Iron deficiency in pernicious anemia: Specific features of iron deficient patients and preliminary data on response to iron supplementation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: While vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency is considered as the hallmark of pernicious anemia (PA), iron deficiency (ID) is also prevalent. Indeed, this auto immune gastritis is responsible for parietal cell atrophy and increase in gastric pH, leading to impaired iron absorption. We compared PA patients' features according to their iron status at PA diagnosis, and we assessed the iron status recovery after oral or intravenous iron supplementation. METHODS: We prospectively included patients presenting with a newly diagnosed PA in a tertiary referral hospital between November 2018 and October 2020. Iron status was assessed at PA diagnosis then regularly during a standardized follow-up. In case of ID, the decision of treatment with oral and/or intravenous iron supplementation was left to the clinician convenience. RESULTS: We included 28 patients with newly diagnosed PA. ID was observed in 21/28 (75.0%) patients: from the PA diagnosis in 13 patients, or during the follow-up in 8 patients. Iron deficient PA patients had higher plasma B12 (p = 0.04) and lower homocysteine levels (p = 0.04). Also, ID was independently associated with the 'APCA (anti-parietal cell antibodies) alone' immunological status (absence of anti-intrinsic factor antibodies) after adjustment for age, gender and B12 level (aOR 12.1 [1.1-141.8], p = 0.04). High level of APCA was associated with lower ferritin level. After 3 months of supplementation, 3/11 PA patients normalized the iron status with oral iron supplementation, versus 7/8 with intravenous iron supplementation (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The high frequency of iron deficiency in PA highlights the interest of regular assessment of iron status in this condition. ID was associated with a profile including APCA alone and less pronounced B12 deficiency. Intravenous iron supplementation seemed to be more efficient than an oral supplementation in these preliminary data.

Postabsorptive and postprandial glucose and fat metabolism in postmenopausal women with breast cancer-Preliminary data after chemotherapy compared to healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer survivors are a growing population due to improved treatment. It is known that postmenopausal women treated for breast cancer may experience weight gain and increased insulin resistance, but detailed knowledge on how chemotherapy impact metabolic and endocrine mechanisms remain unknown. OBJECTIVES: We performed a thorough, preliminary study to elucidate the differing mechanisms of postprandial absorption and metabolism in postmenopausal early breast cancer (EBC) patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy compared to healthy controls. We hypothesize that chemotherapy has a negative impact on metabolism in EBC patients. METHODS: We examined four postmenopausal women shortly after treatment with chemotherapy for EBC and four age-matched healthy women who served as controls using isotopic tracers during a mixed meal-test. Blood was sampled during the 240 min meal-test to examine postprandial absorption and endogenous synthesis of lipid and carbohydrate metabolites. RESULTS: We found that insulin concentrations were numerically higher before the meal-test in the EBC patients compared to controls (76.3 pmol/L vs 37.0 pmol/L; P = 0.06). Glucose kinetics was increased postprandial (most pronounced at 30 min, 9.46 mmol/L vs 7.33 mmol/L; P = 0.51), with no difference between the groups regarding liver glucose output. Fatty acid kinetics showed a numeric increase in oleic acid rate of appearance in BC patients, but only during the first hour after the mixed meal. There was no significant difference in VLDL-TAG synthesis between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study is unique in using advanced tracer methods to investigate in vivo metabolism of EBC patients after chemotherapy although no statistical differences in glucose and fatty acid kinetics was seen compared to controls. However, during the first two postprandial hours, oral glucose and oleic acid appearance in the systematic circulation was elevated in the EBC patients. This could be due to changes in gastrointestinal uptake and further studies with altered set-up could provide valuable insights.

Preliminary data on cytotoxicity and functional group assessment of a herb-mineral combination against colorectal carcinoma cell line.

