In recent years, metabolic syndrome has been a growing health concern across the world. The role of nutraceuticals and functional foods in this area has a significant place due to the adverse effects of contemporary m...In recent years, metabolic syndrome has been a growing health concern across the world. The role of nutraceuticals and functional foods in this area has a significant place due to the adverse effects of contemporary modes of treatment. CurCousin<sup>®</sup> is a nutritional ingredient containing bioactive Calebin A, (analog of Curcumin) with self-affirmed GRAS status. CurCousin<sup>®</sup> has been a clinically studied dietary supplement ingredient with a positive impact on body weight, lipid levels and metabolic health. Bioenhancers play an important role in increasing the bioavailability of the active in turn enhancing efficacy as well as reducing the dosage required to achieve the therapeutic effect. This study investigated the possible pharmacokinetic interaction between CurCousin<sup>®</sup> at two different doses (2.25 and 4.5 mg/kg) in the presence and absence of BioPerine<sup>®</sup> (0.27 mg/kg), a natural bioenhancer in Sprague-Dawley rats. The results revealed that the addition of BioPerine<sup>®</sup> into CurCousin<sup>®</sup> (2.25 mg/kg) half the dose when administered enhances the bioavailability and was equipotent to CurCousin<sup>®</sup> (4.5 mg/kg) double the dose without BioPerine<sup>®</sup>. Thus, leading to future clinical studies to evaluate its improved pharmacological efficacy as well as reduced therapeutic dosage.展开更多
Estrogen receptor(ER) is a vital biomarker in the development and development of breast cancer, and its status has great clinical value in clinical treatment strategy, endocrine therapy efficacy prediction, and breast...Estrogen receptor(ER) is a vital biomarker in the development and development of breast cancer, and its status has great clinical value in clinical treatment strategy, endocrine therapy efficacy prediction, and breast cancer prognosis. By specifically combining <sup>18</sup>F-FES with ER, <sup>18</sup>F-FES PET/CT imaging uses standard uptake value(SUV) to semi-quantitatively reflect the distribution of ER and its biological activity in patients, and assesses the expression of ER in breast cancer patients about primary and metastases before or after treatment, to provide a basis for personalized treatment of breast cancer. In this review, we will review the imaging principles of a new ER detection method <sup>18</sup>F-FES PET/CT, and the research progress in the clinical application of breast cancer, and compare its diagnostic and treatment value with non-specific tumor imaging <sup>18</sup>F-FDG PET/CT in breast cancer.展开更多
Candidiasis, also known as candidiasis vulvovaginitis, is an infection caused by different types of Candida fungi, the most frequent being Candida albicans. The present study reports an effective strategy, which opens...Candidiasis, also known as candidiasis vulvovaginitis, is an infection caused by different types of Candida fungi, the most frequent being Candida albicans. The present study reports an effective strategy, which opens new avenues for the treatment of this public health problem. The MAC<sup>®</sup> Methodology, conventional laser light-emitting (LLLT)/LED) methods are based on the biphasic response demonstrated many times in LLLT research and as with other forms of drugs, a “drug” (irradiation parameters) and a “dose” (irradiation times) and the “Arndt-Schulz Law” is often cited as a suitable model to describe the dose-dependent effects of LLLT. This method uses photopharmaceuticals, cell markers and the use of correct parameters for each case to induce the acceleration of tissue repair. The present study shows a case of a 32-year-old patient diagnosed with recurrent candidiasis 4 years ago. Eighteen sessions were performed (every other day) using a photoactivated component (Methylene blue 1% + Clotrimazole 1%) and LED phototherapy (red, blue and violet) with emission times of 60 - 260 seconds for each applicator, according to the dose recommendations of the scar acceleration method (MAC<sup>®</sup>). At the sixth treatment session there was a noticeable decrease in the itching sensation reported by the patient. In session 11 she reported feeling a great improvement, indicating that she no longer felt itching in any area after 18 sessions. The present case demonstrates new methodologies to treat common problems in the population that have a positive impact on the quality of life. This methodology has a promising future because it is non-invasive and requires a great biological transformation for inflammatory, fungal and viral control.展开更多
