Effects of Interleukin-17A on the Early Stages of Arterial Thrombosis in Mice

PurposeInterleukin (IL)-17A has been suggested to play a role in the growth and organization of thrombi. We examined whether IL-17A plays a role in the early stages of thrombosis and whether there are sex differences in the effects of IL-17A.Materials and MethodsWe performed a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study to compare time to thrombotic occlusion and sex differences therein between mice treated with IL-17A and those treated with saline using a ferric chloride-induced model. We also assessed thrombus histology, blood coagulation, and plasma levels of coagulation factors.ResultsTime to occlusion values did not differ between the IL-17A group and the control group (94.6±86.9 sec vs. 121.0±84.4 sec, p=0.238). However, it was significantly shorter in the IL-17A group of female mice (74.6±57.2 sec vs. 130.0±76.2 sec, p=0.032). In rotational thromboelastometry, the IL-17A group exhibited increased maximum clot firmness (71.3±4.5 mm vs. 66.7±4.7 mm, p=0.038) and greater amplitude at 30 min (69.7±5.2 mm vs. 64.5±5.3 mm, p=0.040) than the control group. In Western blotting, the IL-17A group showed higher levels of coagulation factor XIII (2.2±1.5 vs. 1.0±0.9, p=0.008), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (1.6±0.6 vs. 1.0±0.4, p=0.023), and tissue factor (1.5±0.6 vs. 1.0±0.5, p=0.003).ConclusionIL-17A plays a role in the initial st ages of arterial thrombosis in mice. Coagulation factors and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 may be associated with IL-17A-mediated thrombosis.     

Advanced parental age is an independent risk factor for term low birth weight and macrosomia

We aimed to investigate association between parental age and the risks of term low birth weight and macrosomia.This was a retrospective cohort study using a national database including 2,245,785 term singleton live births with complete parental age data. Old parental age was defined as 35 years or older. Odd ratios (OR) for term low birth weight and macrosomia were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Neonatal sex, maternal occupation, parity, nationality, age, and paternal age were significant factors of term low birth weight and macrosomia, in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, old maternal age (≥35 years old) showed increased odds of term low birth weight and macrosomia (aOR = 1.122, 95% CI: 1.083 –1.162; and aOR = 1.166, 95% CI: 1.143 – 1.189, respectively). Similarly, old paternal age (≥35 years old) showed increased odds of term low birth weight and macrosomia (aOR = 1.090, 95% CI: 1.058 –1.122; and aOR = 1.101, 95% CI: 1.083 – 1.119, respectively). Maternal education that lasted more than 12 years had reduced odds of term low birth weight and macrosomia (OR = 0.817, 95% CI: 0.792 –0.842; and OR = 0.894, 95% CI: 0.879 – 0.91, respectively). Paternal education that lasted more than 12 years also had reduced odds of term low birth weight and macrosomia (OR = 0.865, 95% CI: 0.84 –0.892; and OR = 0.897, 95% CI: 0.881 – 0.913, respectively).This study suggests that not only maternal age but also paternal age are significantly associated with term low birth weight and macrosomia. In addition, parental education levels are also associated with term low birth weight and macrosomia.     

Factors associated with long-term smoking relapse in those who succeeded in smoking cessation using regional smoking cessation programs

It is known that approximately 10% of successful quitters relapse annually. This study aimed to investigate the factors related to long-term smoking relapse in individuals who succeeded in maintaining smoking cessation for 6 months after attending a regional smoking cessation program.This study enrolled 943 individuals registered for the regional smoking cessation program at the Busan Smoking Cessation Center in 2018–2019 who maintained smoking cessation for 6 months. A survey was conducted using a smartphone link or through phone calls, and the data for 305 participants who finally completed the survey were analyzed. The questionnaire addressed individual, inter-individual, organizational, and community-level factors related to smoking relapse. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the factors associated with smoking relapse by period. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for the factors associated with smoking relapse for the entire period.The smoking relapse rate at the time of the survey was 25.4%. In the analysis of smoking relapse by period, relapse was associated with the belief that smoking relieves stress, the number of single-person households, and poor subjective health status. In the analysis of smoking relapse during the entire period, we observed a significant association with the belief that smoking relieves stress (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52–4.61), single-person households (HR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.16–3.26), and high levels of emotional stress (HR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.04–2.85).Long-term follow-up is necessary to prevent smoking relapse in single-person households, individuals who believe that smoking relieves stress, and those experiencing high levels of subjective emotional stress. Interventional therapies for stress relief and awareness improvement in smokers need to be developed.     