OBJECTIVES: The invasive screening methods and the late stage diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) are contributing for the devastative prognosis. The gradual shift of the disease pattern among younger generations requires the implementation of phytochemicals and traditional medicines. Arkeshwara rasa (AR) is a herb-mineral combination of Tamra bhasma/incinerated copper ashes and Dwigun Kajjali/mercury sulphide levigated with Calotropis procera leaf juice, Plumbago zeylanica root decoction and the decoction of three myrobalans (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Emblica Officinalis decoction)/Triphala decoction. METHODS: The SW-480 cell line was checked for the cytotoxicity and the cell viability criteria with MTT(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay. The acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) assay revealed the depth of apoptosis affected cells in the fluorescent images. The FTIR analysis exhibited the graphical spectrum of functional groups within the compound AR. RESULTS: The IC50 from the 10-7 to 10-3 concentrations against SW-480 cells was 40.4 µg/mL. The staining of AO/EtBr was performed to visualize live and dead cells and it is evident from the result that number of apoptotic cells increases at increasing concentration of AR. The single bond with stretch vibrations of O-H and N-H are more concentrated in the 2,500-3,200 cm-1 and 3,700-4,000 cm-1 of the spectra whereas, the finger print region carries the O-H and S=O type peaks. CONCLUSIONS: The AR shows strong cyto-toxicity against the SW-480 cells by inducing apoptosis. It also modulates cellular metabolism with the involvement of functional groups which antagonizes the strong acids. Moreover, these effects need to be analyzed further based in the in vivo and various in vitro models.

Preliminary data that psychological treatment and baseline anxiety are associated with a decrease in postprandial fullness and early satiation for individuals with bulimia nervosa and related other specified feeding or eating disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly postprandial fullness, are frequently reported in eating disorders. Limited data exist evaluating how these symptoms change in response to outpatient psychological treatment. The current study sought to describe the course of postprandial fullness and early satiation across psychological treatment for adults with bulimia nervosa and related other specified feeding or eating disorders and to test if anxiety moderates treatment response. METHODS: Secondary data analysis was conducted on questionnaire data provided by 30 individuals (80% white, M(SD)age = 31.43(13.44) years; 90% female) throughout treatment and six-month follow-up in a pilot trial comparing mindfulness and acceptance-based treatment with cognitive-behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa. Participants completed items from the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire for Adult Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: Postprandial fullness and early satiation both significantly decreased over time (ds = 1.23-1.54; p's < .001). Baseline trait anxiety moderated this outcome, such that greater decreases were observed for those with higher baseline anxiety (p = .02). DISCUSSION: Results extend prior work in inpatient samples by providing preliminary data that postprandial fullness and early satiation decrease with outpatient psychological treatment for bulimia nervosa. Baseline anxiety moderated this effect for postprandial fullness. Future work should replicate findings in a larger sample and test anxiety as a mechanism underlying postprandial fullness in eating disorders. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: The current study found that common gastrointestinal symptoms (postprandial fullness and early satiation) decrease over the course of outpatient psychotherapy for adults with full and subthreshold bulimia nervosa. Postprandial fullness decreased more across time for those high in anxiety.

Aphantasia within the framework of neurodivergence: Some preliminary data and the curse of the confidence gap.

Aphantasia is a neurocognitive phenomenon affecting voluntary visual imagery, such that it is either entirely absent, or markedly impaired. Using both the social and medical models of disability, this article discusses the extent to which aphantasia can be understood as a disorder or just a form of neutral neurodivergence, given that imagery plays a central role in thinking and memory for most other people. Preliminary school performance data are presented, showing that low imagery does not necessarily complicate life, especially given compensatory strategies and low societal barriers. In addition, we discuss the consequences of labelling aphantasia a disorder with regard to self- and public stigma, and we provide further data regarding a confidence gap, by which aphantasics perceive themselves as performing worse than they objectively do. We conclude that aphantasia should be understood as neutral neurodivergence and that labelling it a disorder is not only wrong, but potentially harmful.