Introduction: Hypertensive disorder in pregnancy affects 4 to 6 percent of all pregnancies and carries risks for the both baby and the mother. Only a few groups of women who are at high-risk pregnancies are received p...Introduction: Hypertensive disorder in pregnancy affects 4 to 6 percent of all pregnancies and carries risks for the both baby and the mother. Only a few groups of women who are at high-risk pregnancies are received prophylaxis Aspirin, more than 15 percent of women develop pre-eclampsia with a single minor risk factor. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the 1<sup>st</sup> trimester NLR value of normotensive, pregnancy induced hypertensive and pre-eclamptic pregnant women. The study was conducted with a sample of 416, antenatal patients who were admitted to ward 25, at Colombo North Teaching Hospital Ragama. Data was collected as separated three groups. NLR value was calculated separately and ANOVA test was used to analyze the 3 categorical data. Post HOC test was done to assess the multiple comparison. Results: The prevalence rates of pregnancy induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia among the pregnant women were 8.6% and 5.7%. The mean NLR values of normotensive group was 2.708, pregnancy induced hypertensive group was 2.650 and pre eclamptic group was 3.789. There was a significant difference in NLR value between pre eclamptic group and other two groups with P value of Conclusion: The 1<sup>st</sup> trimester NLR value of pre eclamptic patients significantly increased compared to normotensive women.展开更多
Background: Spinal dysraphism represents a wide spectrum of congenital abnormalities of the spine. Myelomeningocele is considered the most common malformation and the most common we saw in our community, with its morb...Background: Spinal dysraphism represents a wide spectrum of congenital abnormalities of the spine. Myelomeningocele is considered the most common malformation and the most common we saw in our community, with its morbidity problems seen commonly in the postoperative period. ASQ-3<sup>TM</sup> Scores are the ages and stages questionnaire, third edition, and represent a tool to assess the development progress, especially in toddlers. Objectives: Evaluation of neurodevelopmental outcome among Sudanese toddlers with spinal dysraphism after surgical closure with or without a VP shunt using ASQ-3<sup>TM</sup> Scores. Methodology: This is a retrospective hospital-based study of 84 patients who underwent myelomeningocele repair at the National Center for Neurological Sciences (NCNS) during the period from 2017 up to 2019. Data were collected through a constructed questionnaire, including ASQ-3<sup>TM</sup> Scores. Data were processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer program. Version 25. Results: 84 patients were included in this study;all patients were diagnosed with spinal dysraphism. Out of them, 51 (60.7%) were 2 years old, 33 (39.3%) were 3 years old, 45 (53.6%) were male, 45 (53.6%) of patients mothers attended ANC irregularly, and 54 (64.3%) their mothers didn’t receive folate supplements. 44 (52.3%) of patients underwent MMC repair only, while 40 (47.7%) underwent MMC repair and VP shunt. The commonest postoperative complication was infection, reported in 12 (14.3%) of patients, followed by VP shunt revision in 9 (10.7%) of patients. Neurological assessment showed that the majority of patients need further assessment with a professional, 57 (67.9%) of children don’t walk, run, or climb like other toddlers as their parent’s state;also, half of patients (42, 50%) had medical problems, and 27 (32.1%) of their parent’s state that they do not talk like other toddlers their age. There was a statistically significant association between post-operative complications and communication development, problem-solving development, and personal social development (P value = 0.05), and a statistically significant association was found between age at repair and neurological development (P value = 0.05). Conclusion: The majority of patients had motor deficiency (particularly gross motor) and poor personal and social skills. Age at repair and postoperative complications significantly influenced the neurological development.展开更多
In the tumor immune microenvironment, CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells differentiate towards functional failure. The exhaustion of CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells (Tex) showed varying degrees of effect dysfunct...In the tumor immune microenvironment, CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells differentiate towards functional failure. The exhaustion of CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells (Tex) showed varying degrees of effect dysfunction, loss of proliferation ability, and sustained high expression of a variety of inhibitory receptors, with metabolic and epigenetic changes. Tex cells are heterogeneous, including several subsets with different characteristics at different stages of differentiation. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can restore the effect or function of Tex cells, indicating that this T cell subset plays a key role in tumor immunotherapy. The understanding of the mechanism of CD8<sup>+</sup> T cell exhaustion will be helpful to the implementation of tumor immunotherapy. This article reviews the production, differentiation and functional characteristics of Tex cells and their relationship with tumor immunotherapy.展开更多
