Mesenchymal Stem Cells Pretreatment With Stromal-Derived Factor-1 Alpha Augments Cardiac Function and Angiogenesis in Infarcted Myocardium

BackgroundStem cell therapy is among the novel approaches for the treatment of post-myocardial infarction cardiomyopathy. This study aims to compare the effect of stromal-derived factor 1 α (SDF1α), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in combination with the lentiviral production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on infarct area, vascularization and eventually cardiac function in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI).MethodsThe influence of SDf1α on MSCs survival was investigated. MSCs were transduced via a lentiviral vector containing VEGF. After that, the effect of mesenchymal stem cell transfection of VEGF-A165 and SDf1α preconditioning on cardiac function and scar size was investigated in five groups of MI rat models. The MSC survival, cardiac function, scar size, angiogenesis, and lymphocyte count were assessed 72 hours and 6 weeks after cell transplantation.ResultsSDF1α decreased the lactate dehydrogenase release in MSCs significantly. Also, the number of viable cells in the SDF1α-pretreated group was meaningfully more than the control. The left ventricular systolic function significantly enhanced in groups with ^p240MSC, ^SDF1αMSC, and ^VEGF-A165MSC in comparison to the control group.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that SDF1α pretreatment and overexpressing VEGF in MSCs could augment the MSCs' survival in the infarcted myocardium, reduce the scar size, and improve the cardiac systolic function.     

Intracystic breast carcinoma: case study and review

Breast carcinoma is the most common cancer in women, the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women, and the leading cause of death from cancer in women between the ages of 40 and 44. While cystic breast disease is the most frequent cause of benign breast masses, intracystic breast cancers are rare. We present a case of a postmenopausal woman with a large cystic breast carcinoma with its interesting radiologic and cytopathologic findings and review the literature.     

Alcohol as a Correlate of Unprotected Sexual Behavior Among People Living with HIV/AIDS: Review and Meta-Analysis

The present investigation attempted to quantify the relationship between alcohol consumption and unprotected sexual behavior among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). A comprehensive search of the literature was performed to identify key studies on alcohol and sexual risk behavior among PLWHA, and three separate meta-analyses were conducted to examine associations between unprotected sex and (1) any alcohol consumption, (2) problematic drinking, and (3) alcohol use in sexual contexts. Based on 27 relevant studies, meta-analyses demonstrated that any alcohol consumption (OR = 1.63, CI = 1.39–1.91), problematic drinking (OR = 1.69, CI = 1.45–1.97), and alcohol use in sexual contexts (OR = 1.98, CI = 1.63–2.39) were all found to be significantly associated with unprotected sex among PLWHA. Taken together, these results suggest that there is a significant link between PLWHA’s use of alcohol and their engagement in high-risk sexual behavior. These findings have implications for the development of interventions to reduce HIV transmission risk behavior in this population.     

Dental students' attitudes toward homeless people while providing oral health care

Homeless people have multiple barriers in accessing health care services, and health care providers' negative attitudes toward homeless people have been suggested as part of the problem. Studies on dental students' attitudes toward homeless people are lacking, so our aim was to understand dental students' attitudes. Dental students under the supervision of faculty members spent one day per week for seven weeks at the University of Southern California Union Rescue Mission Dental Clinic providing comprehensive dental services to homeless patients. Students completed the attitudes towards the homeless questionnaire (ATHQ) before and after the rotation with an experience evaluation questionnaire at the end. Data were collected over two years. A total of 242 students completed the questionnaires. The score on the ATHQ after rotation increased slightly but statistically significantly (70.36 pretest/71.38 posttest, P=0.01). Students' age, gender, and prior contact with the homeless population were not related to their attitudes toward homeless patients. Eighty-five percent agreed that the rotation made them feel more comfortable treating homeless patients, and 98 percent agreed that the patients made their experience enjoyable. Results suggest that dental students had positive attitudes toward the homeless and their scores on the ATHQ improved slightly after providing care.     

The effects of fresh garlic on the serum concentration of total cholesterol, total triglyceride and adipose tissues of broilers

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of garlic on total cholesterol, total triglyceride and adipose tissues in chickens, since garlic is typically used as a dietary supplement in broilers' diets. One hundred male broiler chicks were divided randomly into two groups. From the day after they were born, group one received standard feed plus 20 kg/ton dried fresh garlic and group two received just standard feed without added garlic. On day 50, the chickens were individually weighed and slaughtered. Carcasses and adipose tissues were weighed out separately. During the slaughtering process, blood samples were collected to provide serum samples. The sera were used to measure total cholesterol and total triglyceride using routine laboratory methods. All samples were analysed and the results assessed statistically using the t test method. The results showed no significant changes in chicken weights or in chicken carcass weights. However, the results indicated significant decreases in total cholesterol, total triglyceride and adipose tissue, in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (p?<?0.001). The results suggest that fresh garlic may reduce total cholesterol, total triglyceride and the amount of carcass adipose tissue in chickens.     

Differential predictors of ART adherence among HIV-monoinfected versus HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals

Although adherence is an important key to the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART), many people living with HIV (PLWH) fail to maintain optimal levels of ART adherence over time. PLWH with the added burden of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection possess unique challenges that potentially impact their motivation and ability to adhere to ART. The present investigation sought to (1) compare ART adherence levels among a sample of HIV/HCV-coinfected versus HIV-monoinfected patients, and (2) identify whether ART-related clinical and psychosocial correlates differ by HCV status. PLWH receiving ART (N?=?215: 105 HIV/HCV-coinfected, 110 HIV-monoinfected) completed a comprehensive survey assessing ART adherence and its potential correlates. Medical chart extraction identified clinical factors, including liver enzymes. Results demonstrated that ART adherence did not differ by HCV status, with 83.7% of coinfected patients and 82.4% of monoinfected patients reporting optimal (i.e., ≥95%) adherence during a four-day recall period (p?=?.809). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that regardless of HCV status, optimal ART adherence was associated with experiencing fewer adherence-related behavioral skills barriers (AOR?=?0.56; 95%CI?=?0.43–0.73), lower likelihood of problematic drinking (AOR?=?0.15; 95%CI?=?0.04–0.67), and lower likelihood of methamphetamine use (AOR?=?0.14; 95%CI?=?0.03–0.69). However, among HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, optimal adherence was additionally associated with experiencing fewer ART adherence-related motivational barriers (AOR?=?0.23; 95%CI?=?0.08–0.62) and lower likelihood of depression (AOR?=?0.06; 95%CI?=?0.00–0.84). Findings suggest that although HIV/HCV-coinfected patients may face additional, distinct barriers to ART adherence, levels of adherence commensurate with those demonstrated by HIV-monoinfected patients might be achievable if these barriers are addressed.