Molecular detection, risk factors, and phylogenetic analysis of tick-borne pathogens in dogs from northern Vietnam.

In tropical regions, numerous tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) play a crucial role as causative agents of infectious diseases in humans and animals. Recently, the population of companion and pet dogs has significantly increased in Vietnam; however, information on the occurrence of TBPs is still limited. The objectives of this investigation were to determine the occurrence rate, risk factors, and phylogenetic characteristics of TBPs in dogs from northern Vietnam. Of 341 blood samples tested by PCR, the total infection of TBPs was 73.9% (252/341). Babesia vogeli (18SrRNA gene - 30.5%) was detected most frequently in studied dogs followed by Rickettsia spp. (OmpA gene - 27%), Anaplasma platys (groEL gene - 22%), Bartonella spp. (16SrRNA - 18.8%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (16SrRNA - 9.4%) and Hepatozoon canis (18SrRNA gene - 1.2%), respectively. All samples were negative for Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophylum. Co-infection was detected in 31.4% of the samples (107/341) of which, A. platys/Bartonella spp. (34/94,10%), Rickettsia spp./B. vogeli (19/94, 5.6%), and M. haemocanis/B. vogeli (19/94, 5.6%) were recorded as the three most frequent two species of co-infection types. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between TBP infection and several host variables regarding age, breed, and living area in the current study. The recent findings reported herein, for the first time in Vietnam, are essential for local veterinarians when considering the appropriate approaches for diagnosing these diseases. Furthermore, this data can be used to establish control measures for future surveillance and prevention strategies against canine TBPs in Vietnam.

Proton pump inhibitor and histamine-2 receptor antagonist use and risk of liver cancer in two population-based studies.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are commonly used. PPIs have been shown to promote liver cancer in rats; however, only one study has examined the association in humans. AIMS: To investigate PPIs and H2RAs and risk of primary liver cancer in two large independent study populations. METHODS: We conducted a nested case-control study within the Primary Care Clinical Informatics Unit (PCCIU) database in which up to five controls were matched to cases with primary liver cancer, recorded by General Practitioners. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for associations with prescribed PPIs and H2RAs were calculated using conditional logistic regression. We also conducted a prospective cohort study within the UK Biobank using self-reported medication use and cancer-registry recorded primary liver cancer. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were calculated using Cox regression. RESULTS: In the PCCIU case-control analysis, 434 liver cancer cases were matched to 2103 controls. In the UK Biobank cohort, 182 of 475 768 participants developed liver cancer. In both, ever use of PPIs was associated with increased liver cancer risk (adjusted OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.34, 2.41 and adjusted HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.34, 2.94 respectively). There was little evidence of association with H2RA use (adjusted OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.84, 1.76 and adjusted HR 1.70, 95% CI 0.82, 3.53 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We found some evidence that PPI use was associated with liver cancer. Whether this association is causal or reflects residual confounding or reverse causation requires additional research.

Caretakers' barriers to pediatric antiretroviral therapy adherence in Vietnam - A qualitative and quantitative study.

