In Africa, data on Chlamydia trachomatis infection are scarce because reliable diagnosis is costly and not widely available. Our objective was to evaluate the incidence and correlates of C. trachomatis infection among high-risk Kenyan women. We conducted prospective cohort analyses using data from a cohort of women who reported transactional ...

The aim of this study was to obtain geometric data of in vivo patellar ligament (PL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) by MRI and to analyze the correlation of the two with body weight, height and gender. A total of 157 cases with normal sagittal images of bilateral PL and ...

The intimate anatomic and functional relationship between epithelial cells and endothelial cells within the alveolus suggests the likelihood of a coordinated response during postpneumonectomy lung growth. To define the population dynamics and potential contribution of alveolar epithelial cells to alveolar angiogenesis, we studied alveolar Type II and I cells during ...

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) has important functions in host defense at mucosal surfaces as well as in tissue repair. It is unique as a cytokine that is produced by immune cells, including T-helper (Th) cell subsets and innate lymphocytes, but acts only on non-hematopoietic stromal cells, in particular epithelial cells, keratinocytes, and ...

There is a particular silence around the social life of defecation. Little analyzed, rarely discussed in polite conversation, it largely appears only at moments of dysfunction. For active heroin users, digestion is often characterized by such dysfunction and experienced through constipation; recovery, a welcome return to defecating 'normally.' Drawing on ...

The main purpose in hypertension treatment is the reduction of cardiovascular disease burden. Among different first-line antihypertensive drug classes, angiotensin-receptor blockers are characterized by their both good effectiveness and tolerability. Furthermore, the interruption of the renin-angiotensin cascade is related with several benefits in target organ protection and cardiovascular prevention. Among ...

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) results in an extremely poor quality of life and substantially increases health care utilization. Few data exist regarding the cost-effectiveness of surgical treatment for CP. This article examined the cost-effectiveness of total pancreatectomy (TP) with islet cell autotransplantation (IAT) for CP. Sixty patients undergoing TP + IAT ...

Intramedullary schwannoma is often misdiagnosed as other types of malignant tumour prior to surgery due to its atypical imaging appearance and low incidence. In the present study, a case of small intramedullary schwannoma was analysed using clinical and imaging data. Data concerning the surgery and follow-up process of this case ...

The advent of a more planned approach to workforces has led to increased interest in knowing exactly what workforces do, how much they cost and who their members are. Heightened interest in health human resources has highlighted the need for accurate definitions of nurse and nursing role and emphasized the ...

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal 5-year survival rate of 5%. There is an urgent need for early detection while the tumors are small and surgically resectable. We assessed serum osteopontin (OPN) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) as possible diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in a novel cohort ...

To evaluate the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) stigma and to determine the relation between socio-demographic characteristics and TB stigma among TB cases and their controls in Gezira State, Sudan. A case-control study design was used. New smear-positive TB patients registered in Gezira State in 2010 (n = 425) and controls ...

Sexual dimorphism is common in nature and has the potential to increase intraspecific variation in performance and patterns of resource use. We sought to determine whether anadromous threespine stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus, exhibit sexual dimorphism in feeding kinematics. We filmed four males and four females consuming live prey in a total ...

In human skin, the 3895-bp deletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA(3895)) is catalysed by ultraviolet (UV) light through the generation of reactive oxygen species. Given its function in vision, the human eye is exposed to oxidising UV and blue light in its anterior (cornea, iris) and posterior (retina) structures. In this ...

: Menstruation is a significant part of women's lives. It has been studied from many perspectives to draw various conclusions about biological and physiological development, gender differences, and sociocultural environments. : The purpose of this study was to explore how male and female pubescent students perceive and interpret menarche and ...

Since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, liver disease has been a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Chronic viral hepatitis accounts for >80% of liver-related mortality. Liver-related morbidity is due to acceleration of hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease, drug-induced hepatotoxicity, ...

To review cross-linking the cornea using riboflavin and ultraviolet A light, which has been widely adopted, refined and applied in a range of corneal surgeries and pathologies where the strength of the cornea might be compromised. A large number of clinical trials have been carried out, most of which have ...

: The Four Square Step Test (4SST), a quick and simple test of multidirectional stepping, may be useful in predicting falls in people with Parkinson disease (PD). We studied the reliability of the 4SST and its ability to discriminate between freezers and nonfreezers, between fallers and nonfallers, and factors predictive ...

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression levels of the death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) and E-cadherin in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and their correlation with clinical and pathological factors. Immunohistochemistry [streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) method], in situ hybridization, immunoblot assays and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) were used to detect ...

Patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have unfavorable prognosis and require innovative therapeutic approaches. In this study we used fludarabine combined with a middle dose of cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), mitoxantrone and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) as a salvage therapy for patients with relapsed AML in China. Forty-five patients with ...

CD4(+) T-helper cells regulate immunity and inflammation through the acquisition of potential to secrete specific cytokines. The acquisition of cytokine-secreting potential, in a process termed T-helper cell differentiation, is a response to multiple environmental signals including the cytokine milieu. The most recently defined subset of T-helper cells are termed Th9 ...

Many new nursing leaders assuming deanships, assistant, or interim deanships have limited education, experience, or background to prepare them for the job. To assist new deans and those aspiring to be deans, the authors of this department offer survival tips based on their experiences and insights. They address common issues, ...

Fibrinogen (Fg) contributes to thrombosis and hemostasis and plays a role in inflammation. Fg is also known to play a significant role in atherosclerosis (AS). P-selectin has been associated with AS. The present study aimed to identify the role of Fg in AS and to examine the possible mechanisms behind ...

: Stress is considered a crucial trigger for physical and mental illness. Stress reduction is a known long-term benefit of regular Hatha yoga practice. The efficacy of a single-session Hatha yoga class on stress reduction is not currently known. : This study investigated the comparative effectiveness of a single 90-minute ...

A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinic in a setting of high tuberculosis (TB) and HIV prevalence. To study the incidence of and factors associated with tuberculin skin test (TST) conversion in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Prospective cohort study of TST-negative, ART-naïve HIV patients (CD4 cell count < 250 ...

ABSTRACT: We analyzed medical insurance claims data (2005-2009) to determine the hospitalization costs of newborns with congenital syphilis (CS) diagnoses. We found 44 admission claims with CS diagnosis. The excess cost per case of CS (in 2009 US dollars) was estimated at $9969 (95% confidence interval, $5702-$16,769).

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of using one-stage posterior C2 and C3 pedicle screw fixation or combined anterior C2-C3 fusion in the treatment of unstable hangman's fracture. A total of 13 patients with unstable hangman's fractures underwent C2 and C3 pedicle screw fixation, lamina interbody fusion or ...

Intestinal CD4(+) T cells are essential mediators of immune homeostasis and inflammation. Multiple subsets of CD4(+) T cells have been described in the intestine, which represents an important site for the generation and regulation of cells involved in immune responses both within and outside of the gastrointestinal tract. Recent advances ...

: Foot self-care practice is one of the most important self-management behaviors to prevent the occurrence of diabetic foot ulcers. A tool that measures all aspects of daily foot care routines and demonstrates good reliability and validity is essential to pinpointing specific foot ulcer problems and evaluating intervention outcomes. There ...

Whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sufficiently explains and encompasses the symptoms experienced by people from non-Western cultures is debatable. The etymological, social, and historical contexts of idioms of distress experienced by Khmer, known as baksbat, were studied through interviews with 53 Cambodian experts. Phey-khlach (double fear), bor-veas-cheas-chgnay (wishing that the ...

Context: In the Indian traditional system of medicine, Streblus asper Lour (Moraceae) is prescribed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Objective: In the present study, α-amyrin acetate isolated from S. asper, and the petroleum ether extract of S. asper stem bark (PESA) was screened for their antidiabetic properties in streptozotocin ...

: Attentional impairments following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) are common and can lead to decreased functional mobility and balance, as well as deficits in previously automatic movements such as walking and stair climbing. The purpose of this case study was to determine the feasibility and potential value of incorporating ...

The DNA methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-CdR) is widely used as an anticancer drug for the treatment of leukemia and solid tumors. Gastric cancer (GC) patients who were positive for caudal type homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX2) expression showed a higher survival rate compared with those who were CDX2 negative, which ...

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have signs of genomic instability and, as a consequence, extensive genetic damage, possibly due to accumulation of uraemic toxins, oxidative stress mediators and other endogenous substances with genotoxic properties. We explored factors associated with the presence and background levels of genetic damage in CKD. ...

Historical connections are suggested between the domination of 1 culture by another and dissociative spiritual and religious responses to that oppression. Connections are drawn between colonial oppression, trauma, and 3 examples of dissociation and spirit possession: the Zar cult of Southern Sudan, "Puerto Rican syndrome" or ataque, and the Balinese ...