Activated carbons calcined at 400˚C and 600˚C (AC-400 and AC-600), prepared using palm nuts, collected in the town of Franceville in Gabon, were used to study the dynamic adsorption of MnO<sub>4</sub>-<...Activated carbons calcined at 400˚C and 600˚C (AC-400 and AC-600), prepared using palm nuts, collected in the town of Franceville in Gabon, were used to study the dynamic adsorption of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions in acidic media on fixed bed column and on the kinetic modeling of experimental data of breakthrough curves of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions obtained. Results on the adsorption of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions in fixed-bed dynamics obtained on AC-400 and AC-600 adsorbents beds indicated that the AC-400 bed appears to be the most efficient in removing MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions in acidic media. Indeed, the adsorbed amounts, the adsorbed capacities at saturation and the elimination percentage of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions obtained with AC-400 (31.24 mg;52.06 mg·g<sup>-1</sup> and 41.65% respectively) were higher compared to those obtained with AC-600 (9.87 mg;16.45 mg·g<sup>-1</sup> and 17.79% respectively). The breakthrough curves kinetic modeling revealed that the Thomas model and the pseudo-first-order kinetic model were the most suitable models to describe the adsorption of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions on adsorbents studied in our experimental conditions. The results of the intraparticle diffusion model showed that intraparticle diffusion was involved in the adsorption mechanism of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions on investigated adsorbents and was not the limiting step and the only process controlling MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions adsorption. In contrast to AC-400, the intraparticle diffusion on AC-600 bed plays an important role in the adsorption mechanism of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions.展开更多
Introduction: The Central African Republic is one of the 30 high Tuberculosis burden countries in the world, with an incidence of 540 cases per 100,000 population and a mortality of 91 deaths per 100,000 population. S...Introduction: The Central African Republic is one of the 30 high Tuberculosis burden countries in the world, with an incidence of 540 cases per 100,000 population and a mortality of 91 deaths per 100,000 population. Since 2020, following WHO recommendations, the National Reference Laboratory for Tuberculosis has been using the Xpert<sup>®</sup> MTB/RIF assay as a first-line diagnostic test for the early detection of Drug Resistance Tuberculosis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the Xpert<sup>®</sup> MTB/RIF assay to the surveillance of rifampicin resistance in new and previously treated tuberculosis cases. Materials and Methods: The data relative to the Xpert<sup>®</sup> MTB/RIF assay carried out on various categories of tuberculosis patients registered at the National Reference Laboratory for Tuberculosis in 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The categories of tuberculosis patients were new cases, failed treatment cases, relapse cases, lost-to-follow-up cases and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis contact cases. Results: A total of 1404 tuberculosis patients were registered at the NRL-TB in 2020;the mean age was 39.2 years (2 - 90 years) and the male-to-female sex ratio was 1.16:1. Overall, 32.7% (454/1404) proved infected with tuberculosis, of which 22.5% (102/454) cases showed resistance to rifampicin. The primary resistance rate was 9.1% (27/298) and the secondary resistance rate was 46.6% (75/161). Treatment failures and relapsed cases were significantly associated with rifampicin resistance (p 0.005). Conclusion: Large-scale use of Xpert<sup>®</sup> MTB/RIF, especially in the provinces of the Central African Republic, will help the Ministry of Health to better control Drug Resistance Tuberculosis in the country.展开更多
This paper is about an advanced treatment method known as Jungian Advanced Motor Processing (JAMP<sup>TM</sup>) and its effects on healing trauma using three scales: Post-Traumatic Cognitive Inventory (PTC...This paper is about an advanced treatment method known as Jungian Advanced Motor Processing (JAMP<sup>TM</sup>) and its effects on healing trauma using three scales: Post-Traumatic Cognitive Inventory (PTCI) [1], Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE) [2] and Somatic Symptom Scale (SSS or PHQ15) [3]. JAMP<sup>TM</sup> is a new treatment that addresses issues such as complex trauma, illnesses, and mental health disorders. During a 90-minute session with a JAMP<sup>TM</sup> therapist, the client will listen to a heartbeat sound while viewing a calming image where a positive affirmation appears on the screen. The combination of image and sound, as well as the bilateral stimulation, accesses the triggered defensive mechanism of the traumatic part of the person (the Complex). This traumatized person begins to associate points in their life where a pattern of behavior was learned in order to cope with the event that originally caused disassociation. The JAMP<sup>TM</sup> Transformational Coach will lead the client safely through this journey using verbal affirmations such as, “I am not afraid,” to disperse the fear. By the end of the session, threads are strung together to paint a picture of pain that forms an image which becomes a symbol that can be transformed into healing.展开更多
