Amelioration of nephrotoxicity by targeting ferroptosis: role of NCOA4, IREB2, and SLC7a11 signaling

Nephrotoxicity is a common complication that limits the clinical utility of cisplatin. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent necrotic cell death program that is mediated by phospholipid peroxidation. The molecular mechanisms that disrupt iron homeostasis and lead to ferroptosis are yet to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), a selective cargo receptor that mediates ferroptosis and autophagic degradation of ferritin in nephrotoxicity. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly-assigned to four groups: control group, cisplatin (Cis)-treated group, deferiprone (DEF)-treated group, and Cis+DEF co-treated group. Serum, urine, and kidneys were isolated to perform biochemical, morphometric, and immunohistochemical analysis. Iron accumulation was found to predispose to ferroptotic damage of the renal tubular cells. Treatment with deferiprone highlights the role of ferroptosis in nephrotoxicity. Upregulation of NCOA4 in parallel with low ferritin level in renal tissue seems to participate in iron-induced ferroptosis. This study indicated that ferroptosis may participate in cisplatin-induced tubular cell death and nephrotoxicity through iron-mediated lipid peroxidation. Iron dyshomeostasis could be attributed to NCOA4-mediated ferritin degradation.

Stable expression of shRNA for the control of recombinant adenovirus replication

Preventing the replication of adenovirus could have practical uses, such as controlling infection with wild-type virus or in applications involving recombinant vectors. Mainly transient methods have been used to inhibit adenovirus replication, including siRNA or drugs. Here, we tested whether stable expression of shRNA designed to target hexon, Iva2, or pol can inhibit the replication of a recombinant adenoviral vector, Ad-LacZ (serotype 5, E1/E3 deleted), in 293T cells. Significant knockdown correlating with reduced Ad-LacZ replication was achieved only when hexon was targeted. Cell sorting and isolation of cellular clones further accentuated knockdown of the hexon transcript, reduced protein levels by more than 90%, and diminished adenovirus production. As visualized by transmission electron microscopy, the cellular clone expressing the hexon-specific shRNA yielded 89.2% fewer particles compared to the parental 293T cells. Full scale production followed by purification revealed a 90.2% reduction in Ad-LacZ biological titer. These results support the notion that stable expression of shRNA can be used as a means to control adenovirus replication.

Comparison of clinical characteristics of wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of mutations by comparing wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron regarding clinical features in patients with COVID-19. It also aimed to assess whether SARS-CoV-2 cycle threshold value could predict COVID-19 severity. METHODS: A total of 960 wild-type and 411 Omicron variant patients with positive results in SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test from oropharyngeal and/or nasopharyngeal samples during their hospital admissions were included in this retrospective study. The reference symptoms of the patients were obtained from the hospital database. The correlation between chest computed tomography findings and the "cycle threshold" of patients with wild-type SARS-CoV-2 was assessed. RESULTS: Cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell, and diarrhea were found to be statistically significantly higher (p=0.001; 0.001; 0.001; 0.001; and 0.006; respectively) in the wild-type cohort, while in the Omicron cohort, sore throat and headache were found to be statistically significantly higher (p=0.001 and 0.003, respectively). An inverse relationship was found between chest computed tomography findings and viral load. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the Omicron variant tended to infect predominantly the upper respiratory tract and showed decreased lung infectivity, and the disease progressed with a milder clinical course. Therefore, the study showed that the tropism of the virus was changed and the viral phenotype was affected. It was also found that SARS-CoV-2 viral load did not predict COVID-19 severity in patients with wild-type SARS-CoV-2.

Características clínicas de pacientes hospitalizados con infección por Covid-19 en la Clínica SOMA de Medellín, Colombia / Clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with Covid-19 infection at the SOMA Clinic in Medellín, Colombia / Características clínicas de pacientes hospitalizados com infecção por Covid-19 na Clínica SOMA em Medellín, Colômbia