Content of selected heavy metals in the umbilical cord blood and anthropometric data of mothers and newborns in Poland: preliminary data.

The ability to accumulate metals in organs and tissues leads to disturbances in the physiological functioning of the body, causing oxidative stress. This negatively affects the functioning of the placenta and may result in miscarriages, premature birth and fetal growth disorders. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the levels of selected heavy metals in umbilical cord blood and anthropometric parameters of mothers and the newborns. Content of elements in umbilical cord blood has been assessed by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The study results were collected and statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software (PS IMAGO). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test for associations between selected variables. Regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of anthropometric parameters of studied women and newborns. The study group consisted of women aged 19-41, whose pregnancy was uncomplicated and were not exposed to heavy metals due to their work or smoking. The following metals were identified in all collected cord blood samples: lead (26.25 ± 9.32 µg/L), zinc (2025.24 ± 717.83 µg/L), copper (749.85 ± 203.86 µg/L), manganese (32.55 ± 13.58 µg/L), chromium (8.34 ± 2.16 µg/L) and selenium (158.46 ± 41.58 µg/L). The conducted statistical analysis indicated the relationship between the copper content in the umbilical cord blood and the weight gain of pregnant women. A significant relationship was observed between newborn head circumference and chromium content. In addition, significant positive correlations were found between the content of zinc and copper, manganese and lead, manganese and selenium, lead and selenium, and lead and chromium in umbilical cord blood. The ratio of zinc to copper concentrations was related to neonatal head circumference. Weight gain in pregnant women is positively correlated with the copper level in umbilical cord blood. There is an association between head circumference at birth and the chromium concentration in umbilical cord blood. Copper and zinc levels in umbilical cord blood are positively correlated with head circumference at birth.

Development and implementation of an interdisciplinary telemedicine clinic for older patients with cancer-Preliminary data.

BACKGROUND: Frailty assessment is an important marker of the older adult's fitness for cancer treatment independent of age. Pretreatment geriatric assessment (GA) is associated with improved mortality and morbidity outcomes but must occur in a time sensitive manner to be useful for cancer treatment decision making. Unfortunately, time, resources and other constraints make GA difficult to perform in busy oncology clinics. We developed the Cancer and Aging Interdisciplinary Team (CAIT) clinic model to provide timely GA and treatment recommendations independent of patient's physical location. METHODS: The interdisciplinary CAIT clinic model was developed utilizing the surge in telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. The core team consists of the patient's oncologist, geriatrician, registered nurse, pharmacist, and registered dietitian. The clinic's format is flexible, and the various assessments can be asynchronous. Patients choose the service method-in person, remotely, or hybrid. Based on GA outcomes, the geriatrician provides recommendations and arrange interventions. An assessment summary including life expectancy estimates and chemotoxicity risk calculator scores is conveyed to and discussed with the treating oncologist. Physician and patient satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: Between May 2021 and June 2022, 50 patients from multiple physical locations were evaluated in the CAIT clinic. Sixty-eight percent was 80 years of age or older (range 67-99). All the evaluations were hybrid. The median days between receiving a referral and having the appointment was 8. GA detected multiple unidentified impairments. About half of the patients (52%) went on to receive chemotherapy (24% standard dose, 28% with dose modifications). The rest received radiation (20%), immune (12%) or hormonal (4%) therapies, 2% underwent surgery, 2% chose alternative medicine, 8% were placed under observation, and 6% enrolled in hospice care. Feedback was extremely positive. CONCLUSIONS: The successful development of the CAIT clinic model provides strong support for the potential dissemination across services and institutions.

A survey of the clinical practice followed by Korean medicine doctors for scoliosis: Preliminary data for clinical practice guidelines.

