Detection of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis from patients with Crohn's disease using nucleic acid-based techniques: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies using nucleic acid-based techniques to detect Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) compared with controls. Database searches were conducted and risk difference estimates were calculated using meta-analysis. Fifty-eight studies were reviewed, 47 of which were included in the analysis. The pooled estimate of risk difference from all studies was 0.23 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14-0.32) using a random effects model. Similarly, MAP was detected more frequently from patients with CD compared with those with ulcerative colitis (risk difference 0.19, 95% CI, 0.10-0.28). Year of study, assay type, and inclusion of children explained some but not all of the observed heterogeneity. The data confirms the observation that MAP is detected more frequently among CD patients compared with controls. However, the pathogenic role of this bacterium in the gut remains uncertain. Our analysis demonstrates that there is an association between MAP and CD, across many sites, by many investigators, and controlling for a number of factors; however, this association remains controversial and inconclusive. Future studies should determine whether there is a pathogenic role.     

Hemolymph coagulation and phenoloxidase activity in Uca tangeri induced by Escherichia coli endotoxin

Uca tangeri is a marine fiddler crab found commonly in the West African coast and is often exposed to Gram-negative pathogens upon injury. The aim of this study was to document the patterns of endotoxin-induced protein coagulation and phenoloxidase (PO) activity in hemolymph fractions of Uca tangeri. Hemolymph from live crabs was obtained by carapace puncture, pooled. and then separated into plasma, hemocyte Lysate (HL), hemocyte lysate supernatant (HLS) and hemocyte lysate debris (HLD). The effect of Escherichia coli (O1111:B4) endotoxin and calcium ion (Ca²⁺) on protein coagulation in the presence/absence of endotoxin and the endotoxin dose-dependence of coagulation and PO activity were each studied in the plasma, HL, HLS and HLD. The results showed Ca²⁺ was required to induce coagulation, and was endotoxin concentration-dependent in the plasma. PO activity was highest in the HLS but PO specific activity was highest in HLD. PO activity remained relatively constant with increased LPS concentration in the range studied 0–10 EU/ml. From the data we conclude that endotoxin-induced protein coagulation occurs in the plasma alone and might be mediated by trans-glutaminases, while PO activity is localized inside hemocytes and cell membranes in Uca tangeri.     

Titania Nanotube Architectures Synthesized on 3D-Printed Ti-6Al-4V Implant and Assessing Vancomycin Release Protocols

The aim of this study is to synthesize Titania nanotubes (TNTs) on the 3D-printed Ti-6Al-4V surface and investigate the loading of antibacterial vancomycin drug dose of 200 ppm for local drug treatment application for 24 h. The antibacterial drug release from synthesized nanotubes evaluated via the chemical surface measurement and the linear fitting of Korsmeyer–Peppas model was also assessed. The TNTs were synthesized on the Ti-6Al-4V surface through the anodization process at different anodization time. The TNTs morphology was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The wettability and the chemical composition of the Ti-6Al-4V surface and the TNTs were assessed using the contact angle meter, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The vancomycin of 200 ppm release behavior under controlled atmosphere was measured by the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and hence, the position for retention time at 2.5 min was ascertained. The FESEM analysis confirmed the formation of nanostructured TNTs with vertically oriented, closely packed, smooth and unperforated walls. The maximum cumulative vancomycin release of 34.7% (69.5 ppm) was recorded at 24 h. The wetting angle of both Ti-6Al-4V implant and the TNTs were found below 90 degrees. This confirmed their excellent wettability.     

A Systematic Literature Review on Waste-to-Resource Potential of Palm Oil Clinker for Sustainable Engineering and Environmental Applications

