Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Burkholderia pseudomallei ; drug effects ; isolation & purification ; Ceftazidime ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Comorbidity ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Humans ; Lymphadenitis ; physiopathology ; Male ; Mediastinal Diseases ; physiopathology ; Melioidosis ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Middle Aged

Purpose: Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as an effective instrument to reduce the burden of late diagnoses remains underutilized in China, much of the Asian countries, and in a sense all over the world. Modifiable psychosocial factors should be identified to improve screening utilization and reduce the burden of late diagnoses. However, valid psychosocial measures are unavailable. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the preventive health model (PHM) instrument for measuring psychosocial factors of HCC screening among patients with hepatitis B. Methods: This study was conducted from June 2020 to April 2021 in three rigorous phases: (1) committee-based translation from English to Chinese; (2) cognitive interviews (n = 33) and Delphi expert consultations (n = 7) for cultural adaptation; and (3) a cross-sectional study (n = 305) for validation. Results: In phase I, two items were reworded, and two retranslated for semantic equivalence. In phase II, issues related to comprehension, sensitive wording, wording clarity, question relevance, and cultural sensitivity were addressed by including pictures, rewording five items, and developing seven items. In phase III, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested a five-factor 20-item solution: it explained 76.9% of the variance; had adequate factor loading (.60–.91), convergent and discriminant validity; satisfactory model fit indices; and reliability (Cronbach's α, .86−.91). Known-group analysis showed that patients with optimal HCC screening behavior had significantly higher scores on each subscale than those not having such. Conclusion The Chinese PHM instrument is culturally sensitive, reliable, and valid to measure the psychosocial factors of HCC screening. It can help nurses and researchers to tailor strategies to improve clinical HCC screening practices in high-risk HCC regions.

Curcumin is naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in turmeric and has many pharmacological activities. The present study was undertaken to evaluate anti-allergic inflammatory activity of curcumin, and to investigate its inhibitory mechanisms in immunoglobulin E (IgE)/Ag-induced mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) and in a mouse model of IgE/Ag-mediated passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA). Curcumin inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) dependent prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) dependent leukotriene C4 (LTC4) generation dose-dependently in BMMCs. To probe the mechanism involved, we assessed the effects of curcumin on the phosphorylation of Syk and its downstream signal molecules. Curcumin inhibited intracellular Ca2+ influx via phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1) activation and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway. Furthermore, the oral administration of curcumin significantly attenuated IgE/Ag-induced PSA, as determined by serum LTC4, PGD2, and histamine levels. Taken together, this study shows that curcumin offers a basis for drug development for the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases.
Administration, Oral ; Anaphylaxis* ; Animals ; Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase ; Curcuma ; Curcumin* ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; Histamine* ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulins* ; Leukotriene C4 ; Mast Cells* ; Mice* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; Phospholipases ; Phosphorylation ; Prostaglandin D2

Curcumin is naturally occurring polyphenolic compound found in turmeric and has many pharmacological activities. The present study was undertaken to evaluate anti-allergic inflammatory activity of curcumin, and to investigate its inhibitory mechanisms in immunoglobulin E (IgE)/Ag-induced mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) and in a mouse model of IgE/Ag-mediated passive systemic anaphylaxis (PSA). Curcumin inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) dependent prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) dependent leukotriene C4 (LTC4) generation dose-dependently in BMMCs. To probe the mechanism involved, we assessed the effects of curcumin on the phosphorylation of Syk and its downstream signal molecules. Curcumin inhibited intracellular Ca2+ influx via phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1) activation and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway. Furthermore, the oral administration of curcumin significantly attenuated IgE/Ag-induced PSA, as determined by serum LTC4, PGD2, and histamine levels. Taken together, this study shows that curcumin offers a basis for drug development for the treatment of allergic inflammatory diseases.
Administration, Oral ; Anaphylaxis* ; Animals ; Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase ; Curcuma ; Curcumin* ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; Histamine* ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulins* ; Leukotriene C4 ; Mast Cells* ; Mice* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; Phospholipases ; Phosphorylation ; Prostaglandin D2

