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Open Access
A novel PKD1 variant demonstrates a disease-modifying role in trans with a truncating PKD1 mutation in patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
(Ali et al. BMC Nephrology, 2015) Ali, Hamad; Hussain, Naser; Naim, Medhat; Zayed, Mohamed; Al-Mulla, Fahd; Kehinde, Elijah; Seaburg, Lauren; Sundsbak, Jamie; Harris, Peter
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the most common form of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and occurs at a frequency of 1/800 to 1/1000 affecting all ethnic groups worldwide. ADPKD shows significant intrafamilial phenotypic variability in the rate of disease progression and extra-renal manifestations, which suggests the involvement of heritable modifier genes. Here we show that the PKD1 gene can act as a disease causing and a disease modifier gene in ADPKD patients.
Open Access
A roadmap for offering MOOC from an LMIC institution
(Learning, Media and Technology, 2016-07-20) Abidi, Syed H; Pasha, Aamna; Moran, Greg; Ali, Syed
MOOCs are massive open online courses that are globally accessible, free of charge. Given their cost-free and open accessibility, it is surprising that only a few institutions have offered MOOCs from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Pakistan recently made this short list of LMICs as the first two MOOCs were launched from the country, in 2014 and 2016. Drawing from that experience, the organizers of that course present a roadmap for LMIC institutions for developing a MOOC, focusing especially on the technological and pedagogical limitations that an LMIC institution might find deterring.
Open Access
A systematic analysis of a broadly neutralizing antibody AR3C epitopes on Hepatitis C virus E2 envelope glycoprotein and their cross-reactivity
(BMC Medical Genomics, 2015-12-09) Sun, Jing; Brusic, Vladimir
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) belongs to Flaviviridae family of viruses. HCV represents a major challenge to public health since its estimated global prevalence is 2.8% of the world's human population. The design and development of HCV vaccine has been hampered by rapid evolution of viral quasispecies resulting in antibody escape variants. HCV envelope glycoprotein E1 and E2 that mediate fusion and entry of the virus into host cells are primary targets of the host immune responses. Results: Structural characterization of E2 core protein and a broadly neutralizing antibody AR3C together with E1E2 sequence information enabled the analysis of B-cell epitope variability. The E2 binding site by AR3C and its surrounding area were identified from the crystal structure of E2c-AR3C complex. We clustered HCV strains using the concept of 'discontinuous motif/peptide' and classified B-cell epitopes based on their similarity. Conclusions: The assessment of antibody neutralizing coverage provides insights into potential cross-reactivity of the AR3C neutralizing antibody across a large number of HCV variants.
Open Access
ACADEMIC MOTIVATION AND SELF‐DIRECTED LEARNING READINESS OF NURSING STUDENTS DURING THE COVID‐19 PANDEMIC IN THREE COUNTRIES: A CROSS‐SECTIONAL STUDY
(Nursing Forum, 2022) Grande, Rizal Angelo N.; Cruz, Jonas Preposi; Balace, Albert B.; Berdida, Daniel Joseph E.; Cometa‐Manalo, Ruffel Joy; Ramirez, Sheryl H.
Background: It is crucial to evaluate student academic motivation and self‐directed learning (SDL) readiness while teaching online or flexibly. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, there were few investigations on the link between academic motivation and SDL readiness. Aim: This study investigated the connection between academic motivation and SDL readiness and the three academic motivation domains' predictive features. Methods: This cross‐sectional study used convenience sampling to recruit 1187 nursing students from four nursing colleges in three countries. We utilized the Academic Motivation Scale College Version and Self‐directed Learning Readiness Scale for Nurse Education to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data. Results: Extrinsic motivation received the highest mean. Most nursing students exhibited SDL readiness, whereas “desire for learning” was rated the highest dimension of SDL readiness. We found significant differences in nursing students' intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and amotivation between the three countries. Finally, country, gender, and intrinsic motivation were significant predictors of the nursing students' SDL readiness. Conclusion: Among Filipino, Saudi, and Thai nursing students, their SDL readiness is influenced by the intrinsic motivation domain. Therefore, nursing students with higher levels of intrinsic motivation are proactive learners for SDL.
