EFFECTS OF ACID ETCHING ON COLOR CHANGES AND SURFACE MORPHOLOGY OF ENAMEL TO BE BLEACHED WITH DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES.

Aims - to compare the color changes, the surface roughness and morphology of the enamel bleached with two different bleaching solutions (chemical and laser activated), preceded or not with acid etching. Thirty teeth of bovine prepared and haphazardly assigned to 2 groups (n=15) depending on bleaching technique. Each group subdivided to 3 subgroup (n=5) consistent with acid etching by 37% phosphoric acid. Atomic force microscopy and VITA easy shade spectrophotometer were performed twice for all the specimens before and after bleaching. ANOVA, the Paired sample t-test, and the independent sample t-test used for statistical analysis. As for the color changes, the groups that were bleached by the chemical method, the difference among the three subgroups was statistically significant. This also applies to the groups bleached with the laser method. When comparing the results of the chemical bleaching subgroups with the laser bleaching ones, the difference was not significant. Roughness results showed significant differences between certain subgroups and non-significant differences among others. However, the difference was statistically significant between the chemical and laser groups, laser technique resulted in less surface roughness than the chemical one. Acid etching before bleaching produced better colour change in both the chemical and laser assisted bleaching. In chemical bleaching, surface roughness was higher when acid etching was used. This was also true for laser bleaching technique. In general, laser assisted bleaching produced less surface roughness than chemical bleaching.

The radio anatomical arrangement of nerve roots at L3 level in cauda equina sac is it affected by diseases?

An observational study to discover the common conditions affecting the lumbosacral region that may affect lumbosacral position and tension. All the patients, underwent MRI exaamination (magnetic resonance imaging) in the supine position, were examined by the same consultant radiologist. The article was revised by the institutional ethical approval committee. The position of the nerve roots was observed, and the number of nerve roots was calculated anterior to a line passing between the mid-transvers process of L3(third lumbar vertebra). The number of nerve roots ahead of this line was calculated by the radiologist at the level of the right intervertebral foramen and at the left one. This procedure was applied to the normal group, and 5 common pathological diseases were repeated including single-level lumbar disc prolapse, multiple-disc prolapse, multiple bulge, spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis (at the level of L45 (fourth to fifth lumbar vertebrae) or L5S1 (fifth lumbar to first sacral vertebrae) being outside the study area, i.e., L3). We noticed significant difference in the number of the nerve roots between the cases with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis with the normal group and the significance was in ascending increment in significance being the highest in cases with spondylolisthesis, and even in the groups of other pathologies which are statistically not significant, we noticed that the significance is proportional to the severity of the disease being the least in single level cases (p 0.427), to be more significant on cases with multiple prolapses(p 0.319) to be more in cases with multiple bulges to start to be statistically significant in herniated, higher significance in cases with spinal stenosis to be the highest in cases with spondylolisthesis.

Assessment of community pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes and their willingness to provide vaccination services in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Community pharmacists play an important role in increasing vaccination rates especially in countries where they offer vaccination services and administration. However, little is known about community pharmacist's willingness to provide vaccination services in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, willingness and beliefs of community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia towards providing vaccines at pharmacies. METHODS: A cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based study using convenience sampling (Snowball technique) was used to obtain responses from community pharmacists across Saudi Arabia. The survey collected information on participants' demographics, knowledge about vaccine, attitude towards vaccine and their attitude to be immunization providers. Bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression models were employed to assess the relationships between demographic variables and outcomes. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 384 community pharmacists. More than half of participants had poor knowledge about vaccines (54%). Only 8.4% of participants had good knowledge about vaccines. The results indicated that community pharmacists in the study sample have positive attitude toward vaccines and are willing to provide vaccination services. There was a significant relationship between knowledge about vaccine and attitude toward vaccines. Pharmacists with poor knowledge about vaccines had negative attitude toward vaccines as compared to those with high knowledge (ß = -1.743; P-value = 0.024). Additionally, there was a significant relationship between knowledge about vaccine and attitude to be immunization providers. Pharmacists with poor knowledge about vaccines had negative attitude to be immunization providers as compared to those with high knowledge (ß = -2.631; P-value = 0.002). Furthermore, a significant number of the community pharmacists reported facing critical barriers to provide vaccines including legal liability, lack of personal resources and lack of appropriate training. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive training and certification programs for pharmacists are crucial to improve their competencies in handling and administering vaccines to increase the rate of vaccinations in Saudi Arabia.