Several agro-waste materials have been utilized for sustainable engineering and environmental application over the past decades, showing different degrees of effectiveness. However, information concerning the wider use of palm oil clinker (POC) and its performance is still lacking. Therefore, as a solid waste byproduct produced in one of the oil palm processing stages, generating a huge quantity of waste mostly dumped into the landfill, the waste-to-resource potential of POC should be thoroughly discussed in a review. Thus, this paper provides a systematic review of the current research articles on the several advances made from 2005 to 2021 regarding palm oil clinker physical properties and performances, with a particular emphasis on their commitments to cost savings during environmental and engineering applications. The review begins by identifying the potential of POC application in conventional and geopolymer structural elements such as beams, slabs, and columns made of concrete, mortar, or paste for coarse aggregates, sand, and cement replacement. Aspects such as performance of POC in wastewater treatment processes, fine aggregate and cement replacement in asphaltic and bituminous mixtures during highway construction, a bio-filler in coatings for steel manufacturing processes, and a catalyst during energy generation are also discussed. This review further describes the effectiveness of POC in soil stabilization and the effect of POC pretreatment for performance enhancement. The present review can inspire researchers to find research gaps that will aid the sustainable use of agroindustry wastes. The fundamental knowledge contained in this review can also serve as a wake-up call for researchers that will motivate them to explore the high potential of utilizing POC for greater environmental benefits associated with less cost when compared with conventional materials.     

中西医特点比较分析

症状和体征是西医治疗的主导因素。西医通过检查和剖析,以确定身体内部哪些器官组织的功能出现障碍,进而尝试从外部引入一些人工合成的化学物质来代偿机体的某些功能。中医却注重探求身体功能异常的原因,根据患者体质和具体病情选用不同的方药治疗,做到辨证论治,进而促进身体恢复到其自然状态。在医疗领域中,西医和中医的理论体系就都有各自独特的地位。有人认为,西医最大的优势在于其对外伤的护理和急性病症的治疗,而在慢性病的治疗和养生保健领域,中药就显示出其过人之处。传统医学和西方医学都有自己的优点,应该将这两种方法结合起来应用于疾病治疗。     

Commercial sex venues, syphilis and methamphetamine use among female sex workers

The objective of this study was to assess the factors associated with methamphetamine (MA) use, syphilis, and unprotected sex among female sex workers from different type of venues in Qingdao City, Shandong Province of China. Three consecutive cross-sectional surveys provided information on demographics, sexual and drug use behaviors, and HIV-related services. Of 1187 participants, 3.0% were infected with syphilis; 30.2% ever used MA; 58.3% ever had unprotected commercial sex in the past month. The prevalence rates of syphilis and MA use were 2.5% and 33.0% for participants recruited from saunas, night clubs, bars or hotels; 2.7% and 28.3% for hair/beauty salon-based participants; and 4.5% and 15.8% for street-based participants. Street-based MA users were more likely to be single, non-Shandong residents, have first lifetime sex act at younger age, and recruited in 2008 (vs. 2006). Saunas, night clubs, bars, or hotels-based MA users were more likely to be younger, sex debut at younger age, have longer duration of sex work, have unprotected commercial sex, and be syphilis-infected. Hair/beauty salon-based MA users were more likely to be non-Shandong residents, younger, and to have unprotected commercial sex. Syphilis among the sauna-, night club-, bar-, or hotel-based participants was associated with MA use and ever receipt of HIV testing. Syphilis among the hair/beauty salon-based participants was associated with longer duration of sex work. MA users who frequent commercial sex venues are engaging in high-risk behaviors and are at risk for syphilis/other sexually transmitted diseases. Better-targeted intervention efforts to curtail the epidemics of MA use and HIV/syphilis should therefore take cognizance of the role of commercial sex venues as focal points of MA use and syphilis/sexually transmitted disease transmission.     

Trends in female circumcision between 1933 and 2003 in Osun and Ogun States, Nigeria (a cohort analysis)

The international movement against female circumcision gained momentum in the past two decades. Although recent studies report decline in the practice none has studied the cohort effect or provided plausible explanation for such decline. Changes in female circumcision occurring in two southwestern States of Nigeria between 1933 and 2003 were tracked in a cross-sectional survey using cohort analysis. 1174 female live births to 413 women were included in the analysis. About fifty-three percent of all females were circumcised. The prevalence dropped from 64.9% during the period 1933-60 to 25.7% for the period 2000-2003. For first order births, the corresponding rates were 58.8% and 25.0%. The decline for first-born females comes a decade before other birth orders. Age and education of mother are two main factors of the decline. Global consensus or legal enforcement plays secondary roles. Understanding how modernisation affects the decline in female circumcision should receive greater attention.     