Open Access
Acceleration of Skin Wound-Healing Reactions by Autologous Micrograft Tissue Suspension
(MDPI, 2020-06) Jimi, Shiro; Takagi, Satoshi; De Francesco, Francesco; Miyazaki, Motoyasu; Saparov, Arman
Background and objectives: Skin grafting is a method usually used in reconstructive surgery to accelerate skin regeneration. This method results frequently in unexpected scar formations. We previously showed that cutaneous wound-healing in normal mice is accelerated by a micrograft (MG) technique. Presently, clinical trials have been performed utilizing this technology; however, the driving mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of this approach remain unclear. In the present study, we focused on five major tissue reactions in wound-healing, namely, regeneration, migration, granulation, neovascularization and contraction. Methods: Morphometrical analysis was performed using tissue samples from the dorsal wounds of mice. Granulation tissue formation, neovascularization and epithelial healing were examined. Results: The wound area correlated well with granulation sizes and neovascularization densities in the granulation tissue. Vascular distribution analysis in the granulation tissue indicated that neovessels extended and reached the subepidermal area in the MG group but was only halfway developed in the control group. Moreover, epithelialization with regeneration and migration was augmented by MG. Myofibroblast is a known machinery for wound contraction that uses α-smooth muscle actin filaments. Their distribution in the granulation tissue was primarily found beneath the regenerated epithelium and was significantly progressed in the MG group. Conclusions: These findings indicated that MG accelerated a series of wound-healing reactions and could be useful for treating intractable wounds in clinical situations.
Open Access
AGE-DEPENDENT CHANGES IN ANTI-MÜLLERIAN HORMONE LEVELS IN LEBANESE FEMALES: CORRELATION WITH BASAL FSH AND LH LEVELS AND LH/FSH RATIO: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
(BMC, 2020-06-26) Racoubian, Eddie; Aimagambetova, Gulzhanat; Finan, Ramzi R.; Almawi, Wassim Y.
Background To investigate the age-dependent changes in circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in healthy Arabic-speaking Lebanese women, and to correlate changes in serum AMH levels with serum FSH and LH values, and LH/FSH ratio. Methods Cross-sectional study, involving 1190 healthy females, age 17–54 years, with regular menses and both ovaries. Serum AMH levels (ng/ml) were measured by ELISA. Results There was an inverse proportion of AMH and subject’s age, which declined from median 6.71 (2.91) ng/ml in young subjects, to 0.68 (0.45) ng/ml in subjects older than 50 years. Average yearly decrease in median AMH levels was 0.27 ng/ml/year through age 35, but then diminished to 0.12 ng/ml/year afterwards. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity of age as determinant of AMH levels. In contrast to AMH, FSH levels increased progressively from 5.89 (0.11–62.10) ng/ml in young subjects, to 38.43 (3.99–88.30) ng/ml in subjects older than 50 years. On the other hand, age-dependent changes in LH/FSH ratio paralleled those of AMH. Linear regression modeling testing the independent effect of AMH on FSH and LH, adjusted for age, showed that AMH was significant predictor of FSH and LH/FSH ratio, but not LH. This did not contribute significantly to baseline LH and FSH prediction. Conclusions Circulating AMH levels are inversely related to age as also shown elsewhere, and are predictors of LH/FSH ratio and FSH but not LH levels in eumenorrheic females.
Open Access
AIR QUALITY AT VENUES OF MIXED SMOKING POLICIES IN KAZAKHSTAN
(Tobacco Induced Diseases, 2020-09-15) Sadykova, Jamilya; Baizhaxynova, Ardak; Crape, Byron
Enclosed designated smoking areas (DSAs) and smoking zones are allowed in food-serving venues in Kazakhstan. Air quality in smoke-free foodserving venues, in venues with smoking throughout, in those with DSAs and those with smoking zones, is not fully understood.
