Background and Objectives: The indication for treatment in HBsAg-positive patients with low viral load and normal transaminases requires an assessment of fibrosis. In resource-limited settings, free hepatic fibrosis e...Background and Objectives: The indication for treatment in HBsAg-positive patients with low viral load and normal transaminases requires an assessment of fibrosis. In resource-limited settings, free hepatic fibrosis evaluation tests can aid in therapeutic decision-making. Our study aims to demonstrate the utility of assessing hepatic fibrosis using non-invasive markers (APRI and FIB-4) in patients with chronic B viral hepatitis without cytolytic activity and low viral replication in our context. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted between January 2018 and December 2021 at the University Hospital Center of Bouaké. Included were all patients aged ≥18 with normal transaminases (Results: Our study included 241 patients, with a mean age of 36.19 years (±10.52 years) and a male predominance of 52%. The mean FibroScan<sup>®</sup> value was 6.44 ± 2.3 kPa, and 68 patients (28.22%) had fibrosis >7 kPa. To exclude significant fibrosis (FS Conclusion: A significant proportion of HBV-infected patients with normal ALT and low viral load have active liver disease. Both FIB-4 and APRI biological scores are useful in identifying individuals without significant fibrosis with a good negative predictive value (>50%).展开更多
Test anxiety, which means individuals show excessive worry, nervousness and anxiety in examination contexts, is becoming a more and more common phenomenon. A moderate level of test anxiety will motivate students while...Test anxiety, which means individuals show excessive worry, nervousness and anxiety in examination contexts, is becoming a more and more common phenomenon. A moderate level of test anxiety will motivate students while a too high or too low level of test anxiety will influence students’ academic performance and their cognitive abilities. Most present researches are focused on secondary school students or on the final exam of a specific school. Few researches on college students and standard tests can be found. Therefore, the researcher took 255 college students as samples to investigate the test anxiety level of non-English majors, their attitudes towards different test tasks (ATDTT) and the correlation between them. The results of the research are as follows: Firstly, the students from non-English majors are at the lower of a moderate test anxiety level in CET-4 and there is no significant gender difference. Secondly, among the four sections in CET-4, students are most positive in writing, less positive in translation and reading, and the least positive in listening. Thirdly, students’ ATDTT in CET-4 are negatively correlated with total test anxiety, cognitive anxiety and emotional anxiety. The researcher hopes this research can offer some help to teachers and students in need.展开更多
Hepatitis C infection in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) poses management challenges. Of the world’s population, 3% are estimated to have chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, which is resp...Hepatitis C infection in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) poses management challenges. Of the world’s population, 3% are estimated to have chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, which is responsible for about 70% of cases of chronic hepatitis (accelerated chronicity in the presence of HIV and for such major complications as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) and Aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) scores are simple, inexpensive tests accessible to most people, and their performance has not yet been studied in C?te d’Ivoire. Objective: To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of APRI and FIB-4 scores in liver damage in those co-infected with HIV/HCV in C?te d’Ivoire. Methods: This study was conducted over three months. The patients came from national blood transfusion center of the cities of Man and Daloa. The criteria for selecting respondents were at least 18 years of age and a positive test for HIV and HCV. APRI and FIB-4 scores were calculated for each patient from biological data obtained by COBAS C311 (Roche Hitachi, Japan). Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad and MED-CALC software. Results: Our study involved 30 patients (men) of middle age (25 - 52 years), with extremes ranging from 0.67 to 8 for APRI and 0.201 to 22 for FIB-4. A predictive APRI and FIB4 score of significant hepatic fibrosis was observed in 23% of patients;however, 46% and 54% of patients for the APRI and FIB-4 score, respectively, would not have significant fibrosis. An APRI and FIB4 score not included in the classification limits of the type of fibrosis hepatitis was observed in 31% and 23% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: The performance of the APRI and FIB-4 biological scores analyzed according to the interpretation of their cut-off values would enable classifying about 70% and 77%, respectively, of the patient population in the stages of hepatitis C fibrosis.展开更多
