Background: Tooth loss results in impaired mastication, which in turn, makes it difficult to chew hard food, consequently leading to deteriorate dietary habits and to develop hypertension. The purpose of this study wa...Background: Tooth loss results in impaired mastication, which in turn, makes it difficult to chew hard food, consequently leading to deteriorate dietary habits and to develop hypertension. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of tooth loss on blood pressure among Congolese population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 until December 2023 among Congolese population aged at least 30 years reporting to the living in DR Congo. All participants were enrolled from Dental Clinic located in the DR Congo. To be eligible to participate in the study, were the willing to participate and having signed informed consent;had a missing tooth;had carried out blood pressure measurement (hypertension/normotensive). The exclusion criteria were determined: being less than 30 years old, being pregnant for women considering the risk of existing gestational hypertension, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and diabetes. Hypertension was defined as the mean of three measurements of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (140 mmHg or higher), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (90 mm or higher) or physician diagnosed hypertension confirmed from medical records. We determined the number of tooth loss from oral examination. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate the effect of tooth loss on blood pressure. Results: In all, 25,396 participants were enrolled among Congolese population for this study. After oral examination, 13,421 were excluded for no tooth loss and 11,975 participants were selected. The average number of tooth loss among study population was 11.06. Among the participants with hypertension had lost an average of 11 teeth, significantly higher than those without hypertension (6.09) (p = 0.001). After adjusting for covariates (socio-demographic characteristics), tooth loss (>10) was significantly associated with hypertension, with OR = 1.32 (95% CI 1.073 - 2.38). Conclusion: Tooth loss maybe associated with severe hypertension among Congolese population adults. Prevention of tooth loss is very important to the overall health of this population.展开更多
Background:The efficacy of balloon angioplasty for treating peripheral artery disease is influenced by various factors,some of them not yet totally understood.This study aimed to evaluate the role of elastin content i...Background:The efficacy of balloon angioplasty for treating peripheral artery disease is influenced by various factors,some of them not yet totally understood.This study aimed to evaluate the role of elastin content in vascular responses 28 days postangioplasty using uncoated and paclitaxel-coated balloons with the same platform in femoral arteries of a healthy porcine model.Methods:Eight animals underwent balloon angioplasty on the external and internal branches of femoral arteries.Histopathologic evaluation was conducted at follow-up to assess the elastin content,vascular damage,morphological features,and neointimal formation.Results:The elastin content was significantly higher in the external than in the internal femoral artery(p=0.0014).After balloon angioplasty,it was inversely correlated with vascular injury score(ρ=−0.4510,p=0.0096),neointimal inflammation(ρ=−0.3352,p=0.0607),transmural(ρ=−0.4474,p=0.0103)and circumferential(ρ=−0.4591,p=0.0082)smooth muscle cell loss,presence of proteoglycans(ρ=−0.5172,p=0.0024),fibrin deposition(ρ=−0.3496,p=0.0499),and adventitial fibrosis(ρ=−0.6229,p=0.0002).Neointimal formation inhibition with paclitaxel was evident only in arteries with disruption of the internal elastic lamina,with a significant smaller neointimal area in arteries treated with paclitaxel-coated balloons compared to uncoated balloons(median[Q1–Q3]:10.25[7.49–15.64]vs.24.44[18.96–30.52],p=0.0434).Conclusions:Elastin content varies between branches of the femoral artery and significantly influences the integrity of the internal elastic lamina,the vessel's adaptive response,and paclitaxel efficacy after balloon angioplasty.展开更多
The optimal development,function,and maintenance of the central nervous system(CNS)are determined by the dynamic and continuous crosstalk between its components.Neurons and glial cells,the cellular constituents of the...The optimal development,function,and maintenance of the central nervous system(CNS)are determined by the dynamic and continuous crosstalk between its components.Neurons and glial cells,the cellular constituents of the CNS,orchestrate a wide range of essential activities(Allen and Lyons,2018).Notably,glial cells,which outnumber neurons,constitute the major population within the CNS.This population comprises astrocytes,microglia,oligodendrocytes,and ependymal cells,each fulfilling specialized functions that contribute to neural homeostasis and overall CNS integrity.Astrocytes are pivotal in preserving structural and functional integrity through the regulation of synaptic function,the clearance of neurotransmitters,and ion balance.Moreover,they provide metabolic support to neurons.展开更多