BACKGROUND: Poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence leads to drug resistance and treatment failures. The options for second and third line ART regimens, particularly for pediatric patients, are very limited in low and middle-income countries. HIV-infected children are mostly passive drug-takers, thus caretakers play a very important role in assuring ART adherence. Pediatric ART adherence is still a challenging problem in Vietnam since non-adherence is the major risk factor for treatment failure. Our study explores and measures caretakers' barriers in order to improve pediatric ART adherence in future. METHODS: Exploring caretakers' barriers was conducted through a qualitative study with Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on two topics: 1. Current society - family support and difficulties in taking care children under ART; 2. Stigma experience. Based on the finding from the qualitative study a quantitative study measuring caretakers' barriers was conducted through a designed questionnaire. Study methods strictly followed the consolidated criteria with 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups. RESULTS: In total eight FGDs with 53 participants were conducted. Common caretakers' barriers to children's ART adherence, were financial burden, lack of ART KP (Knowledge-Practice), stigma, depression, shifting caretaker, drug taste and side effects, lack of family support, fixed health check-up schedule and HIV non-disclosure. In the questionnaire study a total of 209 caretakers participated. The most commonly reported caretakers' barriers were: financial burden (144; 69%), KP burden (143; 68%), depression (85; 41%) and stigma (30; 14.8%). Some caretakers' characteristics that significantly associated with reported barriers (p<0.05). Rural caretakers reported significantly more financial burden (OR=2.26) and stigma (OR=3.53) than urban. Caretakers with under high school level education reported significantly more financial burdens (OR=2.08) and stigma (OR=4.15) compared to caretakers with high school education or over. CONCLUSION: Financial burden, KP burden, depression and stigma were common reported caretakers' barriers to pediatric ART adherence. Family residence, caretaker's education level and job were considered as the key factors determining caretakers' barriers related to financial burden and stigma. These findings may be important for policy makers and researchers in order to develop effective interventions regarding to caretakers' burdens and associated factors. Furthermore, a tool for nurses in monitoring caretakers' barriers to pediatric ART adherence was developed first with FDG, and then interview questionnaire. This tool could be applied and modified easily in any pediatric ART clinic settings in accordance to economic, social and cultural circumstances.

The effects of environmental enrichment and beak-trimming during the rearing period on subsequent feather damage due to feather-pecking in laying hens.

This experiment investigated effects of environmental enrichment and beak-trimming during the rearing period on behavior in rearing and plumage damage later in life. Treatments were applied in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Half of the birds were beak-trimmed at 1 d of age using an infra-red laser. A follow-up light-trim was performed at 11 wk of age with a hot blade. Environmental enrichment consisted of pecking strings, whole oats in the litter, and greater litter depth. Sixteen pens of 50 ISA Brown laying hens were used. Four pullets were selected from each pen as focal birds and observed in their home pens between 3 and 14 wk of age. Plumage damage was scored at the end of the experiment in wk 43. Beak-trimmed birds performed less ground-pecking (P = 0.003), less severe feather-pecking (P = 0.021) and more gentle feather-pecking (P = 0.018) than their non-trimmed counterparts during the rearing period. These birds also exhibited less feather damage in wk 43 (P < 0.001). The results indicate that gentle feather-pecking during rearing is not related to plumage damage when older. Additionally, higher rates of ground-pecking and severe feather-pecking during rearing may be predictive of plumage damage later in life. There was no effect of enrichment on plumage damage. It was concluded that while there was no effect on enrichment, beak-trimming appeared to be effective in reducing plumage damage in wk 43.

Nurse-led follow-up of patients after oesophageal or gastric cardia cancer surgery: a randomised trial.

Between January 2004 and February 2006, 109 patients after intentionally curative surgery for oesophageal or gastric cardia cancer were randomised to standard follow-up of surgeons at the outpatient clinic (standard follow-up; n=55) or by regular home visits of a specialist nurse (nurse-led follow-up; n=54). Longitudinal data on generic (EuroQuol-5D, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30) and disease-specific quality of life (EORTC QLQ-OES18), patient satisfaction and costs were collected at baseline and at 6 weeks and 4, 7 and 13 months afterwards. We found largely similar quality-of-life scores in the two follow-up groups over time. At 4 and 7 months, slightly more improvement on the EQ-VAS was noted in the nurse-led compared with the standard follow-up group (P=0.13 and 0.12, respectively). Small differences were also found in patient satisfaction between the two groups (P=0.14), with spouses being more satisfied with nurse-led follow-up (P=0.03). No differences were found in most medical outcomes. However, body weight of patients of the standard follow-up group deteriorated slightly (P=0.04), whereas body weight of patients of the nurse-led follow-up group remained stable. Medical costs were lower in the nurse-led follow-up group (2600 euro vs 3800 euro), however, due to the large variation between patients, this was not statistically significant (P=0.11). A cost effectiveness acceptability curve showed that the probability of being cost effective for costs per one point gain in general quality-of-life exceeded 90 and 75% after 4 and 13 months of follow-up, respectively. Nurse-led follow-up at home does not adversely affect quality of life or satisfaction of patients compared with standard follow-up by clinicians at the outpatient clinic. This type of care is very likely to be more cost effective than physician-led follow-up.