Anxiety is a significant mental health issue that substantially affects an individual’s quality of life. Feelings of uneasiness, irritability, and sleep disturbances characterize it. 4-Hydroxyphenyl acetic acid (4-HP...Anxiety is a significant mental health issue that substantially affects an individual’s quality of life. Feelings of uneasiness, irritability, and sleep disturbances characterize it. 4-Hydroxyphenyl acetic acid (4-HPAA) is identified in brain cells as a physiological byproduct of tyramine. This study hypothesizes that 4-HPAA may regulate anxiety due to its anxiolytic properties, acting as a modulator of the GABAergic system, which plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. Our study aims to enhance the anxiolytic effects of 4-HPAA through chemical modification to improve its pharmacokinetic properties. Three derivatives, namely Isopropyl-4-hydroxy-[phenyl] acetate (IHPA), Isopropyl-4-hydroxy-[phenyl] acetate (MPAA), and 4-methoxyphenyl acetate (MPHA), have been synthesized from 4-HPAA. This assessment will use well-established animal models, specifically the Elevated Plus-Maze (EPM) and Zero Maze (EZM) tests, selected for their validity in replicating anxiety-like symptoms in animals. Chronic caffeine administration via drinking water (0.3 g/l for 14 days) was employed to induce an anxiety state for testing purposes. IHPA and MPAA demonstrated significant anxiolyticactivity when tested in the EPM and EZM experiments. Molecular docking simulations using AutoDock Vina indicated that 4-HPAA derivatives had docking scores ranging from −5.8 to −4.8 kcal/mol, compared to the standard anxiolytic medication Diazepam, which scored −7.1 kcal/mol. These scores suggest a potential for 4-HPAA derivatives to interact effectively with the Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA_A) receptor. In conclusion, our in vivo and in silico analyses indicate a promising anxiolytic potential for 4-HPAA derivatives.展开更多
BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin G4-related disease(IgG4-RD)is a complex immune-mediated condition that causes fibrotic inflammation in several organs.A significant clinical feature of IgG4-RD is hypertrophic pachymeningitis...BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin G4-related disease(IgG4-RD)is a complex immune-mediated condition that causes fibrotic inflammation in several organs.A significant clinical feature of IgG4-RD is hypertrophic pachymeningitis,which manifests as inflammation of the dura mater in intracranial or spinal regions.Although IgG4-RD can affect multiple areas,the spine is a relatively rare site compared to the more frequent involvement of intracranial structures.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old male presented to our hospital with a two-day history of fever,altered mental status,and generalized weakness.The initial brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed multiple small infarcts across various cerebral regions.On the second day after admission,a physical examination revealed motor weakness in both lower extremities and diminished sensation in the right lower extremity.Electromyographic evaluation revealed findings consistent with acute motor sensory neuropathy.Despite initial management with intravenous immunoglobulin for presumed Guillain-Barrésyndrome,the patient exhibited progressive worsening of motor deficits.On the 45th day of hospitalization,an enhanced MRI of the entire spine,focusing specifically on the thoracic 9 to lumbar 1 vertebral level,raised the suspicion of IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis.Subsequently,the patient was administered oral prednisolone and participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program that included gait training and lower extremity strengthening exercises.CONCLUSION IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis,diagnosed on MRI,was treated with corticosteroids and a structured rehabilitation regimen,leading to significant improvement.展开更多
Objective:To analyze the clinical value of non-invasive prenatal testing(NIPT)in detecting chromosomal copy number variations(CNVs)and to explore the relationship between gene expression and clinical manifestations of...Objective:To analyze the clinical value of non-invasive prenatal testing(NIPT)in detecting chromosomal copy number variations(CNVs)and to explore the relationship between gene expression and clinical manifestations of chromosomal copy number variations.Methods:3551 naturally conceived singleton pregnant women who underwent NIPT were included in this study.The NIPT revealed abnormalities other than sex chromosome abnormalities and trisomy 13,18,and 21.Pregnant women with chromosome copy number variations underwent genetic counseling and prenatal ultrasound examination.Interventional prenatal diagnosis and chromosome microarray analysis(CMA)were performed.The clinical phenotypes and pregnancy outcomes of different prenatal diagnoses were analyzed.Additionally,a follow-up was conducted by telephone to track fetal development after birth,at six months,and one year post-birth.Results:A total of 53 cases among 3551 cases showed chromosomal copy number variation.Interventional prenatal diagnosis was performed in 36 cases:27 cases were negative and 8 were consistent with the NIPT test results.This indicates that NIPT’s positive predictive value(PPV)in CNVs is 22.22%.Conclusion:NIPT has certain clinical significance in screening chromosome copy number variations and is expected to become a routine screening for chromosomal microdeletions and microduplications.However,further interventional prenatal diagnosis is still needed to identify fetal CNVs.展开更多
