes of the side with carotid stenosis was compared with that of the normal side, and Spearman′s correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between cognitive scores and cortical atrophy. Results:Compared with the control group, the ACAS group got significantly lower scores of MMSE and MoCA, as well as lower scores of visuospatial executive function, attention and calculation, language function, abstraction ability and delayed recall [(25.60±2.49) vs (27.18±1.01), (22.05±3.59) vs (25.60±1.43), (2.73±1.04) vs (4.08±0.62), (4.53±0.93) vs (5.03±0.66), 2.00 (0.00) vs 3.00 (0.00), 1.00 (1.00) vs 2.00 (0.00), and (2.95±0.96) vs (3.35±0.62)] (all P<0.05). There was not significant differences in naming and orientation ability between the two groups (both P>0.05). The volume of cortical, temporal lobe, frontal lobe, parietal lobe and insular lobe on the side with carotid stenosis in the ACAS group were significantly smaller than those on the normal side [186.23 (177.97, 202.53) vs 194.67 (185.65, 204.82) cm 3, 54.74 (50.66, 56.95) vs 55.61 (51.24, 58.49) cm 3, 72.98 (70.76, 78.34) vs 75.27 (72.34, 80.66) cm 3, 53.66 (51.11, 57.86) vs 56.59 (52.80, 60.09) cm 3, 6.57 (6.35, 7.07) vs 6.72 (6.46, 7.34) cm 3] (all P<0.05). The MoCA score in the ACAS group was positively related to the cortical volume ratio of the two sides ( r=0.427, P<0.01). The attention ( r=0.353) and abstraction ( r=0.226) ability scores were positively correlated with the temporal lobe volume ratios of the two sides (both P<0.05). The visuospatial executive ( r=0.187) and language ( r=0.373) ability scores were positively correlated with frontal lobe volume ratios of the two sides (both P<0.05), and visuospatial executive ( r=0.386), naming ( r=0.344), language ( r=0.517), abstraction ( r=0.335) and delayed recall ( r=0.333) ability scores were positively correlated with parietal lobe volume ratios of the two sides (all P<0.05). Conclusion:In elderly patients with ACAS, the cognitive impairment and cortical atrophy on the sides with carotid stenosis are significant and a positive correlation is detected between them.

Correlation between different clinical manifestations and changes of blood indexes in canine leishmaniasis / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To study the main blood parameters of Leishmania-infected dogs with different clinical symptoms in the high incidence area of visceral leishmaniasis in Gansu Province, and to provide scientific basis for early diagnosis and monitoring of canine leishmaniasis. Methods:In May 2019, Wenxian County of Longnan City and Diebu County of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the historical endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis in Gansu Province, were selected as the investigation sites, and 40 dogs with positive Leishmania DNA were investigated. According to their clinical symptoms, they were divided into three groups: asymptomatic ( n = 17), minimally symptomatic ( n = 12) and symptomatic ( n = 11). At the same time, 10 healthy dogs were selected as controls. Major blood indexes were detected by an automatic animal blood five-classification cell analyzer. Results:Compared with the control group, the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin content, hematocrit, and the number of lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils in the asymptomatic, minimally symptomatic and symptomatic groups were decreased ( P < 0.05), while the number of white blood cells and neutrophils in minimally symptomatic and symptomatic groups were decreased ( P < 0.05). The above blood indexes were lower in the symptomatic group than those in the asymptomatic group. The number of red blood cells (control group vs symptomatic group) decreased from (6.82 ± 0.05) × 10 12/L to (4.19 ± 0.08) × 10 12/L, hemoglobin content decreased from (15.84 ± 0.74) g/L to (9.65 ± 0.18) g/L, hematocrit decreased from (46.41 ± 0.95)% to (27.86 ± 0.42)%, the number of white blood cells decreased from (14.90 ± 0.22) × 10 9/L to (10.23 ± 0.24) × 10 9/L, the number of neutrophils decreased from (7.25 ± 0.18) × 10 9/L to (6.18 ± 0.11) × 10 9/L, the number of lymphocytes decreased from (2.80 ± 0.07) × 10 9/L to (1.64 ± 0.06) × 10 9/L, the number of monocytes decreased from (1.13 ± 0.01) × 10 9/L to (0.53 ± 0.02) × 10 9/L, and the number of eosinophils decreased from (1.70 ± 0.06) × 10 9/L to (0.71 ± 0.03) × 10 9/L. Conclusion:Different clinical symptoms of Leishmania-infected dogs have different blood test results.

Clinical characteristics of asymptomatic infection of brucellosis / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of asymptomatic infection of brucellosis, in order to provide reference for prevention and treatment of brucellosis.Methods:Retrospective analysis was used to collect the clinical data of patients with brucellosis asymptomatic infection and confirmed cases admitted to the 940th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese PLA from 2017 to 2021, and the demography characteristics, clinical manifestations and laboratory test results were analyzed.Results:The results showed that a total of 18 cases of asymptomatic infection and 85 confirmed cases of brucellosis were included, and there was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, occupation and ethnicity distribution between the two groups ( F = 7.09, χ 2 = 0.74, 4.02, 0.55, P = 0.295, 0.785, 0.327, 1.000). The 18 cases of asymptomatic infection of brucellosis were found through screening in key populations, and no clinical symptoms or abnormal imaging signs were observed. The clinical symptoms of 85 confirmed cases were mainly muscle and joint pain, fever, sweating, fatigue, and low back pain; and the imaging manifestations were mainly arthritis, splenomegaly, and spondylitis. The median percentage of eosinophils (0.70%, 1.40%), percentage of basophils (3.05%, 0.40%), C-reactive protein (1.62, 4.62 mg/L), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (1.00, 11.00 mm/h), and antibody titer of serum agglutination test (1 ∶ 100, 1 ∶ 200) showed statistically significant differences between asymptomatic infection and confirmed cases of brucellosis ( Z = - 2.97, - 5.11, - 3.49, - 3.21, - 3.50, P = 0.003, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.007). Conclusions:There is a difference in the composition of granulocytes between asymptomatic infection and confirmed cases of brucellosis, and the level of inflammatory response indicators is lower than that of confirmed cases. Regular seroepidemiological surveys among key populations can help screen for asymptomatic infection of brucellosis.

