Objective To explore the mechanisms and effects of adoptive immunotherapy with ovarian cancer vaccine modified by GM-CSF gene which was used after immunologic reconstitution during lymphopenia induced by chemotherapy.Methods Lymphopenia was induced by chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide.The immune reconstituted model was built in rats.The tumor vaccine draining lymph nodes were harvested after the ovarian cancer cells NUTU-19 modified by GM-CSF gene were injected.The effector T cells (T_E) were got after being stimulated and amplified.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the level of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4 secreted by T_E.Intracellular cytokine staining was used to determine frequency of tumor-specific T_E.Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to detect the special cytotoxicity ofT_E killing target cells.The survival period of rats bearing pre-established abdominal ovariam carcinoma after being adoptively transferred byT_E.was observed.Results Compared with those in control group,the significant higher levels IL-2[(65.7±4.0) pg/ml]and lower levels IL-4 [(277±49) pg/ml]were observed in chemotherapy-immune recunstitution-vaccine immunization group.The amount of CD_4~+ T cells secreting interferon-γ (13.0±2.1)% were also significantly increased.The rate of the special cytotoxicity of killing T cells (86.5±1.1) % was markedly improved.The survival period of rats (110±16) days was increased in chemotherapy-immune reconstitution-vaccine immunization group.Conclusions The combined immunotherapy of chemotherapy-immune reconstitution-tumor vaccine immunotherapy may increase the frequency and function of specific tumor T_E.The specific cytotoxicity is increased and the weak reaction of T_E to tumor is improved,which showed that this therapy can enhance immune reaction.

Objectives: To determine the burden of COVID-19 related mental health problems such as anxiety and/or depression among caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders in a government tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Out-patient Department of PCMC. Caregiver data sheet and HADS-P forms were given to eligible caregivers. Results: A total of 102 caregivers were included. The prevalence of significant risk for anxiety disorder among caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders is 34.31% (n=35), 1.96% (n=2) for depression and 3.92% (n=4) for both anxiety and depression. Using logistic regression, marital status of common law partner and female sex have significant association with depression and anxiety; the number of household members has a direct association to significant risk for both anxiety and depression. Conclusion Female sex and common law partnership as marital status are associated with 2-3 times of having significant risk for anxiety or depression. The number of household members is correlated with an increased significant risk of having both anxiety and depression. Screening caregivers using appropriate tests would identify caregivers at significant risk for anxiety and depression and further create intervention programs.
Anxiety ; Depression ; Caregiversl ; Neurodevelopmental Disorders ; COVID-19 ; Mental Health

Adult ; Dioxins ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; blood ; Humans ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood

OBJECTIVESTo assess the clinic efficacy of treating chronic prostatitis by Neisseria gonorrhoeae with azithromycin aspartic-acid injection.

METHODSNineteen cases were treated with monotherapy and once-daily intravenous dosing of azithromycin injection. The effects and side-effects after treatment were observed.

RESULTSTwelve of nineteen cases were cured.

CONCLUSIONSA short term therapy with azithromycin injection for chronic prostatitis caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is very effective and easy to used and thus eliminate any problem of compliance.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Azithromycin ; therapeutic use ; Gonorrhea ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Humans ; Injections, Intravenous ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neisseria gonorrhoeae ; Prostatitis ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study HaCaT-keratinocyte cell lines, a chosen model of human epidermis in an attempt to analyze the mRNA expression of AhR and TGF-alpha induced by TCDD METHODS: Semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR-technique was used for assaying the relative levels of AhR and TGF-alpha mRNA of HaCaT-cells during the proliferation period when the cells were cultured for 24 hours.

RESULTSRelative level of the AhR-transcripts (corrected with beta-actin) decreased with the elevated concentration of TCDD and the relevant coefficient between the proliferation rate and concentration was -0.548, and the differences among all groups were significant (F =4.124, P =0.021). The vehicle control was respectively compared with 7 x 10(-10) mol/L (0.0620 +/- 0.0085) and 7 x 10(-9) mol/L (0.0518 +/- 0.0194) group, significantly different from the control group (0.1138 +/- 0.0227) (t = -3.48, P <0.05; t = -4.17, P <0.01), the expression amount being 55% and 45% of the control. Relative levels of TGF-alpha mRNA tended to increase with the elevated concentration with the significant coefficient of 0.695 (P < 0.01), and the differences among all groups were significant (F = 15.789, P =0.000). In two higher concentration group 7 x 10(-10) mol/L (0.1474 +/- 0.0390) and 7 x 10 (-9) mol/L (0.2133 +/- 0.0364), their relative expression amount of TGF-alpha mRNA was 2.6-fold, 3.8-fold of the control group (0.0561 +/- 0.0100) respectively. Further analysis for the relevant relationship between the amounts of the AhR mRNA and TGF- alpha mRNA showed a highly negative correlation, the coefficient being - 0.561 (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTCDD down-regulate the expression of AhR and up-regulate the expression of TGF-alpha. A strong negative correlation between AhR and TGF-alpha expression is found.

