Significant risk factors for intensive care unit-acquired weakness:A processing strategy based on repeated machine learning

BACKGROUND Intensive care unit-acquired weakness(ICU-AW)is a common complication that significantly impacts the patient's recovery process,even leading to adverse outcomes.Currently,there is a lack of effective preventive measures.AIM To identify significant risk factors for ICU-AW through iterative machine learning techniques and offer recommendations for its prevention and treatment.METHODS Patients were categorized into ICU-AW and non-ICU-AW groups on the 14th day post-ICU admission.Relevant data from the initial 14 d of ICU stay,such as age,comorbidities,sedative dosage,vasopressor dosage,duration of mechanical ventilation,length of ICU stay,and rehabilitation therapy,were gathered.The relationships between these variables and ICU-AW were examined.Utilizing iterative machine learning techniques,a multilayer perceptron neural network model was developed,and its predictive performance for ICU-AW was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.RESULTS Within the ICU-AW group,age,duration of mechanical ventilation,lorazepam dosage,adrenaline dosage,and length of ICU stay were significantly higher than in the non-ICU-AW group.Additionally,sepsis,multiple organ dysfunction syndrome,hypoalbuminemia,acute heart failure,respiratory failure,acute kidney injury,anemia,stress-related gastrointestinal bleeding,shock,hypertension,coronary artery disease,malignant tumors,and rehabilitation therapy ratios were significantly higher in the ICU-AW group,demonstrating statistical significance.The most influential factors contributing to ICU-AW were identified as the length of ICU stay(100.0%)and the duration of mechanical ventilation(54.9%).The neural network model predicted ICU-AW with an area under the curve of 0.941,sensitivity of 92.2%,and specificity of 82.7%.CONCLUSION The main factors influencing ICU-AW are the length of ICU stay and the duration of mechanical ventilation.A primary preventive strategy,when feasible,involves minimizing both ICU stay and mechanical ventilation duration.

Sorl1 knockout inhibits expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor:involvement in the development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease

Sortilin-related receptor 1(SORL1)is a critical gene associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.SORL1 contributes to the development and progression of this neurodegenerative condition by affecting the transport and metabolism of intracellularβ-amyloid precursor protein.To better understand the underlying mechanisms of SORL1 in the pathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer s disease,in this study,we established a mouse model of SorI1 gene knockout using cluste red regularly inters paced short palindro mic repeats-associated protein 9 technology.We found that Sorl1-knocko ut mice displayed deficits in learning and memory.Furthermore,the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor was significantly downregulated in the hippocampus and co rtex,and amyloidβ-protein deposits were observed in the brains of 5orl1-knockout mice.In vitro,hippocampal neuronal cell synapses from homozygous Sorl1-knockout mice were impaired.The expression of synaptic proteins,including Drebrin and NR2B,was significantly reduced,and also their colocalization.Additionally,by knocking out the Sorl1 gene in N2a cells,we found that expression of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor,NR2B,and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element binding protein was also inhibited.These findings suggest that SORL1 participates in the pathogenesis of late-onset Alzheimer s disease by regulating the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR2B/cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element binding protein signaling axis.

Are TrkB receptor agonists the right tool to fulfill the promises for a therapeutic value of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor?

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling via its receptor tro pomyosin receptor kinase B regulates several crucial physiological processes.It has been shown to act in the brain,promoting neuronal survival,growth,and plasticity as well as in the rest of the body where it is involved in regulating for instance aspects of the metabolism.Due to its crucial and very pleiotro pic activity,reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and alterations in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling have been found to be associated with a wide spectrum of neurological diseases.Howeve r,because of its poor bioavailability and pharmacological properties,brain-derived neurotrophic factor itself has a very low therapeutic value.Moreover,the concomitant binding of exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor to the p75 neurotrophin receptor has the potential to elicit several unwanted and deleterious side effects.Therefo re,developing tools and approaches to specifically promote tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling has become an important goal of translational research.Among the newly developed tools are different categories of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist molecules.In this review,we give a comprehensive description of the diffe rent tro pomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist drugs developed so far and of the res ults of their application in animal models of several neurological diseases.Moreover,we discuss the main benefits of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonists,concentrating especially on the new tropomyosin receptor kinase B agonist antibodies.The benefits observed both in vitro and in vivo upon application of tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonist drugs seem to predominantly depend on their general neuroprotective activity and their ability to promote neuronal plasticity.Moreover,tro pomyosin receptor kinase B agonist antibodies have been shown to specifically bind the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor and not p75 neurotrophin receptor.Therefore,while,based on the current knowledge,the tropomyosin receptor kinase B receptor agonists do not seem to have the potential to reve rse the disease pathology per se,promoting brainderived neurotrophic factor/tro pomyosin receptor kinase B signaling still has a very high therapeutic relevance.

