Prevalence and distribution of human papillomavirus genotypes among women attending gynecology clinics in northern Henan Province of China

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can cause cervical and other cancers, including vulva, vagina, penis, anus, or oropharynx. However, in China's northern Henan Province, data on the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV among women attending gynecology clinics is limited. This study aimed to investigate the current prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV among women attending gynecology clinics in northern Henan Province. Methods This study included 15,616 women aged 16–81 years old who visited the Xinxiang central hospital's gynecology department between January 2018 and December 2019. HPV DNA was detected by a conventional PCR method followed by HPV type-specific hybridization, which was designed to detect 17 high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes and 20 low-risk HPV (LR-HPV) genotypes. HPV prevalence and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using SPSS 18.0. Results The overall HPV prevalence was 19.7% among women in northern Henan Province. Single, double, and multiple HPV infections accounted for 13.7%, 4.3%, and 1.8% of the total cases. Most infections were caused by HR-HPV (71.8%), and single genotype HPV infection (13.7%) was the most common pattern. The most common HR-HPV genotype was HPV16 (4.3%), followed by HPV52 (3.5%) and HPV58 (2.0%). The most common LR-HPV genotype was HPV6 (1.4%), followed by HPV61 (1.1%) and HPV81 (1.1%). Conclusions HPV infection is high among women attending gynecology clinics in northern Henan Province. The highest prevalence was found in women less than 20 years old. In northern Henan Province, the 9-valent HPV vaccine is strongly recommended for regular immunization.

Prevalence of Swine Nematodes in Moscow, Russia

To continue the fight against pig helminthiasis, a detailed analysis of the current prevalence of nematodes in these productive animals is required. The assessment of the material after the technological slaughter of pigs kept in the Moscow region revealed the presence of parasitization in their intestines of four nematodes (Ascaris suum, Metastrongylus spp., Trichocephalus spp., Strongyloides spp.) In the form of monoinvasion and any combination thereof. The total infestation of pigs with intestinal nematodes was 55.24%. Trichocytic invasion (Trichocephalus spp.) Occurred in pigs most often (23.77%), ascarous invasion (Ascaris suum) reached 22.38%, strongyloid invasion (Strongyloides spp.) Was noted in 9.09% of cases, metastrongylous (Metastrongylus spp.) was present in 1.75% of cases. In conditions of an increase in the severity of monoinvasion, the size of helminth eggs decreased in Trichuris: size in length by 5.9%, size in width by 7.4%, in Ascaris: length by 4.9%, width by 4.6%, in strongulata eggs a decrease in size is also noted. In the case of mixed Ascaris-Metastrongylous invasion, there was a clear antagonistic relationship, manifested in a decrease in the size of Ascaris eggs. The size of the eggs of Trichuris in the case of an invasion mixed with Ascaris decreased, which is apparently associated with the development of antagonism between them. Comparative analysis of information on the prevalence of nematodes in pigs in farms of the Moscow region and their size can help to increase the effectiveness of treatment and prophylactic measures against helminthiasis, and can be taken into account in the course of further examination of pigs in the Moscow.

High Prevalence and Early Onsets: Legal and Illegal Substance Use in an Urban Cohort of Young Adults in Switzerland

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Debates about the legalization of illegal substances (e.g., cannabis) continue around the globe. A key consideration in these debates is the adequate protection of young people, which could be informed by current prevalence and age-of-onset patterns. For Switzerland, such information is limited, which is particularly true for women, despite advanced political efforts to legalize cannabis. The objective of the current study was to investigate substance use prevalence rates and ages of onset in a community-representative sample of female and male young adults in Switzerland. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Data came from the Zurich Project on the Social Development from Childhood to Adulthood (z-proso). In 2018, participants (<i>N</i> = 1,180, 50.8% females) were ∼20 years old. Lifetime and past-year use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabinoids, stimulants, hallucinogens, opioids, and benzodiazepines were assessed with an extensive substance use questionnaire. Additionally, ages of onsets of the respective substances were estimated by averaging participants’ self-reported ages of onsets from ages 13 to 20 (max. 4 assessments). <b><i>Results:</i></b> 57% of 20-year-olds had used cannabinoids, 16% stimulants, 15% opioids (mostly codeine), and 8% hallucinogens in the past year. Males had higher prevalence than females for most drugs; nevertheless, females’ prevalence rates were notably high. Legal substance use was typically initiated 1.3–2.7 years before legal selling age. Thus, almost half of the sample had consumed alcohol and tobacco by age 14. More than 40% of the total sample had smoked cannabis by age 16. Males initiated use of legal substances and cannabis earlier than females. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> Our recent community-representative data suggested unexpectedly high levels and early onsets of substance use compared to a previous Swiss surveys and also the European average. Drug policy debates should consider urban substance use patterns when considering legalization efforts.

Prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among under-five age children in Shanan gibe hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

Background Anemia is a major health problem in the worldwide. Because of health and socioeconomic problems, the prevalence of anemia is higher in developing countries. However, there was a limited finding in our study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among under-five age children in Shanan Gibe Hospital (SGH), Southwest Ethiopia. Methods Institution based cross sectional study was conducted at SGH, Ethiopia using consecutive convenient sampling technique during 1 January to 30 April, 2021. Data was collected by interviewing and capillary blood was taken from the fingertip for hemoglobin determination by using HaemoCue digital photometer. Additionally, stool sample was processed using wet mount and formal-ether concentration technique. Then after, the data were entered to Epidata version 3.1 and analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Factors associated with anaemia were assessed by bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model by considering P < 0.05 as statistical significance. Results A total of 368 under five children were recruited to the study and the current prevalence of anemia was 48.9%. Of this anemia, 25.0% mild, 15.8% moderate and 8.2% were severely anemic. More ever, being rural resident (AOR = 6.11; 95% CI = 1.49–8.99, P = 0.002), family low income (AOR = 6.27, 95% CI = 1.35–11.43, P = 0.004), family size greater than five (AOR = 3.12; 95% CI =1.47–7.11, P = 0.002) and intestinal parasite infections such as Enteameoba histolytica (AOR =3.37; 95%CI = 2.16–11.31, P = 0.005), Hookworm (AOR = 6.09; 95%CI = 2.37–11.56, P = 0.001), and Trichuris trichuria (AOR = 2.79; 95%CI = 1.45–9.13, P = 0.002) (P < 0.05) were factors significantly associated with anemia among under five children. Conclusion The current prevalence of anemia among under five age children is relatively high. On the other hand, the rural residence, large family size, low family income, infection with Enteameoba histolytica, hookworm and Trichuris trichuria were the identified factors associated with anemia among under five children. Therefore, there should be massive and routine deworming program in addition to imperative targeting anemia prevention, and nutritional supplementation to reduce the burden of anemia.

Low Branched Chain Amino Acids and Tyrosine in Thai Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated with Metformin and Metformin-Sulfonylurea Combination Therapies

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health challenge for Thailand (current prevalence ~10.0%). Amino acids offer novel biomarkers to predict risk of T2DM and indicate sub-optimal disease management, which could facilitate earlier treatment. We studied amino acid profiles in a Thai cohort comprising of individuals with T2DM (n = 65 single-drug-treated; n = 38 multi-drug-treated) compared to healthy controls (n = 104) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Age and BMI were significantly lower in the healthy controls compared to the single or multi-treated T2DM groups. The BCAA (leucine and valine) were significantly lower in the single and multi-treated T2DM groups compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) and isoleucine was significantly lower in the single-treated compared to the healthy controls (p = 0.014). These findings beg the question whether BCAAs supplementation be beneficial in T2DM patients treated with single or multi-drug therapy? Tyrosine was significantly lower in the single and multi-treated T2DM groups compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002), whereas phenylalanine was significantly higher in the multi-treated T2DM group compared to the single treated T2DM group (p = 0.045). We provide novel insights into the effects of diabetes treatments on these amino acids in insulin resistant states such as T2DM in a unique but understudied Thai population.

Cell and Cell Free Therapies in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular disease in adults and has a current prevalence of 12% in the population over 65 years old. This chronic disease causes damage to articular cartilage and synovial joints, causing pain and leading to a negative impact on patients’ function, decreasing quality of life. There are many limitations regarding OA conventional therapies—pharmacological therapy can cause gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiac adverse effects, and some of them could even be a threat to life. On the other hand, surgical options, such as microfracture, have been used for the last 20 years, but hyaline cartilage has a limited regeneration capacity. In recent years, the interest in new therapies, such as cell-based and cell-free therapies, has been considerably increasing. The purpose of this review is to describe and compare bioregenerative therapies’ efficacy for OA, with particular emphasis on the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In OA, these therapies might be an alternative and less invasive treatment than surgery, and a more effective option than conventional therapies.