Maternal cigarette smoking may affect the intrauterine hormonal environment during pregnancy and this early fetal exposure may have detrimental effects on the future trajectory of reproductive health. In this review, ...Maternal cigarette smoking may affect the intrauterine hormonal environment during pregnancy and this early fetal exposure may have detrimental effects on the future trajectory of reproductive health. In this review, we discuss the epidemiological literature on the association between prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking and several aspects of reproductive health. The literature points towards an increased risk of the urogenital malformation cryptorchidism, but a potential protective effect on the risk of hypospadias in sons following prenatal cigarette smoking exposure. Studies on sexual maturation find a tendency towards accelerated pubertal development in exposed boys and girls. In adult life, prenatally exposed men have impaired semen quality compared with unexposed individuals, but an influence on fecundability, that is, the biological ability to reproduce, is less evident. We found no evidence to support an association between prenatal cigarette smoking exposure and testicular cancer. Among adult daughters, research is sparse and inconsistent, but exposure to cigarette smoking in utero may decrease fecundability. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to cigarette smoking may cause some long-term adverse effects on the reproductive health.展开更多
The overall level of health literacy （HL） in China in 2013 stood at 9.48% , contrasting the rural level of 6.92% with theurban level of 13.80%.Hae level of t tI, in Eastern China was 12.81%, while it was 6.93% in We...The overall level of health literacy （HL） in China in 2013 stood at 9.48% , contrasting the rural level of 6.92% with theurban level of 13.80%.Hae level of t tI, in Eastern China was 12.81%, while it was 6.93% in West China and 7.10% in Cenlxal China Region.The level of III, lbr female was 9.73%, higher than the male level of 9.23%. In addition, the tlL rates of health knowledge and concept, healfla skills, mad health life-style and behaviors was 20.42%, 12.47% and 10.62% respectively. The HI, rates of chronic diseases prevention, infectious diseases prevention, basic medical care, alty mad llrst aid, scientilic healthconcept, and health inlbnnation was respectively 11.59%, 17.12%, 8.30%, 43.53%, 32.12% and 18.46%. The results suggest that the level of health literacy of Chhaese urban and rural residents is low, but still differs substantially across different areas and sub-populations.展开更多
We are writing in response to the article titled“Addressing the needs and rights of sex workers for HIV healthcare services in the Philippines”[1].The article calls for attention on the significant challenges faced ...We are writing in response to the article titled“Addressing the needs and rights of sex workers for HIV healthcare services in the Philippines”[1].The article calls for attention on the significant challenges faced by sex workers in the Philippines in accessing HIV healthcare.We appreciate the article’s effort to examine these issues in depth.We would like to present a constant flow of thoughts in this letter while highlighting the positive aspects,potential obstacles,and additional points that contribute to this ongoing discussion.展开更多
Background: Persons living with severe mental illness (SMI) which includes schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and recurrent major depressive disorder are predisposed to risky sexual behavior (RSB). There is a p...Background: Persons living with severe mental illness (SMI) which includes schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and recurrent major depressive disorder are predisposed to risky sexual behavior (RSB). There is a paucity of data on this problem in sub-Saharan Africa and where research has been undertaken, only a limited range of risk factors have been considered and most of it was undertaken before antiretroviral therapy was universally available, hence the need for this study. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with risky sexual behavior among individuals with SMI attending care in central and south western Uganda. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 393 persons with SMI attending two psychiatric out-patient facilities in Uganda. Psychiatric disorder was confirmed using MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview version 7.2. RSB was defined as engaging in at least one of four risky sexual behaviours that have been associated with HIV infection in the Ugandan psychosocial environment in the last three months using an 8 item RSB questionnaire used for assessment of RSB. Prevalence of RSB and associated correlates were determined using multiple logistic regression. Results: The Prevalence of RSB in last 3 months’ periods was 24.2% (95% CI: 20.2% - 28.7%). The factors that were independently significantly associated with RSB were: trauma related (history of childhood trauma, past and current sexual abuse, past and current physical abuse) current psychosocial challenges (mental health stigma) and psychiatric illness factors (history of a past manic episode, current psychotic episode, severity of depressive symptoms and severity of manic symptoms). Conclusions: One quarter of clinic attending respondents with severe mental illness in Uganda practice risky sexual behaviour. Factors associated with risky sexual behaviour fall under the domains of past and present trauma, current psychosocial challenges and psychiatric illness factors. This calls for a multi-sectoral approach that includes community awareness about the nature of SMI and the rights of persons with SMI and measures to improve Psychiatric symptom management.展开更多