Biological factors driving colorectal cancer metastasis

Approximately 20%of colorectal cancer(CRC)patients present with metastasis at diagnosis.Among Stage I-III CRC patients who undergo surgical resection,18%typically suffer from distal metastasis within the first three years following initial treatment.The median survival duration after the diagnosis of metastatic CRC(mCRC)is only 9 mo.mCRC is traditionally considered to be an advanced stage malignancy or is thought to be caused by incomplete resection of tumor tissue,allowing cancer cells to spread from primary to distant organs;however,increa-sing evidence suggests that the mCRC process can begin early in tumor development.CRC patients present with high heterogeneity and diverse cancer phenotypes that are classified on the basis of molecular and morphological alterations.Different genomic and nongenomic events can induce subclone diversity,which leads to cancer and metastasis.Throughout the course of mCRC,metastatic cascades are associated with invasive cancer cell migration through the circulatory system,extravasation,distal seeding,dormancy,and reactivation,with each step requiring specific molecular functions.However,cancer cells presenting neoantigens can be recognized and eliminated by the immune system.In this review,we explain the biological factors that drive CRC metastasis,namely,genomic instability,epigenetic instability,the metastatic cascade,the cancer-immunity cycle,and external lifestyle factors.Despite remarkable progress in CRC research,the role of molecular classification in therapeutic intervention remains unclear.This review shows the driving factors of mCRC which may help in identifying potential candidate biomarkers that can improve the diagnosis and early detection of mCRC cases.

Predictive factors and model validation of post-colon polyp surgery Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND Recently,research has linked Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)stomach infection to colonic inflammation,mediated by toxin production,potentially impacting colorectal cancer occurrence.AIM To investigate the risk factors for post-colon polyp surgery,H.pylori infection,and its correlation with pathologic type.METHODS Eighty patients who underwent colon polypectomy in our hospital between January 2019 and January 2023 were retrospectively chosen.They were then randomly split into modeling(n=56)and model validation(n=24)sets using R.The modeling cohort was divided into an H.pylori-infected group(n=37)and an H.pylori-uninfected group(n=19).Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing the occurrence of H.pylori infection after colon polyp surgery.A roadmap prediction model was established and validated.Finally,the correlation between the different pathological types of colon polyps and the occurrence of H.pylori infection was analyzed after colon polyp surgery.RESULTS Univariate results showed that age,body mass index(BMI),literacy,alcohol consumption,polyp pathology type,high-risk adenomas,and heavy diet were all influential factors in the development of H.pylori infection after intestinal polypectomy.Binary multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that age,BMI,and type of polyp pathology were independent predictors of the occurrence of H.pylori infection after intestinal polypectomy.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.969[95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.928–1.000]and 0.898(95%CI:0.773–1.000)in the modeling and validation sets,respectively.The slope of the calibration curve of the graph was close to 1,and the goodness-of-fit test was P>0.05 in the two sets.The decision analysis curve showed a high rate of return in both sets.The results of the correlation analysis between different pathological types and the occurrence of H.pylori infection after colon polyp surgery showed that hyperplastic polyps,inflammatory polyps,and the occurrence of H.pylori infection were not significantly correlated.In contrast,adenomatous polyps showed a significant positive correlation with the occurrence of H.pylori infection.CONCLUSION Age,BMI,and polyps of the adenomatous type were independent predictors of H.pylori infection after intestinal polypectomy.Moreover,the further constructed column-line graph prediction model of H.pylori infection after intestinal polypectomy showed good predictive ability.