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis on efficacy of <sup>131</sup>I ablation in intermediate- and high-risk of thyroid papillary carcinoma patients...Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis on efficacy of <sup>131</sup>I ablation in intermediate- and high-risk of thyroid papillary carcinoma patients. The findings will help to develop a personalized treatment plan for patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma complicated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Material and Methods: From January 2016 to December 2020, patients who were diagnosed with intermediate- and high-risk PTC with lymph node metastasis were analyzed retrospectively, excluding patients with incomplete clinical data, distant metastasis, positive TGAb, TSH Results: A total of 525 patients (166 males and 359 females) were included in the study, including 368 patients in ER group (70.1%) and 157 patients in NER group (29.9%). Eleven factors including combining Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, pre-ablative Tg levels, sex, tumor diameter, extraglandular invasion, multifocal, bilateral lesions, central lymph node metastasis, lateral lymph node metastasis, lymph node metastasis rate, thyroglobulin were statistically different between ER group and NER group with significance at P Conclusion: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Ps-Tg level and lateral lymph node metastasis are potential predictors for short-term efficacy of <sup>131</sup>I treatment in intermediate- and high-risk thyroid papillary carcinoma. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, high Ps-Tg level and increased number of lateral lymph node metastasis reduce the efficacy of <sup>131</sup>I therapy in patients with intermediate and high risk thyroid papillary carcinoma.展开更多
Rationale: In the literature, some risk factors for severity and mortality from COVID-19 have been indicated. However, these factors can change, depending on the characteristics of the population and health services. ...Rationale: In the literature, some risk factors for severity and mortality from COVID-19 have been indicated. However, these factors can change, depending on the characteristics of the population and health services. In this sense, longitudinal studies can be useful for understanding local realities and subsidizing health actions based on these realities. Objective: To analyze the risk factors for severity and death in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized from August 1 to October 16, 2021 (3<sup>rd</sup> wave of the pandemic), notified by the Department of Epidemiological Surveillance of Sao Tome and Principe. We employed measures of strength of associations for the analysis of exposure risk factors. Results: We analyzed 110 hospitalized patients (31.8% severe-critical and 68.2% non-severe). The risk factors for severe forms of COVID-19 were: being aged ≥60 years (RR = 3.3), being male (RR = 2), having comorbidities (RR = 2) and the risk increases to 10-fold for multicomorbidities, with emphasis on obesity, neoplasia, skin-muscle-surgical infection, dementia and to some degree CVD. 62.9% of patients with severe forms of the disease were not vaccinated. Risk factors for death among hospitalized and severe/critical cases, respectively, were having comorbidities (RR = 8 and 2.4) multicomorbidities (RR = 10 and 2.8 for those with 2 comorbidities and RR = 33.3 and 4 for those with 3 or 4 comorbidities), especially diabetes, dementia, neoplasia, cutaneous-muscular infection, and obesity. Although CVD was not associated with risk factors for death, these were the most frequently found among the severely hospitalized and deaths. In addition, important risk factors associated with death were not using corticoids (RR = 3.3, 230-fold risk) and not using anticoagulants-heparin (RR = 1.3, 30% risk) more compared to the severe cases that did use them. Most of the patients who died (63.2%) were not vaccinated. Moreover, having only 1 dose of the vaccine was a risk factor 1.9 times more for death among all hospitalized patients, but in the severe cases, there was no association between the variable vaccination and death. Among those hospitalized with 2 doses, it was a 0.5-fold protective factor among those hospitalized. The Delta variant of Sarscov-2 was the one found among severe cases and deaths investigated by genetic sequencing, with more exuberant clinical features compared to the other 2 previous vaccinations. Conclusion: Being elderly, male and presenting comorbidities, mainly multicomorbidities were the main characteristics associated with severity of COVID-19. On the other hand, comorbidities, and even worse, multicomorbidities, hospitalization for respiratory failure, lowered level of consciousness, no use of corticoid and no use of anticoagulation in critically ill patients, and not having at least 2 doses of vaccine for covid-19, were characteristics associated with death by COVID-19. These results will help inform healthcare providers so that the best interventions can be implemented to improve outcomes for patients with COVID-19. Public health interventions must be carefully tailored and implemented in these susceptible groups to reduce the risk of mortality in patients with COVID-19 and then the risk of major complications. Intensive and regular follow-up is needed to detect early occurrences of clinical conditions.展开更多