Scoliosis is a spinal disease in which the Cobb angle is >10°. Scoliosis treatment can be surgical or conservative, and clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for conservative treatments have been updated since 2006. There have been several articles regarding the efficacy and safety of Korean medicine (KM) in treating scoliosis, but there are no CPGs. Our study investigated the current clinical practice using a survey for the future establishment of KM-CPGs. The survey mainly comprised clinical practice status, diagnosis, treatment, progress and prognosis, and perception of KM on scoliosis, with reference to existing surveys of other musculoskeletal disorders and scoliosis-related articles. A web-based survey was conducted from February 16, 2021 to February 28, 2021. We found that 60% of KM doctors (KMDs) respondents treated patients with scoliosis, and they valued radiographical measurements and scoliosis-related factors in the diagnosis. KMDs used multiple KM treatments, including acupuncture, Chuna, cupping, pharmacopuncture, and herbal medicine, and they emphasized the importance of KM more in nonstructural scoliosis than in structural scoliosis. Although the perception of the prognosis of scoliosis was in agreement with that suggested by previous guidelines, KMDs showed outstanding focus on reduction of symptoms of scoliosis and improvement of quality of life. Despite some limitations, including low participation and the need for consulting other medical practitioners, our study may be helpful for the development of KM-CPGs because it is the first to analyze the perceptions of KMDs on scoliosis and to collect preliminary data that are of significance for preparing clinical guidelines.

Boletín Epidemiológico Semana 14 (Informe de Salud de Vacaciones de Semana Santa 2022) / Epidemiological Bulletin Week 14 (Easter Holidays Health Report 2022)

Informe que presenta la situación epidemiológica El Salvador al 18 de abril de 2022 (Datos preliminares) Principales causas de consulta, acumuladas desde el 11 de abril a la fecha, años 2021 ­ 2022 Total consultas, emergencias y referencias, Semana Santa El Salvador 2020 ­ 2021 Informe de COVID-19 I. Contexto mundial de COVID -19 II. Contexto Centroamérica y República Dominicana III. Situación Nacional, Programación semanal de tamizajes comunitarios, semana santa 2022 Recursos Humanos a disposición para este periodo del sistema integrado de salud

Report presenting the epidemiological situation of El Salvador as of April 18, 2022 (Preliminary data) Main causes of consultation, accumulated from April 11 to date, years 2021 - 2022 Total queries, emergencies and referrals, Easter El Salvador 2020 ­ 2021 COVID-19 Report I. Global Context of COVID -19 II. Context Central America and the Dominican Republic III. National Situation, Weekly programming of community screening, Holy Week 2022 Human resources available for this period of the integrated health system

The Impact of Selected Essential Oils Applied to Non-Woven Viscose on Bacteria That Cause Lower Urinary Tract Infections-Preliminary Studies.

Inflammation of the lower urinary tract is a very common problem, which occurs particularly in women. A concept of a biotextronics system for preventive and support treatment of lower urinary tract inflammations was presented. The system includes a non-woven viscose insert for essential oils application. The oils were deposited on the non-woven viscose and incubated in the temperature of 37 °C and served a model for their action in the vapor phase as the element of the biotextronics system. The essential oils used in the research were the following: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia lavandulaefolia), juniper (Juniperus communis L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), and mixtures of chamomile oil with oils of each sage species in a 1:1 ratio. The oils were tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Enterococcus faecalis. The best inhibitory effect in vapor phase was noted for chamomile essential oil at the lowest concentration (0.054 µL/cm3). Both mixtures of chamomile and sage acted antagonistically, lowering the antibacterial activity of the individual oils applied solely. Juniper and Salvia officinalis essential oils at the concentrations tested increased the growth of at least one of the bacteria tested. Salvia lavandulaefolia Vahl. essential oil inhibited all bacteria, only at the concentration 0.214 µL/cm3. The thyme oil, at the concentration 0.054 µL/cm3, reduced the growth of all bacterial species tested. Chamomile and thyme essential oils were chosen for further research in the biotextronics pantiliner system.