Open Access
AllergoOncology: Microbiota in allergy and cancer-A European Academy for Allergy and Clinical Immunology position paper
(2019-01-12) Vangelista, Luca; Untersmayr, Eva; Bergmann, Christoph; Bianchini, Rodolfo; Cozen, Wendy; Gould, Hannah; Hartmann, Karin; Josephs, Debra; Levi-Schaffer, Francesca; Penichet, Manuel L.; O'Mahony, Liam; Poli, Aurelie; Redegeld, Frank A; Roth-Walter, Franziska; Turner, Michelle C.; Karagiannis, Sophia N; Jensen-Jarolim, Erika
The microbiota can play important roles in the development of human immunity and the establishment of immune homeostasis. Lifestyle factors including diet, hygiene, and exposure to viruses or bacteria, and medical interventions with antibiotics or anti-ulcer medications, regulate phylogenetic variability and the quality of cross talk between innate and adaptive immune cells via mucosal and skin epithelia. More recently, microbiota and their composition have been linked to protective effects for health. Imbalance, however, has been linked to immune-related diseases such as allergy and cancer, characterized by impaired, or exaggerated immune tolerance, respectively. In this AllergoOncology position paper, we focus on the increasing evidence defining the microbiota composition as a key determinant of immunity and immune tolerance, linked to the risk for the development of allergic and malignant diseases. We discuss novel insights into the role of microbiota in disease and patient responses to treatments in cancer and in allergy. These may highlight opportunities to improve patient outcomes with medical interventions supported through a restored microbiome.
Open Access
An adaptive genetic algorithm for selection of blood-based biomarkers for prediction of Alzheimer's disease progression
(BMC Bioinformatics, 2015-12-09) Vandewater, Luke; Brusic, Vladimir; Wilson, William; Macaulay, Lance; Zhang, Ping
Background: Alzheimer's disease is a multifactorial disorder that may be diagnosed earlier using a combination of tests rather than any single test. Search algorithms and optimization techniques in combination with model evaluation techniques have been used previously to perform the selection of suitable feature sets. Previously we successfully applied GA with LR to neuropsychological data contained within the The Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study of aging, to select cognitive tests for prediction of progression of AD. This research addresses an Adaptive Genetic Algorithm (AGA) in combination with LR for identifying the best biomarker combination for prediction of the progression to AD. Results: The model has been explored in terms of parameter optimization to predict conversion from healthy stage to AD with high accuracy. Several feature sets were selected - the resulting prediction moddels showed higher area under the ROC values (0.83-0.89). The results has shown consistency with some of the medical research reported in literature. Conclusion: The AGA has proven useful in selecting the best combination of biomarkers for prediction of AD progression. The algorithm presented here is generic and can be extended to other data sets generated in projects that seek to identify combination of biomarkers or other features that are predictive of disease onset or progression.
Open Access
ANALYSIS OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD BASOPHILS IN PEDIATRIC SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
(Diagnostics, 2022) Dossybayeva, Kuanysh; Bexeitov, Yergali; Mukusheva, Zaure; Almukhamedova, Zhaina; Assylbekova, Maykesh; Abdukhakimova, Diyora; Rakhimzhanova, Marzhan; Poddighe, Dimitri
Basophils are the least abundant circulating leukocytes, and their immunological role has not yet been completely elucidated. There is evidence supporting their immunomodulatory role in several pathological settings; recently, studies in both experimental models and humans suggested that basophil homeostasis may be altered in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we first assessed circulating basophils in children affected with pediatric SLE (pSLE). In this cross-sectional study, circulating basophils were enumerated by fluorescence-based flow cytometry analysis in children affected with pSLE, in addition to children suffering from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or non-inflammatory/non-rheumatic conditions. This study included 52 pediatric patients distributed in these three groups. We observed a statistically significant reduction of peripherally circulating basophils in children with pSLE compared to the other two groups of patients. This preliminary study is consistent with the available studies in adult patients with SLE showing a reduced number of circulating basophils. However, further research is needed to draw final conclusions on basophils’ homeostasis in pSLE, in addition to their correlation with the disease activity and concomitant therapies.