Effect of non-uniform swelling on coal multiphysics during gas injection: The triangle approach

In current dual porosity/permeability models,there exists a fundamental assumption that the adsorption-induced swelling is distributed uniformly within the representative elementary volume (REV),irrespective of its internal structures and transient processes.However,both internal structures and transient processes can lead to the non-uniform swelling.In this study,we hypothesize that the non-uniform swelling is responsible for why coal permeability in experimental measurements is not only controlled by the effective stress but also is affected by the adsorption-induced swelling.We propose a concept of the swelling triangle composed of swelling paths to characterize the evolution of the non-uniform swelling and serve as a core link in coupled multiphysics.A swelling path is determined by a dimensionless volumetric ratio and a dimensionless swelling ratio.Different swelling paths have the same start and end point,and each swelling path represents a unique swelling case.The swelling path as the diagonal of the triangle represents the case of the uniform swelling while that as the two perpendicular boundaries represents the case of the localized swelling.The paths of all intermediate cases populate inside the triangle.The corresponding relations between the swelling path and the response of coal multiphysics are established by a non-uniform swelling coefficient.We define this method as the triangle approach and corresponding models as swelling path-based ones.The proposed concept and models are verified against a long-term experimental measurement of permeability and strains under constant effective stress.Our results demonstrate that during gas injection,coal multiphysics responses have a close dependence on the swelling path,and that in both future experiments and field predictions,this dependence must be considered.

A growth-regulating factor 7(GRF7)-mediated gene regulatory network promotes leaf growth and expansion in sugarcane

Knowledge of the function of growth-regulating factors(GRFs)in sugarcane(Saccharum officinarum and S.spontaneum)growth and development could assist breeders in selecting desirable plant architectures.However,limited information about GRFs is available in Saccharum due to their polyploidy.In this study,22 GRFs were identified in the two species and their conserved domains,gene structures,chromosome location,and synteny were characterized.GRF7 expression varied among tissues and responded to diurnal rhythm.SsGRF7-YFP was localized preferentially in the nucleus and appears to act as a transcriptional cofactor.SsGRF7 positively regulated the size and length of rice leaves,possibly by regulating cell size and plant hormones.Of seven potential transcription factors binding to the SsGRF7 promoter in S.spontaneum,four showed positive expression patterns,and two showed negative expression patterns relative to SsGRF7.

Pressure transient characteristics of non-uniform conductivity fractured wells in viscoelasticity polymer flooding based on oil-water two-phase flow

Polymer flooding in fractured wells has been extensively applied in oilfields to enhance oil recovery.In contrast to water,polymer solution exhibits non-Newtonian and nonlinear behavior such as effects of shear thinning and shear thickening,polymer convection,diffusion,adsorption retention,inaccessible pore volume and reduced effective permeability.Meanwhile,the flux density and fracture conductivity along the hydraulic fracture are generally non-uniform due to the effects of pressure distribution,formation damage,and proppant breakage.In this paper,we present an oil-water two-phase flow model that captures these complex non-Newtonian and nonlinear behavior,and non-uniform fracture characteristics in fractured polymer flooding.The hydraulic fracture is firstly divided into two parts:high-conductivity fracture near the wellbore and low-conductivity fracture in the far-wellbore section.A hybrid grid system,including perpendicular bisection(PEBI)and Cartesian grid,is applied to discrete the partial differential flow equations,and the local grid refinement method is applied in the near-wellbore region to accurately calculate the pressure distribution and shear rate of polymer solution.The combination of polymer behavior characterizations and numerical flow simulations are applied,resulting in the calculation for the distribution of water saturation,polymer concentration and reservoir pressure.Compared with the polymer flooding well with uniform fracture conductivity,this non-uniform fracture conductivity model exhibits the larger pressure difference,and the shorter bilinear flow period due to the decrease of fracture flow ability in the far-wellbore section.The field case of the fall-off test demonstrates that the proposed method characterizes fracture characteristics more accurately,and yields fracture half-lengths that better match engineering reality,enabling a quantitative segmented characterization of the near-wellbore section with high fracture conductivity and the far-wellbore section with low fracture conductivity.The novelty of this paper is the analysis of pressure performances caused by the fracture dynamics and polymer rheology,as well as an analysis method that derives formation and fracture parameters based on the pressure and its derivative curves.

Predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy bleeding risks

Objective:This study aimed to identify predictive factors for percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)bleeding risks.With better risk stratification,bleeding in high-risk patient can be anticipated and facilitates early identification.Methods:A prospective observational study of PCNL performed at our institution was done.All adults with radio-opaque renal stones planned for PCNL were included except those with coagulopathy,planned for additional procedures.Factors including gender,co-morbidities,body mass index,stone burden,puncture site,tract dilatation size,operative position,surgeon's seniority,and operative duration were studied using stepwise multivariate regression analysis to identify the predictive factors associated with higher estimated hemoglobin(Hb)deficiency.Results:Overall,4.86%patients(n=7)received packed cells transfusion.The mean estimated Hb deficiency was 1.3(range 0-6.5)g/dL and the median was 1.0 g/dL.Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that absence of hypertension(p=0.024),puncture site(p=0.027),and operative duration(p=0.023)were significantly associated with higher estimated Hb deficiency.However,the effect sizes are rather small with partial eta-squared of 0.037,0.066,and 0.038,respectively.Observed power obtained was 0.621,0.722,and 0.625,respectively.Other factors studied did not correlate with Hb difference.Conclusion:Hypertension,puncture site,and operative duration have significant impact on estimated Hb deficiency during PCNL.However,the effect size is rather small despite adequate study power obtained.Nonetheless,operative position(supine or prone),puncture number,or tract dilatation size did not correlate with Hb difference.The mainstay of reducing bleeding in PCNL is still meticulous operative technique.Our study findings also suggest that PCNL can be safely done by urology trainees under supervision in suitably selected patient,without increasing risk of bleeding.

An improved non-uniform fast Fourier transform method for radio imaging of coronal mass ejections

Radioheliographs can obtain solar images at high temporal and spatial resolution,with a high dynamic range.These are among the most important instruments for studying solar radio bursts,understanding solar eruption events,and conducting space weather forecasting.This study aims to explore the effective use of radioheliographs for solar observations,specifically for imaging coronal mass ejections(CME),to track their evolution and provide space weather warnings.We have developed an imaging simulation program based on the principle of aperture synthesis imaging,covering the entire data processing flow from antenna configuration to dirty map generation.For grid processing,we propose an improved non-uniform fast Fourier transform(NUFFT)method to provide superior image quality.Using simulated imaging of radio coronal mass ejections,we provide practical recommendations for the performance of radioheliographs.This study provides important support for the validation and calibration of radioheliograph data processing,and is expected to profoundly enhance our understanding of solar activities.

Risk factors,prognostic factors,and nomograms for distant metastasis in patients with diagnosed duodenal cancer:A population-based study

BACKGROUND Duodenal cancer is one of the most common subtypes of small intestinal cancer,and distant metastasis(DM)in this type of cancer still leads to poor prognosis.Although nomograms have recently been used in tumor areas,no studies have focused on the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of DM in patients with primary duodenal cancer.AIM To develop and evaluate nomograms for predicting the risk of DM and person-alized prognosis in patients with duodenal cancer.METHODS Data on duodenal cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 were extracted from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results database.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for DM in patients with duodenal cancer,and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to determine independent prognostic factors in duodenal cancer patients with DM.Two novel nomograms were established,and the results were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,calibration curves,and decision curve analysis(DCA).RESULTS A total of 2603 patients with duodenal cancer were included,of whom 457 cases(17.56%)had DM at the time of diagnosis.Logistic analysis revealed independent risk factors for DM in duodenal cancer patients,including gender,grade,tumor size,T stage,and N stage(P<0.05).Univariate and multivariate COX analyses further identified independent prognostic factors for duodenal cancer patients with DM,including age,histological type,T stage,tumor grade,tumor size,bone metastasis,chemotherapy,and surgery(P<0.05).The accuracy of the nomograms was validated in the training set,validation set,and expanded testing set using ROC curves,calibration curves,and DCA curves.The results of Kaplan-Meier survival curves(P<0.001)indicated that both nomograms accurately predicted the occurrence and prognosis of DM in patients with duodenal cancer.CONCLUSION The two nomograms are expected as effective tools for predicting DM risk in duodenal cancer patients and offering personalized prognosis predictions for those with DM,potentially enhancing clinical decision-making.

