Factors influencing adherence to antiretroviral treatment in Asian developing countries: a systematic review

Objective To systematically review the literature of factors affecting adherence to Antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Asian developing countries. Methods Database searches in Medline/Ovid, Cochrane library, CINAHL, Scopus and PsychINFO for studies published between 1996 and December 2010. The reference lists of included papers were also checked, with citation searching on key papers. Results A total of 437 studies were identified, and 18 articles met the inclusion criteria and were extracted and critically appraised, representing in 12 quantitative, four qualitative and two mixed‐method studies. Twenty‐two individual themes, including financial difficulties, side effects, access, stigma and discrimination, simply forgetting and being too busy, impeded adherence to ART, and 11 themes, including family support, self‐efficacy and desire to live longer, facilitated adherence. Conclusion Adherence to ART varies between individuals and over time. We need to redress impeding factors while promoting factors that reinforce adherence through financial support, better accessible points for medicine refills, consulting doctors for help with side effects, social support and trusting relationships with care providers.     

T-bet对支气管哮喘小鼠Th17细胞增殖和致炎机能的影响

T-bet是Th1细胞分化的重要因子,Th17细胞是不同于Th1的细胞亚群,转录因子孤独受体(RORγt)控制其分化、诱导编码白细胞介素(IL)-17的表达.本研究为探讨T-bet的表达是否影响Th17细胞的增值和IL-17的分泌,采用小干扰RNA(siRNA)片段瞬时转染小鼠脾CD4+T细胞后,检测沉默效率,选择最佳siRNA片段.     

Pulmonary Hypertension in HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (HIV-PAH) is important to recognize given its association with significant morbidity and mortality. With the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, the focus of disease management has largely shifted from treating immunodeficiency-related opportunistic infections to managing chronic cardiopulmonary complications. Symptoms are nonspecific, and a high index of clinical suspicion is needed to avoid significant delay in the diagnosis of HIV-PAH. Although several viral proteins have been implicated in the pathogenesis of HIV-PAH, the exact mechanism remains uncertain. Further studies are needed to elucidate precise pathogenic mechanisms, early diagnostic tools, and novel therapeutic targets to improve prognosis of this severe complication.     

Root canal systems of the mandibular and maxillary first permanent molar teeth of south Asian Pakistanis

AIM: The purpose of the present ex vivo study was to investigate variations in the root canal systems of mandibular and maxillary first permanent molar teeth of South Asian Pakistanis. METHODOLOGY: The root canal systems of a sample of 30 mandibular and 30 maxillary first permanent molar teeth extracted from South Asian Pakistanis were studied using a clearing technique. RESULTS: The mesial roots of the mandibular molar teeth typically presented with two canals (97%) of type II, IV or VI configuration. The distal roots of these teeth presented with a single canal (50%) of type I or V configuration or with two canals (50%) of type II, IV or VI. The prevalence of four root canals in two-rooted mandibular first permanent molar teeth was 47%. In maxillary molar teeth the mesial roots with a single canal (47%) were type I or type V; those with two canals (53%) were type II, IV or type VI. The distal and palatal roots that presented as a single canal (100%) were type I or type V configuration. The prevalence of four root canals in three-rooted maxillary first permanent molar teeth was 53%. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that four root canals in mandibular and maxillary first permanent molar teeth of South Asian Pakistanis is a common occurrence. The distribution of the different configurations of root canal systems in this population differed from that in Caucasian groups, suggesting that variations in root canal systems may be attributed to racial divergence.     

Prevalence of depressive symptoms and its associated factors in older adults: a cross-sectional study in Kathmandu,Nepal

Objective: Globally, depression is one of the most prevalent and burdensome conditions in older adults. However, there are few population-based studies of depression in older adults in developing countries. In this paper, we examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and explore possible contributory risk factors in older adults living in Nepal.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two semi-urban communities in Kathmandu, Nepal. Depression was assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale in 303 participants, aged 60 years and over. Multivariate logistic regression was then used to assess associations between potential risk factors and depression.

Results: More than half of the participants (n = 175, 60.6%) had significant depressive symptomatology, with 27.7% having scores suggesting mild depression. Illiteracy (aOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.08–3.75), physical immobility (aOR = 5.62, 95% CI: 1.76–17.99), the presence of physical health problems (aOR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.03–3.77), not having any time spent with family members (aOR = 3.55, 95% CI: 1.29–9.76) and not being considered in family decision-making (aOR = 4.02, 95% CI: 2.01–8.04) were significantly associated with depression in older adults.

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression was significant in older adults. There are clear associations of depression with demographic, social support and physical well-being factors in this population. Strategies that increase awareness in the community along with the health and social care interventions are needed to address the likely drivers of depression in older adults.     

白介素23受体在支气管哮喘小鼠脾源性CD4^＋T细胞中的表达及意义

-23R）的表达及在哮喘发病中的作用。方法建立急性哮喘小鼠模型,免疫磁珠分离小鼠脾源性CD4^＋T细胞,培养24h后,检测CD4^＋T细胞表面IL-23R的表达、Th17细胞的阳性率及细胞培养上清液中的IL-17水平。结果哮喘小鼠脾脏CD4^＋T细胞表面IL-23R的表达明显高于正常组（P〈0．01）;哮喘小鼠脾脏CD4^＋T细胞中Th17细胞的阳性率明显高于正常组（P〈0．01）;哮喘小鼠脾脏CD4^＋T细胞分泌IL-17浓度明显高于正常组（P〈O．01）;小鼠脾脏CD4^＋T细胞表面IL-23R的表达与Th17细胞的阳性率和IL-17的浓度呈正相关。结论IL-23R在急性哮喘的发病机制中可能起重要作用。