Cell Line ; Epidermis ; cytology ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins ; toxicity ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Toxicity Tests ; Transforming Growth Factor alpha ; biosynthesis ; genetics

The Senior–Loken syndrome was first described in 1961 as an oculo-renal disease consisting of familial juvenile nephronophthisis and Leber congenital amaurosis. It is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with a prevalence of 1:1,000,000 caused by mutations in nine genes (NPHP 1-8 and NPHP 10). Ocular manifestations (e.g., photophobia, nystagmus, and extreme hyperopia) occur within the first few years of life while renal manifestations (e.g., formation of multiple cysts impairing kidney function and end-stage renal disease) appear in late childhood to adolescence. Here, we report a case of a Filipino male presenting with rotatory nystagmus and progressive deterioration of vision since childhood. He had congenital amaurosis and juvenile nephronophthisis that progressed to end stage renal disease by age 19. All laboratory and imaging findings were consistent with chronic kidney disease. Molecular genetic testing of ciliopathy-related genes was performed revealing a homozygous mutation in exon 11 of the IQCB1/NPHP5 gene, c.1090C>T (p.Arg364*). This sequence change created a premature translational stop signal resulting in a truncated protein product, nephrocystin-5 and its consequent loss of function. His symptoms eventually improved with initiation dialysis. The prognosis of Senior–Loken syndrome remains dismal and a high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and timely intervention of renal complications are warranted.

Ninety percent of cases of malrotation have shown signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction by the first year of life. It is thus an often-overlooked etiology in adult patients. Evidence-based recommendations are also limited because of the paucity of cases. This paper discusses the two cases of malrotation from diagnosis to surgical management at a tertiary academic hospital. Both are previously well adult male patients with virgin abdomen who presented with vomiting and signs of intestinal obstruction. During medical decompression, CT scan with triple contrast clinched the diagnosis of malrotation for which Ladd's procedure was done, with no operative complications. The authors' experience and previous literature support early decompression, imaging, and surgery for all cases of malrotation regardless of severity of symptoms.
bowel obstruction

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of immature Magnifera indica L. (mango) fruit with albendazole in reducing Ascaris lumbricoides infection among children. METHODS: Children aged 2 to 14 years were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial. Participants were randomly allocated to receive 250 mL immature mango fruit puree daily for 3 days or one dose of albendazole 400 mg tablet. Egg reduction rates and cure rates were computed and compared. Adverse effects were monitored during and after administration of treatment. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease between the pre- and post-treatment EPG of those who took immature mango fruit (p < 0.001) and those who took albendazole (p < 0.001). There was a higher ERR and CR for the albendazole group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.472, p = 785, respectively). Risk analysis of reduction in intensity showed mango is non-inferior to albendazole (RR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.67, 0.97; p = 0.026). Risk analysis of cure showed mango is noninferior to albendazole in both PP (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.68, 1.25; p = 0.607) and ITT (RR=0.79, 95% CI 0.58, 1.08; p = 0.139). CONCLUSION Immature Mangifera indica Linn is non-inferior to albendazole in terms of effectiveness in the reduction of ascariasis infection.
Ascariasis

Primary peritoneal carcinoma is rare, presents with non-specific abdominal symptoms, is usually diagnosed late and is associated with a poor prognosis. A 51-year-old female with Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma Stage III-C, was initially treated with cytoreductive surgery and intravenous paclitaxel and carboplatin. After 28 months in remission, she developed tumor recurrence. She underwent tumor excision followed by combined intravenous paclitaxel and intraperitoneal carboplatin. The patient is alive and disease-free 5 years after the initial operation. This case was reported to inform our clinicians that the peritoneum can be the primary site of a rare malignancy. Prognosis may be poor but long-term survival can be achieved in younger patients with good performance status. Having a tumor that is sensitive to platinum-based chemotherapy can contribute to a longer survival even if the tumor was sub-optimally reduced.
Drug Therapy ; Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures

Background and Objectives With the global population aging, there is an emerging need for access to quality longterm care (LTC) services. Many countries have developed LTC systems while others are at the infancy stage. This paper aimed to provide an overview of the country’s readiness for LTC based on the perspectives of relevant stakeholders. Specifically, it described the roles, initiatives, and challenges of relevant organizations and community leaders for LTC provision. It also described the older persons (OPs) and carers’ perspectives towards LTC including their awareness, capacity, and preferences.
Home Care Services ; Long-Term Care ; Nursing Homes ; Philippines