Objetivo: el virus SARS-COV-2 llegó a Medellín el 9 de marzo del 2020, afectando hasta el 8 de octubre 2021 a 397.395 personas en esta ciudad. Este estudio busca describir el comportamiento clínico de los pacientes hospitalizados en la Clínica SOMA en el periodo entre julio 1 de 2020 y enero 31 de 2021, así como identificar variables clínicas y paraclínicas asociadas a su ingreso a UCI y la mortalidad. Metodología: cohorte retrospectiva con datos de historias clínicas de adultos admitidos en la Clínica SOMA por Covid-19 entre julio 1 de 2020 y enero 31 de 2021. Resultados: se identificaron 849 individuos adultos con Covid-19, de los cuales 326 fueron hospitalizados (38.4%), la mortalidad fue del 13%. Los factores más asociados a severidad fueron la disnea, hipertensión arterial, enfermedad cardiovascular, dímero D elevado, deshidrogenasa láctica, linfopenia y una mayor edad. Conclusiones: nuestro estudio evidenció un comportamiento similar al descrito en otros estudios en el mundo frente a variables al ingreso por Covid-19, que se asocian con peores desenlaces clínicos.

Objective: SARS COV-2 virus arrived in Medellin on March 9, 2020, affecting 397 395 people in Medellin by Oct 8, 2021. This study aims to describe the clinical behavior of patients hospitalized in SOMA Clinic between July 1st, 2020, and January 31st, 2021, and to identify clinical and paraclinical variables associated with ICU entry and mortality. Methodology: retrospective cohort with data from medical records of all patients over 18 years of age admitted to the SOMA Clinic for Covid-19 between July 1st, 2020, and January 31st, 2021. Results: 849 patients with Covid-19 consulted the emergency room of the SOMA Clinic, out of which 326 were hospitalized (38.4%) with a mortality of 13%. Dyspnea, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, elevated D-dimer values, lactic dehydrogenase, and lymphopenia and older age were associated with severity. Conclusions: like other studies worldwide, we evidenced clinical and paraclinical parameters at entry that are associated with worst clinical outcomes in a SARS-COV-2 infection.

Objetivo: o vírus SARS-COV-2 chegou a Medellín em 9 de março de 2020, afetando 397.395 pessoas nesta cidade até 8 de outubro de 2021. Este estudo busca descrever o comportamento clínico dos pacientes internados na Clínica SOMA no período entre 1º de julho de 2020 e 31 de janeiro de 2021, bem como identificar variáveis clínicas e paraclínicas associadas à sua admissão na UTI e mortalidade. Metodologia: coorte retrospectiva com dados de prontuários de adultos internados na Clínica SOMA por Covid-19 entre 1º de julho de 2020 e 31 de janeiro de 2021.Resultados: foram identificados 849 indivíduos adultos com Covid-19, dos quais 326 foram hospitalizados (38,4%), a mortalidade foi de 13%. Os fatores mais associados à gravidade foram dispneia, hipertensão arterial, doença cardiovascular, D-dímero elevado, desidrogenase lática, linfopenia e idade avançada. Conclusões: nosso estudo mostrou um comportamento semelhante ao descrito em outros estudos no mundo frente às variáveis na admissão por Covid-19, que estão associadas a piores desfechos clínicos.

The historical evolution of processed mirabilite in the formulation of Zixue san and its processing method / 中国药房

Zixue san is a preparation in Chinese Pharmacopoeia ，and is a commonly used representative formula in Liangkai formulation. In the previous editions of Chinese Pharmacopoeia ，for the item of the formulation and preparation method of Zixue san，“mirabilite”“mirabilite（prepare）”“Xuanming powder ”and other different descriptions have been repeatedly modified and amended；the methods of preparation of mirabilite in the processing specifications of different provinces and cities are also different，causing effects in actual production. Therefore ，the author has researched the historical evolution of Zixue ，the formulation and preparation method of Zixue san in the previous editions of Chinese P harmacopoeia，and has expounded the change process of mirabilite，mirabilite（prepare），Xuanming powder in the item of formulation and preparation method of Zixue san. In addition ，the author compares Chinese Pharmacopoeia with the processing methods of mirabilite in the national and provincial processing specifications ，in order to provide a basis for the processing of mirabilite in the formulation of Zixue san.