Randomized clinical trial comparing feeding jejunostomy with nasoduodenal tube placement in patients undergoing oesophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Feeding jejunostomy is frequently performed in patients undergoing oesophageal surgery, but can lead to serious complications. This prospective randomized trial compared the efficacy and complications of feeding jejunostomy with those of nasoduodenal tube feeding in oesophageal surgery. METHODS: Over an 18-month period, 150 consecutive patients undergoing oesophageal resection were randomized to participate in the trial. Enteral access was by jejunostomy in 79 patients and by nasoduodenal tube in 71. Enteral feeding was started on the first day after surgery. RESULTS: Full enteral feeding took 3 days to be established in both groups. Minor catheter-related complications occurred in 28 patients (35 per cent) in the jejunostomy group, and in 21 (30 per cent) in the nasoduodenal group (P = 0.488). One patient had jejunostomy leakage that required reoperation. Enteral nutrition was given for a median of 11 days in the jejunostomy group and for 10 days in the nasoduodenal group. Nine patients who had a jejunostomy and five with a nasoduodenal tube did not tolerate full enteral feeding (P = 0.411). CONCLUSION: Nasoduodenal tube feeding is safe and efficient after oesophageal resection.

Experiences and expectations of patients after oesophageal cancer surgery: an explorative study.

We investigated which problems patients experience after resection for oesophageal cancer and what care they expect, in order to devise a better-tailored follow-up policy. Thirty patients, all within 1 year after surgery, filled in a one-time questionnaire on experienced physical, psychological and social problems and on expected care for these problems. Additionally, a semi-structured interview was performed. Frequencies of experienced problems and expected care over time were analysed. The majority of patients experienced physical problems such as 'early satiety' (97%) and 'fatigue' (84%) after oesophagectomy. In addition, patients often felt depressed (64%), were afraid of metastases (80%) and death (47%). Over time, the frequency of problems such as 'fatigue' (P = 0.035) and 'being dependent' (P = 0.012) decreased. Patients particularly expected professional care for physical issues related to their disease, whereas they often managed psychosocial problems in their own social network. Patients indicated that nurses' involvement during follow-up might improve their possibility to satisfactorily deal with problems. Patients frequently experience physical problems after oesophagectomy, and professional care is expected for these issues. Psychosocial problems are also present, but care is less commonly expected. Nurses' involvement during follow-up could be a way to optimize patients' management after oesophageal cancer surgery.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats of human tenascin-C as ligands for EGF receptor.

Signaling through growth factor receptors controls such diverse cell functions as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. A critical question has been how the activation of these receptors is regulated. Most, if not all, of the known ligands for these receptors are soluble factors. However, as matrix components are highly tissue-specific and change during development and pathology, it has been suggested that select growth factor receptors might be stimulated by binding to matrix components. Herein, we describe a new class of ligand for the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) found within the EGF-like repeats of tenascin-C, an antiadhesive matrix component present during organogenesis, development, and wound repair. Select EGF-like repeats of tenascin-C elicited mitogenesis and EGFR autophosphorylation in an EGFR-dependent manner. Micromolar concentrations of EGF-like repeats induced EGFR autophosphorylation and activated extracellular signal-regulated, mitogen-activated protein kinase to levels comparable to those induced by subsaturating levels of known EGFR ligands. EGFR-dependent adhesion was noted when the ligands were tethered to inert beads, simulating the physiologically relevant presentation of tenascin-C as hexabrachion, and suggesting an increase in avidity similar to that seen for integrin ligands upon surface binding. Specific binding to EGFR was further established by immunofluorescence detection of EGF-like repeats bound to cells and cross-linking of EGFR with the repeats. Both of these interactions were abolished upon competition by EGF and enhanced by dimerization of the EGF-like repeat. Such low affinity behavior would be expected for a matrix-"tethered" ligand; i.e., a ligand which acts from the matrix, presented continuously to cell surface EGF receptors, because it can neither diffuse away nor be internalized and degraded. These data identify a new class of "insoluble" growth factor ligands and a novel mode of activation for growth factor receptors.