Detection of CTLA-4 level and humeral immune response after the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine in certain Iraqi provinces participants.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating immune responses following COVID-19 vaccination is paramount to understanding vaccine effectiveness and optimizing public health interventions. This study seeks to elucidate individuals' immune status after administering a second dose of diverse COVID-19 vaccines. By analyzing immune responses through serological markers, we aim to contribute valuable insights into the uniformity of vaccine performance. METHODS: A total of 80 participants were enrolled in this study, with demographic and COVID-19 infection-related data collected for categorization. Serum samples were acquired within a specified timeframe, and SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG rapid tests were conducted. Moreover, CTLA-4 levels were measured through ELISA assays, allowing us to assess the immune responses comprehensively. The participants were divided into eight groups based on various factors, facilitating a multifaceted analysis. RESULTS: The outcomes of our investigation demonstrated consistent immune responses across the diverse types of COVID-19 vaccines administered in Iraq. Statistical analysis revealed no significant distinctions among the vaccine categories. In contrast, significant differences were observed in CTLA-4 among the control group (non-infected/non-vaccinated, infected/non-vaccinated) and infected/Pfizer, non-infected/Pfizer, and infected/Sinopharm, non-infected/sinopharm (P = 0.001, < 0.001, 0.023, respectively). This suggests that these vaccines exhibit comparable effectiveness in eliciting an immune response among the study participants. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our study's results underscore the lack of discriminatory variations between different COVID-19 vaccine types utilized in Iraq. The uniform immune responses observed signify the equitable efficacy and performance of these vaccines. Despite minor quantitative discrepancies, these variations do not hold statistical significance, reaffirming the notion that the various vaccines serve a similar purpose in conferring protection against COVID-19.

FREQUENCY OF FIBROMYALGIA IN A SAMPLE OF IRAQI PATIENTS IN MOSUL WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE.

There is a paucity of data on the occurrence of fibromyalgia (FM) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of fibromyalgia in a group of patients with COPD in Mosul, as well as characterization of the features of COPD patients with concomitant FM. Participants included seventy COPD-patients plus se-venty controls. The "2011 modification of the 2010 American College of Rheumatology's preliminary diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia" was employed to make the diagnosis of FM. The demographic features and COPD data of the patients were documented. Pulmonary function tests and Chest-X-ray were evaluated for all patients. FM was present in 16 (22.9%) of 70 COPD patients, and only in 4 (5.7%) of the 70 controls, and the difference was significant. FM was found in 58.33% of female COPD patients compared to 15.52% of male COPD patients (p=0.004). There was no statistically significant difference in COPD patients with and without FM in respect to their age or BMI. However, patients with FM tended to have a longer duration of COPD (8.06±2.69 vs. 4.78±2.13, P value < 0.001), and higher scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (20.7±9.200 vs. 14.8±7.900, P value=0.0139), and greater COPD severity (P< 0.001). The frequency of FM in patients with COPD was higher than control. FM is more likely to occur in female patients. Patients with comorbid FM and COPD tended to report more depressive symptoms, have longer disease duration, and higher disease severity.

Genetic parameters controlling the inheritance of glaucousness and yield traits in bread wheat / Parâmetros genéticos que controlam a herança de glaucosidade e características de produção em trigo mole

Wheat breeders frequently use generation mean analysis to obtain information on the type of gene action involved in inheriting a trait to choose the helpful breeding procedure for trait improvement. The present study was carried out to study the inter-allelic and intra-allelic gene action and inheritance of glaucousness, earliness and yield traits in a bread wheat cross between divergent parents in glaucousness and yield traits; namely Mut-2 (P1) and Sakha 93 (P2). The experimental material included six populations, i.e. P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, and BC2 for this wheat cross. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used, and a six parameters model was applied. Additive effects were generally more critical than dominance for all studied traits, except for plant height (PH) and grain yield/plant (GYPP). The duplicate epistasis was observed in spike length; SL, spikes/plant; SPP and days to heading; DTH. All six types of allelic and non-allelic interaction effects controlled SL, GYPP, DTH and glaucousness. All three types of epistasis, i.e. additive x additive, additive x dominance, and dominance x dominance, are essential in determining the inheritance of four traits (SL, GYPP, DTH and glaucousness). Dominance × dominance effects were higher in magnitude than additive × dominance and additive × additive in most traits. The average degree of dominance was minor than unity in six traits (glaucousness, grains/spike, spike weight, days to maturity, 100-grain weight and SL), indicating partial dominance and selection for these traits might be more effective in early generations. Meanwhile, the remaining traits (PH, SPP, GYPP and DTH) had a degree of dominance more than unity, indicating that overdominance gene effects control such traits and it is preferable to postpone selection to later generations. The highest values of [...].