The knowledge on rabbit welfare may be improved by the use of correct tools for monitoring the different aspects of rabbit industrial farming. Therefore, the aim of this study was to define parameters related to healt...The knowledge on rabbit welfare may be improved by the use of correct tools for monitoring the different aspects of rabbit industrial farming. Therefore, the aim of this study was to define parameters related to health and welfare of animals in industrial farms with intensive husbandry. Health, management, environmental and productive parameters were firstly characterized and then a protocol to assess welfare of rabbits was define. The research was conducted on 8 industrial farms from 2004 to 2007 and around 30 inspections were done in each farm. At each visit, the health conditions were established by： （1） necropsy on animals of different productive category; （2） specific laboratory investigations based on the lesions observed; （3） checking the presence of parasites in environmental faecal samples; （4） bacteriological examination of vaginal, nasal and rectal swabs of rabbit of different age. The immune conditions and the efficacy of vaccinations were measured by determining anti-Myxomatosis and anti-Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease antibodies using competitive ELISAs, and anti-Encephalitozoon cunicoli antibodies by immunocarbonassay. The environmental conditions were evaluated by measuring air temperature, relative humidity, ammonia concentration and bacterial/fungal count. Finally the productive parameters were also recorded and elaborated. All the entered values were then utilized for defining a score system to establish health and welfare conditions.展开更多
文摘Background: Tooth loss results in impaired mastication, which in turn, makes it difficult to chew hard food, consequently leading to deteriorate dietary habits and to develop hypertension. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of tooth loss on blood pressure among Congolese population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 until December 2023 among Congolese population aged at least 30 years reporting to the living in DR Congo. All participants were enrolled from Dental Clinic located in the DR Congo. To be eligible to participate in the study, were the willing to participate and having signed informed consent;had a missing tooth;had carried out blood pressure measurement (hypertension/normotensive). The exclusion criteria were determined: being less than 30 years old, being pregnant for women considering the risk of existing gestational hypertension, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and diabetes. Hypertension was defined as the mean of three measurements of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (140 mmHg or higher), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (90 mm or higher) or physician diagnosed hypertension confirmed from medical records. We determined the number of tooth loss from oral examination. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate the effect of tooth loss on blood pressure. Results: In all, 25,396 participants were enrolled among Congolese population for this study. After oral examination, 13,421 were excluded for no tooth loss and 11,975 participants were selected. The average number of tooth loss among study population was 11.06. Among the participants with hypertension had lost an average of 11 teeth, significantly higher than those without hypertension (6.09) (p = 0.001). After adjusting for covariates (socio-demographic characteristics), tooth loss (>10) was significantly associated with hypertension, with OR = 1.32 (95% CI 1.073 - 2.38). Conclusion: Tooth loss maybe associated with severe hypertension among Congolese population adults. Prevention of tooth loss is very important to the overall health of this population.
基金iVascular,S.L.U.,Camíde Can Ubach,11–Nave 3,08620 Sant Vicençdels Horts,Barcelona,Spain。
文摘Background:The efficacy of balloon angioplasty for treating peripheral artery disease is influenced by various factors,some of them not yet totally understood.This study aimed to evaluate the role of elastin content in vascular responses 28 days postangioplasty using uncoated and paclitaxel-coated balloons with the same platform in femoral arteries of a healthy porcine model.Methods:Eight animals underwent balloon angioplasty on the external and internal branches of femoral arteries.Histopathologic evaluation was conducted at follow-up to assess the elastin content,vascular damage,morphological features,and neointimal formation.Results:The elastin content was significantly higher in the external than in the internal femoral artery(p=0.0014).After balloon angioplasty,it was inversely correlated with vascular injury score(ρ=−0.4510,p=0.0096),neointimal inflammation(ρ=−0.3352,p=0.0607),transmural(ρ=−0.4474,p=0.0103)and circumferential(ρ=−0.4591,p=0.0082)smooth muscle cell loss,presence of proteoglycans(ρ=−0.5172,p=0.0024),fibrin deposition(ρ=−0.3496,p=0.0499),and adventitial fibrosis(ρ=−0.6229,p=0.0002).Neointimal formation inhibition with paclitaxel was evident only in arteries with disruption of the internal elastic lamina,with a significant smaller neointimal area in arteries treated with paclitaxel-coated balloons compared to uncoated balloons(median[Q1–Q3]:10.25[7.49–15.64]vs.24.44[18.96–30.52],p=0.0434).Conclusions:Elastin content varies between branches of the femoral artery and significantly influences the integrity of the internal elastic lamina,the vessel's adaptive response,and paclitaxel efficacy after balloon angioplasty.
基金supported by Linea D.1.2023-24 UniversitàCattolica del S.Cuore(to MTV).
文摘The optimal development,function,and maintenance of the central nervous system(CNS)are determined by the dynamic and continuous crosstalk between its components.Neurons and glial cells,the cellular constituents of the CNS,orchestrate a wide range of essential activities(Allen and Lyons,2018).Notably,glial cells,which outnumber neurons,constitute the major population within the CNS.This population comprises astrocytes,microglia,oligodendrocytes,and ependymal cells,each fulfilling specialized functions that contribute to neural homeostasis and overall CNS integrity.Astrocytes are pivotal in preserving structural and functional integrity through the regulation of synaptic function,the clearance of neurotransmitters,and ion balance.Moreover,they provide metabolic support to neurons.