Knowledge, Practices and Perception of Malaria and Its Home Management Using Artemicinin-based Combined Therapy (ACT) among Mothers of Under-five

Malaria is a serious public health problem, yet preventable and treatable. The disease is one of the world’s highest rates of all cause of mortality for children under five, and about one in six children die before their fifth birthday. Hence, mothers of under-five and caregiver have a pivotal role to play in tackling this issue by improving their knowledge and skills concerning the treatment, prevention, and control using the appropriate approach. This study was carried out to assess knowledge, practices, and perception of malaria and its home management using Artemicinin-based Combined Therapy (ACT) in Yemetu community of Ibadan North Local Government. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey involving the use of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to facilitate the sampling and interview of respondents. This included recruiting all the mothers OriginalResearchArticle of under-five in Yemetu community who gave consent for the study. Four hundred (400) mothers of under-five in Yemetu community consented to participate in the study and were selected. A validated semi-structured questionnaire interviewed and self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and respondents were assessed on a 62-points knowledge scale, 5-points practice scale, and 17-points perception scales. Knowledge score ≤21 were rated poor, scores ≥22≤42 fair and scores ≥43 were considered good. Practice score ≤3 was recorded as poor practice while scores ≥3 good practice. Perception scores ≤ 9 were considered unfavourable perception and scores ≥ 9 were considered favourable. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the data at 95% level of significance.Respondents’ mean age was 29.9 ± 7.0 years and the majority of them(91.1%) of them were Yoruba. The majority (91.0%) of them were married and (91.1%) were Yorubas. Only (23.0%) correctly identified plasmodium as a cause of malaria. The correctly mentioned signs and symptoms of simple malaria were; cold (89.3%), body ache(91.3%) and fever (88.5%). The fairly corrected home management practice steps include; Exposure of baby to fresh air, administration of paracetamol, and then provision of coartem (2.6%) and bathing the baby, use of paracetamol and administration of coartem (1.3%). Negative perception shown by the respondents includes: Only (15.0%) believed that malaria is a disease of the poor and preference of herbal medicine to medical medicine for treating children at home when they have malaria episode because it is cheaper (19.8%). Overall, (2.9%) had poor knowledge, the majority (87.3%) had a fair knowledge, and 9.8% had good knowledge. There are several gaps in the respondents’ knowledge relating to malaria and its management in under-five. Therefore, there is a need for peer education/training approach in this regard to upgrading mothers' knowledge and skills concerning the treatment, prevention, and control of malaria.

Ética y psicología social comunitaria entre los "psicólogos en formación" de una universidad pública del norte de México / Ethics and community social psychology among the "psychologists in training" of a public university in northern Mexico / Ética e psicologia social comunitária entre os "psicólogos em formação" de uma universidade pública do norte do México

El presente estudio trata de responder a la necesidad de reflexionar, desde la ética, sobre el desarrollo de la Psicología y de la formación universitaria con pertinencia social. En este caso, sobre los "psicólogos en formación" de una universidad pública del norte de México, en el trabajo comunitario. A partir de un abordaje cualitativo con herramientas como la entrevista a profundidad y grupos focales, así como la revisión de asignaturas donde se plantea lo comunitario, los significados y reflexiones expresados por alumnos y docentes dejan en claro la apuesta por el trabajo desde la comunidad y el interés porque éste se realice de mejor forma. La necesidad de un trabajo con las comunidades, con un sentido ético, implica no sólo la información sino también su participación y la posibilidad de generar cambios sociales que se traduzcan en el bienestar de las comunidades.

The present paper tries to meet the need to reflect on the development of an ethical Psychology, and university education with social relevance. In this case, on the "psychologists in training" of a public university in northern Mexico, in community work. Using a qualitative approach, with techniques such as in-depth interviews and focus groups, as well as the review of subjects where the community is raised, the meanings and reflections expressed by students and teachers make clear the commitment to work from the community, and the interest to do it in the best possible way. The need to work with an ethical sense, from the communities, implies not only the information, but also their participation and the possibility of generating social changes that translate into the well-being of the communities.

O presente trabalho responde à necessidade de refletir, desde a ética, sobre o desenvolvimento da Psicologia e da formação superior com uma perspectiva comunitária. Para tanto foi realizada uma investigação com "psicólogos em formação" de uma universidade pública localizada na região norte do México enfocando as especificidades do "trabalho comunitário" ofertado na formação profissional. A partir de uma abordagem qualitativa e o uso de ferramentas como a entrevista em profundidade e grupos focais, assim como a revisão das ementas em que se identificou a categoria "comunitário", verificamos que os significados e as reflexões enfocados pelos alunos e docentes expressam uma certa aposta pelo trabalho desde as localidades e o interesse por acompanhar o seu desenvolvimento. A necessidade do trabalho com as comunidades incluindo pautas éticas implica não apenas o processamento da informação, mas também a participação ativa de quem pesquisa e a possibilidade de gerar mudanças sociais que se traduzam em bem-estar para as comunidades.