Os criadores de trigo frequentemente usam a análise da média de geração para obter informações sobre o tipo de ação do gene envolvida na herança de uma característica para escolher o procedimento de melhoramento útil para o aprimoramento da característica. O presente estudo foi conduzido para estudar a ação do gene interalélico e intraalélico e a herança de características de glaucosidade, precocidade e produção em um cruzamento de trigo mole entre pais divergentes em glaucosidade e características de produção; nomeadamente Mut-2 (P1) e Sakha 93 (P2). O material experimental incluiu seis populações, ou seja, P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 e BC2 para este cruzamento de trigo. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com três repetições e aplicado um modelo de seis parâmetros. Os efeitos aditivos foram geralmente mais críticos do que a dominância para todas as características estudadas, exceto para altura da planta (AP) e rendimento de grãos / planta (GYPP). A epistasia duplicada foi observada no comprimento da ponta; SL, espigas / planta; SPP e dias para o cabeçalho; DTH. Todos os seis tipos de efeitos de interação alélica e não alélica controlaram SL, GYPP, DTH e glaucosidade. Todos os três tipos de epistasia, ou seja, aditivo x aditivo, aditivo x dominância e dominância x dominância, são essenciais na determinação da herança de quatro características (SL, GYPP, DTH e glaucosidade). Os efeitos de dominância × dominância foram maiores em magnitude do que aditivo × dominância e aditivo × aditivo na maioria das características. O grau médio de dominância foi menor do que a unidade em seis características (glaucosidade, grãos / espiga, peso da espiga, dias até a maturidade, peso de 100 grãos e SL), indicando dominância parcial, e a seleção para essas características pode ser mais eficaz nas gerações iniciais. Enquanto isso, os traços restantes (PH, SPP, GYPP e [...].

Genetic parameters controlling the inheritance of glaucousness and yield traits in bread wheat

Abstract Wheat breeders frequently use generation mean analysis to obtain information on the type of gene action involved in inheriting a trait to choose the helpful breeding procedure for trait improvement. The present study was carried out to study the inter-allelic and intra-allelic gene action and inheritance of glaucousness, earliness and yield traits in a bread wheat cross between divergent parents in glaucousness and yield traits; namely Mut-2 (P1) and Sakha 93 (P2). The experimental material included six populations, i.e. P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, and BC2 for this wheat cross. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used, and a six parameters model was applied. Additive effects were generally more critical than dominance for all studied traits, except for plant height (PH) and grain yield/plant (GYPP). The duplicate epistasis was observed in spike length; SL, spikes/plant; SPP and days to heading; DTH. All six types of allelic and non-allelic interaction effects controlled SL, GYPP, DTH and glaucousness. All three types of epistasis, i.e. additive x additive, additive x dominance, and dominance x dominance, are essential in determining the inheritance of four traits (SL, GYPP, DTH and glaucousness). Dominance × dominance effects were higher in magnitude than additive × dominance and additive × additive in most traits. The average degree of dominance was minor than unity in six traits (glaucousness, grains/spike, spike weight, days to maturity, 100-grain weight and SL), indicating partial dominance and selection for these traits might be more effective in early generations. Meanwhile, the remaining traits (PH, SPP, GYPP and DTH) had a degree of dominance more than unity, indicating that overdominance gene effects control such traits and it is preferable to postpone selection to later generations. The highest values of narrow-sense heritability and genetic advance were recorded by glaucousness trait followed by SL and SPP, indicating that selection in segregating generations would be more effective than other traits.

Resumo Os criadores de trigo frequentemente usam a análise da média de geração para obter informações sobre o tipo de ação do gene envolvida na herança de uma característica para escolher o procedimento de melhoramento útil para o aprimoramento da característica. O presente estudo foi conduzido para estudar a ação do gene interalélico e intraalélico e a herança de características de glaucosidade, precocidade e produção em um cruzamento de trigo mole entre pais divergentes em glaucosidade e características de produção; nomeadamente Mut-2 (P1) e Sakha 93 (P2). O material experimental incluiu seis populações, ou seja, P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 e BC2 para este cruzamento de trigo. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com três repetições e aplicado um modelo de seis parâmetros. Os efeitos aditivos foram geralmente mais críticos do que a dominância para todas as características estudadas, exceto para altura da planta (AP) e rendimento de grãos / planta (GYPP). A epistasia duplicada foi observada no comprimento da ponta; SL, espigas/planta; SPP e dias para o cabeçalho; DTH. Todos os seis tipos de efeitos de interação alélica e não alélica controlaram SL, GYPP, DTH e glaucosidade. Todos os três tipos de epistasia, ou seja, aditivo x aditivo, aditivo x dominância e dominância x dominância, são essenciais na determinação da herança de quatro características (SL, GYPP, DTH e glaucosidade). Os efeitos de dominância × dominância foram maiores em magnitude do que aditivo × dominância e aditivo × aditivo na maioria das características. O grau médio de dominância foi menor do que a unidade em seis características (glaucosidade, grãos / espiga, peso da espiga, dias até a maturidade, peso de 100 grãos e SL), indicando dominância parcial, e a seleção para essas características pode ser mais eficaz nas gerações iniciais. Enquanto isso, os traços restantes (PH, SPP, GYPP e DTH) tiveram um grau de dominância maior do que a unidade, indicando que os efeitos do gene de superdominância controlam tais traços e é preferível adiar a seleção para gerações posteriores. Os maiores valores de herdabilidade no sentido restrito e avanço genético foram registrados pelo traço de glaucosidade seguido por SL e SPP, indicando que a seleção em gerações segregadas seria mais eficaz do que outros caracteres.