文摘Maternal cigarette smoking may affect the intrauterine hormonal environment during pregnancy and this early fetal exposure may have detrimental effects on the future trajectory of reproductive health. In this review, we discuss the epidemiological literature on the association between prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking and several aspects of reproductive health. The literature points towards an increased risk of the urogenital malformation cryptorchidism, but a potential protective effect on the risk of hypospadias in sons following prenatal cigarette smoking exposure. Studies on sexual maturation find a tendency towards accelerated pubertal development in exposed boys and girls. In adult life, prenatally exposed men have impaired semen quality compared with unexposed individuals, but an influence on fecundability, that is, the biological ability to reproduce, is less evident. We found no evidence to support an association between prenatal cigarette smoking exposure and testicular cancer. Among adult daughters, research is sparse and inconsistent, but exposure to cigarette smoking in utero may decrease fecundability. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to cigarette smoking may cause some long-term adverse effects on the reproductive health.
文摘The overall level of health literacy （HL） in China in 2013 stood at 9.48% , contrasting the rural level of 6.92% with theurban level of 13.80%.Hae level of t tI, in Eastern China was 12.81%, while it was 6.93% in West China and 7.10% in Cenlxal China Region.The level of III, lbr female was 9.73%, higher than the male level of 9.23%. In addition, the tlL rates of health knowledge and concept, healfla skills, mad health life-style and behaviors was 20.42%, 12.47% and 10.62% respectively. The HI, rates of chronic diseases prevention, infectious diseases prevention, basic medical care, alty mad llrst aid, scientilic healthconcept, and health inlbnnation was respectively 11.59%, 17.12%, 8.30%, 43.53%, 32.12% and 18.46%. The results suggest that the level of health literacy of Chhaese urban and rural residents is low, but still differs substantially across different areas and sub-populations.
文摘We are writing in response to the article titled“Addressing the needs and rights of sex workers for HIV healthcare services in the Philippines”[1].The article calls for attention on the significant challenges faced by sex workers in the Philippines in accessing HIV healthcare.We appreciate the article’s effort to examine these issues in depth.We would like to present a constant flow of thoughts in this letter while highlighting the positive aspects,potential obstacles,and additional points that contribute to this ongoing discussion.
文摘Background: Persons living with severe mental illness (SMI) which includes schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and recurrent major depressive disorder are predisposed to risky sexual behavior (RSB). There is a paucity of data on this problem in sub-Saharan Africa and where research has been undertaken, only a limited range of risk factors have been considered and most of it was undertaken before antiretroviral therapy was universally available, hence the need for this study. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with risky sexual behavior among individuals with SMI attending care in central and south western Uganda. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 393 persons with SMI attending two psychiatric out-patient facilities in Uganda. Psychiatric disorder was confirmed using MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview version 7.2. RSB was defined as engaging in at least one of four risky sexual behaviours that have been associated with HIV infection in the Ugandan psychosocial environment in the last three months using an 8 item RSB questionnaire used for assessment of RSB. Prevalence of RSB and associated correlates were determined using multiple logistic regression. Results: The Prevalence of RSB in last 3 months’ periods was 24.2% (95% CI: 20.2% - 28.7%). The factors that were independently significantly associated with RSB were: trauma related (history of childhood trauma, past and current sexual abuse, past and current physical abuse) current psychosocial challenges (mental health stigma) and psychiatric illness factors (history of a past manic episode, current psychotic episode, severity of depressive symptoms and severity of manic symptoms). Conclusions: One quarter of clinic attending respondents with severe mental illness in Uganda practice risky sexual behaviour. Factors associated with risky sexual behaviour fall under the domains of past and present trauma, current psychosocial challenges and psychiatric illness factors. This calls for a multi-sectoral approach that includes community awareness about the nature of SMI and the rights of persons with SMI and measures to improve Psychiatric symptom management.
文摘The knowledge on rabbit welfare may be improved by the use of correct tools for monitoring the different aspects of rabbit industrial farming. Therefore, the aim of this study was to define parameters related to health and welfare of animals in industrial farms with intensive husbandry. Health, management, environmental and productive parameters were firstly characterized and then a protocol to assess welfare of rabbits was define. The research was conducted on 8 industrial farms from 2004 to 2007 and around 30 inspections were done in each farm. At each visit, the health conditions were established by： （1） necropsy on animals of different productive category; （2） specific laboratory investigations based on the lesions observed; （3） checking the presence of parasites in environmental faecal samples; （4） bacteriological examination of vaginal, nasal and rectal swabs of rabbit of different age. The immune conditions and the efficacy of vaccinations were measured by determining anti-Myxomatosis and anti-Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease antibodies using competitive ELISAs, and anti-Encephalitozoon cunicoli antibodies by immunocarbonassay. The environmental conditions were evaluated by measuring air temperature, relative humidity, ammonia concentration and bacterial/fungal count. Finally the productive parameters were also recorded and elaborated. All the entered values were then utilized for defining a score system to establish health and welfare conditions.