文摘Background and Objectives: The indication for treatment in HBsAg-positive patients with low viral load and normal transaminases requires an assessment of fibrosis. In resource-limited settings, free hepatic fibrosis evaluation tests can aid in therapeutic decision-making. Our study aims to demonstrate the utility of assessing hepatic fibrosis using non-invasive markers (APRI and FIB-4) in patients with chronic B viral hepatitis without cytolytic activity and low viral replication in our context. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted between January 2018 and December 2021 at the University Hospital Center of Bouaké. Included were all patients aged ≥18 with normal transaminases (Results: Our study included 241 patients, with a mean age of 36.19 years (±10.52 years) and a male predominance of 52%. The mean FibroScan<sup>®</sup> value was 6.44 ± 2.3 kPa, and 68 patients (28.22%) had fibrosis >7 kPa. To exclude significant fibrosis (FS Conclusion: A significant proportion of HBV-infected patients with normal ALT and low viral load have active liver disease. Both FIB-4 and APRI biological scores are useful in identifying individuals without significant fibrosis with a good negative predictive value (>50%).
文摘Test anxiety, which means individuals show excessive worry, nervousness and anxiety in examination contexts, is becoming a more and more common phenomenon. A moderate level of test anxiety will motivate students while a too high or too low level of test anxiety will influence students’ academic performance and their cognitive abilities. Most present researches are focused on secondary school students or on the final exam of a specific school. Few researches on college students and standard tests can be found. Therefore, the researcher took 255 college students as samples to investigate the test anxiety level of non-English majors, their attitudes towards different test tasks (ATDTT) and the correlation between them. The results of the research are as follows: Firstly, the students from non-English majors are at the lower of a moderate test anxiety level in CET-4 and there is no significant gender difference. Secondly, among the four sections in CET-4, students are most positive in writing, less positive in translation and reading, and the least positive in listening. Thirdly, students’ ATDTT in CET-4 are negatively correlated with total test anxiety, cognitive anxiety and emotional anxiety. The researcher hopes this research can offer some help to teachers and students in need.
文摘Hepatitis C infection in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) poses management challenges. Of the world’s population, 3% are estimated to have chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, which is responsible for about 70% of cases of chronic hepatitis (accelerated chronicity in the presence of HIV and for such major complications as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) and Aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) scores are simple, inexpensive tests accessible to most people, and their performance has not yet been studied in C?te d’Ivoire. Objective: To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of APRI and FIB-4 scores in liver damage in those co-infected with HIV/HCV in C?te d’Ivoire. Methods: This study was conducted over three months. The patients came from national blood transfusion center of the cities of Man and Daloa. The criteria for selecting respondents were at least 18 years of age and a positive test for HIV and HCV. APRI and FIB-4 scores were calculated for each patient from biological data obtained by COBAS C311 (Roche Hitachi, Japan). Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad and MED-CALC software. Results: Our study involved 30 patients (men) of middle age (25 - 52 years), with extremes ranging from 0.67 to 8 for APRI and 0.201 to 22 for FIB-4. A predictive APRI and FIB4 score of significant hepatic fibrosis was observed in 23% of patients;however, 46% and 54% of patients for the APRI and FIB-4 score, respectively, would not have significant fibrosis. An APRI and FIB4 score not included in the classification limits of the type of fibrosis hepatitis was observed in 31% and 23% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: The performance of the APRI and FIB-4 biological scores analyzed according to the interpretation of their cut-off values would enable classifying about 70% and 77%, respectively, of the patient population in the stages of hepatitis C fibrosis.