Open Access
ANALYSIS OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTI-BIOFILM ACTIVITY OF NATURAL COMPOUNDS AND THEIR ANALOGUES AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATES
(Molecules, 2022) Mastoor, Sobia; Nazim, Fizza; Rizwan-ul-Hasan, Syed; Ahmed, Khalid; Khan, Shabnam; Nawazish Ali, Syed; Abidi, Syed Hani
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most frequent causes of biofilm-associated infections. With the emergence of antibiotic-resistant, especially methicillinresistant S. aureus (MRSA), there is an urgent need to discover novel inhibitory compounds against this clinically important pathogen. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of 11 compounds, including phenyl propenes and phenolic aldehydes, eugenol, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, salicylaldehyde, vanillin, cinnamoyl acid, and aldehydes, against drug-resistant S. aureus isolates. (2) Methods: Thirty-two clinical S. aureus isolates were obtained from Alkhidmat Diagnostic Center and Blood Bank, Karachi, Pakistan, and screened for biofilm-forming potential, and susceptibility/resistance against ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, amikacin, cephalothin, clindamycin, streptomycin, and gentamicin using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Subsequently, 5 representative clinical isolates were selected and used to test the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm potential of 11 compounds using both qualitative and quantitative assays, followed by qPCR analysis to examine the differences in the expression levels of biofilm-forming genes (ica-A, fnb-B, clf-A and cna) in treated (with natural compounds and their derivatives) and untreated isolates. (3) Results: All isolates were found to be multi-drug resistant and dominant biofilm formers. The individual Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of natural compounds and their analogues ranged from 0.75–160 mg/mL. Furthermore, the compounds, Salicylaldehyde (SALI), Vanillin (VAN), -methyl-trans-cinnamaldehyde (A-MT), and trans-4-nitrocinnamic acid (T4N) exhibited significant (15–92%) biofilm inhibition/reduction percentage capacity at the concentration of 1–10 mg/mL. Gene expression analysis showed that salicylaldehyde, -methyl-trans-cinnamaldehyde, and -bromotrans- cinnamaldehyde resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) downregulation of the expression of ica-A, clf -A, and fnb-A genes compared to the untreated resistant isolate. (4) Conclusions: The natural compounds and their analogues used in this study exhibited significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against S. aureus. Biofilms persist as the main concern in clinical settings. These compounds may serve as potential candidate drug molecules against biofilm forming S. aureus.
Open Access
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANTIOXIDANT, AND ANTI-ATHEROSCLEROTIC EFFECTS OF NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS ON PATIENTS WITH FMF-RELATED AA AMYLOIDOSIS: A NON-RANDOMIZED 24-WEEK OPEN-LABEL INTERVENTIONAL STUDY
(life, 2022) Romano, Micol; Garcia-Bournissen, Facundo; Piskin, David; Rodoplu, Ulkumen; Piskin, Lizzy; Elzagallaai, Abdelbaset A.; Tuncer, Tunc; Sezer, Siren; Ucuncuoglu, Didar; Honca, Tevfik; Poddighe, Dimitri; Yavuz, Izzet; Stenvinkel, Peter; Yilmaz, Mahmut Ilker; Demirkaya, Erkan
We aimed to evaluate the effect of a combination of natural products on parameters related to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in a cohort of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients with Serum Amyloid A amyloidosis, in a non-randomized, 24-week open-label interventional study. Morinda citrifolia (anti-atherosclerotic-AAL), omega-3 (anti-inflammatory-AIC), and extract with Alaskan blueberry (antioxidant-AOL) were given to patients with FMF-related biopsy-proven AA amyloidosis. Patients were >18 years and had proteinuria (>3500 mg/day) but a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Arterial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), and serum biomarkers asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), pentraxin (PTX3), malondialdehyde (MDA), Cu/Znsuperoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were studied at baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment. A total of 67 FMF-related amyloidosis patients (52 male (77.6%); median age 36 years (range 21–66)) were enrolled. At the end of a 24-week treatment period with AAL, AIC, and AOL combination therapy, ADMA, MDA, PTX3, hsCRP, cholesterol, and proteinuria were significantly decreased compared to baseline, while CuZn-SOD, GSH-Px, and FMD levels were significantly increased. Changes in inflammatory markers PTX3, and hsCRP were negatively correlated with FMD change, and positively correlated with decreases in proteinuria, ADMA, MDA, cholesterol, and CIMT. Treatment with AAL, AIC and AOL combination for 24 weeks were significantly associated with reduction in inflammatory markers, improved endothelial functions, and oxidative state. Efficient control of these three mechanisms can have long term cardiovascular and renal benefits for patients with AA amyloidosis.