Survey on Knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the Dakar Region

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases constitute a major public health problem, due to their morbi-mortality. The aim was to study knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among residents of Dakar. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Our investigations were recruited over a six-month period (October 17, 2021 to March 21, 2022). Results: Two hundred and twenty-six (226) patients were enrolled. The mean age was 45.9 years. The under-40 age group was the most represented with 37.2%. There were 129 men (57.1%), giving a male/female sex ratio of 1.33. The highest level was represented by 159 people (70.4%). Those who responded (heart disease) were in the majority (38.1%). Hypertension was the most common CVD for 101 people (44.7%). One hundred and ninety (190) people (84%) knew the risk factors for CVD. Good knowledge of risk factors concerned 103 people (54.2%). Obesity was the best-known risk factor in 156 cases (69%). The media was the most important source of information for 121 people (53.5%). Hypertensives were the most represented with 8.4%. One hundred and thirty (130) people (57.5%) had previously paid attention to these FDRCVs. Awareness campaigns were the most effective means of communication for 170 cases (75.2%). Sixteen (16) people (35.6%) were taking antihypertensive medication. Walking was the most popular physical activity for 102 people (45%). People with a balanced diet were in the majority, with 174 respondents (77.0%). Conclusion: NCDs are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It is essential to develop and implement a prevention and management program.

Factors Contributing to Contamination of Street Foods in Bamako, Mali

The World Health Organization states that foodborne diseases are a worldwide public health issue. Although street foods can provide nutritious and affordable ready-to-eat meals for city dwellers, their health risks can outweigh the benefits. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bamako district, focusing on street food vendors near schools, universities, extensive markets, administrative centers, and major roads. We aimed to sample fifty (50) sellers per municipality, making 300 sellers for the Bamako district. We developed a survey sheet to collect data, and six teams rotated between the municipalities each month. Before starting the collection, the teams were provided administrative papers approved by the municipal authority. The survey revealed three types of sales sites: fixed (65%), semi-fixed (30%), and mobile (4.40%). The proportion of sellers was 26.8%, 23.2%, 19.7%, and 4.2% in municipalities III, IV, and I. In municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively, 92%, 95.70%, 93%, 87.2%, and 100% of the sellers were female. The age distribution of sellers was 65.63%, 46.81%, 40.82%, 38.30%, 36.17%, 36%, and 32% in the 25-34 and 35 - 44 age groups. Illiteracy rates were 59.20%, 61.70%, 55.30%, 75%, and 56% in municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively. The study identified two categories of sellers: 48.3% in type 1 and 51.7% in type 2. The first category comprised 154 sellers, and the second 165 sellers. The survey found that 66.00%, 56.00%, 48.90%, 44.90%, 38.30%, and 34.40% of municipal V, VI, III, I, II, and IV sales sites were open-air. In municipality I, 63.30% of the sites were under hangars, while in municipalities II and IV, the corresponding percentages were 51.10% and 59.40%, respectively. Moreover, 46.00%, 31.90%, 31.30%, 30.60%, and 27.70% of the sites in municipalities VI, II, IV, I, and III were located next to gutters. In conclusion, this study identified several factors that could compromise the quality of street foods sold in the six municipalities of Bamako.