文摘Anxiety is a significant mental health issue that substantially affects an individual’s quality of life. Feelings of uneasiness, irritability, and sleep disturbances characterize it. 4-Hydroxyphenyl acetic acid (4-HPAA) is identified in brain cells as a physiological byproduct of tyramine. This study hypothesizes that 4-HPAA may regulate anxiety due to its anxiolytic properties, acting as a modulator of the GABAergic system, which plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. Our study aims to enhance the anxiolytic effects of 4-HPAA through chemical modification to improve its pharmacokinetic properties. Three derivatives, namely Isopropyl-4-hydroxy-[phenyl] acetate (IHPA), Isopropyl-4-hydroxy-[phenyl] acetate (MPAA), and 4-methoxyphenyl acetate (MPHA), have been synthesized from 4-HPAA. This assessment will use well-established animal models, specifically the Elevated Plus-Maze (EPM) and Zero Maze (EZM) tests, selected for their validity in replicating anxiety-like symptoms in animals. Chronic caffeine administration via drinking water (0.3 g/l for 14 days) was employed to induce an anxiety state for testing purposes. IHPA and MPAA demonstrated significant anxiolyticactivity when tested in the EPM and EZM experiments. Molecular docking simulations using AutoDock Vina indicated that 4-HPAA derivatives had docking scores ranging from −5.8 to −4.8 kcal/mol, compared to the standard anxiolytic medication Diazepam, which scored −7.1 kcal/mol. These scores suggest a potential for 4-HPAA derivatives to interact effectively with the Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA_A) receptor. In conclusion, our in vivo and in silico analyses indicate a promising anxiolytic potential for 4-HPAA derivatives.
文摘BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin G4-related disease(IgG4-RD)is a complex immune-mediated condition that causes fibrotic inflammation in several organs.A significant clinical feature of IgG4-RD is hypertrophic pachymeningitis,which manifests as inflammation of the dura mater in intracranial or spinal regions.Although IgG4-RD can affect multiple areas,the spine is a relatively rare site compared to the more frequent involvement of intracranial structures.CASE SUMMARY A 70-year-old male presented to our hospital with a two-day history of fever,altered mental status,and generalized weakness.The initial brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed multiple small infarcts across various cerebral regions.On the second day after admission,a physical examination revealed motor weakness in both lower extremities and diminished sensation in the right lower extremity.Electromyographic evaluation revealed findings consistent with acute motor sensory neuropathy.Despite initial management with intravenous immunoglobulin for presumed Guillain-Barrésyndrome,the patient exhibited progressive worsening of motor deficits.On the 45th day of hospitalization,an enhanced MRI of the entire spine,focusing specifically on the thoracic 9 to lumbar 1 vertebral level,raised the suspicion of IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis.Subsequently,the patient was administered oral prednisolone and participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program that included gait training and lower extremity strengthening exercises.CONCLUSION IgG4-related spinal pachymeningitis,diagnosed on MRI,was treated with corticosteroids and a structured rehabilitation regimen,leading to significant improvement.
基金Dongguan City Social Development Project(Project number:20161081101023)。
文摘Objective:To analyze the clinical value of non-invasive prenatal testing(NIPT)in detecting chromosomal copy number variations(CNVs)and to explore the relationship between gene expression and clinical manifestations of chromosomal copy number variations.Methods:3551 naturally conceived singleton pregnant women who underwent NIPT were included in this study.The NIPT revealed abnormalities other than sex chromosome abnormalities and trisomy 13,18,and 21.Pregnant women with chromosome copy number variations underwent genetic counseling and prenatal ultrasound examination.Interventional prenatal diagnosis and chromosome microarray analysis(CMA)were performed.The clinical phenotypes and pregnancy outcomes of different prenatal diagnoses were analyzed.Additionally,a follow-up was conducted by telephone to track fetal development after birth,at six months,and one year post-birth.Results:A total of 53 cases among 3551 cases showed chromosomal copy number variation.Interventional prenatal diagnosis was performed in 36 cases:27 cases were negative and 8 were consistent with the NIPT test results.This indicates that NIPT’s positive predictive value(PPV)in CNVs is 22.22%.Conclusion:NIPT has certain clinical significance in screening chromosome copy number variations and is expected to become a routine screening for chromosomal microdeletions and microduplications.However,further interventional prenatal diagnosis is still needed to identify fetal CNVs.