Context: A new caffeic acid derivative, named (7'Z)-3-O-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenylethenyl)-caffeic acid (CADP), extracted from Abacopteris penangiana (Hook.) Ching. Objective: To elucidate the neuroprotective effect of CADP against H(2)O(2)-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells and d-galactose (d-gal)-induced neurotoxicity in mice brain. Materials and methods: CADP was isolated from the methanol extract of the ...

Discovery of the T-helper 17 (Th17) subset heralded a major shift in T-cell biology and immune regulation. In addition to defining a new arm of the adaptive immune response, studies of the Th17 pathway have led to a greater appreciation of the developmental flexibility, or plasticity, that is a feature ...

In developing countries, acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTI) cause considerable morbidity, hospitalisation and mortality in children aged <5 years. A prospective case-control study was conducted to identify potential socio-demographic, nutritional and environmental risk factors for ALRTI. The World Health Organization definition for ALRTI was used for cases. Healthy children ...

INTRODUCTION:: Recent clinical trials led to the approval of crizotinib (PF-02341066; Pfizer) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients whose tumors are positive for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) alterations. The European Medicines Agency accepted the regulatory submission ...

The interplay of the immune system with other aspects of physiology is continually being revealed and in some cases studied in considerable mechanistic detail. A prime example is the influence of metabolic cues on immune responses. It is well appreciated that upon activation, T cells take on a metabolic profile ...

Tertiary care medical centre in Israel. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a predictor of poor outcome in patients with sarcoidosis. Early diagnosis may improve outcome. To determine factors that might contribute to the early diagnosis of PH in sarcoidosis patients with near normal lung function tests. Retrospective patient review. Data from ...

Temsirolimus (Torisel) is a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The recommended dosage in this indication (175mg once weekly for 3 weeks and then 75 mg once weekly as maintenance) is higher than that for renal cell carcinoma; thus, the safety ...

Urban populations worldwide are of increasingly diverse ethnicity. International recommendations suggest that ethnically specific norms should be applied when assessing spirometry, although the lower forced vital capacity (FVC) in African Americans is associated with lower survival. To assess differences in ventilatory function in a current, ethnically diverse British population. In ...

ABSTRACT: We report 2 cases of familial multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome (MEN 1) in related Malaysian Chinese individuals: the son had simultaneous primary lesions in the pancreatic tail, parathyroid, adrenal gland, and hypophysis, with metastatic tumors in the left lung, mediastinum and spine; his mother had simultaneous primary ...

This article describes the application of transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) to the treatment of former child soldiers suffering from dissociative identity disorder. It focuses on the problems with aggression faced in psychotherapy. TFP provides a psychodynamic, object relations model to understand the aggression arising in psychotherapy, focusing on the transference and ...

Context: The genus Hypericum (Guttiferae) has received considerable scientific interest as a source of biologically active compounds. Objective: The study determined the morphogenetic and ontogenetic variation in the main bioactive compounds of two Hypericum species, namely, Hypericum aviculariifolium subsp. depilatum var. depilatum (Freyn and Bornm.) Robson var. depilatum and Hypericum ...

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) or CXCL8 is a potent chemotactic factor that is involved in atherogenesis. IL-8 mediates its pre-inflammatory effects through interaction with CXCR1 and CXCR2. In the present study, we investigated the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) on IL-8 synthesis and CXCR1/CXCR2 expression of THP-1 monocytes. IL-8 was measured ...

The present study aimed to discuss the method and effect of posterior internal fixation of thoracolumbar fractures strengthened by the vertical stress pedicle screw fixation of fractured vertebrae. Patients with single thoracolumbar fractures were examined retrospectively. Fourteen patients (group A) had been treated with vertical stress pedicle screw fixation of ...

Degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) progresses with aging after 50-60 years. The genetic association of DLS remains largely unclear. In this study, the genetic association between glutamate receptor, ionotropic, N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA, GRIN) receptor genes and DLS was investigated. A total of 9 coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNPs) in NMDA receptor ...

Large racial disparities in the use of mental health care persist. Differences in treatment preferences could partially explain the differences in care between minority and nonminority populations. We compared beliefs about mental illness and treatment preferences between adult African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and White Americans with diagnosed anxiety ...

Objective: Glucyte liquid-based cytology (LBC; BestPrep™;CellSolutions, LLC, Greensboro, N.C., USA) is a recently developed method. Its performance was assessed in comparison with ThinPrep (Hologic Inc., Marlborough, Mass., USA) and SurePath (BD Diagnostics, Burlington, N.C., USA) LBC platforms. Study Design: Two cervical samples obtained from each of 331 patients presenting for ...