In the present work, for the first time, the main details of the electronic mechanism of the synergistic antioxidant interaction between different pairs: phenolic food acid and glutathione and the stable radical catio...In the present work, for the first time, the main details of the electronic mechanism of the synergistic antioxidant interaction between different pairs: phenolic food acid and glutathione and the stable radical cation ABTS<sup>+·</sup> were revealed on the basis of a rigorous analysis of the DFT calculated data. It was shown that among all the studied food acids, only caffeic acid exhibits a clear-cut significant synergistic effect with glutathione. It established the electronic and structural factors underlying the mechanism of the synergistic interaction of the mixture caffeic acid and glutathione in its reaction with ABTS<sup>+·</sup>. The main causes of this considered synergistic effect are, firstly, the presence of the 3-OH and 4-OH hydroxyl groups in the structure of caffeic acid, secondly, the greater stability of its anion which contains the deprotonated 4-OH hydroxyl group. All other phenolic food acids under study do not possess the given structural particularity and therefore do not show such synergistic effects with glutathione.展开更多
文摘In recent years, metabolic syndrome has been a growing health concern across the world. The role of nutraceuticals and functional foods in this area has a significant place due to the adverse effects of contemporary modes of treatment. CurCousin<sup>®</sup> is a nutritional ingredient containing bioactive Calebin A, (analog of Curcumin) with self-affirmed GRAS status. CurCousin<sup>®</sup> has been a clinically studied dietary supplement ingredient with a positive impact on body weight, lipid levels and metabolic health. Bioenhancers play an important role in increasing the bioavailability of the active in turn enhancing efficacy as well as reducing the dosage required to achieve the therapeutic effect. This study investigated the possible pharmacokinetic interaction between CurCousin<sup>®</sup> at two different doses (2.25 and 4.5 mg/kg) in the presence and absence of BioPerine<sup>®</sup> (0.27 mg/kg), a natural bioenhancer in Sprague-Dawley rats. The results revealed that the addition of BioPerine<sup>®</sup> into CurCousin<sup>®</sup> (2.25 mg/kg) half the dose when administered enhances the bioavailability and was equipotent to CurCousin<sup>®</sup> (4.5 mg/kg) double the dose without BioPerine<sup>®</sup>. Thus, leading to future clinical studies to evaluate its improved pharmacological efficacy as well as reduced therapeutic dosage.
文摘Estrogen receptor(ER) is a vital biomarker in the development and development of breast cancer, and its status has great clinical value in clinical treatment strategy, endocrine therapy efficacy prediction, and breast cancer prognosis. By specifically combining <sup>18</sup>F-FES with ER, <sup>18</sup>F-FES PET/CT imaging uses standard uptake value(SUV) to semi-quantitatively reflect the distribution of ER and its biological activity in patients, and assesses the expression of ER in breast cancer patients about primary and metastases before or after treatment, to provide a basis for personalized treatment of breast cancer. In this review, we will review the imaging principles of a new ER detection method <sup>18</sup>F-FES PET/CT, and the research progress in the clinical application of breast cancer, and compare its diagnostic and treatment value with non-specific tumor imaging <sup>18</sup>F-FDG PET/CT in breast cancer.
文摘Candidiasis, also known as candidiasis vulvovaginitis, is an infection caused by different types of Candida fungi, the most frequent being Candida albicans. The present study reports an effective strategy, which opens new avenues for the treatment of this public health problem. The MAC<sup>®</sup> Methodology, conventional laser light-emitting (LLLT)/LED) methods are based on the biphasic response demonstrated many times in LLLT research and as with other forms of drugs, a “drug” (irradiation parameters) and a “dose” (irradiation times) and the “Arndt-Schulz Law” is often cited as a suitable model to describe the dose-dependent effects of LLLT. This method uses photopharmaceuticals, cell markers and the use of correct parameters for each case to induce the acceleration of tissue repair. The present study shows a case of a 32-year-old patient diagnosed with recurrent candidiasis 4 years ago. Eighteen sessions were performed (every other day) using a photoactivated component (Methylene blue 1% + Clotrimazole 1%) and LED phototherapy (red, blue and violet) with emission times of 60 - 260 seconds for each applicator, according to the dose recommendations of the scar acceleration method (MAC<sup>®</sup>). At the sixth treatment session there was a noticeable decrease in the itching sensation reported by the patient. In session 11 she reported feeling a great improvement, indicating that she no longer felt itching in any area after 18 sessions. The present case demonstrates new methodologies to treat common problems in the population that have a positive impact on the quality of life. This methodology has a promising future because it is non-invasive and requires a great biological transformation for inflammatory, fungal and viral control.
