BACKGROUND/AIMS: The T-helper 1 (TH1) immune reaction is essential for the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) during pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-alpha)- and ribavirin (RBV)-based therapy in chronic HCV patients. Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) was shown to be a crucial cytokine for the initiation of a TH1 immune response. We aimed to investigate whether SPP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may influence sustained virological response (SVR) rates. METHODS: Two SNPs in the promoter region of SPP1 at the -443 C>T and -1748 G>A loci were genotyped in 100 patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection using a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients achieved a SVR, and 33 patients showed no SVR. Patients carrying the T/T genotype at the -443 locus showed a significantly higher SVR rate than those carrying the C/T or C/C genotype (83.67% vs 50.98%, p<0.001). At the -1748 locus, the SVR rate was significantly higher in patients with the G/G genotype than in those with the A/A genotype (88.89% vs 52.63%, p=0.028) and in patients with the G/A genotype than in those with the A/A genotype (85.29% vs 52.63%, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SPP1 SNPs at -443 C>T and -1748 G>A loci may be useful markers for predicting the response to PEG-IFN-alpha-2b plus RBV therapy in Egyptian patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection.
Adult ; Antiviral Agents/*therapeutic use ; Biomarkers/blood ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Egypt ; Female ; Genotype ; Hepacivirus/drug effects/genetics ; Hepatitis C, Chronic/*drug therapy/virology ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha/*therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteopontin/*genetics ; Polyethylene Glycols/*therapeutic use ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics ; Predictive Value of Tests ; *Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Recombinant Proteins/therapeutic use ; Ribavirin/*therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome

While fine needle aspiration (FNA) is certainly not a new biopsy technique, recent developments in advanced imaging techniques, molecular testing, and targeted therapies have coincided with a rapid increase in the number of FNA procedures being performed. Concurrently, the demand for on-site evaluation of adequacy (OSEA) has also increased, outstripping the capacity of available cytopathologists at some institutions. Among the several alternatives to cytopathologist-performed OSEA, cytotechnologist-attended OSEA stands out because it preserves the representation of the pathology service at the time of the procedure. Herein, we review the current literature about OSEA and the necessity of cytotechnologists to expand access of this useful pathology service to a broader patient population. We also examine how cytotechnologists are likely to fit into the emerging practice of telecytology.
Biopsy ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Humans ; Telepathology

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is an increasing concern in the South Pacific. We estimate, based on reported figures, that the prevalence of HIV infection in women attending antenatal clinics in Fiji in 2003 was 0.04%. The number of children born to HIV-positive mothers is small, though perinatal transmission appears to be high. Fiji's preliminary strategies for prevention of perinatal transmission have been significant, but require ongoing support and implementation.
Fiji ; Prevalence aspects ; Human Females ; HIV Infections ; HIV

Ganoderma lucidum is a fungus usually used in traditional Chinese medicine. The high value of G. lucidum is related to its polysaccharides content. Crude polysaccharides from G. lucidum (GLCP) were obtained using hot water extraction method. There is about 0.57 g of GLCP in 1 g crude of G. lucidum. The prebiotic potential of GLCP was tested against probiotic bacteria namely: Bifidobacterium longum BB536, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum G4, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei Shirota. The prebiotic potentials were studied in 10 mL basal Trypticase Phytone Yeast (abbreviated as bTPY) medium (without glucose) supplemented with various concentrations of GLCP (abbreviated as bTPYglcp) (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%). bTPY medium supplemented with glucose (abbreviated as bTPYglu) and inulin (abbreviated bTPYinu) were used as comparison. Viable cell counts of the bacteria and the pH of the medium were determined during anaerobic incubation period of 0 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h at 37 °C. In the presence of carbohydrate source, cultures showed various degree of growth increment. With regards to the growth supporting property: bTPYglu, bTPYglu+glcp, bTPYglcp and bTPYinu were ranked first, second, third and fourth respectively. Interestingly, in bTPYglcp medium, bacterial growth increased with increasing GLCP concentrations when incubated until 24 h. B. longum BB536 was ranked first (10.53 log cfu/mL) in term of their growth in this medium. Growth of B.pseudocatenulatum G4 was ranked second with 10.40 log cfu/mL. This study shows that, GLCP could support the growth of the bacteria tested.