Diagnósticos Enfermeros prevalentes en pacientes mayores con úlceras por presión: estudio transversal / Prevalent nursing diagnoses in elderly with pressure ulcers: cross-sectional study / Diagnósticos Enfermeiros prevalentes em pacientes idosos com úlceras por pressão: estudo transversal

Resumen Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia de los diagnósticos enfermeros en pacientes adultos mayores hospitalizados con úlceras por presión e identificar los diagnósticos enfermeros reales, potenciales, de salud y síndrome por patrón funcional de salud. Material y métodos Estudio Transversal, descriptivo conformado por una muestra de pacientes adultos mayores hospitalizados en diferentes servicios de un Hospital de Acapulco, Guerrero, México. Para su evaluación, se diseñó un instrumento de acuerdo con los patrones funcionales de Marjory Gordon. Se utilizó la plataforma de mejores prácticas de enfermería E-cuidados® para el análisis. Resultados El presente estudio identificó 36 diagnósticos relevantes, de los cuales 23 (63.9 %) fueron diagnósticos centrados en el problema, 10 (27.8 %) diagnósticos de riesgo y 3 (8.3 %) de promoción a la salud. Los patrones funcionales más afectados son; Actividad-Ejercicio, Nutricional-Metabólico y Valores-Creencias. Conclusiones El presente estudio ayuda a enfatizar la importancia de adoptar estrategias preventivas y de atención integral, así como la mejora de la planificación de la atención para evitar el deterioro de las condiciones en los pacientes adultos mayores.

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence of diverse nursing diagnostics in hospitalized older patients with pressure ulcers, identifying the real, potential, and health-related ones, as well as syndrome by health functional pattern. Methods and material This is a transversal and descriptive study with a sample of older patients in different services in a hospital of Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. An assessment instrument was designed following the Functional Patterns of Marjory Gordon. The E-cuidados® best nursing practices platform was used for the analysis. Results 36 relevant diagnostics were identified: 23 (63.9 %) were problem-centered; 10 (27.8 %) were risk related; and 3 (8.3 %) were health promoting. The most affected functional patterns were: Activity-Exercise; Nutrition-Metabolism; and Values-Beliefs. Conclusions This study supports the need to highlight the importance of adopting preventive and integral attention strategies, as well as improving the attention planning process in order to avoid the deterioration of health conditions of older patients.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar a prevalência dos diagnósticos enfermeiros em pacientes idosos hospitalizados com úlceras por pressão e identificar os diagnósticos enfermeiros reais, potenciais, de saúde e síndrome por padrão funcional de saúde. Material e métodos Estudo Transversal, descritivo conformado por uma amostra de pacientes idosos hospitalizados em diferentes serviços de um Hospital de Acapulco, Guerrero, México. Para sua avaliação, desenhou-se um instrumento conforme com os padrões funcionais de Marjory Gordon. Utilizou-se a plataforma de melhores práticas de enfermagem E-cuidados® para a análise. Resultados O presente estudo identificou 36 diagnósticos relevantes, dos quais 23 (63.9 %) foram diagnósticos centrados no problema, 10 (27.8 %) diagnósticos de risco e 3 (8.3 %) de promoção à saúde. Os padrões funcionais mais afetados são; Atividade-Exercício, Nutricional-Metabólico e Valores-Crenças. Conclusões O presente estudo ajuda a enfatizar a importância de adotar estratégias preventivas e de atenção integral, assim como a melhora da planificação da atenção para evitar a deterioração das condições nos pacientes idosos.