Correlation between real-time heart rate and fatigue in chest compression providers during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A simulation-based interventional study

Background:The American Heart Association guidelines recommend switching chest compression providers at least every 2 min depending on their fatigue during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Although the provider''s heart rate is widely used as an objective indicator for detecting fatigue, the accuracy of this measure is debatable.Objectives:This study was designed to determine whether real-time heart rate is a measure of fatigue in compression providers.Study design:A simulation-based prospective interventional study including 110 participants.Methods:Participants performed chest compressions in pairs for four cycles using advanced cardiovascular life support simulation. Each participant''s heart rate was measured using wearable healthcare devices, and qualitative variables regarding individual compressions were obtained from computerized devices. The primary outcome was correct depth of chest compressions. The main exposure was the change in heart rate, defined as the difference between the participant''s heart rate during individual compressions and that before the simulation was initiated.Results:With a constant compression duration for one cycle, the overall accuracy of compression depth significantly decreased with increasing heart rate. Female participants displayed significantly decreased accuracy of compression depth with increasing heart rate (odds ratio [OR]: 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95–0.98; P < .001). Conversely, male participants displayed significantly improved accuracy with increasing heart rate (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02–1.04; P < .001).Conclusion:Increasing heart rate could reflect fatigue in providers performing chest compressions with a constant duration for one cycle. Thus, provider rotation should be considered according to objectively measured fatigue during CPR.     

RESOLUTION OF CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS AFTER ACUTE ECZEMA DUE TO INTRALESIONAL MEGLUMINE ANTIMONIATE

We report a case of a 42 year-old female, who came to a leishmaniasis reference center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, presenting a cutaneous leishmaniasis lesion in the right forearm. Treatment with low-dose intramuscular meglumine antimoniate (MA) (5 mg Sb⁵⁺/kg/day) was initiated, with improvement after 28 days, although with the development of generalized eczema. After 87 days, the lesion worsened. Patient refused treatment with amphotericin B. MA was then infiltrated in the lesion, in two sessions, resulting in local eczema, with bullae formation; however, twenty days after, both the ulcer and eczema receded. Intralesional administration of MA should be used carefully when previous cutaneous hypersensitivity is detected.     

A pure fluid-filled intradural cyst associated with intradural disc herniation and possible pathogenesis: a case report

Background contextLumbar intradural disc herniation (IDH) is rare, and intradural cyst associated with IDH is quite rare. Only seven cases of an intradural cyst associated with lumbar disc herniation have been reported, and all were gas-filled cysts. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of a fluid-filled intradural cyst associated with IDH.PurposeTo report an extremely rare case of a fluid-filled intradural cyst associated with lumbar IDH and suggests the possible pathogenesis.Study designCase report.MethodsAn 82-year-old woman presented with right leg pain and motor weakness. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans showed calcified lumbar disc herniation and an intradural cystic mass at the L1–L2 level. An MRI, which was performed 2 years before admission, showed an IDH without a cyst at the same level.ResultsSurgical resection of the intradural cyst was performed. Intraoperative finding showed a fluid-filled intradural cyst with 1-cm diameter of displacing nerve rootlets. The cyst was connected with extradural cystic components through a ventral dural hole, but the tract was blocked by fibrous septum. Histopathologic examination showed a pseudocyst that consisted of degenerative cartilaginous and fibrous tissues, including degenerative disc materials. We concluded that the cyst was an intradural cyst transformed from the intradural disc fragment.ConclusionsThe current case is the first report to our knowlege of a fluid-filled intradural cyst associated with IDH. The possible mechanism may be focal degeneration and spontaneous absorption of the intradural disc with fluid production. Unlike the gas-filled intradural cysts, the cause of the pure fluid-filled cyst may be disconnection from the intervertebral vacuum because of a calcified disc and septation of the cyst.