Genetic parameters controlling the inheritance of glaucousness and yield traits in bread wheat / Parâmetros genéticos que controlam a herança de glaucosidade e características de produção em trigo mole

Wheat breeders frequently use generation mean analysis to obtain information on the type of gene action involved in inheriting a trait to choose the helpful breeding procedure for trait improvement. The present study was carried out to study the inter-allelic and intra-allelic gene action and inheritance of glaucousness, earliness and yield traits in a bread wheat cross between divergent parents in glaucousness and yield traits; namely Mut-2 (P1) and Sakha 93 (P2).The experimental material included six populations, i.e. P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, and BC2 for this wheat cross. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used, and a six parameters model was applied. Additive effects were generally more critical than dominance for all studied traits, except for plant height (PH) and grain yield/plant (GYPP). The duplicate epistasis was observed in spike length; SL, spikes/plant; SPP and days to heading; DTH. All six types of allelic and non-allelic interaction effects controlled SL, GYPP, DTH and glaucousness. All three types of epistasis, i.e. additive x additive, additive x dominance, and dominance x dominance, are essential in determining the inheritance of four traits (SL, GYPP, DTH and glaucousness). Dominance × dominance effects were higher in magnitude than additive × dominance and additive × additive in most traits. The average degree of dominance was minor than unity in six traits (glaucousness, grains/spike, spike weight, days to maturity, 100-grain weight and SL), indicating partial dominance and selection for these traits might be more effective in early generations. Meanwhile, the remaining traits (PH, SPP, GYPP and DTH) had a degree of dominance more than unity, indicating that overdominance gene effects control such traits and it is preferable to postpone selection to later generations. The highest values of narrow-sense heritability and genetic advance were recorded by glaucousness trait followed by SL and SPP, indicating that selection in segregating generations would be more effective than other traits.

Os criadores de trigo frequentemente usam a análise da média de geração para obter informações sobre o tipo de ação do gene envolvida na herança de uma característica para escolher o procedimento de melhoramento útil para o aprimoramento da característica. O presente estudo foi conduzido para estudar a ação do gene interalélico e intraalélico e a herança de características de glaucosidade, precocidade e produção em um cruzamento de trigo mole entre pais divergentes em glaucosidade e características de produção; nomeadamente Mut-2 (P1) e Sakha 93 (P2). O material experimental incluiu seis populações, ou seja, P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 e BC2 para este cruzamento de trigo. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com três repetições e aplicado um modelo de seis parâmetros. Os efeitos aditivos foram geralmente mais críticos do que a dominância para todas as características estudadas, exceto para altura da planta (AP) e rendimento de grãos / planta (GYPP). A epistasia duplicada foi observada no comprimento da ponta; SL, espigas/planta; SPP e dias para o cabeçalho; DTH. Todos os seis tipos de efeitos de interação alélica e não alélica controlaram SL, GYPP, DTH e glaucosidade. Todos os três tipos de epistasia, ou seja, aditivo x aditivo, aditivo x dominância e dominância x dominância, são essenciais na determinação da herança de quatro características (SL, GYPP, DTH e glaucosidade). Os efeitos de dominância × dominância foram maiores em magnitude do que aditivo × dominância e aditivo × aditivo na maioria das características. O grau médio de dominância foi menor do que a unidade em seis características (glaucosidade, grãos / espiga, peso da espiga, dias até a maturidade, peso de 100 grãos e SL), indicando dominância parcial, e a seleção para essas características pode ser mais eficaz nas gerações iniciais. Enquanto isso, os traços restantes (PH, SPP, GYPP e DTH) tiveram um grau de dominância maior do que a unidade, indicando que os efeitos do gene de superdominância controlam tais traços e é preferível adiar a seleção para gerações posteriores. Os maiores valores de herdabilidade no sentido restrito e avanço genético foram registrados pelo traço de glaucosidade seguido por SL e SPP, indicando que a seleção em gerações segregadas seria mais eficaz do que outros caracteres.

Genetic parameters controlling the inheritance of glaucousness and yield traits in bread wheat.