文摘Introduction: Hypertensive disorder in pregnancy affects 4 to 6 percent of all pregnancies and carries risks for the both baby and the mother. Only a few groups of women who are at high-risk pregnancies are received prophylaxis Aspirin, more than 15 percent of women develop pre-eclampsia with a single minor risk factor. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the 1<sup>st</sup> trimester NLR value of normotensive, pregnancy induced hypertensive and pre-eclamptic pregnant women. The study was conducted with a sample of 416, antenatal patients who were admitted to ward 25, at Colombo North Teaching Hospital Ragama. Data was collected as separated three groups. NLR value was calculated separately and ANOVA test was used to analyze the 3 categorical data. Post HOC test was done to assess the multiple comparison. Results: The prevalence rates of pregnancy induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia among the pregnant women were 8.6% and 5.7%. The mean NLR values of normotensive group was 2.708, pregnancy induced hypertensive group was 2.650 and pre eclamptic group was 3.789. There was a significant difference in NLR value between pre eclamptic group and other two groups with P value of Conclusion: The 1<sup>st</sup> trimester NLR value of pre eclamptic patients significantly increased compared to normotensive women.
文摘Background: Spinal dysraphism represents a wide spectrum of congenital abnormalities of the spine. Myelomeningocele is considered the most common malformation and the most common we saw in our community, with its morbidity problems seen commonly in the postoperative period. ASQ-3<sup>TM</sup> Scores are the ages and stages questionnaire, third edition, and represent a tool to assess the development progress, especially in toddlers. Objectives: Evaluation of neurodevelopmental outcome among Sudanese toddlers with spinal dysraphism after surgical closure with or without a VP shunt using ASQ-3<sup>TM</sup> Scores. Methodology: This is a retrospective hospital-based study of 84 patients who underwent myelomeningocele repair at the National Center for Neurological Sciences (NCNS) during the period from 2017 up to 2019. Data were collected through a constructed questionnaire, including ASQ-3<sup>TM</sup> Scores. Data were processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) computer program. Version 25. Results: 84 patients were included in this study;all patients were diagnosed with spinal dysraphism. Out of them, 51 (60.7%) were 2 years old, 33 (39.3%) were 3 years old, 45 (53.6%) were male, 45 (53.6%) of patients mothers attended ANC irregularly, and 54 (64.3%) their mothers didn’t receive folate supplements. 44 (52.3%) of patients underwent MMC repair only, while 40 (47.7%) underwent MMC repair and VP shunt. The commonest postoperative complication was infection, reported in 12 (14.3%) of patients, followed by VP shunt revision in 9 (10.7%) of patients. Neurological assessment showed that the majority of patients need further assessment with a professional, 57 (67.9%) of children don’t walk, run, or climb like other toddlers as their parent’s state;also, half of patients (42, 50%) had medical problems, and 27 (32.1%) of their parent’s state that they do not talk like other toddlers their age. There was a statistically significant association between post-operative complications and communication development, problem-solving development, and personal social development (P value = 0.05), and a statistically significant association was found between age at repair and neurological development (P value = 0.05). Conclusion: The majority of patients had motor deficiency (particularly gross motor) and poor personal and social skills. Age at repair and postoperative complications significantly influenced the neurological development.
文摘In the tumor immune microenvironment, CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells differentiate towards functional failure. The exhaustion of CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells (Tex) showed varying degrees of effect dysfunction, loss of proliferation ability, and sustained high expression of a variety of inhibitory receptors, with metabolic and epigenetic changes. Tex cells are heterogeneous, including several subsets with different characteristics at different stages of differentiation. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can restore the effect or function of Tex cells, indicating that this T cell subset plays a key role in tumor immunotherapy. The understanding of the mechanism of CD8<sup>+</sup> T cell exhaustion will be helpful to the implementation of tumor immunotherapy. This article reviews the production, differentiation and functional characteristics of Tex cells and their relationship with tumor immunotherapy.
