Prevalence and factors associated with condom use among sexually active young women in Haiti: evidence from the 2016/17 Haiti demographic and health survey.

BACKGROUND: Young women in Haiti remain vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. However, little is known about condom use among this population. This study examined the prevalence and the factors associated with condom use among sexually active young women in Haiti. METHODS: Data from the 2016/17 Haiti demographic and health survey were used. The prevalence and the factors associated with condom use among sexually active young women in Haiti were assessed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence of condom use was 15.4% (95% CI 14.0-16.8). Being teenage (AOR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.04-1.74), living in urban areas (AOR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.04-1.90), having higher education level (AOR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.44-4.00), being in the middle or rich category of household wealth index (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.53-3.53 and AOR = 2.93; 95% CI: 1.90-4.52), having correct knowledge of ovulatory cycle (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.30-2.10), having 2-3 lifetime sexual partners and one lifetime sexual partner (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.36-3.06 and AOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.35-3.17) had significantly higher odds of using condom. In addition, sexually active young women whose last partner was their boyfriend (AOR = 4.38; 95% CI: 2.82-6.81), and those whose last partner was a friend/casual acquaintance/commercial sex worker (AOR = 5.29; 95% CI: 2.18-12.85) were associated with increased likelihood of using condom compared with their counterparts whose partner was their spouse. CONCLUSION: The Haitian government as well as institutions involved in sexual health should consider these factors when designing sexual and reproductive health interventions targeting young women. More specifically, to increase condom use and reduce risky sexual behaviors, they should combine efforts to raise awareness and induce sexual behavioral changes at two levels. In the education system, they should reinforce sexual education in primary and secondary schools while paying special attention to rural areas. In the whole society, it is important to deepen efforts toward increased awareness on family planning and condom use, through mass media and local organizations including religious ones. Priority should be given to the poorer households, young people and women, and rural areas, in order to maximize reduction in early and unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections. Interventions should include a condom price subsidy and a campaign to destigmatize condom use which is actually a "male affair".

Estimates of serious fungal infection burden in Côte d'Ivoire and country health profile.

Due to limited access to more powerful diagnostic tools, there are few data on the burden of fungal infections in Côte d'Ivoire, despite a high HIV and TB burden and many cutaneous diseases. Here we estimate the burden of serious fungal infections in this sub-Saharan country with a health profiling description. National demographics were used and PubMed searches to retrieve all published articles on fungal infections in Côte d'Ivoire and other bordering countries in West Africa. When no data existed, risk populations were used to estimate frequencies of fungal infections, using previously described methodology by LIFE (www.LIFE-Worldwide.org). The population of Côte d'Ivoire is around 25 million; 37% are children (≤14 years), and 9% are>65 years. Tinea capitis in children is common, measured at 13.9% in 2013. Considering the prevalence of HIV infection (2.6% of the population, a total of ∼500,000) and a hospital incidence of 12.7% of cryptococcosis, it is estimated that 4590 patients per year develop cryptococcosis. For pneumocystosis, it is suggested that 2640 new cases occur each year with the prevalence of 11% of newly diagnosed HIV adults, and 33% of children with HIV/AIDS. Disseminated histoplasmosis is estimated a 1.4% of advanced HIV disease - 513 cases. An estimated 6568 news cases of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) occur after pulmonary tuberculosis (a 5-year prevalence of 6568 cases [26/100,000]). Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS) were estimated in 104/100,000 and 151/100,000 respectively, in 1,152,178 adult asthmatics. Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is common and recurrent VVC affects ∼6% of women in their fertile years - 421,936 women. An unknown number develop candidaemia and invasive aspergillosis. The annual incidence of fungal keratitis is estimated at 3350. No cases of sporotrichosis, mucormycosis and chromoblastomycosis are described, although some cases of mycetoma and Conidiobolus infection have been reported. This study indicates that around to 7.25% (1.8 million) of the population is affected by a serious fungal infection, predominently tinea capitis in children and rVVC in women. These data should be used to inform epidemiological studies, diagnostic needs and therapeutic strategies in Côte d'Ivoire.

Novel NPHS1 splice site mutations in a Chinese child with congenital nephrotic syndrome.

Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) is defined as heavy proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome occurring before 3 months of age. It is characterized by early onset and progresses to end-stage renal disease. Recently, several genes associated with CNS have been identified, including NPHS1 and NPHS2. Mutations in the NPHS1 gene have been identified in patients with CNS in Finland with relatively high frequency. Thus far, only a few case reports about CNS have described an NPHS1 mutation in China. In this study, mutational analyses of NPHS1 and NPHS2 were performed in a Chinese child with CNS. Mutations were analyzed in all exons and exon/intron boundaries of NPHS1 and NPHS2 in the patient and his parents as well as in 50 unrelated controls using polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing techniques. No mutations were detected in NPHS2. A novel splice site mutation (IVS11+1G>A) within intron 11 and a missense mutation within exon 8 (c.928G>A) in the NPHS1 gene were detected in the child. The child's mother had normal urinalysis and a c.928G>A (D310N) heterozygous mutation, and his father had normal urinalysis and IVS11+1G>A. These were not identified in the 50 unrelated controls. The novel splice site mutation of IVS11+1G>A and a missense mutation at c.928G>A in NPHS1 were found to cause CNS in this Chinese child.