Prevalence and distribution of ret/ptc 1, 2, and 3 in papillary thyroid carcinoma in New Caledonia and Australia.

The world's highest incidence of thyroid cancer has been reported among females in New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the Pacific located between Australia and Fiji. To date, no molecular genetic studies in this population are available. Over the past few years, the oncogenic rearrangement of the ret protooncogene (ret/ptc) has been studied in papillary carcinomas in different populations. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and distribution of ret/ptc1, 2, and 3 in papillary thyroid carcinoma from the New Caledonian population and compared the pattern with that of an Australian population. Fresh-frozen and paraffin-embedded papillary carcinomas from 27 New Caledonian and 20 Australian patients were examined for ret rearrangements by means of RT-PCR with primers flanking the chimeric region, followed by hybridization with radioactive probes. ret/ptc was present in 70% of the New Caledonian and in 85% of the Australian samples. Multiple rearrangements were detected and confirmed by sequencing in 19 cases, 4 of which had 3 types of rearrangements in the same tumor. This study demonstrates a high prevalence of ret/ptc in New Caledonian and Australian papillary carcinoma. The findings of multiple ret/ptc in the same tumor suggest that some thyroid neoplasms may indeed be polyclonal.

nm23 protein expression and p53 immunoreactivity in cutaneous fibrohistiocytic tumors.

Recent data indicate that reduced expression of the 17-kD protein encoded by the nm23 gene may be important in the pathogenesis of several types of human tumors. Immunohistochemistry was performed using a murine monoclonal antibody, NCL-nm23 (Novocastra, 1:150 dilution) to investigate nm23 protein immunoreactivity in a group of locally aggressive cutaneous fibrohistiocytic tumors; dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) (n = 14) and atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) (n = 7). Cases of dermatofibroma (DF) (n = 17) formed the benign control group. Comparison with p53 protein immunoreactivity in the same cases studied previously was made. Strong immunohistological expression of the nm23 protein was seen in most of the cases of DF (n = 15; 88%) in the form of strong cytoplasmic immunolabelling without nuclear staining. However, strong nm23 immunoreactivity was observed in only a minority of the cases of DFSP (n = 5; 36%) and AFX (n = 2; 29%). Statistically significant differences in nm23 immunoreactivity were found between DFSP and DF (p = 0.008, chi 2 test with continuity correction) and between AFX and DF (p = 0.015; chi 2 test with continuity correction). No significant difference was seen between DFSP and AFX (p = 0.87, chi 2 test with continuity correction). There was inverse correlation between nm23 and p53 immunoreactivity (r = 0.331; r2 = 0.109; p = 0.046; simple regression analysis). In summary, nm23 protein immunoreactivity is reduced in DFSP and AFX but not in dermatofibroma suggesting that reduced expression of the protein may be important in influencing the behavior of fibrohistiocytic tumors, although this is not well characterised. nm23 protein expression is also found to be inversely related to p53 immunohistological expression in these tumors.

Short and long range order of the morphology of silk from Latrodectus hesperus (Black Widow) as characterized by atomic force microscopy.

The surfaces of both stretched and unstretched silk threads from the cobweb weaver, Latrodectus hesperus (Black Widow) have been examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM images of cobweb scaffolding threads show both unordered and highly ordered regions. Two types of fibers within the threads were observed: thicker (approximately 300 nm in diameter) fibers oriented parallel to the thread axis and thinner (10-100 nm) fibrils oriented across the thread axis. While regions which lacked parallel fibers or fibrils were observed on threads at all strain values, the probability of observing fibers and/or fibrils increased with strain. High-resolution AFM images show that with increasing strain, both mean fiber and fibril diameters decrease and that fibrils align themselves more closely with the thread axis. The observation of fibers and fibrils within the cobweb threads has implications for current models of the secondary and tertiary structure and organization of spider silk.