Procalcitonin levels among patients with fever secondary to severe intracerebral infection. A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Making the differential diagnosis between central fever and infectious fever is critically important among intracerebral hemorrhage patients followed up in intensive care units (ICUs). Serum procalcitonin (PCT) has been found to be a promising biomarker for the initial diagnosis of infection, even before culturing results. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between PCT and both fever etiologies and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels among critically ill patients with suspected intracerebral hemorrhage. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a public university hospital in Elazig, Turkey. METHODS: ICU patients diagnosed with intracerebral hemorrhage and normal procalcitonin levels were included in this study. From clinical assessments and cultures, they were classified as presenting either infectious or central fever. The sensitivity and specificity of PCT and CRP for predicting infection were calculated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: There were 98 ICU patients with diagnoses of intracerebral hemorrhage. The median (interquartile range) PCT levels of patients with infectious and central fever were 4 (0.9-11) and 0.1 (0.1-0.4) ng/ml, respectively, with a statistically significant intergroup difference (P < 0.001). The areas under the ROC curve for predicting infectious or central fever PCT and CRP were 0.958 (P < 0.001) and 0.816 (P < 0.001), respectively. A statistically significant positive correlation was detected between PCT and CRP levels in patients with infectious fever (rho: 0.461; P = 0.003), but not in patients with central fever. CONCLUSIONS: PCT can possibly be used as a biomarker to differentiate between infectious and central fever among ICU patients.

Opiniones de adolescentes sobre el Plato del Bien Comer Maya como herramienta de promoción de la salud / Adolescents opinions regarding Plato del Bien Comer Maya as nutrition health promotion tool

Resumen: Objetivo: Conocer opiniones sobre el Plato del Bien Comer Maya de adolescentes de Cholul, Yucatán, para mejorar la herramienta comunicativa y utilizarla en actividades de promoción de la salud. Material y métodos: Estudio cualitativo, de investigación formativa. Se realizaron tres grupos focales, participaron 28 adolescentes de secundaria: 12-16 años. Criterios de inclusión: pertenecer a alguno de los tres grados de la escuela y tener familias originarias del poblado. El análisis de los datos se realizó manualmente. Resultados: En comparación con el Plato del Bien Comer nacional, el Plato Maya fue mejor identificado por tener elementos locales a los que pueden acceder fácilmente y con costos menores. Se identificó la palabra fruto como una variación lingüística que representa en ese contexto tanto a las frutas como a las verduras. Conclusiones: Para tener mejores resultados en intervenciones nutricionales es necesario diseñar estrategias educativo-comunicativas acordes con la cultura local.

Abstract : Objective: To know opinions of adolescents from Cholul, Yucatán, about Plato del Bien Comer Maya in order to improve it as health promotion tool. Materials and methods: Qualitative study, formative research. Three focus groups were carried out, participating 28 adolescents: 12-16 years old. Criteria of inclusion: studying middle school; to have native family from the town. Analysis of the data made manually. Results: Comparatively with the national Plato del Bien Comer, the Plato Maya was better identified because have local food products easier to obtain and cheaper. The principal finding was to understand Fruto is a linguistic variation word which represents in Maya context both fruits and vegetables. This might be an important key to improve health promotion activities with that population. Conclusions: In order to have better results in nutritional interventions, it is necessary to design educational-communicative strategies in accordance with the local culture.

Analysis on the compatibility of Inonotus obliquus in the treatment of gastrointestinal disordersin Russia / 国际中医中药杂志

Inonotus obliquus is a commonly used edible fungus in Russia. For centuries, it has been used to treat digestive tract diseases and tumors in the northern Russian countryside. Based on the relevant researches of the Soviet Union and Russia, this paper summarizes and analyzes the compatibility application of inonotus obliquus in the rehabilitation of gastrointestinal diseases. In the rehabilitation treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases, inonotus obliquus can be used alone or in combination with other drugs. In China, the difference in the source and the dosages should be paid the attention before the application..