Long-lasting infiltration anaesthesia by lidocaine-loaded biodegradable nanoparticles in hydrogel in rats.

BACKGROUND: Infiltration of a long-lasting anaesthetic is helpful during the post-operative period. The recently developed local drug delivery system, biodegradable nanoparticles in a thermo-sensitive hydrogel (nanogel system), may possibly provide an extended duration of drugs. Therefore, we evaluated whether prolonged infiltration anaesthesia could be achieved by loading lidocaine into this delivery system. METHODS: Thirty male rats were randomized into five groups of six rats each: saline; 2% hydrochloride lidocaine solution; lidocaine-loaded nanogel system and its compositing formulations, namely lido-nano gel; lido-nano; and lidogel. Durations of local anaesthesia with subcutaneously injected agents were measured by tail flick latency tests in a randomized, blind fashion. RESULTS: Lido-nano gel produced effective anaesthesia for 360+/-113 min, compared with 150+/-33 min by lidogel, 180+/-37 min by lido-nano, and 110+/-45 min by lidocaine solution (P<0.001, means+/-SD), and elicited complete sensory blockade for 300+/-114 min, compared with 75+/-37 min by lidogel, 105+/-53 min by lido-nano, and 60+/-33 min by lidocaine solution (P<0.001, means+/-SD) without severe skin/systemic toxicity. CONCLUSION: Lidocaine-loaded biodegradable nanoparticles in hydrogel produced prolonged infiltration anaesthesia in rats without severe toxicity, indicating a possible way to develop long-lasting local anaesthetics.

Effects of dynamic cardiomyoplasty on left ventricular systolic and diastolic performance in an acute canine model.

Although dynamic cardiomyoplasty (DCMP) is currently being evaluated as an alternative to end-stage congestive heart failure, the overall results of DCMP are variable and inconclusive. We evaluated the effect of classic DCMP on systolic and diastolic cardiac function in normal heart using reliable indicators which minimize the influences of load conditions. Six experimental dogs were evaluated with the acute nonpreconditioning model. The slope of the linear preload recruitable stroke work relationship (Mw) showed a significant increase with latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) stimulation (postwrap non-stimulation 59.1+/-6.3, postwrap stimulation 98.6+/-9.7 erg cm(-3) x 10(3); P < 0.01), and the x-intercept (V0) was unchanged; these were utilized as the indicators of left ventricular systolic function. The constant of pressure decay (tau) increased after LDM wrap (prewrap 45.8+/-6.0, postwrap nonstimulation 69.3+/-10.3, postwrap stimulation 72.3+/-13.9 ms; P < 0.05), and the peak filling rate was unchanged after LDM wrap, which were utilized as the indicators of diastolic function. We concluded that classic dynamic cardiomyoplasty is effective in assisting systolic cardiac function, but may to some degree have a detrimental effect on the diastolic cardiac function.

Effects of free latissimus dorsi dynamic cardiomyoplasty on left ventricular function.

In their experimental approach to dynamic cardiomyoplasty (DCMP), the authors hypothesized that a wrapping method using the proximal part of a free latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) graft might augment ventricular contractility more than the classic Carpentier's wrapping method. The authors divided 12 mongrel dogs into a pedicled LDM graft group (Group 1, n = 6) and a free LDM graft group (Group 2, n = 6) to evaluate the properties of the different wrapping methods. To evaluate the effect of DCMP on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, the authors used precise indicators that minimize the influences of load conditions. The slope of the linear preload recruitable stroke work relationship (Mw) and an X-intercept (Vo) were utilized as the indicator of left ventricular systolic function. The constants of pressure decay (tau) and peak filling rate (PFR) were measured to determine diastolic function. All experimental animals were evaluated with the acute, non preconditioning model. Mw was significantly increased with LDM stimulation in both groups (postwrap non stimulation 59.1 +/- 6.3; postwrap stimulation 98.6 +/- 9.7 erg.cm-3. 10(3); p < 0.01 in Group 1, postwrap non stimulation 66 +/- 6.7; postwrap stimulation 155 +/- 15.7 erg.cm-3.10(3), p < 0.001 in Group 2). Stimulated free LDM grafts significantly increased the Mw in comparison to pedicled grafts (p = 0.011). Vo was unchanged in both groups and there was no significant difference between the two groups. Tau increased after LDM wrap in both groups (p < 0.05), but there was no difference between the two groups (tau; prewrap 45.8 +/- 6.0; postwrap non stimulation 69.3 +/- 10.3; postwrap stimulation 72.3 +/- 13.9 msec in Group 1, prewrap 50.0 +/- 6.0; post wrap non stimulation 61.8 +/- 5.0; post wrap stimulation in 64.3 +/- 4.7 msec in Group 2). Peak filling rate was unchanged after LDM wrap in both groups. Free LDM grafts significantly increased left ventricular systolic function compared to the pedicled LDM. Although myocardial relaxation was impaired after LDM wrap in both groups, there was no difference between the two groups. The authors' results emphasize the explicit benefit of utilization of a free LDM graft in respect to left ventricular systolic function; the free LDM grafts have no gross detrimental effect on diastolic function when compared with a pedicle graft in the acute model.