Purpose: This study was performed to introduce, evaluate, and compare various novel assessment protocols designed for straightforward, reliable, and reproducible measurement of alveolar bone levels. These protocols are intended for standardized periodontal assessment and follow-up, utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and manipulation of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewer software. Materials and Methods: Two experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologists developed 5 distinct radiographic measurement protocols. These techniques were established to assess the alveolar bone level of a periodontally affected upper central incisor using a method that is consistently repeatable across observers. Two additional assessors, blindedto the details of the study, independently applied the protocols to retrieved DICOM files that met the eligibility criteria.A scoring system with 3 subscores was created and used to compare the protocols. Results: Statistically excellent inter-observer reliability was observed for all protocols, other than protocol 1, which demonstrated moderate reliability. The average discrepancy between measurements taken by the 2 observers was 1.2 mm for protocol 1, 0.81 mm for protocol 2, and less than 0.5 mm for the remaining 3 protocols. All approaches except protocol 4 were straightforward to apply. Conclusion This study introduces multiple reliable protocols for the evaluation of periodontal bone levels that ensureconsistency across observers. Based on the findings, the double axial lines and incisocrestal distance protocols are recommended. These new assessment approaches, along with any future modifications, may be useful in periodontal assessment, dental implant follow-up, orthodontic evaluation, research, and artificial intelligence model generation.

Purpose: This study was performed to introduce, evaluate, and compare various novel assessment protocols designed for straightforward, reliable, and reproducible measurement of alveolar bone levels. These protocols are intended for standardized periodontal assessment and follow-up, utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and manipulation of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewer software. Materials and Methods: Two experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologists developed 5 distinct radiographic measurement protocols. These techniques were established to assess the alveolar bone level of a periodontally affected upper central incisor using a method that is consistently repeatable across observers. Two additional assessors, blindedto the details of the study, independently applied the protocols to retrieved DICOM files that met the eligibility criteria.A scoring system with 3 subscores was created and used to compare the protocols. Results: Statistically excellent inter-observer reliability was observed for all protocols, other than protocol 1, which demonstrated moderate reliability. The average discrepancy between measurements taken by the 2 observers was 1.2 mm for protocol 1, 0.81 mm for protocol 2, and less than 0.5 mm for the remaining 3 protocols. All approaches except protocol 4 were straightforward to apply. Conclusion This study introduces multiple reliable protocols for the evaluation of periodontal bone levels that ensureconsistency across observers. Based on the findings, the double axial lines and incisocrestal distance protocols are recommended. These new assessment approaches, along with any future modifications, may be useful in periodontal assessment, dental implant follow-up, orthodontic evaluation, research, and artificial intelligence model generation.

Purpose: This study was performed to introduce, evaluate, and compare various novel assessment protocols designed for straightforward, reliable, and reproducible measurement of alveolar bone levels. These protocols are intended for standardized periodontal assessment and follow-up, utilizing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and manipulation of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewer software. Materials and Methods: Two experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologists developed 5 distinct radiographic measurement protocols. These techniques were established to assess the alveolar bone level of a periodontally affected upper central incisor using a method that is consistently repeatable across observers. Two additional assessors, blindedto the details of the study, independently applied the protocols to retrieved DICOM files that met the eligibility criteria.A scoring system with 3 subscores was created and used to compare the protocols. Results: Statistically excellent inter-observer reliability was observed for all protocols, other than protocol 1, which demonstrated moderate reliability. The average discrepancy between measurements taken by the 2 observers was 1.2 mm for protocol 1, 0.81 mm for protocol 2, and less than 0.5 mm for the remaining 3 protocols. All approaches except protocol 4 were straightforward to apply. Conclusion This study introduces multiple reliable protocols for the evaluation of periodontal bone levels that ensureconsistency across observers. Based on the findings, the double axial lines and incisocrestal distance protocols are recommended. These new assessment approaches, along with any future modifications, may be useful in periodontal assessment, dental implant follow-up, orthodontic evaluation, research, and artificial intelligence model generation.