Effect of Hydrolysable Tannins and Anthocyanins on Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Nephropathic Patients: Preliminary Data.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by uropathogenic microorganism colonization. UTIs often require an antibiotic therapy that can cause the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. A natural bioactive compound may represent a valid therapeutic adjuvant approach, in combination with drug therapy. In this paper, we present a pilot study, based on the administration of an oral food supplement (OFS), containing chestnut tannins and anthocyanins, to nephropathic patients suffering from recurrent UTIs (16 treated patients with 1 cp/day and 10 untreated patients). We performed laboratory tests and quality of life and body composition assessments, at T0 (baseline) and T1 (after 6 weeks OFS assumption). The analysis of OFS was performed by HPLC-DAD-MS for its content in polyphenols and by in vitro tests for its antioxidative and anti-free radical activities. In each capsule, polyphenol content was 6.21 mg (4.57 mg hydrolysable tannins, 0.94 mg anthocyanosides, 0.51 mg proanthocyanidins, 0.18 mg quercetin derivatives). A significant reduction of erythrocyte sedimentation rate was observed only in male patients. Urinalysis showed a significant reduction of leukocytes in both genders, whereas urinary bacterial flora at T1 significantly decreased only in male subjects. Tannins seem to exert an antimicrobial action according to gender, useful to counteract the recurrence of UTIs.

Preliminary study of Yulin mixture affecting the miR-320/SF-1/Cyp19a1 on mouse polycystic ovary syndrome model.

In this study, the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) mice model was randomly divided into 6 groups: blank control group, Clomiphene group, PCOS group, and Yulin mixture high-/medium-/low-dose group. Rats were killed after 5 weeks of administration. The expression levels of serum E2,T,Insulin and LH were detected by ELISA. The localizations and quantities of Steroid-generating factor-1 (SF-1) and Cytochrome protein P450 a1 (Cyp19a1) were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot. The quantities of miR-320 were detected by RT-PCR. The results showed that the mechanism of Yulin mixture inhibiting the growth of polycystic ovary on mouse PCOS model may be through the decreasing of serum T and LH levels and then reducing local estrogen content to make the polycystic ovary atrophy. Yulin mixture can decrease the level of miR-320 and increase the expression of SF-1 and Cyp19a1 in ovary, thereby regulating the ovarian granulosa cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Implementation of an anaemia walk-in clinic: Feasibility and preliminary data from the Orthopedic University Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Approximately one in three patients suffers from preoperative anaemia. Even though haemoglobin is measured before surgery, anaemia management is not implemented in every hospital. OBJECTIVE: Here, we demonstrate the implementation of an anaemia walk-in clinic at an Orthopedic University Hospital. To improve the diagnosis of iron deficiency (ID), we examined whether reticulocyte haemoglobin (Ret-He) could be a useful additional parameter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In August 2019, an anaemia walk-in clinic was established. Between September and December 2019, major orthopaedic surgical patients were screened for preoperative anaemia. The primary endpoint was the incidence of preoperative anaemia. Secondary endpoints included Ret-He level, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rate, in-hospital length of stay and anaemia at hospital discharge. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were screened for anaemia. Preoperative anaemia rate was 20.6%. Intravenous iron was supplemented in 23 patients. Transfusion of RBC units per patient (1.7 ± 1.2 vs. 0.2 ± 0.9; p = 0.004) and hospital length of stay (13.1 ± 4.8 days vs. 10.6 ± 5.1 days; p = 0.068) was increased in anaemic patients compared to non-anaemic patients. Ret-He values were significantly lower in patients with ID anaemia (33.3 pg [28.6-40.2 pg]) compared to patients with ID (35.3 pg [28.9-38.6 pg]; p = 0.015) or patients without anaemia (35.4 pg [30.2-39.4 pg]; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative anaemia is common in orthopaedic patients. Our results proved the feasibility of an anaemia walk-in clinic to manage preoperative anaemia. Furthermore, our analysis supports the use of Ret-He as an additional parameter for the diagnosis of ID in surgical patients.