PURPOSE: Liver, unlike heart or skin, allografts transplanted between MHC-disparate mouse strains are spontaneously accepted without any immunosuppressive therapy. Despite the allograft acceptance, the recipients continue to exhibit donor-specific immune responses in vitro (MLR and generation of CTL). High levels of CTL apoptosis evident within tolerated liver grafts have been postulated as a mechanism underlying this 'split' tolerance. METHODS and RESULTS: By using radiometric DNA fragmentation test ("JAM" assay) and TUNEL staining, we present the evidence here that liver nonparenchymal cells (NPC) are quite strong inducers of activated T cell apoptotic death in allogeneic mice. This phenomenon occurs the similar level in activated T cells of syngeneic or third-party mice. Liver cells from gld (FasL-deficient) mice exert similar apoptosis-inducing effect on activated T cells from normal mice. Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR): Fc fusion protein, and concanamycin A, an inhibitor of perforin pathway, fail to inhibit the apoptotic activity. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that liver NPC play important role in causing active apoptosis in graft-infiltratingCTL which favors liver graft acceptance, and liver-induced activated T cell apoptosis may not mediated by Fas, TNF or perforin pathways.
Allografts ; Animals ; Apoptosis* ; DNA Fragmentation ; Heart ; Immune Tolerance ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Liver* ; Mice ; Perforin ; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor ; Skin ; T-Lymphocytes* ; Transplantation ; Transplants

Objective To investigate the influenee of the consistency of resin composite and insertion techniques on the homogeneity of the Class I restorations.Methods Standardized Class I cavities were prepared in polymethyl methyacrylate(PMMA) blocks and restored with three resin composites (Prodigy,Tetric EvoCeram and Tetric Ceram HB)using either a packing or an injection technique by six operators.Then the restorations were sectioned longitudinally and inspected for the presence of porosities and voids with microscope.The consistence of the three resins was tested using an area method.Results There is little porosity in original resin.After insertion,large numbers of porosities were observed in restorations,with Tetric EvoCeram presented much more porosities(1137.1±365.0 for packing and 566.1 ±206.4 for injection)than Prodigy(241.0±116.1,195.8±28.7)and Tetric Ceram HB(193.1±35.8,156.3±33.0).Tetric Ceram HB showed the highest consistency,followed by Tetric EvoCeram and Prodigy.No linear correlation was found between the consistency of the composite and the porosity of their restorations.For Tetric EvoCeram.the restorations inserted with packing showed significant more porosity than that with injection.Contrastively,the restorations of Prodigy or Tetric Ceram HB presented no apparent difference for the two filling techniques.Conclusions The porosity in restoration was primarily created during the insertion.There was no linear correlation between the consistency of the composite and the porosity of their restorations.The porosity of composite resin is material-brand dependent.The influence of filling techniques on the porosity of restoration is depending on the composite used.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression and significance of Clusterin in normal prostate, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer.

METHODSClusterin expression in samples of 12 normal prostate, 15 BPH, and 56 prostate cancer were studied by immunohistochemical stain.

RESULTSOf 83 cases, 67 are positive or weak positive (81%). The rate of positive or weak positive for normal prostate, BPH and prostate cancer was 17% (2/12), 73% (11/15), and 96% (54/56) respectively. The expression level of Clusterin in prostate cancer was much higher than in normal prostate (t = 8.82, P < 0.01). BPH (t = 7.63, P < 0.01) was related positively with pathological grade (r = 0.649, P < 0.01) and stage (r = 0.609, P < 0.01) of prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONClusterin may play an important role in the biological characteristics of prostate cancer by the anti-apoptosis pathway.

Apoptosis ; Clusterin ; metabolism ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Prostate ; metabolism ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; metabolism ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology

INTRODUCTIONThe Framingham Risk Score (FRS) is a well-validated epidemiologic tool used to assess the risk for a fi rst cardiac event. Because young patients presenting with a fi rst myocardial infarction (MI) tend to have less significant risk profiles compared with older patients, we hypothesized that FRS may underestimate cardiac risk in these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODSWe studied 1267 patients between January 2002 and November 2007 presenting with a fi rst MI. Patients with pre-existing diabetes mellitus and vascular disease were excluded. FRS was calculated for each patient. Patients were divided based on their age: group A (<40 years), group B (40 to 64 years) and group C (> or =65 years).