Pathogens with potential impact on reproduction in captive and free-ranging European bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland - a serological survey

Background The European bison is an endangered species, and as such it is extremely important to monitor herds for pathogens which can lead to reproductive failure. The aim of the present study was to determine the current prevalence of antibodies to pathogens known to potentially influence reproduction in European bison. Serum samples from 183 bison, originating from different parts of Poland, were tested using commercial ELISA tests for antibodies to Chlamydia spp., Coxiella burnetti, Leptospira interrogans, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii; the findings were compared between captive and main free-ranging herds, and with regard to the influence of demographic factors such as age and sex. The prevalence of seropositivity was also checked with regard to location and the animal species sharing it. Results Chlamydia spp. antibodies were present in 48 out of 130 (36.9%) tested samples. Coxiella burnetii was found in one sample out of 178 (0.58%). N. caninum in 36 out of 172 (20.9%) and T. gondii in 23 out of 172 (13.4%). No sample was positive for leptospirosis. Neither sex nor age appeared to have a significant effect on the occurrence of antibodies to the identified species. The prevalence of Chlamydia spp. in the samples varied significantly according to location; however, similar frequency ranges were observed between free ranging and captive herds. In contrast, antibodies to N. caninum were more common in free-ranging herds than captive herds, with the highest frequency observed in the Bieszczady Mountains. Conclusions Chlamydia spp., N. caninum and T. gondii might have a similar impact on the reproductive potential of European bison as they have on cattle. The high occurrence of antibodies to N. caninum in bison from the Bieszczady Mountains may be associated with the relatively high density of the wolf population in the area.

Plasmids Shape the Current Prevalence of tmexCD1-toprJ1 among Klebsiella pneumoniae in Food Production Chains

Tigecycline, the first member of the glycylcycline class of antibacterial agents, is frequently used to treat complicated infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The emergence of a novel plasmid-mediated efflux pump, TmexCD1-ToprJ1, conferring resistance to multiple antimicrobials, including tigecycline, poses a huge risk to human health.

Pediatric unilateral spatial neglect: A systematic review

PURPOSE: Unilateral spatial neglect (USN), an inability to attend to one side of space or one’s body, is commonly reported in adult stroke survivors and is associated with poor outcomes. USN has been reported in pediatric survivors of stroke, but its impact is unclear. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize and evaluate the literature regarding USN in pediatric stroke survivors. METHODS: PRISMA guidelines, Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, and other relevant databases were searched with terms including “children”, “stroke”, and “unilateral neglect”, with the ages of participants limited from to birth to 18 years. Data were extracted from studies on the clinical presentation of pediatric USN, the assessment of this condition, treatment options, or USN recovery. RESULTS: A total of 18 articles met inclusion criteria. There were no current prevalence data available. USN presents similarly in children compared to adults. Several different USN assessments were used, however, there were little data regarding treatment options. Furthermore, the data suggest that not all children fully recover. CONCLUSION: This systematic review reveals a lack of quality research to inform the assessment and treatment of children with USN. Although the literature spans decades, there remain no guidelines for standardized assessment or treatment. Similar to adults, paper-and-pencil testing may be less able to identify USN than functional assessments. It is likely that there are children who struggle with undetected USN-related deficits years after their injuries. With a rise of pediatric stroke survivors, there is a pressing need for clinicians to be educated about USN in children, clinical presentations, assessments, and treatments.

99Increasing prevalence of primary biliary cholangitis in Victoria, Australia

Background The prevalence of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) reported in different countries varies significantly and in some parts of the world appears to be increasing. The aim of this study was to determine the 2013 prevalence of PBC in Victoria, Australia, and to determine the time trend by comparing it with previous studies undertaken in 1991 and 2002. Methods Four case-finding methods were used to identify cases of PBC in Victoria: (1) physicians’ survey; (2) tertiary hospital search; (3) liver transplant database search; and (4) private pathology antimitochondrial antibody search. Results The prevalence of PBC in Victoria, Australia, is 189.0 per million using all four methods. The average annual increase in prevalence from 1991 to 2013 was 7.7 per million per year. Using the same case-finding methods as the 1991 Victorian prevalence study (methods 1 and 2), the prevalence of PBC increased from 19.1 per million in 1991 to 49.4 per million in 2002 (P &lt; 0.001) and to 80.7 per million in 2013 (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions The current prevalence of PBC in Victoria is significantly higher than previously reported. The use of private pathology-based case-finding methods is important in identifying the maximum number of PBC cases. Key messages PBC prevalence in Victoria increased significantly since previous surveys, to 189 per million persons. Including pathology-based case ascertainment yields improved identification of cases.