Open Access
Anticancer activity of metformin: a systematic review of the literature
(FUTURE SCI LTD, 2019-08) Aljofan, Mohamad; Riethmacher, Dieter
BACKGROUND: The anticancer activity of metformin has been confirmed against several cancer types in vitro and in vivo. However, the underlying mechanisms of metformin in the treatment of cancer are not fully understood. This systematic review aims to discuss the possible anticancer mechanism of action of metformin. METHOD: A search through different databases was conducted, including Medline and EMBASE. RESULTS: A total of 96 articles were identified of which 56 were removed for duplication and 24 were excluded after reviewing the title and abstract. A total of 12 research articles were included that describe different antiproliferative mechanisms that may contribute to the antineoplastic effects of metformin. CONCLUSION: This analysis discussed the potential anticancer activity of metformin and highlighted the importance of AMPK as a potential target for anticancer therapy.
Open Access
ANTIGEN SPECIFICITY ENHANCES DISEASE CONTROL BY TREGS IN VITILIGO
(Frontiers Media, 2020-12-01) Mukhatayev, Zhussipbek; Dellacecca, Emilia R.; Cosgrove, Cormac; Shivde, Rohan; Jaishankar, Dinesh; Pontarolo-Maag, Katherine; Eby, Jonathan M.; Henning, Steven W.; Ostapchuk, Yekaterina O.; Cedercreutz, Kettil; Issanov, Alpamys; Mehrotra, Shikhar; Overbeck, Andreas; Junghans, Richard P.; Leventhal, Joseph R.; Le Poole, I. Caroline
Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by melanocyte destruction. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are greatly reduced in vitiligo skin, and replenishing peripheral skin Tregs can provide protection against depigmentation. Ganglioside D3 (GD3) is overexpressed by perilesional epidermal cells, including melanocytes, which prompted us to generate GD3-reactive chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) Tregs to treat vitiligo. Mice received either untransduced Tregs or GD3-specific Tregs to test the hypothesis that antigen specificity contributes to reduced autoimmune reactivity in vitro and in vivo. CAR Tregs displayed increased IL-10 secretion in response to antigen, provided superior control of cytotoxicity towards melanocytes, and supported a significant delay in depigmentation compared to untransduced Tregs and vehicle control recipients in a TCR transgenic mouse model of spontaneous vitiligo. The latter findings were associated with a greater abundance of Tregs and melanocytes in treated mice versus both control groups. Our data support the concept that antigen-specific Tregs can be prepared, used, and stored for long-term control of progressive depigmentation.
Open Access
ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY RESISTANCE MUTATIONS AMONG HIV INFECTED PEOPLE IN KAZAKHSTAN
(Scientific Reports, 2022) Mukhatayeva, Ainur; Mustafa, Aidana; Dzissyuk, Natalya; Issanov, Alpamys; Mukhatayev, Zhussipbek; Bayserkin, Bauyrzhan; Vermund, Sten H.; Ali, Syed
In Kazakhstan, the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) has increased steadily by 39% since 2010. Development of antiretroviral therapy (ART) resistance mutations (ARTRM) is a major hurdle in achieving effective treatment and prevention against HIV. Using HIV pol sequences from 602 PLHIV from Kazakhstan, we analyzed ARTRMs for their association with factors that may promote development of ARTRMs. 56% PLHIV were infected with HIV subtype A6 and 42% with CRF02_AG. The ARTRM Q174K was associated with increased viral load and decreased CD4+ cell count, while infection with CRF02_AG was associated with a lower likelihood of Q174K. Interestingly, CRF02_AG was positively associated with the ARTRM L10V that, in turn, was observed frequently with darunavir administration. Infection with CRF02_AG was positively associated with the ARTRM S162A that, in turn, was frequently observed with the administration of nevirapine, also associated with lower CD4 counts. Zidovudine or Nevirapine receipt was associated with the development of the ARTRM E138A, that, in turn, was associated with lower CD4 counts. Determination of a patient’s HIV variant can help guide ART choice in Kazakhstan. For example, PLHIV infected with CRF02_AG will benefit less from darunavir and nevirapine, and emtricitabine should replace zidovudine.