Frequency and Severity of Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Treated with a Sulfonylurea-Based Regimen at University-Affiliated Hospitals in Korea: The Naturalistic Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Events in Diabetic Subjects Study / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: We assessed the frequency and severity of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients treated with sulfonylurea monotherapy or sulfonylurea+metformin. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study in 2011 and 2012 including patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged ≥30 years who were treated with ≥6 months of sulfonylurea monotherapy or sulfonylurea+metformin at 20 university-affiliated hospitals in Korea. At enrollment, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was assessed; participants completed self-reported questionnaires describing hypoglycemia incidents over the past 6 months. A review of medical records up to 12 months before enrollment provided data on demographics, disease history, comorbidities, laboratory results, and drug usage. RESULTS: Of 726 enrolled patients, 719 were included (55.6% male); 31.7% and 68.3% were on sulfonylurea monotherapy and sulfonylurea+metformin, respectively. Mean±standard deviation age was 65.9±10.0 years; mean HbA1c level was 7.0%±1.0%; 77.8% of patients had hypertension (89.4% used antihypertensive medication); 60.5% had lipid disorders (72.5% used lipid-lowering medication); and 52.0% had one or more micro- or macrovascular diseases. Among patients with A1c measurement (n=717), 56.4% achieved therapeutic goals (HbA1c <7.0%); 42.4% (305/719) experienced hypoglycemia within 6 months of enrollment; and 38.8%, 12.9%, 12.7%, and 3.9% of patients experienced mild, moderate, severe, and very severe hypoglycemia symptoms, respectively. Several reported hypoglycemia frequency as 1–2 times over the last 6 months. The mean number of very severe hypoglycemia episodes was 3.5±5.5. CONCLUSION: Among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients treated with sulfonylurea-based regimens, glycemic levels were relatively well controlled but hypoglycemia remained a prevalent side effect.

Education in ophthalmology over the past 60 years

This paper summarizes the personal experience of an ophthalmologist who has been involved in medical education for over 60 years. With clinical experience and leadership positions within ophthalmology and in broad medical organizations, this paper chronicles the evolution of educational practice and approaches for over a half-century.

Comparison of Multiple Allergen Simultaneous Test and ImmunoCAP for the Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#Specific IgE assays are important in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). Among the diagnostic tests of AR, multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST) and ImmunoCAP have been frequently used as simple, safe, and economical methods. In this study, we compared the diagnostic outcomes of MAST and ImmunoCAP in patients with AR.SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Seventy-eight patients (52 men, 26 women, mean age 34.5 years: range 6–80 years), who have nasal symptoms of allergy and no clinical factors to influence the test results, underwent routine skin prick test (SPT) and MAST, and ImmunoCAP for eight major allergens. The diagnosis of AR was based on the criteria of SPT. The class 1 responses or more were regarded as positive for both MAST and ImmunoCAP. The agreements, sensitivities, and specificities of MAST and ImmunoCAP were evaluated along with the correlation between the two tests.@*RESULTS@#Total agreement rates of MAST and ImmunoCAP amounted to 91.5 and 92.1%, respectively. The overall sensitivity and specificity of MAST were 73.4 and 95.3%, respectively, and those of ImmunoCAP were 81.4 and 94.5%, respectively. The correlations between MAST and ImmunoCAP showed statistical significance for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus/Dermatophagoides farinae.@*CONCLUSION@#Our study demonstrated the diagnostic usefulness of both MAST and ImmunoCAP in AR, especially for the most prevalent allergens of house dust mites. Moreover, ImmunoCAP, which showed higher sensitivity than MAST, can be effectively used in rhinology clinics.

Comparison of Multiple Allergen Simultaneous Test and ImmunoCAP for the Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Specific IgE assays are important in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). Among the diagnostic tests of AR, multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST) and ImmunoCAP have been frequently used as simple, safe, and economical methods. In this study, we compared the diagnostic outcomes of MAST and ImmunoCAP in patients with AR. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Seventy-eight patients (52 men, 26 women, mean age 34.5 years: range 6–80 years), who have nasal symptoms of allergy and no clinical factors to influence the test results, underwent routine skin prick test (SPT) and MAST, and ImmunoCAP for eight major allergens. The diagnosis of AR was based on the criteria of SPT. The class 1 responses or more were regarded as positive for both MAST and ImmunoCAP. The agreements, sensitivities, and specificities of MAST and ImmunoCAP were evaluated along with the correlation between the two tests. RESULTS: Total agreement rates of MAST and ImmunoCAP amounted to 91.5 and 92.1%, respectively. The overall sensitivity and specificity of MAST were 73.4 and 95.3%, respectively, and those of ImmunoCAP were 81.4 and 94.5%, respectively. The correlations between MAST and ImmunoCAP showed statistical significance for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus/Dermatophagoides farinae. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated the diagnostic usefulness of both MAST and ImmunoCAP in AR, especially for the most prevalent allergens of house dust mites. Moreover, ImmunoCAP, which showed higher sensitivity than MAST, can be effectively used in rhinology clinics.

study of effect of experimental pre-eclampsia on plasma lipocalin-2 level in rats