Disputes and thinking on the clinical diagnosis and treatment of asymptomatic gallstones / 国际外科学杂志

Cholecystolithiasis is a common clinical disease, which can be secondary to cholecystitis, cholangitis, pancreatitis and gallbladder cancer. Many patients with gallstone have no obvious clinical symptoms such as biliary colic. Some patients are indeed asymptomatic because there are not obstruction and inflammation. However, some patients have no symptoms due to ignorance, mistaken for stomach pain, enteritis, etc. Some patients have no symptoms because of insensitivity and insufficient perception. For other patients with abnormal gallbladder morphology and structure, non-functional gallbladder must be no pain. To clarify the concept, diagnosis and classification of asymptomatic gallstones according to pathophysiological stages is conducive to the development of personalized management strategies. According to guidelines formulated by different periods, different regions and different medical institutions, there are many controversies regarding the management of asymptomatic gallstones, including regular follow-up, drug treatment, surgical resection or gallblades-saving lithotomy. Reasonable personalized diagnosis and treatment requires more in-depth basic research evidence.

A cross sectional validation study of sonographic findings of the first metatarsophalangeal Joint in gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia

Objective@#Musculoskeletal ultrasound has gained recognition in early identification of crystal deposits in the joints and soft tissues. This study aims to validate the sonographic features of 1st metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) in gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AH).@*Methods@#Patients with gout (n=20) and AH (n=16) underwent a gray-scale ultrasound assessment of both 1st MTPJs on 3 positions (dorsal, medial, plantar) in longitudinal view. The static images were read by 2 blinded trained sonologists for the presence of double contour sign (DCS), erosions, and tophi.

Screening for malaria infection in residents on the China-Myanmar border: RDT, microscopy and PCR / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To compare the screening effects of RDT, microscopy and PCR for malaria among residents in low malaria areas and elimination areas, and to investigate the presence of malaria in residents of border Villages in Cangyuan Va County and asymptomatic infections in surrounding areas, providing a basis for preventing re-introduction of malaria after elimination. Methods From August 2020 to March 2021, the fingertip blood of the investigated subjects was collected from three survey sites in the border area between China and Myanmar, namely Banlao Township in Cangyuan Va Autonomous County of Lincang City, Banwai District, Mengmao County, the Second Special Zone of Shan State, Myanmar, Yongmo and Dayan Township, Nandeng Special Zone, the Second Special Zone of Shan State, Myanmar. The malaria parasite antigen detection test kit, malaria parasite microscopic examination, fluorescent quantitative PCR and nested PCR were used to detect the asymptomatic infection of malaria parasites. Results A total of 1 040 blood samples were collected, including 606 from China and 434 from Myanmar, with 506 males and 534 females. Among them, , there were 51 individuals aged 0 to <5 years, 283 aged 5 to < years, 187 aged 15 to < years, 232 aged 30 to <45 years, 205 aged 45 to < years, and 82 aged ≥60 years. All 1 040 people tested negative for plasmodium antigen detection kit. One case of Plasmodium vivax detected by plasmodium microscopic etiology, with a detection rate of 0.10%. One case of P. vivax was also detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR and nested PCR, with a detection rate of 0.10%. Among them, one case of P. vivax was detected in Banwai District, Mengmao County, the Second Special Zone of Shan State, Myanmar, with a detection rate of 0.35%. The detection rates of malaria parasites in Banlao Township in Cangyuan Va Autonomous County of Lincang City, Yunnan Province and Yongmo Township and Dayan Township, Nandeng Special District, the Second Special Zone of Shan State, Myanmar were both 0. The difference in the detection rate of malaria parasites among the three survey sites was not statistically significant (χ2 =2.682, P>0.05). The asymptomatic P. vivax infection was detected in a 6-year-old girl from Banwai District, Mengmao County, the Second Special Zone of Shan State, Myanmar. Conclusions RDT is not suitable for malaria screening in low malaria area and elimination area. Microscopic examination and PCR can be used for malaria screening, but PCR operation is complex and costly. In surrounding areas outside of China, malaria is still prevalent, while there is no source of malaria infection in border villages of Cangyuan Va County. However, there is a risk of importation, and timely and effective measures should be taken to prevent reintroduction and transmission.

A Campylobacteriosis Outbreak Caused by One Asymptomatic Food Handler Carrier / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

In August 2021, three students with diarrhea from the same school visited a local hospital in the S district of Beijing. An epidemic investigation showed that there were more students with diarrhea in the same school and they had one meal together. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from both patients with diarrhea and asymptomatic food handlers; however, the latter also carried Campylobacter coli. Phylogenomic analysis showed that there was a campylobacteriosis outbreak among the students, and the asymptomatic food handler may have been the source of the infection. Routine inspection and surveillance for Campylobacter is needed for the food producing staff, particularly those cooking in the cafeteria in schools or other public food services.