Wheat breeders frequently use generation mean analysis to obtain information on the type of gene action involved in inheriting a trait to choose the helpful breeding procedure for trait improvement. The present study was carried out to study the inter-allelic and intra-allelic gene action and inheritance of glaucousness, earliness and yield traits in a bread wheat cross between divergent parents in glaucousness and yield traits; namely Mut-2 (P1) and Sakha 93 (P2). The experimental material included six populations, i.e. P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, and BC2 for this wheat cross. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used, and a six parameters model was applied. Additive effects were generally more critical than dominance for all studied traits, except for plant height (PH) and grain yield/plant (GYPP). The duplicate epistasis was observed in spike length; SL, spikes/plant; SPP and days to heading; DTH. All six types of allelic and non-allelic interaction effects controlled SL, GYPP, DTH and glaucousness. All three types of epistasis, i.e. additive x additive, additive x dominance, and dominance x dominance, are essential in determining the inheritance of four traits (SL, GYPP, DTH and glaucousness). Dominance × dominance effects were higher in magnitude than additive × dominance and additive × additive in most traits. The average degree of dominance was minor than unity in six traits (glaucousness, grains/spike, spike weight, days to maturity, 100-grain weight and SL), indicating partial dominance and selection for these traits might be more effective in early generations. Meanwhile, the remaining traits (PH, SPP, GYPP and DTH) had a degree of dominance more than unity, indicating that overdominance gene effects control such traits and it is preferable to postpone selection to later generations. The highest values of narrow-sense heritability and genetic advance were recorded by glaucousness trait followed by SL and SPP, indicating that selection in segregating generations would be more effective than other traits.

Shortening sow restraint period during lactation improves production and decreases hair cortisol concentrations in sows and their piglets.

Food animal welfare is an issue of great concern, as society has a responsibility for animals under human care. Pork is the most consumed meat worldwide, with more than a billion pigs being slaughtered globally every year. Still, in most countries, sows are restrained in farrowing crates throughout lactation. In these crates, sows are confined with bars to an area that is just slightly larger than their body. Thus, moving and turning around, grooming, or expressing other natural behaviors are typically impossible. In this study, we utilized a simple and practical modification of conventional farrowing crates to designed farrowing pens, by removable confinement bars, which provide the flexibility to change the housing system from one to another. Our objective was to examine the parameters of production and hair cortisol concentrations after different restraint periods during lactation. Analyses included data from 77 sows and their 997 piglets. Sows were housed in farrowing crates, but the confinement bars were removed after different periods, from 3 days post-farrowing to full restraint. For certain analyses, sows were grouped into Short or Long Restraint groups (3-10 days vs 13-24 days, respectively). Multiple linear regression revealed that for any additional day in restraint of the sows, piglets' weaning rate decreases by 0.4% (P < 0.05). Moreover, the total number of weaned piglets per litter was higher in the Short Restraint group as compared to the Long Restraint group (10.4 ±â€¯0.3 vs 9.7 ±â€¯0.3, respectively; P < 0.05). Accordingly, total litter weight on the weaning day tended to be higher in the Short Restraint group (68.8 ±â€¯2.2 vs 64.9 ±â€¯1.8 kg; P = 0.1210). The requirement for medical treatments during lactation (e.g., antibiotics, NSAID) tended to be less frequent in the Short Restraint group (Sows: 21.9% vs 40%; P = 0.1219. Piglets: 2.4% vs 17.1%; P = 0.0609). Hair cortisol as a marker for chronic stress during lactation decreased when the restraint period was shortened in both sows and piglets. Our analysis revealed that sows' hair cortisol is a significant mediator between the restraint of the sow and its piglets' hair cortisol (Sobel test; P < 0.05). For every day of sows' restraint, sows' hair cortisol increased by 0.5 pg/mg, and for any additional unit of sows' hair cortisol, piglets' hair cortisol increased by 0.36 pg/mg. In conclusion, sustainable swine farming management can be beneficial for both animals and farmers; limiting sow restraint during lactation is expected to reduce stress, enhance welfare and production, and potentially improve the economics of swine operations.

Relaxation versus exercise for improved quality of life in lymphoma survivors-a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Lymphoma survivors experience persisting needs as a consequence of disease and treatment, which have an impact on quality of life (QoL). There is evidence supporting the use of relaxation and exercise to improve QoL, but there is no agreement on which is more beneficial. This study aims to compare a relaxation intervention versus an exercise intervention to determine which has a greater impact on QoL post-chemotherapy. METHODS: Eligible participants (n = 46) were randomised to a relaxation or exercise intervention for 12 weeks. QoL was assessed at baseline, 6 weeks and post-intervention using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) questionnaire, which is a valid and reliable tool. The summary score and all EORTC domains were assessed. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in QoL post-intervention between groups (p = 0.029) while adjusting for baseline QoL, with the exercise group demonstrating a larger improvement. Within-group QoL significantly improved pre- to post-intervention in both the relaxation (p = 0.036) and exercise (p = 0.004) groups. CONCLUSIONS: A self-management intervention of either exercise or relaxation can help significantly improve QoL in lymphoma survivors following chemotherapy. While exercise is preferred, a relaxation intervention would also have a beneficial impact on QoL. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Lymphoma survivors should be routinely screened and those with decreased QoL referred for an exercise programme, or relaxation for survivors who are unable to exercise or choose not to. A home-based programme can have a significant positive impact on QoL and is a feasible and effective method in the current climate. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trials ID NCT02272751.