Dietary selenium deficiency and supplementation differentially modulate the expression of two ER-resident selenoproteins (selenoprotein K and selenoprotein M) in the ovaries of aged mice: Preliminary data.

In the present report, we determined the impact of dietary selenium (Se) deficiency and supplementation on the expression of two ER-resident selenoproteins i.e., Selenok and Selenom in the ovaries of aging mice. The mRNA expression of Selenok and Selenom (RT-qPCR) was significantly higher in the ovaries of mice fed diets supplemented with inorganic (ISe-S: 0.33 mg Se/kg) and organic (OSe-S: 0.33 mg Se/kg) Se compared to those fed a Se-deficient (Se-D: 0.08 mg Se/kg) diet and both Se-adequate (ISe-A: 0.15 mg Se/kg and OSe-A: 0.15 mg Se/kg) diets. Similarly, the protein signals of SELENOK (immunofluorescence assay) were also significantly higher in the Se-supplemented groups compared to those fed Se-D and Se-adequate (ISe-A and OSe-A) diets. Meanwhile, the rate of in vitro-produced blastocysts developing from MII oocytes was also evaluated and it was revealed that this rate was significantly higher in the Se-supplemented mice compared to those fed a Se-D diet. Altogether, the dietary Se supplementation increased the expression of Selenok (also its protein expression) and Selenom in the ovaries of aging mice, potentially contributing to an improved developmental potential of in vitro-matured M II oocytes.

Vitamin D in Type 2 Diabetes: Genetic Susceptibility and the Response to Supplementation.

Variants of vitamin D metabolism-genes may predispose to type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study investigated the impact of these variants on disease susceptibility, Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, C-peptide and HbA1c levels before and after cholecalciferol supplementation in patients with T2D.Twelve polymorphisms within CYP2R1, CYP27B1, DBP, VDR and CYP24A1 were genotyped in 553 T2D patients and 916 controls. In addition 65 patients receiving either cholecalciferol or placebo were analyzed during 6 months intervention and 6 months follow-up.T2D risk alleles are VDR rs7975232 "G" (pc=0.031), rs1544410 "G" (pc=0.027) and CYP2R1 rs10741657 "A" (pc=0.016). Patients with genotypes CYP27B1 rs10877012 "CC" (pc=4x10-5), DBP rs7041 "GG" (pc=0.003), rs4588 "CC" (pc = 3x10-4), CYP24A1 rs2585426 "CG" (pc=0.006) and rs2248137 "CG" (pc=0.001) showed lower 25(OH)D3 and DBP rs4588 "CC" lower 1,25(OH)2D3 levels (pc=0.005). Whereas DBP rs4588 "CC" (pc=0.009), CYP27B1 rs10877012 "AC" (pc=0.059), VDR rs7975323 "AG" (pc=0.033) and rs1544410 "GG" (pc=0.013) are associated with higher 25(OH)D3 levels at 6 months' follow-up. Significant PTH suppression was detected for CYP2R1 "AG" (pc=0.002), DBP rs4588 "CC" (pc<0.001), VDR rs110735810 "CT" (pc<0.001) and CYP24A1 rs2248137 "GG" (pc=0.021).Genetic variants of the vitamin D system predispose to type 2 diabetes and regulate - partially - vitamin D metabolism, concentrations and the vitamin D status. Vitamin D insufficiency is a T2D risk factor. The response to cholecalciferol supplementation can be measured as 25(OH)D3 increment and PTH suppression. This process is regulated by genes of the vitamin D system conferring modest T2D risk.

The relationship between health life style and spermogram Indicators among infertile men: preliminary data.