AIMTo evaluate the effects of melatonin on antioxidant enzyme levels and histopathologic changes in dizocilpine (MK-801)-induced psychosis model rat testis.

METHODSA total of 24 adult male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into three groups with 8 in each. Group I was used as control. Rats in Group II were injected with MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg body weight i.p. for 5 days). In addition to MK-801, melatonin (50 mg/kg body weight i.p. once a day for 5 days) was injected into the rats in Group III. The testes were harvested bilaterally for biochemical and histopathological examinations. Antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and nitric oxide (NO) levels in testicular tissues were analyzed using spectrophotometric analysis methods. Histopathological examinations of the testes were also performed.

RESULTSMK-801 induced testicular damage, which resulted in significant oxidative stress (OS) by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes. The malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl and NO levels were increased in testicular tissues of rats. Treatment with melatonin led to significant decrease in oxidative injury. Administration of melatonin also reduced the detrimental histopathologic effects caused by MK-801.

CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study showed that MK-801 cause OS in testicular tissues of rats and treatment with melatonin can reduce the harmful effects of MK-801.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dizocilpine Maleate ; adverse effects ; pharmacology ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; Melatonin ; pharmacology ; Mental Disorders ; chemically induced ; Nitric Oxide ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Protein Carbonylation ; Psychotropic Drugs ; adverse effects ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Testis ; drug effects ; enzymology ; pathology

Objective: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a progressive steno-occlusive cerebrovascular phenomenon with unknown pathogenesis. Considering the abundance of articles addressing Moyamoya disease, a detailed analysis concerning the publication trends is of paramount importance. The aim of the study is to report the current knowledge of the top-100 most cited articles on Moyamoya disease in the literature. Methods: A non-time restricted keyword-based search was performed in June 2020 using the Scopus database. The search keywords included the following: “Moyamoya”, “Moyamoya disease”, and “Moyamoya syndrome”. The search result was used to rank the articles based on their citation count. The top-100 most-cited articles were obtained and classified into seven categories. Results: A total of 3,543 articles on Moyamoya disease were published between 1955 and 2020. The Top-100 articles were published between 1977 and 2016 with a total of 16,119 citations, per year, and 7.23% rate of self-citation. The 1990s was the most productive decade (N=42). The most contributing country to the list was Japan (N=60). Stroke was the most active journal (N=23). Houkin, K., a Japanese neurosurgeon, was the most prolific author (N=15). Conclusions Moyamoya disease has been extensively investigated in the literature throughout the years. The majority of articles published in the literature were addressing the surgical management and clinical outcome. Authors from neurosurgical backgrounds were the most active contributors to the field of Moyamoya disease.

Objective: Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is a rare pathological vascular lesion with variable clinical manifestations. Since 1968, several articles have been published to address spinal and cranial DAVFs. The aim of this study is to identify, analyse, and review the pertinent literature of the top-100 most cited articles on DAVFs published to date. Methods: A title-specific, keyword-based search with no time restriction was performed in June 2020. The Scopus database was used to identify the top-100 most cited articles on DAVFs. The term “dural arteriovenous fistula” was used as a search keyword. The search results were arranged in descending order based on the total citation count. The top-100 articles were categorized into ten categories. Results: Between 1968 and 2020, a total of 2298 articles were published on DAVFs. The top-100 most cited articles were published between 1983 and 2012. The total number of citations for the top-100 articles was 12393 (123 citations/article). Most articles (34%) were investigating the clinical aspect of DAVFs. The country contributing to the most impactful and highest volume of publications (46%) was the United States. The Mayo Clinic was the most active institute in contribution. Most articles (29%) were published by the Journal of Neurosurgery. Conclusions In the top-100 most cited articles on DAVF, most studies were published in neurosurgeryeuroradiology-dedicated journals. This bibliometric analysis identifies the publication trends and provides a comprehensive overview of the most influential articles addressing DAVFs.