Angioleiomyoma as a rare cause of a painful subcutaneous nodule in the leg: a case report.

Angioleiomyomas are benign tumors originating in the vascular smooth muscles. The tumor typically presents as a painful, solitary, small subcutaneous nodule. Herein, we have described a case report of chronic leg pain due to angioleiomyoma. We outline the clinical, radiological and histopathological features of this rare diagnosis for a painful nodule of extremity. Although rare, angioleiomyoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of chronic leg pain.

Lymphoma survivors' experience of participation in a home-based intervention post-chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Further research on patient experience and involvement is recommended in order to develop evidence-based and meaningful care pathways for lymphoma survivors. This study aims to explore the experience of a sample of lymphoma survivors participating in a home-based intervention following chemotherapy. METHODS: Eligible participants who completed a 12-week home-based intervention were invited to complete the End of Study Questionnaire designed to explore perceptions, preferences and barriers to participation. Content analysis was used to generate codes, describe frequencies and identify themes. RESULTS: Participating in a home-based intervention post-treatment was a positive experience overall, and aided recovery in this sample of lymphoma survivors (n = 35). Participants felt the programme provided structure, motivation and liked contact with the researcher. Participants highlighted their need for advice on healthy lifestyle, diet in particular. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphoma survivors in this study reported participation in a home-based intervention following treatment beneficial and aided recovery. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: A large proportion of lymphoma survivors would benefit from a rehabilitation intervention post-chemotherapy. Intervention programmes should include follow-ups to monitor progress and provide support and motivation. Health professionals should recommend healthy lifestyle guidelines to survivors on completion of treatment or refer patients to appropriate services for rehabilitation and advice.

Urticarial vasculitis as an initial manifestation of colonic carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature.

Cutaneous vasculitis may behave as a paraneoplastic syndrome. Paraneoplastic vasculitis as a phenomenon of colonic adenocarcinoma has been described in the literature. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first case report of urticarial vasculitis being an initial presentation of signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon. I here report a case of 27-year-old woman who had rash, arthritis, and episodic bleeding per rectum. The rash was biopsy-proven to be leukocytoclastic vasculitis. There was only partial response to high-dose steroid, and rectal bleeding continued. Colonoscopy revealed a stenosing growth of sigmoid colon, which proved to be signet ring cell carcinoma of the colon. It is important to remain vigilant with regard to the association between leukocytoclastic vasculitis and malignancies.

54-cm enteric duplication cyst in a 13-year-old female.

Enteric duplication cyst is a very rare condition, the affected individual may be asymptomatic. It has serious complications, on top of which is a malignant transformation tendency. To avoid these complications, resection of the duplication seems to be mandatory, even if it is an incidental finding.

Comparative characterization of two galectins excreted-secreted from intestine-dwelling parasitic versus free-living females of the soil-transmitted nematode Strongyloides.

Helminths are complex pathogens that ensure their long-term survival by influencing the immune responses of their host. Excretory/secretory products (ESP) can exert immunoregulatory effects which foster parasite survival. Galectins represent a widespread group of ß-galactoside-binding proteins which are involved in a multitude of biological processes operative in parasite-host interaction. We had earlier identified seven galectins in Strongyloides ratti, four of them detected in the ESP of distinct developmental stages of the parasite. In the present report, we focused on the characterization of two of them, Sr-galectin-1 (Sr-Gal-1) and Sr-galectin-3 (Sr-Gal-3). While Sr-Gal-3 expression was strongest in parasitic females, Sr-Gal-1 was predominantly expressed in free-living females. Both proteins were cloned and recombinantly expressed in an E. coli expression system. Their glycan-binding activity was verified by haemagglutination and glycan array analysis. Furthermore, primary immunological activities of the Sr-galectins were initially investigated by the application of an in vitro mucosal 3D-culture model, comprising of mucosa-associated epithelial and dendritic cells. The Sr-galectins stimulated preferentially the release of the type 2 cytokines thymic stromal lymphopoietin and IL-22, a first indication for immunoregulatory activity. In addition, the Sr-galectins dose-dependently fostered cell migration. Our results confirm the importance of these carbohydrate-binding proteins in host-parasite-interaction by indicating possible interaction with the host mucosa-associated cells.