文摘Activated carbons calcined at 400˚C and 600˚C (AC-400 and AC-600), prepared using palm nuts, collected in the town of Franceville in Gabon, were used to study the dynamic adsorption of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions in acidic media on fixed bed column and on the kinetic modeling of experimental data of breakthrough curves of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions obtained. Results on the adsorption of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions in fixed-bed dynamics obtained on AC-400 and AC-600 adsorbents beds indicated that the AC-400 bed appears to be the most efficient in removing MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions in acidic media. Indeed, the adsorbed amounts, the adsorbed capacities at saturation and the elimination percentage of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions obtained with AC-400 (31.24 mg;52.06 mg·g<sup>-1</sup> and 41.65% respectively) were higher compared to those obtained with AC-600 (9.87 mg;16.45 mg·g<sup>-1</sup> and 17.79% respectively). The breakthrough curves kinetic modeling revealed that the Thomas model and the pseudo-first-order kinetic model were the most suitable models to describe the adsorption of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions on adsorbents studied in our experimental conditions. The results of the intraparticle diffusion model showed that intraparticle diffusion was involved in the adsorption mechanism of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions on investigated adsorbents and was not the limiting step and the only process controlling MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions adsorption. In contrast to AC-400, the intraparticle diffusion on AC-600 bed plays an important role in the adsorption mechanism of MnO<sub>4</sub>-</sup> ions.
文摘Introduction: The Central African Republic is one of the 30 high Tuberculosis burden countries in the world, with an incidence of 540 cases per 100,000 population and a mortality of 91 deaths per 100,000 population. Since 2020, following WHO recommendations, the National Reference Laboratory for Tuberculosis has been using the Xpert<sup>®</sup> MTB/RIF assay as a first-line diagnostic test for the early detection of Drug Resistance Tuberculosis. The goal of this study was to evaluate the contribution of the Xpert<sup>®</sup> MTB/RIF assay to the surveillance of rifampicin resistance in new and previously treated tuberculosis cases. Materials and Methods: The data relative to the Xpert<sup>®</sup> MTB/RIF assay carried out on various categories of tuberculosis patients registered at the National Reference Laboratory for Tuberculosis in 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The categories of tuberculosis patients were new cases, failed treatment cases, relapse cases, lost-to-follow-up cases and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis contact cases. Results: A total of 1404 tuberculosis patients were registered at the NRL-TB in 2020;the mean age was 39.2 years (2 - 90 years) and the male-to-female sex ratio was 1.16:1. Overall, 32.7% (454/1404) proved infected with tuberculosis, of which 22.5% (102/454) cases showed resistance to rifampicin. The primary resistance rate was 9.1% (27/298) and the secondary resistance rate was 46.6% (75/161). Treatment failures and relapsed cases were significantly associated with rifampicin resistance (p 0.005). Conclusion: Large-scale use of Xpert<sup>®</sup> MTB/RIF, especially in the provinces of the Central African Republic, will help the Ministry of Health to better control Drug Resistance Tuberculosis in the country.
文摘This paper is about an advanced treatment method known as Jungian Advanced Motor Processing (JAMP<sup>TM</sup>) and its effects on healing trauma using three scales: Post-Traumatic Cognitive Inventory (PTCI) [1], Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE) [2] and Somatic Symptom Scale (SSS or PHQ15) [3]. JAMP<sup>TM</sup> is a new treatment that addresses issues such as complex trauma, illnesses, and mental health disorders. During a 90-minute session with a JAMP<sup>TM</sup> therapist, the client will listen to a heartbeat sound while viewing a calming image where a positive affirmation appears on the screen. The combination of image and sound, as well as the bilateral stimulation, accesses the triggered defensive mechanism of the traumatic part of the person (the Complex). This traumatized person begins to associate points in their life where a pattern of behavior was learned in order to cope with the event that originally caused disassociation. The JAMP<sup>TM</sup> Transformational Coach will lead the client safely through this journey using verbal affirmations such as, “I am not afraid,” to disperse the fear. By the end of the session, threads are strung together to paint a picture of pain that forms an image which becomes a symbol that can be transformed into healing.
