Split-face comparison of grid fractional radiofrequency vs 1064-nm Nd-YAG laser treatment of periorbital rhytides among Filipino patients.

Despite multiple individual studies proving efficacy of grid fractional monopolar radiofrequency (Grid RF) and near-infrared irradiation 1064-nm long-pulsed neodymium:YAG laser (Laser Genesis), there is a lack of controlled comparative trials between these devices. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of Grid RF versus Laser Genesis in the treatment of periorbital rhytides. This is a randomized, single-blind, split-face, prospective study. Eight patients with moderate to severe periorbital rhytides were treated with either Grid RF or Laser Genesis on each side of the face. Photographic and live assessment with the Lemperle Wrinkle Assessment grading scale was compared after 2 months. Difference in scores between Grid RF vs Laser genesis groups after 2 months was not statistically significant (P = 0.244). Each group showed statistically significant improvement months post-procedure (P < .05). Immediate adverse effects and satisfaction scale were similar for both groups (P > .05). At 2 months follow-up, no adverse effects were seen. Grid monopolar radiofrequency (Grid RF) vs near-infrared radiation 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd-YAG laser (Laser Genesis) were equally efficacious, safe, and well-tolerated among patients in the treatment of periorbital wrinkles (P > .05).

First molecular detection of Mycoplasma suis in the pig louse Haematopinus suis (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) from Argentina.

Porcine haemoplasmosis caused by Mycoplasma suis affects the global pig industry with significant economic losses. The main transmission route of M. suis is through the blood and some haematophagous arthropods, like flies and mosquitoes, could be the vectors to this pathogen. However, the presence of M. suis in pig haematophagous ectoparasites in natural conditions has not yet been studied. The most frequent ectoparasite in pigs is the blood-sucking louse Haematopinus suis, an obligate and permanent parasite. Therefore, this work aims to study the occurrence of M. suis in H. suis samples from both domestic and wild pig populations from Argentina; using the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 98 sucking lice, collected from domestic and wild pigs from Buenos Aires Province in central Argentina, were examined. We found M. suis DNA in 15 H. suis samples (15.30%). Positive lice were detected from all studied populations. This is the first report of M. suis presence in H. suis, being also the first detection in a pig ectoparasite species. We conclude that H. suis could serve as a mechanical vector for M. suis. This information not only extends the knowledge about the pathogen spectrum potentially transmitted by H. suis, but may be also useful in epidemiological studies about Mycoplasma.

Fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) with public health relevance in domestic pigs (Artiodactyla: Suidae) from Argentina.

The presence of fleas can have a great negative impact on the productivity and well-being of the animals, and can contribute towards propagation of causative pathogens of important diseases in animals and humans. Fleas and domestic pigs (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758) are a known association. However, knowledge about fleas on pigs in Argentina is scarce. In this country, swine farming has become one of the main components of livestock production. This activity is primarily carried out by smallholder farmers, involving a potential risk to humans of acquiring pathogens. Our study was developed in Buenos Aires province, Argentina, in a region where there is strong swine livestock activity. We provide the first record for Argentina of Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché, 1835) and Pulex irritans Linnaeus, 1758 in domestic pigs, and the first data for the country of parasitological indexes of fleas in pigs. Ctenocephalides felis felis and P. irritans cause discomfort, nuisance, allergic reactions, and anaemia, and are known as vectors of several pathogens with importance for public health. The high prevalence and abundance of C. felis felis and P. irritans observed in pigs from Azul, Buenos Aires, are significant, and the absence of them in other studied localities could correspond to environmental characteristics. This paper expands the knowledge about the flea diversity associated with S. scrofa in Argentina and contributes to the knowledge of the ecology and biology of two cosmopolitan fleas and with public health relevance. This information is important for future epidemiological studies, as well as to establish prevention and control measures where appropriate.

Fluid flow shear stress over podocytes is increased in the solitary kidney.

BACKGROUND: Glomerular hyperfiltration is emerging as the key risk factor for progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Podocytes are exposed to fluid flow shear stress (FFSS) caused by the flow of ultrafiltrate within Bowman's space. The mechanism of hyperfiltration-induced podocyte injury is not clear. We postulated that glomerular hyperfiltration in solitary kidney increases FFSS over podocytes. METHODS: Infant Sprague-Dawley rats at 5 days of age and C57BL/6J 14-week-old adult mice underwent unilateral nephrectomy. Micropuncture and morphological studies were then performed on 20- and 60-day-old rats. FFSS over podocytes in uninephrectomized rats and mice was calculated using the recently published equation by Friedrich et al. which includes the variables-single nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR), filtration fraction (f), glomerular tuft diameter (2RT) and width of Bowman's space (s). RESULTS: Glomerular hypertrophy was observed in uninephrectomized rats and mice. Uninephrectomized rats on Day 20 showed a 2.0-fold increase in SNGFR, 1.0-fold increase in 2RT and 2.1-fold increase in FFSS, and on Day 60 showed a 1.9-fold increase in SNGFR, 1.3-fold increase in 2RT and 1.5-fold increase in FFSS, at all values of modeled 's'. Similarly, uninephrectomized mice showed a 2- to 3-fold increase in FFSS at all values of modeled SNGFR. CONCLUSIONS: FFSS over podocytes is increased in solitary kidneys in both infant rats and adult mice. This increase is a consequence of increased SNGFR. We speculate that increased FFSS caused by reduced nephron number contributes to podocyte injury and promotes the progression of CKD.

What women in the United States Virgin Islands still want and need to know about HPV, cervical cancer, and condom use.

Cervical cancer is an infection-related cancer caused primarily by the human papilloma virus. Sexual behavior is a primary risk factor for contracting the genital type of the HPV. While studies have shown that vertical transmission, horizontal transmission, and transmission of the HPV following contact with infected secretions without sexual intercourse are possible, they are not common. The incidence of cervical cancer in the Caribbean is the third highest in the world. This report describes the outcomes of a cross-sectional, mixed methods, exploratory study undertaken to examine questions and concerns about HPV transmission, physical examination, cervical cancer screening, and HPV/cervical cancer risk management among a targeted group of single, unmarried women in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Analysis of the data revealed that the women had many questions and concerns about the origin of HPV infection and cervical cancer, HPV and cervical cancer risk factors, HPV and cervical cancer screening, and HPV and cervical cancer prevention and risk management. Results of the study are used to suggest opportunities for nurses to respond to the questions and concerns posed by the women through the University of the Virgin Islands and within community-based settings.