Epidemiological study of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia, April-May 2015.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in five regions in Saudi Arabia to investigate the epidemiology of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) during April and May2015. Serum and nasal swab samples were tested for MERS-CoV antibodies andribonucleic acid (RNA) using a recombinant enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (rELISA) and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), respectively. The overall MERS-CoV antibody seroprevalence was 80.5%, whereas the overall viral RNA prevalence was 2.4%. The associations of risk factors with each prevalence were quantified using univariate and multivariate analyses. The multivariate models identified region, age, grazing system, exposure to wild animals and dung removal as factors significantly associated with seroprevalence (p ??0.05). A higher seroprevalence was more likely to occur in camels from the Riyadh, Eastern, Northern and Makkah regions than those from the Jazan region; camels ??4 and 1-3 years of age (marginally significant) than calves < 1 year; and camels raised in zero grazing and semi-open grazing systems than those raised in an open grazing system. However, the presence of wild animals and daily dung removal were negatively associated with seroprevalence. On the other hand, region and sex were significantly associated with MERS-CoV RNA prevalence(p ??0.05). A higher viral RNA prevalence was more likely to occur in camels from the Riyadh region and Eastern region (marginally significant) than in those from the Makkah region, and in male camels than female camels. In conclusion, the risk factors identified in this study can be considered to be predictors of MERS-CoV infection in camels and should be taken into account when developing an efficient and cost-effective control strategy.

Une étude transversale a été réalisée au cours des mois d'avril et de mai 2015 dans cinq régions d'Arabie saoudite afin d'élucider l'épidémiologie de l'infection par le coronavirus responsable du syndrome respiratoire du Moyen-Orient(MERS­CoV) chez les dromadaires (Camelus dromedarius). Des échantillons de sérum et des écouvillons nasaux prélevés de dromadaires ont été analysés afin de détecter la présence d'anticorps dirigés contre le MERS-CoV ou d'ARN de ce même virus, en utilisant respectivement une épreuve immuno-enzymatique recombinante (ELISAr) et une amplification en chaîne par polymérase couplée à une transcription inverse (PCR­RT) en temps réel. La prévalence sérologique globale des anticorps dirigés contre le MERS-CoV s'élevait à 80,5 %, tandis que la prévalence globale de l'ARN viral était de 2,4 %. Les corrélations entre les facteurs de risque et les prévalences obtenues ont été quantifiées au moyen d'analyses à une seule et à plusieurs variables. Les modèles à plusieurs variables ont fait apparaître une association significative (p ??0,05) entre la prévalence sérologique et les facteurs suivants : la région, l'âge des animaux, le système pastoral pratiqué, l'exposition à la faune sauvage et l'élimination du fumier. La probabilité d'une forte prévalence sérologique était plus élevée chez les dromadaires provenant des régions de Riyad, de l'Est, du Nord et de la Mecque que chez ceux de la région de Jizan ; chez les dromadaires âgés de plus de quatre ans, ou âgés d'un à trois ans (différence marginalement significative) plutôt que chez les jeunes de moins d'un an ; et enfin chez les dromadaires nourris en stabulation (zéro pâturage) ou en pâturage semi-ouvert plutôt que chez ceux nourris dans des systèmes de pâturage ouvert. En revanche, une corrélation négative a été constatée entre la prévalence sérologique d'une part et la présence d'animaux sauvages et/ou l'élimination quotidienne du fumier, d'autre part. En ce qui concerne la détection virale, une corrélation significative (p ??0,05) a été constatée entre la région et le sexe des animaux et la prévalence de l'ARN du MERS-CoV. La probabilité d'une prévalence plus élevée de l'ARN viral était plus prononcée chez les dromadaires des régions de Riyad et de l'Est (différence marginalement significative) que chez ceux de la région de La Mecque, et chez les mâles que chez les chamelles. En conclusion, les facteurs de risque identifiés dans cette étude peuvent servir d'annonciateurs de l'infection par le MERS-CoV chez les dromadaires et devraient être pris en compte pour élaborer une stratégie efficace et rentable de lutte contre cette maladie.

Los autores describen un estudio transversal efectuado en abril y mayo de 2015 en cinco regiones de Arabia Saudí con objeto de investigar la epidemiologia de la infección de dromedarios (Camelus dromedarius) por el coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio de Oriente Medio (MERS­CoV). A tal efecto se analizaron muestras de suero y exudado nasal para detectar en ellas anticuerpos contra el MERS­CoV y ácido ribonucleico (ARN) del virus, empleando para ello, respectivamente, una técnica de ensayo inmunoenzimático recombinante (ELISAr) y una de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa acoplada a transcripción inversa en tiempo real (rRT­PCR, por sus siglas en inglés). Se calculó que la seroprevalencia global de anticuerpos contra el virus era del 80,5% y que la prevalencia global de ARN vírico era del 2,4%. Utilizando análisis multifactoriales y de una sola variable se cuantificó también la correlación de cada una de esas prevalencias con una serie de factores de riesgo. Con los modelos multifactoriales se observó que la región, la edad, el régimen de pastoreo, la exposición a animales salvajes y la retirada de estiércol eran factores que presentaban una asociación significativa con la seroprevalencia (p ??0,05): era más probable encontrar niveles elevados de seroprevalencia en dromedarios de las regiones de Riad y La Meca y las regiones oriental y septentrional del país que en los de la región de Jizán; en los de 4 o más años y entre 1 y 3 años de edad (correlación ligeramente significativa) que en las crías menores de 1 año; y en los animales estabulados o criados en sistemas de pasto semiabierto que en los criados con regímenes de pasto al aire libre. La presencia de animales salvajes y la retirada cotidiana del estiércol, por su parte, presentaban una correlación negativa con la seroprevalencia. Por otro lado, los factores asociados significativamente con la prevalencia de ARN vírico (p ??0,05) eran la región y el sexo: había mayor probabilidad de encontrar niveles elevados de prevalencia de ARN vírico en dromedarios de la región de Riad y la región oriental (correlación ligeramente significativa) que en los de la región de La Meca, y en machos más que en hembras. En conclusión, los factores de riesgo detectados con este estudio pueden ser considerados predictivos de la infección de dromedarios por el MERS­CoV y deben ser tenidos en cuenta para elaborar una estrategia de lucha que ofrezca a la vez eficacia y rentabilidad.