Effects of stimulated free latissimus dorsi muscle graft on LVEDV and LVSW: a new dynamic cardiomyoplasty technique.

The effectiveness of dynamic cardiomyoplasty (DCMP) remains controversial. We hypothesized that effectiveness of DCMP using the latissimus dorsi muscle graft (LDMG) depends on the wrapping method. We analyzed pressure-volume relations (PVR), the left ventricular stroke work (LVSW), and the left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) changes during nonstimulation and stimulation of the LDMG to evaluate the effect of a new wrapping method of DCMP on the LVSW and the LVEDV changes. The new wrapping technique was evaluated in an acute animal experimental model. In 12 mongrel dogs, we performed continuous measurement of the dimensional and pressure dates of the left ventricle (LV) after the DCMP. The measurement was performed 15 min after wrapping during 5 periods. The duration of one measurement period was 15 s. The animals were divided into 2 groups according to the wrapping method. The heart was wrapped with the LDMG using 2 different methods. For Method 1, Carpentier's method, the heart was wrapped primarily with the distal part of the LDMG, the lateral segment. The vasculoneural pedicle of the latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) was preserved. For Method 2, the LDM was separated, and the vasculoneural pedicle was cut. The medical sternotomy was performed. The thoracodorsal artery of LDMG was anastomosed to the right internal mammary artery, and the thoracodorsal vein was anastomosed to the right atrial appendage. The heart was wrapped primarily with the proximal part of the "free LDMG," the transverse segment. Based on the PVR loops, the changes of the LVSW and the LVEDV in both experimental groups were analyzed. The paired t-test was used for statistical analysis. Using Method 1, the LVSW and the LVEDV showed no significant changes during stimulation (stim) of the LDMG, compared with nonstimulation (nonstim) (LVSW: nonstim, 970 +/- 168 erg x 10(3); stim, 1,181 +/- 203 erg x 10(3); p = 0.126 and LVEDV: nonstim, 36.6 +/- 6.7 ml; stim, 37.2 +/- 6.8 ml; p = 0.36). Using Method 2, the LVSW was increased, and the LVEDV was decreased during stimulation of the free LDMG, compared with nonstimulation (LVSW: nonstim, 694 +/- 117 erg x 10(3); stim, 846 +/- 104 erg x 10(3); p < 0.001 and LVEDV: nonstim, 47.7 +/- 2.8 ml; stim, 46.8 +/- 2.7 ml; p < 0.001). The stimulated free LDMG wrapping of the heart seems to be a more effective wrapping method for DCMP, and it results in an increase of the LVSW and a decrease of the LVEDV, compared with the original Carpentier's method.

Expression of the signal transducing regions of CD4-like and lck genes in murine egg.

We previously demonstrated that the MHC class II molecule on murine sperm and CD4-like molecule on the egg vitelline membrane are involved in fertilization. In this study, the RNA transcripts in murine eggs corresponding to parts of the CD4 gene and lck gene in thymocytes were demonstrated by means of the reverse transcriptase (RT)/polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by the sequencing of the PCR products. The deduced sequences potentially encode the amino acid sequence of the transmembrane to the cytoplasmic domain of CD4 and that of the N-terminal domain of p56lck respectively. These findings indicate that a signal transducing complex similar to that in immune T cells is expressed at the transcriptional level in murine eggs.

Effect of erythropoietin on neutrophil chemiluminescence in hemodialyzed patients.

Erythropoietin (EPO) has been used widely for correcting anemia in hemodialyzed (HD) patients. Enhancement of phagocytic function during EPO treatment of HD patients has been studied, but no data have been available on the effect of EPO on neutrophil chemiluminescence (CL) after challenge with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). CL was measured in prehemodialysis whole blood samples from 15 stabilized patients and 15 normal healthy control subjects (C) after challenge with PMA. Before EPO treatment, CL was noted to be significantly higher in HD patients than in C, which changed significantly after 5 weeks of treatment (Rx) and continued for 13 weeks of Rx. There was a significant increase in hematocrit in these HD patients after 5 weeks that persisted until the 13th week. It was concluded that there is a significant decrease in whole blood CL in response to challenge with PMA during correction of anemia in HD patients treated with EPO. This study demonstrated that EPO could decrease enhanced PMA-activated reactive oxygen metabolite production and suggested that this decrease may protect against tissue damage, including red blood cell hemolysis in the uremic milieu.