文摘Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis on efficacy of <sup>131</sup>I ablation in intermediate- and high-risk of thyroid papillary carcinoma patients. The findings will help to develop a personalized treatment plan for patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma complicated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Material and Methods: From January 2016 to December 2020, patients who were diagnosed with intermediate- and high-risk PTC with lymph node metastasis were analyzed retrospectively, excluding patients with incomplete clinical data, distant metastasis, positive TGAb, TSH Results: A total of 525 patients (166 males and 359 females) were included in the study, including 368 patients in ER group (70.1%) and 157 patients in NER group (29.9%). Eleven factors including combining Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, pre-ablative Tg levels, sex, tumor diameter, extraglandular invasion, multifocal, bilateral lesions, central lymph node metastasis, lateral lymph node metastasis, lymph node metastasis rate, thyroglobulin were statistically different between ER group and NER group with significance at P Conclusion: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Ps-Tg level and lateral lymph node metastasis are potential predictors for short-term efficacy of <sup>131</sup>I treatment in intermediate- and high-risk thyroid papillary carcinoma. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, high Ps-Tg level and increased number of lateral lymph node metastasis reduce the efficacy of <sup>131</sup>I therapy in patients with intermediate and high risk thyroid papillary carcinoma.
文摘Rationale: In the literature, some risk factors for severity and mortality from COVID-19 have been indicated. However, these factors can change, depending on the characteristics of the population and health services. In this sense, longitudinal studies can be useful for understanding local realities and subsidizing health actions based on these realities. Objective: To analyze the risk factors for severity and death in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized from August 1 to October 16, 2021 (3<sup>rd</sup> wave of the pandemic), notified by the Department of Epidemiological Surveillance of Sao Tome and Principe. We employed measures of strength of associations for the analysis of exposure risk factors. Results: We analyzed 110 hospitalized patients (31.8% severe-critical and 68.2% non-severe). The risk factors for severe forms of COVID-19 were: being aged ≥60 years (RR = 3.3), being male (RR = 2), having comorbidities (RR = 2) and the risk increases to 10-fold for multicomorbidities, with emphasis on obesity, neoplasia, skin-muscle-surgical infection, dementia and to some degree CVD. 62.9% of patients with severe forms of the disease were not vaccinated. Risk factors for death among hospitalized and severe/critical cases, respectively, were having comorbidities (RR = 8 and 2.4) multicomorbidities (RR = 10 and 2.8 for those with 2 comorbidities and RR = 33.3 and 4 for those with 3 or 4 comorbidities), especially diabetes, dementia, neoplasia, cutaneous-muscular infection, and obesity. Although CVD was not associated with risk factors for death, these were the most frequently found among the severely hospitalized and deaths. In addition, important risk factors associated with death were not using corticoids (RR = 3.3, 230-fold risk) and not using anticoagulants-heparin (RR = 1.3, 30% risk) more compared to the severe cases that did use them. Most of the patients who died (63.2%) were not vaccinated. Moreover, having only 1 dose of the vaccine was a risk factor 1.9 times more for death among all hospitalized patients, but in the severe cases, there was no association between the variable vaccination and death. Among those hospitalized with 2 doses, it was a 0.5-fold protective factor among those hospitalized. The Delta variant of Sarscov-2 was the one found among severe cases and deaths investigated by genetic sequencing, with more exuberant clinical features compared to the other 2 previous vaccinations. Conclusion: Being elderly, male and presenting comorbidities, mainly multicomorbidities were the main characteristics associated with severity of COVID-19. On the other hand, comorbidities, and even worse, multicomorbidities, hospitalization for respiratory failure, lowered level of consciousness, no use of corticoid and no use of anticoagulation in critically ill patients, and not having at least 2 doses of vaccine for covid-19, were characteristics associated with death by COVID-19. These results will help inform healthcare providers so that the best interventions can be implemented to improve outcomes for patients with COVID-19. Public health interventions must be carefully tailored and implemented in these susceptible groups to reduce the risk of mortality in patients with COVID-19 and then the risk of major complications. Intensive and regular follow-up is needed to detect early occurrences of clinical conditions.
文摘In the present work, for the first time, the main details of the electronic mechanism of the synergistic antioxidant interaction between different pairs: phenolic food acid and glutathione and the stable radical cation ABTS<sup>+·</sup> were revealed on the basis of a rigorous analysis of the DFT calculated data. It was shown that among all the studied food acids, only caffeic acid exhibits a clear-cut significant synergistic effect with glutathione. It established the electronic and structural factors underlying the mechanism of the synergistic interaction of the mixture caffeic acid and glutathione in its reaction with ABTS<sup>+·</sup>. The main causes of this considered synergistic effect are, firstly, the presence of the 3-OH and 4-OH hydroxyl groups in the structure of caffeic acid, secondly, the greater stability of its anion which contains the deprotonated 4-OH hydroxyl group. All other phenolic food acids under study do not possess the given structural particularity and therefore do not show such synergistic effects with glutathione.