OBJECTIVE: Inappropriate life style has destructive effects on sperm quality and, male fertility, so that lifestyle modification may improve spermogram indexes preliminary data. This study aimed to determine the relationship between health life style and spermogram Indicators among infertile men. This analytical descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 199 infertile men. The data were collected through the socio-demographic and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile questionnaires Descriptive statistics independent t-test and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the data through SPSS. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) of total score of the health promoting lifestyle was (2.39 ± 0.39). The highest mean score was in Health Responsibility subscale (2.51 ± 0.52) and the lowest mean score was in the nutrition subscale (2.24 ± 0.44). Stress management showed significantly correlated with sperm morphology (p = 0.025). Also, spiritual growth with the Sperm concentration (p < 0.001), and sperm motility (p = 0.004) were statistically correlated, and health responsibility dimensions were statistically correlated with the Sperm concentration (p = 0.003) and sperm motility (p = 0.002). Considering that the mean of total score of the health promoting lifestyle and its correlation with some of spermogram indicators shows a need for improving lifestyle in infertile men who referred to infertility clinics.

MR Imaging-Guided Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation of Localized Prostate Cancer: Preliminary Experience from a Single Center in a Prospective, Multi-Center, Single-Arm Clinical Trial.

This report details a single-center experience of using magnetic resonance imaging-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) for whole-gland prostate treatment. Nine men with organ-confined low-to-intermediate-risk prostate cancer underwent the TULSA procedure. The primary endpoint of reduction of more than 75% was achieved in 8 of 9 patients, and all patients demonstrated a histologic benefit at 12-month biopsy. No major urinary or gastrointestinal side effects were observed, and there were no postprocedural changes in erectile firmness. These findings suggest that TULSA is potentially safe and efficacious for patients with low-to-intermediate-risk disease.

[Life Satisfaction, Perceived Discrimination, Religiosity, and Mental Health in Sufism: a Perspective from Montreal]. / Satisfaction à l'égard de la vie, discrimination perçue, religiosité et santé mentale dans l'islam soufi : une perspective montréalaise.

Objective The central objective of this paper is to explore the dynamic interactions between 5 sets of variables, which are Sociodemographic Characteristics, Satisfaction with Life, Perceived Discrimination, Religiosity and Emotional Distress within Montreal's Tariqa Qadiriya Boudchichiya, a Muslim Sufi way whose origins are Moroccan and date back to the 18th century. Method As a method, we considered psychological distress as the dependent variable and performed univariate descriptive statistical analyzes, bivariate correlation analyzes (Pearson correlation), one-way ANOVA analyzes, and multivariate analyzes (linear regressions). Results Our results, although preliminary due to a relatively small sample (n = 56), allow us to put forward a new hypothesis suggesting that the intense spiritual practice that characterizes the Tariqa, would allow "a work of the self on self" through a set of "techniques of the self" (Foucault) that contribute to a certain emotional well-being, if not to mental health. Conclusion Our conclusion underlines the importance of investigating more in depth the possible contribution of religiosity to the subject's capacity to act on oneself in order to emerge as a spiritual, ethical and political subject.

Myostatin as a potential biomarker to monitor sarcopenia in hip fracture patients undergoing a multidisciplinary rehabilitation and nutritional treatment: a preliminary study.

Hip fractures are the most common osteoporotic fractures related to disability in older adults, requiring surgery and a subsequent rehabilitation treatment. Sarcopenia is currently considered as a predictive of worse outcome in hip fracture patients and myostatin has been recently proposed a potential biomarker of this condition. Twenty hip fracture patients after total hip replacement (mean aged 75.9 ± 2.4 years) were randomly divided into two groups of ten subjects (groups A and B). Both groups performed a rehabilitation program (5 sessions of 40 min/week for 2 weeks, followed by home-based exercise protocol). Group A received also 2-month amino acid supplementation. Serum myostatin levels significantly decreased after 2 months in both group A (p = 0.01) and group B (p = 0.03) in sarcopenic patients only in group A (p = 0.04). These results suggest that myostatin might be considered a promising biomarker of sarcopenia in hip fracture older adults' patients undergoing rehabilitation and amino acid supplementation.