Menstrual Patterns and Gynecologic Morbidity among University Students in Kano,Nigeria

ObjectiveTo examine menstrual patterns and effects of menstrual disorders on social and academic lives of undergraduate students in Kano, Nigeria.ParticipantsStudents attending Bayero University Kano, Nigeria (n = 383).InterventionSelf-administered questionnaires.Main Outcome MeasuresSociodemographic characteristics, menstrual patterns, and associated symptoms were elicited. Treatment-seeking behavior and effects of symptoms on academic and social activities were ascertained.ResultsThe mean age at menarche was 13.7 ± 1.68 years. Menstrual bleeding lasted an average of 5.2 ± 1.6 days. Cycle length was 21-35 days in 92% of cases (n = 353). Approximately 72% of respondents reported dysmenorrhea. After adjusting for confounding, age at menarche, menstrual cycle length, duration of menstrual bleeding and use of contraceptive pills remained significant predictors of dysmenorrhea. Menstrual disorders interfered with social and academic life of 91% and 84% of respondents respectively.ConclusionsGynecologic morbidity related to menstruation is common among adolescent Nigerians and is associated with detrimental effects on academic and social activities. Student health services should prioritize measures to mitigate the social and physical impact of menstrual disorders in young women.     

The Effects of Weathering Demonstrated by Maternal Age on Low Birth Weight Outcome in Babies

Background

Increasing age has been hypothesized with wear and tear (weathering) in mothers, which may result to low birthweight of their babies. The prevalence of low birthweight could be heightened if maternal weathering is associated with poor maternal socioeconomic variables. In this current study, we analyzed the effects of maternal weathering on babies'' birthweights.

Methods

One hundred and twenty four mother-baby pairs were selected using systematic random sampling method. Maternal age formed part of the demographic data that was obtained from the mothers'' case notes and from interviews held with them. Maternal socioeconomic variables were assessed using Oyedeji''s parameters and birthweights of babies were determined using bassinet weighing scale. Associations between maternal socioeconomic variables and birthweight of babies were assessed using univariate analysis. Differences in mean birthweight of babies according to their maternal age were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance ANOVA.

Results

Among the 124 babies, 66(53.2%) were males and 58(46.8%) females of whom the majority 104(83.9%, had normal birthweight. The mean birthweight of babies was 3.05±0.57 (95% CI, 2.95–3.15) kg, while the mean maternal age was 23.60 (5.2) 95% CI, (22.68–24.52) years. The difference between mean birthweight of babies and mean maternal age was not significant (F=1.35, p=0.255). Similarly, the association between birthweight, maternal education and occupation computed using univariate analysis was not significant (F=2.163, p=0.120) for education and (F=1.825, p=0.166) for occupation.

Conclusion

In this study, maternal weathering was not found to be associated with LBW outcome. This implies that an increase in maternal age may not be significantly associated with LBW. However, there is need for further research on this subject from different centers using larger sample size in order to enhance the precision of the study.     

Impact of sickle cell disease and thalassemias in infants on birth outcomes

Objective

The contribution of sickle cell disease (SCD) and other common thalassemias in infants to adverse birth outcomes is under-studied. We therefore sought to compare adverse birth outcomes in infants with and without hemoglobinopathy.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study utilizing a population-based dataset from Florida (1998–2007, n = 1,564,038). The primary outcomes were low birthweight (LBW), very low birthweight (VLBW), preterm birth (PTB), very preterm birth (VPTB) and small for gestational age (SGA). We used propensity scores to match infants with hemoglobinopathy to those without hemoglobinopathy on selected variables. To approximate relative risks, we generated adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from logistic regression models and accounted for the matched design using generalized estimating equations framework.

Results

Infants with SCD or thalassemia had a heightened risk for LBW (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.29–1.93), VLBW (AOR = 3.01, 95% CI: 2.12–4.25), PTB (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12–1.65), VPTB (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.93–3.78), and neurological conditions (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.48–2.81) compared to infants without hemoglobinopathy.

Conclusion

Infants with SCD or thalassemia experience considerably higher risks for multiple infant morbidities. Our findings are potentially important in prenatal counseling, as well as for targeted care of affected pregnancies in the prenatal period.