Open Access
ANURIA SECONDARY TO HOT WEATHER-INDUCED HYPERURICAEMIA: DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT
(Annals of Saudi Medicine, 2003-09) Al-Tawheed, Adel R.; Al-Awadi, Khaleel A.; Kehinde, Elijah O.; Abdul-Halim, Hamdy; Al-Hunayan, Adel; Ali, Yousef; Mohammed, Akram H.
There is little information on the management of anuria secondary to severe volume depletion or as a rare manifestation of heat stroke in areas of the world with very hot summers. We present our experience with hot weather-induced hyperuricaemia in Kuwait.
Open Access
Application of molecular genotyping to determine prevalence of HPV strains in Pap smears of Kazakhstan women
(International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2017-01-01) Niyazmetova, Luiza; Aimagambetova, Gulzhanat; Stambekova, Nazigul; Abugalieva, Zaurech; Seksembayeva, Korlukain; Ali, Syed; Azizan, Azliyati; Luiza, Niyazmetova
Abstract ObjectivesHuman papillomavirus is the main causative agent for cervical cancer. However, few data are available about HPV prevalence in Kazakhstan. The aims of this study were to genotype HPV DNA in Pap smear samples of women to determine prevalence of carcinogenic HPV types in Astana, Kazakhstan and to analyze the association between HPV positivity and the cytology results of patient samples. MethodsPap smear materials were obtained from 140 patients aged 18-59, who visited the outpatient gynecological clinic. Microscopic examination was done to detect dysplasia, and HPV genotyping was done using real-time multiplex PCR. ResultsHPV testing showed that among 61 HPV positive patients, the most prevalent types were 16 and 18. Microscopic examination showed that 79% of the samples had normal cytology, while 13% had CIN grade I, 5% had CIN grade II, and 3% had CIN grade III. The analysis revealed that 12% of the samples had CIN cytology and presence of HPV. Approximately 31% had HPV without cervical dysplasia, while 8% of samples were CIN positive without HPV infection. A statistically significant relationship between HPV 16 and HPV 33 positive samples and CIN grade II and III was found. ConclusionsOverall, this study will help to strengthen and guide health policy implementation of primary and secondary cervical cancer prevention strategies in Kazakhstan.
Open Access
Application of molecular genotyping to determine prevalence of HPV strains in Pap smears of Kazakhstan women
(International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2016-11-20) Niyazmetova, Luiza; Aimagambetova, Gulzhanat; Stambekova, Nazigul; Abugalieva, Zaurech; Seksembayeva, Korlukain; Syed, Ali; Azizan, Azliyati
Objectives: Human papillomavirus is themain causative agent for cervical cancer. However, few data are available about HPV prevalence in Kazakhstan. The aims of this study were to genotype HPV DNA in Pap smear samples of women to determine prevalence of carcinogenic HPV types in Astana, Kazakhstan and to analyze the association between HPV positivity and the cytology results of patient samples. Methods: Pap smear materials were obtained from 140 patients aged 18-59, who visited the outpatient gynecological clinic. Microscopic examination was done to detect dysplasia, and HPV genotyping was done using real-time multiplex PCR. Results: HPV testing showed that among 61 HPV positive patients, the most prevalent types were 16 and 18. Microscopic examination showed that 79% of the samples had normal cytology, while 13% had CIN grade I, 5% had CIN grade II, and 3% had CIN grade III. The analysis revealed that 12% of the samples had CIN cytology and presence of HPV. Approximately 31% had HPV without cervical dysplasia, while 8% of samples were CIN positive without HPV infection. A statistically significant relationship between HPV 16 and HPV 33 positive samples and CIN grade II and III was found. Conclusions: Overall, this study will help to strengthen and guide health policy implementation of primary and secondary cervical cancer prevention strategies in Kazakhstan.2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync nd/4.0/).