RESULTSThe mean age was 54.7 +/- 11 years, 88.4% of the patients were males. Younger patients were more likely to be assigned with lower scores. Based on FRS, 63.0%, 29.3% and 14.2% of group A, B and C patients were classified as low risk (10-year risk for cardiac events<10%) respectively, P <0.001. The sensitivity of FRS in identifying at least intermediate risk subjects (10-year risk for cardiac events >10%) was 37.0% in group A vs 85.8% in group C (P <0.001). The incidence of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus was higher in younger patients (12.0% vs 13.2% vs 7.1 % in groups A, B and C respectively, P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONSFRS inadequately predicts cardiac risk in young patients presenting with a fi rst MI. This could be because a significant proportion of these young patients have undiagnosed diabetes mellitus, a coronary artery disease risk equivalent.

Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Algorithms ; Diabetes Complications ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; complications ; diagnosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Factors ; Sex Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the mechanism of enhanced large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel currents (BK) in coronary smooth muscle cells (SMCs) by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

METHODSCoronary SMCs were isolated by enzyme digestion. Potassium channels in coronary SMCs were identified by applications of different potassium blockers. Effects of DHA and its metabolite 16, 17-epoxydocosapentaenoic acid (16, 17-EDP) on BK channels in the absence and presence of cytochrome P450 epoxygenase inhibitor SKF525A were studied by patch clamp in whole-cell configuration.

RESULTSBK channels were widely distributed in SMCs, and BK currents in normal SMCs accounted for (64.2 ± 2.7)% of total potassium currents (n = 20). DHA could activate BK channels, and its 50% effective concentration (EC(50)) was (0.23 ± 0.03) µmol/L, however, the effect of DHA on BK channels was abolished after SMCs were incubated with cytochrome P450 epoxygenase inhibitor SKF525A. 16, 17-EDP, a metabolite of DHA, could reproduce the effects of DHA on BK channels, and its EC(50) was (19.7 ± 2.8) nmol/L.

CONCLUSIONDHA and metabolites can activate BK channels and dilate coronary arteries through activating cytochrome P450 epoxygenase pathway.

Animals ; Coronary Vessels ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors ; Docosahexaenoic Acids ; pharmacology ; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated ; pharmacology ; Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels ; metabolism ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Proadifen ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVES: Information regarding the underlying causes of death (UCODs) and standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of dementia is instrumental in formulating medical strategies to prolong life in persons with dementia (PWD). We examined the leading UCODs among PWD and estimated the overall and cause-specific SMRs in relation to dementia in Taiwan. METHODS: Data were retrieved from 2 national datasets: the Taiwan Death Registry and the medical claim datasets of the National Health Insurance program. The observed person-years for each study participant were counted from the date of cohort enrollment to either the date of death or the final day of 2016. Sex-specific and age-specific SMRs were then calculated. RESULTS: The leading UCOD was circulatory disease, accounting for 26.0% of total deaths (n=3,505), followed by respiratory disease at 21.3% (n=2,875). PWD were at significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (SMR, 2.01), with SMR decreasing with advancing age. A cause-specific analysis revealed that the highest SMRs were associated with nervous system diseases (SMR, 7.58) and mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders (SMR, 4.80). Age appeared to modify SMR, suggesting that younger age at cohort enrollment was linked to higher SMRs for nearly all causes of mortality. CONCLUSIONS Circulatory and respiratory diseases were the leading UCODs among PWD. The particularly elevated mortality due to nervous system diseases and mental disorders suggests that allocating more resources to neurological and psychiatric services is warranted. The elevated SMRs of various UCODs among younger PWD underscore the need for clinicians to pay particular attention to the medical care provided to these patients.