Acute fiber supplementation with inulin-type fructans curbs appetite sensations: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Background: Research points to a benefit of inulin fiber on appetite and weight regulation but results remain mixed. Objectives: To test the impact of 16 g/d of Inulin-type fructans (ITFs) on appetite and food intake in acute settings. Design: Forty college age females received either a fiber drink with 16 g of ITFs in 330 ml water or placebo. On the 8th day of the study, appetite sensations were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) along with food intake. Repeated-measures ANOVA were performed comparing VAS ratings during test day. Energy consumption was compared using paired t-tests. Significance was determined at p<0.05. Results: On the 8th day, the fiber group reported lower ratings for hunger, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption with significantly higher ratings for satisfaction and fullness. Subsequently, the fiber group consumed 21% less kcal from food at lunch (453 ± 47 kcal) compared to controls (571 ± 39 kcal) (p<0.05). Conclusions: Consuming 16 g/d of ITFs in the morning for 7 days, and after an overnight fast, curbed appetite sensations and helped reduce food intake during lunch meal. These findings highlight the potential of using ITFs in weight management. Future studies should explore ITFs long term benefits.

Post ventriculoperitoneal shunt abdominal pseudocyst: Challenges posed in management.

BACKGROUND: In patients with hydrocephalus, the abdominal cavity has been used for absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) since 1905. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt operation is followed by abdominal complications in about 5-47% cases. Abdominal CSF pseudo cyst is an uncommon, but well described complication. AIM: This survey was conducted to study the clinical profile and management of this entity. We present our experience with cases of CSF pseudo cyst in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 4 cases diagnosed to have abdominal pseudo cyst following VP shunt between 2008 and 2013. All the four cases were suspected clinically and diagnosis was confirmed by abdominal ultrasonography. RESULTS: In three patients, the cyst was multilocular and of varying size. Fourth one had a unilocular cyst at the lower end of VP shunt. All the four patients had features of varying degree raised intracranial pressure and a two patients had abdominal signs also. All the patients needed open exploration. Cyst fluid was drained and partial to complete excision of the cyst was done along with the repositioning of the shunt in abdominal cavity in three patients and exteriorization of shunt in one patient. Patients were followed for any further complication over a period of 1-year. CONCLUSION: Abdominal pseudo cyst is a rare complication after VP Shunt and could result in shunt malfunction or abdominal symptoms and signs. Whenever suspected it should be confirmed by imaging, followed by open exploration and repositioning of the shunt.

Fiber supplementation lowers plasma p-cresol in chronic kidney disease patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of supplemental fiber on plasma p-cresol, stool frequency, and quality of life (QoL) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: In a 12-week single-blind study, participants were provided with control muffins and supplements (5.5 g sucrose/day) for 2 weeks, muffins containing 10 g/day pea hull fiber and control supplements for 4 weeks, and muffins with 10 g/day pea hull fiber and 15 g/day inulin as a supplement for 6 weeks. SUBJECTS: Individuals with CKD (n = 13; 6 males, 7 females; aged 65 ± 3 years; estimated glomerular filtration rate <50 mL/minute/1.73(2)) completed the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Plasma p-cresol was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, stool frequency by 5-day journals, and QoL by the KDQOL-36™. RESULTS: Plasma p-cresol decreased from 7.25 ± 1.74 mg/L during week 1 to 5.82 ± 1.72 mg/L during week 12 (P < .05), and in participants with high compliance (>70% inulin intake), from 6.71 ± 1.98 mg/L to 4.22 ± 1.16 mg/L (P < .05). Total fiber intake increased from 16.6 ± 1.7 g/day during control to 26.5 ± 2.4 g/day (P < .0001) with the added pea hull and to 34.5 ± 2.2 g/day with pea hull and inulin (P < .0001). Stool frequency increased from 1.4 ± 0.2 stools/day during control to 1.9 ± 0.3 stools/day during both fiber periods (P < .05). No change in overall QoL was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementing the diet of CKD patients with fiber may be a dietary therapy to reduce p-cresol and improve stool frequency.