Background: preeclampsia [PE] is a pregnancy related complication defined as a disease that begins in the placenta and ends at the maternal endothelium. It is a multi-stage disease that starts by utero-placental insufficiency and leads to generalized maternal endothelial dysfunction.Lipocalin2 [LCN2] is a 25kDasecretory glycoprotein implicated in many functions such as apoptosis and innate immunity. Also, it has been recognized to have potential effects in obesity, inflammation and insulin resistance in mice and humans. Many controversial studies about the changes in the plasma LCN2 levels in PE are reported. Aim: The current study was designed to perform an animal model of experimental PE in a trial to demonstrate the possible relationship between PE and the circulating LCN2 levels

Design: forty eight healthy adult female albino rats and eight adult male albino rats were used. The male rats were used for induction of pregnancy. The adult female rats [n=48] were divided into four equal groups: group I [control non-pregnant group], group II [non-pregnant treated with L-NAME], group III [normal pregnant group] and group IV [pregnant treated with L-NAME to induce a model of experimental PE]. In all groups, body weight, body mass index [BMI], blood pressure, circulating levels of urea, creatinine, triglycerides [TGs], IL-6, endothelin-l[ET-l], vitamin D [VD], LCN2 and D-dimers in addition to total urinary proteins are measured. Histopathological examination of placental sections was done in group III and group IV

Results: The results of the present study revealed a significant increase in the body weight, BMI, MAP, total urinary proteins, circulating levels of urea, creatinine, TGs, IL-6, ET-1, LCN2 and D-dimers in both group II and IV. In addition to a significant decrease in VD in the same two groups. In group III, there was a significant increase in body weight, BMI, total urinary proteins and circulating levels of TGS, D-dimers and LCN2. There was a significant decrease in VD and MAP. Moreover, there was a positive significant correlation between LCN2 and all measured parameters except VD in group IV together with a positive significant correlation between LCN2 and MAP, IL-6, ET-1 and D-dimers in group II.The results in group IV are supported by the histopathological examination results

Conclusion: L-NAME can be used for induction of experimental PE and plasma levels of LCN2 can be used as an indicator for the renal complications and coagulopathies in PE. Further studies are needed to ascertain this association

Associations between atherosclerosis and periodontitis, physical health and dental care: a pilot study / 대한구강보건학회지

OBJECTIVES: This pilot study aimed to obtain preliminary data on the associations between atherosclerosisand periodontitis, physical health status, and general and oral health behaviors. METHODS: Thirty-three subjects were recruited from among those who underwent carotid computed tomography (CT) angiography and general health check-up at the Seoul National University Hospital Health Examination Center (SNUHHEC). Two trained dentists conducted a periodontal examination to evaluate probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by study subjects, following informed consent. Data on physical health status were collected through review of medical records from the SNUHHEC. Information on general health behavior was obtainedfrom the self-reported questionnaire. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0®. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: A marginal, but non-significant association was noted between atherosclerosis and periodontitis(P=0.373). Flossing habit showed a significant association with periodontitis (P=0.007) and obesity (P=0.033). A possible association was noted between daily exercise and flossing (P=0.073). The habitual use of interdental brush also showed borderline association with smoking (P=0.098) and a stronger associationwith previous periodontal treatment (P=0.067); however, these associations were not statisticallysignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot study did not show an association between arteriosclerosis and periodontal disease.However, positive oral health care behavior, especially flossing, seems to alleviate arteriosclerosis. In other words, in this pilot survey, we confirmed the possibility that healthy oral care behavior can help to alleviate arteriosclerosis. Future large-scale studies are needed to confirm whether positive oral health care behaviors improve overall health.

Prediction of cardiovascular disease in Korean population: based on health risk appraisal of national health screening program

Health risk appraisal (HRA) is a systematic approach for collecting information regarding individual risk factors, predicting the probability of disease occurrence and death, and linking patients with interventions to promote health and prevent disease. Because the risk factors of cardiovascular disease are well established, several cardiovascular disease risk prediction models have been developed over multiple decades. The health risk appraisal prediction model of the Korean national health screening program will be revised and updated using the latest well-validated studies to reflect the current characteristics of the Korean population and to improve the effectiveness of education and behavioral modifications. It is necessary to provide various tools such as a web page and smartphone application to increase the utility of this program in the future.