Transposition of the rectus abdominis muscle for complicated pouch and rectal fistulas.

PURPOSE: Operative repair for complicated pouch and rectal fistulas is often difficult. We present our experience with ten consecutive patients operated on for complicated pouch and rectal fistulas by transposition of the rectus abdominis muscle. METHODS: Ten patients with high and complex pouch and rectal fistulas were treated with the interposition of a vascularized rectus abdominis muscle flap. All patients received standard bowel preparation and antibiotics. All were diverted by a temporary ileostomy. RESULTS: Causes of fistulas included Crohn's disease (n = 3), previous rectal surgery (n = 5), anal atresia (n = 1), and sphincter repair (n = 1). Three patients had a third recurrence. The procedure was performed in combination with a plastic surgeon. All fistulas healed. No special postoperative care was required. There were no cosmetic or functional complaints caused by transposition of the rectus abdominis muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Transposition of the rectus abdominis muscle is a suitable technique in treatment of fistulas between the rectum or ileal pouch and the vagina or urinary system, with no obvious side effects and excellent clinical outcome.

Aedes aegypti in Ho Chi Minh City (Viet Nam): susceptibility to dengue 2 virus and genetic differentiation.

Aedes aegypti is the principal vector of dengue viruses, responsible for a viral infection that has become a major public health concern in Asia. In Viet Nam, dengue haemorrhagic fever was first detected in the 1960s and is now a leading cause of death in childhood. We studied the variability in competence of Ae. aegypti as a vector for dengue 2 virus and genetic differentiation in this mosquito species. Twenty mosquito samples collected in 1998 in Ho Chi Minh City were subjected to oral infection and isoenzyme polymorphism analysis by starch gel electrophoresis. Ae. aegypti populations from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City were genetically differentiated and their infection rates differed from those of populations from the commuter belt. These results have implications for insecticidal control during dengue outbreaks.

The displacement of iron(III) from its complexes with the anticancer drugs piroxantrone and losoxantrone by the hydrolyzed form of the cardioprotective agent dexrazoxane.

Piroxantrone and losoxantrone are new DNA topoisomerase II-targeting anthrapyrazole antitumor agents that display cardiotoxicity both clinically and in animal models. A study was undertaken to see whether dexrazoxane or its hydrolysis product ADR-925 could remove iron(III) from its complexes with piroxantrone or losoxantrone. Their cardiotoxicity may result from the formation of iron(III) complexes of losoxantrone and piroxantrone. Subsequent reductive activation of their iron(III) complexes likely results in oxygen-free radical-mediated cardiotoxicity. Dexrazoxane is in clinical use as a doxorubicin cardioprotective agent. Dexrazoxane presumably acts through its hydrolyzed metal ion binding form ADR-925 by removing iron(III) from its complex with doxorubicin, or by scavenging free iron(III), thus preventing oxygen-free radical-based oxidative damage to the heart tissue. ADR-925 was able to remove iron(III) from its complexes with piroxantrone and losoxantrone, though not as efficiently or as quickly as it could from its complexes with doxorubicin and other anthracyclines. This study provides a basis for utilizing dexrazoxane for the clinical prevention of anthrapyrazole cardiotoxicity.