Prevalence of Mastitis and Associated Risk Factors in Lactating Camels (Camelus Dromedarius) on Dairy Farms in Benadir Region, Somalia

The study took a comprehensive approach to understanding mastitis in lactating camels, a disease that significantly impacts milk quantity and quality. This complex and multifactorial disease poses a significant challenge to dairy camel farming, particularly in Somalia. The studys objective was to determine the prevalence of mastitis and the risk factors associated with it among lactating camels on dairy farms in Benadir, Somalia. To achieve this, a cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2022 in the Benadir region of Somalia. A total of 96 lactating camels underwent examination using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) to identify clinical and subclinical mastitis cases. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 20 farm employees/owners to gather information on hygiene practices, parity, lactation stage, tick infestation, and the presence of udder/teat lesions. Data regarding parity and lactation stage were obtained through owner interviews. The data collected on specifically designed forms were recorded and entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for analysis using SPSS version 20 statistical software, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable analysis of the data. The studys findings revealed a significant prevalence of camel mastitis, with 34.4% (33/96) of lactating camels affected and clinical and subclinical cases constituting 5.2% and 29.2%, respectively. Quarter-level prevalence was 46.3%, with clinical and subclinical mastitis at 4.7% and 41.6%, respectively. The study also identified significant associations (P < 0.05) among risk factors such as stage of lactation, parity, and age, indicating a higher susceptibility to mastitis in older camels during early lactation compared to those in late lactation and younger camels. These findings underscore the crucial role of inadequate hygienic conditions on camel farms and udder tick infestations in driving the elevated prevalence of mastitis, highlighting the need for improved management practices in dairy farming in Benadir, Somalia. Effective interventions, including improved management practices and extension services, are essential to reduce the burden of mastitis in dairy camels.

Identifying the best common factor model via exploratory eactor analysis

Currently,there is no solid criterion for judging the quality of the estimators in factor analysis.This paper presents a new evaluation method for exploratory factor analysis that pinpoints an appropriate number of factors along with the best method for factor extraction.The proposed technique consists of two steps:testing the normality of the residuals from the fitted model via the Shapiro-Wilk test and using an empirical quantified index to judge the quality of the factor model.Examples are presented to demonstrate how the method is implemented and to verify its effectiveness.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Associated Factors in the Garoua Central Prison, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Cameroon. Garoua city is the headquarters of the North Region of Cameroon, where the HBV prevalence is among the highest of the country. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBsAg carriage and associated factors among persons incarcerated in the Garoua Central Prison. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted from July 1 to July 31, 2023 at the Garoua Central prison. We included all prisoners willing to participate in the study and who gave their verbal consent. We collected data using a pre-established data entry form and we used rapid test for blood screening for HBV surface antigen (HBs Ag) with ELISA confirmation. Data were analyzed using the R® software for Windows. After the univariate analysis, we selected associated variables to HBV infection with p-value p-value was set at 5%. Results: We included 1389 prisoners out of which 97.6% were male. The median age (IQR) of the study population was 28 (23 - 35) years. The median (IQR) duration of incarceration was 12 (6 - 26) months and the mean (±sd) number of incarcerations was 1.24 (±0.6). HBV prevalence was estimated at 14.8% (95% CI: 13.0 - 16.7). Upon uni- and multivariate analysis, no risk factor was significantly associated with viral hepatitis B infection in our study population. Conclusion: The prevalence of Hepatitis B was high in the Garoua Central Prison, but there were no additional risk factors for HBV infection. There is a need to include the Garoua Central Prison and by the way other prisons in the country in the chronic viral hepatitis care program.

Associated Factors to Poor Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensives Followed Up at the Campus University Hospital of Lome (Togo)

Introduction: Hypertension is a real public health issue and its control is very difficult. We aim to determine the frequency of uncontrolled hypertension in hypertensive patients followed up as an outpatient at the campus university hospital of Lome (Togo) and to search for the associated factors. Methodology: The study was cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical, carried out from February (2022) to August 2022 in 260 hypertensive patients aged 22 years old, followed up (on an) as an outpatient for at least 3 months at the Lome University Hospital campus. A univariate then multivariate analysis were conducted in order to highlight the most common factors significantly linked to uncontrolled. Results: The mean age of hypertensives was 56.4 ± 12.7 years, the sex ratio (M/F) was 0.59. Prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure was 42%. Associated Factors to poor blood pressure control in our study were age > 60 years (OR = 1.6 CI [1.17 - 2.50]), low socio-economic level (OR = 2.2 CI [1.96 - 4.33]), high cardiovascular risk level (OR = 3.1 CI [2.18 - 4.52]), non-adherence to regular blood pressure monitoring (OR = 3.3 CI [2.21 - 5.55]), low compliance to treatment (OR = 4.1 CI [2.33 - 6.76]) and a chronic renal failure (OR = 2.1 CI [1.21 - 3.10]). Conclusion: Nearly half of the hypertensives in our study had poorly controlled blood pressure by antihypertensive treatment medication. The factors of this poor control were age > 60 years, low socio-economic level, high or very high level of cardiovascular risk, low compliance to treatment, and renal failure.

Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Depression and Anxiety among Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted perinatal women’s mental health. However, protective factors associated with depression among pregnant Japanese women during the pandemic have not been reported. Purpose: The present study investigated the risk and protective factors associated with depression and anxiety among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online questionnaire was administered to 157 pregnant women between October 2022 and May 2023 at two general hospitals in Japan. The Japanese versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety. The χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test and multivariate logistic regression model were used to examine factors associated with depression and anxiety among pregnant women. Results: Overall, 47.1% and 35.7% of the pregnant women reported depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. A “history of mental illness” was a risk factor for depression and anxiety among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, unmarried status was a risk factor for anxiety among pregnant women, whereas outdoor and indoor exercises were protective factors against depression and anxiety, respectively. Conclusions: Exercise may have protected pregnant women from depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraging exercise may help maintain the mental health of pregnant women who do not have exercise restrictions.

Hepatocyte growth factor promotes retinal pigment epithelium cell activity through MET/AKT signaling pathway

AIM:To explore the effects of hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)on retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)cell behaviors.METHODS:The human adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19(ARPE-19)were treated by HGF or mesenchymalepithelial transition factor(MET)inhibitor SU11274 in vitro.Cell viability was detected by a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay.Cell proliferation and motility was detected by a bromodeoxyuridine incorporation assay and a wound healing assay,respectively.The expression levels of MET,phosphorylated MET,protein kinase B(AKT),and phosphorylated AKT proteins were determined by Western blot assay.The MET and phosphorylated MET proteins were also determined by immunofluorescence assay.RESULTS:HGF increased ARPE-19 cells’viability,proliferation and migration,and induced an increase of phosphorylated MET and phosphorylated AKT proteins.SU11274 significantly reduced cell viability,proliferation,and migration and decreased the expression of MET and AKT proteins.SU11274 suppressed HGF-induced increase of viability,proliferation,and migration in ARPE-19 cells.Additionally,SU11274 also blocked HGF-induced phosphorylation of MET and AKT proteins.CONCLUSION:HGF enhances cellular viability,proliferation,and migration in RPE cells through the MET/AKT signaling pathway,whereas this enhancement is suppressed by the MET inhibitor SU11274.HGF-induced MET/AKT signaling might be a vital contributor of RPE cells survival.

Epidemiological Aspects of Obesity, Overweight and Cardiovascular Risk Factors at Associes in Semi-Urban Areas (Case of Sébikotane)

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are a public health problem. The general objective was to determine the epidemiological aspects of obesity, overweight and associated risk factors in a semi-urban environment. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted on November 28 and 29, 2023 in Sébikotane. It focused on volunteers for screening for chronic non-communicable diseases. Epidemiological and clinical data were evaluated. Results: One hundred and twenty-nine cases of obesity were recorded (28%). Two hundred and eighty-two cases were overweight or obese (61.3%). The mean age was 49.55 years, with a standard deviation of 12.41 years. The age group [40 - 49 years] was the most representative, with 85 cases (30.1%), and the majority were female, with 264 cases (93.6%). Primary education was the most common, with 75 cases (46.3%). Grade 1 obesity concerned ninety-seven cases (75.2%), and diabetes was present in thirty cases (23%). Hypertension was present in ninety-five cases (33.7%). Obesity was more marked in the age group [40 - 49 years] with 45 cases (36%). Conclusion: Obesity and overweight are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The development and implementation of a prevention and management program is essential.