Open Access
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SCREENING, EARLY IDENTIFICATION AND INTERVENTION PROGRAMMES FOR CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: PROTOCOL FOR A SCOPING REVIEW
(BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP, 2021) Okpechi, Ikechi G; Caskey, Fergus J; Gaipov, Abduzhappar; Tannor, Elliot K; Hamonic, Laura N; Ashuntantang, Gloria; Donner, Jo-Ann; Figueiredo, Ana; Inagi, Reiko; Madero, Magdalena; Malik, Charu; Moorthy, Monica; Pecoits-Filho, Roberto; Tesar, Vladimir; Levin, Adeera; Jha, Vivekanand
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major threat to public health, especially in low-income and lower middle-income countries, where resources for treating patients with advanced CKD are scarce. Although early CKD identification and intervention hold promise for reducing the burden of CKD and risk factors, it remains unclear if an uniform strategy can be applicable across all income groups. The aim of this scoping review is to synthesise available evidence on early CKD identification programmes in all world regions and income groups. The study will also identify efforts that have been made to use interventions and implementation of early identification programmes for CKD across countries and income groups. Methods and analysis This review will be guided by the methodological framework for conducting scoping studies developed by Arksey and O’Malley. Empirical (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science and PsycINFO) and grey literature references will be searched to identify studies on CKD screening, early identification and interventions across all populations. Two reviewers will independently screen references in consecutive stages of title/abstract screening and then full-text screening. We will use a general descriptive overview, tabular summaries and content analysis on extracted data. Ethics and dissemination The findings from our planned scoping review will enable us to identify items in early identification programmes that can be used in developing screening toolkits for CKD. We will disseminate our findings using traditional approaches that include open access peer-reviewed publication, scientific presentations and a white paper (call to action) report. Ethical approval will not be required for this scoping review as the data will be extracted from already published studies
Open Access
Assessment of Risk Factors of Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Peptic Ulcer Disease
(Journal of Global Infectious Diseases, 2013) Mhaskar, Rahul S.; Ricardo, Izurieta; Azizan, Azliyati; Laxminarayan, Rajaram; Amol, Bapaye; Santosh, Walujkar; Boo, Kwa
Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a risk factor for peptic ulcer. There have been no studies addressing environmental and dietary risk factors in western India. We conducted a case control study enrolling peptic ulcer patients in Pune, India. Materials and Methods: Risk factors for peptic ulcer and H. pylori infection were assessed in a participant interview. H. pylori status was assessed from stool by monoclonal antigen detection. Results: We enrolled 190 peptic ulcer, 35 stomach cancer patients, and 125 controls. Fifty-one percent (180/350) of the participants were infected with H. pylori. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) [odds ratio (OR): 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.39], meat consumption (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.30-4.23), smoking (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.24-4.02), eating restaurant food (OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 1.39-10.23), and drinking nonfiltered or nonboiled water (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.23) were risk factors for H. pylori infection. H. pylori infection (OR: 1.70, 95% CI:I. 03-2.89), meat (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02-1.75), fish (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.89) consumption, and a family history of ulcer (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.08-1.60) were risk factors for peptic ulcer. Consumption of chili peppers (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.10-0.37) and parasite infestation (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.24-0.80) were protective against H. pylori infection. Conclusion: H. pylori infection is associated with peptic ulcer. Lower SES, consumption of restaurant food, meat, nonfiltered water, and smoking are risk factors for H. pylori. Consumption of meat, fish, and a family history of peptic ulcer are risk factors for peptic ulcer. Consumption of chili peppers and concurrent parasite infestation appear to be protective against H. pylori.