Comparison of the chronic toxicity of piroxantrone, losoxantrone and doxorubicin in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Comparisons were made of the toxic effects produced in the heart, kidney and small intestine of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) by the administration of 12 consecutive weekly doses of doxorubicin (1 mg/kg), and high, intermediate and low doses of piroxantrone (3, 1.5 and 0.75 mg/kg) and losoxantrone (1, 0.5 and 0.25 mg/kg). Animals receiving saline were used as controls. The toxicities of the three drugs were evaluated by clinical chemistry and hematological determinations, light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The severity of the histologic alterations in heart, kidney and small intestine was assessed semiquantitatively. Biochemical and molecular modeling studies were made to evaluate the formation of complexes of Fe(III) with piroxantrone and losoxantrone. The cardiac (myofibrillar loss and dilatation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum) and renal (glomerular vacuolization, tubular damage and laboratory evidence of a nephrotic syndrome) lesions induced by all three agents had similar features. However, the cardiac lesions induced by losoxantrone and doxorubicin were significantly more severe (Billingham scores) than those produced by piroxantrone. The renal lesions induced by piroxantrone and losoxantrone were less severe than those produced by doxorubicin. Similarly losoxantrone and piroxantrone-induced intestinal alterations (denudation of epithelial layer and inflammatory cellular infiltration) were less severe than those occurring after treatment with doxorubicin. Both losoxantrone and piroxantrone were shown to form Fe(III): drug complexes that may cause oxidative damage to various tissues.

Gum chewing and jaw muscle fatigue and pains.

To study possible associations between gum chewing and fatigue and pains in the jaw muscles, eight healthy adults performed prolonged idling, prolonged unilateral chewing of gum, and brief vigorous clenching of the teeth (MVC). Through surface electromyography (EMG), the authors monitored the cumulative (microV.s) as well as the average rates (microV.s-1) of contractile activities in the right and left masseter muscles. During 10 min of idling there was an absence of muscle fatigue and muscle pains when the EMG rates of the right and left masseter muscles were 2% and 3%, respectively, of those required to elicit isometric muscle pains through MVC. During 10 min of right-sided gum chewing at a rate of 1.2 Hz, the majority of subjects (75%) experienced weak jaw muscle fatigue-not jaw muscle pains-when the EMG rates of the right and left masseter muscles were 38% and 19%, respectively, of those required to elicit isometric pains through MVC. In comparison with 10 min of idling, the weak muscle fatigue of 10 min of unilateral gum chewing appeared when the total contractile activities of the right and left masseter muscles were increased by 1664% and 519%, respectively. It seemed as if prolonged unilateral gum chewing and previous pain-releasing MVC caused some sensitization of muscle nociceptors which, in turn, aggravated subsequent isometric jaw muscle pains elicited through MVC. Even though the right masseter muscle was the most frequent site of clinical fatigue and pains, the authors found no evidence supporting the theoretical foundation of the myofascial pain/dysfunction syndrome.

Predictability of jaw muscle pains from surface electromyograms.

In seven (88%) of eight healthy subjects, weak to moderate pains were elicited in the masseter muscles through the isometric contractions of maximum voluntary teeth clenching. Integrated surface electromyograms of the right and left masseter muscles were used to quantify the absolute and relative contractile activities of the two muscles. The risk (relative probability) of inducing pain onset in the single masseter muscle generating the larger amount of isometric activity was 2.5 times the risk of eliciting pain onset in the single masseter muscle generating the lesser amount of isometric activity. However, as an aid in the diagnosis of pain onset, the method of masseteric surface electromyography had a false diagnostic ratio of 0.67.

Surgical treatment of symptomatic rectosigmoid endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of surgical treatment of symptomatic intestinal endometriosis. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University hospital, The Netherlands. SUBJECTS: 14 patients in whom medical treatment had failed. INTERVENTIONS: Hysterectomy (n = 5), salpingo-oophorectomy (n = 8, bilateral in 5), posterior vaginal wall excision (n = 14), and partial resection (n = 6) or anterior wedge excision (n = 8) of the rectum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood loss, operating time, morbidity, and relief of symptoms. RESULTS: 9 patients became symptom free (64%), 5 of whom developed postmenopausal symptoms later on. 2 had unrelated vague abdominal symptoms and 3 more could not be assessed because they underwent in vitro fertilisation and developed stimulation-related abdominal symptoms. All were content with the operative results. CONCLUSIONS: Operations for rectosigmoid endometriosis are technically difficult with a long operating time and considerable blood loss, but they are successful in relieving symptoms when conservative treatment has failed.