• Enemark Duckworth posted an update 4 days, 13 hours ago

    Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV disproportionately affect young persons; gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and transgender women; persons of colour; and the U.S. CP690550 South. Complex issues contribute to these high STI/HIV rates. Our community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership conducted a community-driven needs assessment to inform an intervention addressing STI/HIV disparities and related social determinants of health (SDH) among young GBMSM and transgender women of colour in a high-incidence STI/HIV community in North Carolina. In 2018, in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 community members and 29 community organisation representatives to explore needs, priorities and assets. Interview data were analysed using constant comparison, an approach to grounded theory, and an empowerment theory-based planning process was used to develop multilevel intervention strategies based on findings. Thirteen themes emerged from the interviews that were organised into fiveervention focused on health disparities and SDH among young GBMSM and transgender women of colour in the U.S. South.

    Disease-modifying therapies provide new horizons for hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy (ATTRv-PN) to slow neuropathic progression. Initiating treatment at the earliest time requires biomarkers reflecting both small- and large-fiber degeneration in carriers.

    This study included examinations of pathology (intraepidermal nerve fiber [IENF] density), physiology (nerve conduction studies, autonomic function test, and nerve excitability), and psychophysics (thermal thresholds) in carriers to compare to healthy controls and asymptomatic diabetic patients.

    There were 43 carriers (44.2±11.4years, p.Ala117Ser in 42 carriers), 43 controls (43.4±12.7years) including 26 noncarrier families, and 50 asymptomatic diabetic patients (58.1±9.5years). Carriers had lower IENF densities than controls and similar densities as diabetic patients. Median nerve conduction parameters, especially distal motor latency, were the most frequent neurophysiological abnormality in carriers, could differentiate carris surrogate signatures of small- and large-fiber impairment. Combination of median distal motor latency and IENF density can reflect early neuropathy in carriers.Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent form of bone cancer. It has a high metastatic potential and progresses rapidly. The molecular mechanisms of OS remain unclear and this study aims to examine the functional role of circPVT1 and miR-423-5p in OS. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to examine levels of miR-423-5p, circPVT1, Wnt5a, Ror2, and glycolysis-related proteins, including HK2, PKM2, GLUT1, and LDHA. Colony formation and transwell assays were used to test the roles of miR-423-5p, circPVT1, and Wnt5a/Ror2 in OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Dual luciferase assay and Ago2-RIP were used to validate the interactions of miR-423-5p/Wnt5a, miR-423-5p/Ror2, and circPVT1/miR-423-5p. Glucose uptake assay and measurement of lactate production were performed to assess the glycolysis process. A nude mouse xenograft model was used to evaluate the effects of sh-circPVT1 and miR-423-5p mimics on tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. miR-423-5p was reduced in both OS tissues and OS cell lines, while Wnt5a/Ror2 and circPVT1 were elevated. miR-423-5p bound to 3′-UTR of Wnt5a and Ror2 mRNA, and inhibited glycolysis and OS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting Wnt5a and Ror2. circPVT1 interacted with miR-423-5p and activated Wnt5a/Ror2 signaling by sponging miR-423-5p. Knockdown of circPVT1 or overexpression of miR-423-5p suppressed OS tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. miR-423-5p inhibited OS glycolysis, proliferation, migration, and metastasis by targeting and suppressing Wnt5a/Ror2 signaling pathway, while circPVT1 promoted those processes by acting as a sponge of miR-423-5p.

    To evaluate the diagnostic yield of investigations performed on patients with a history of urinary tract infections (UTI).

    A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent cystoscopy and imaging for a history of UTI between 2014 and 2019 in a single UK teaching hospital. Data were collected on demographics, cystoscopy and radiological findings requiring further management. The cohort was stratified by age, gender and a confirmed history of recurrent UTI (rUTI). The subsequent algorithm was re-tested in a second cohort to validate its use.

    Seven hundred patients were included in the primary analysis-427 female and 273 males. Three hundred and thirty-one met the criteria of rUTI. The median age was 64years (18-97). Imaging abnormalities were equally frequent in men 6.3% (15/241) and women 8% (30/380) and the majority noted in patients aged ≥55years, 30/45 (66.7%). Amongst those who did not meet the definition of rUTI, abnormal imaging was identified in 5%-7% regardless of age group and gende largest studies reporting the outcomes of investigations for UTI and rUTI. Our result suggests that imaging is a useful baseline assessment, but cystoscopy should be limited to specific subgroups. We propose and validate a simple decision algorithm to manage investigations for referrals for UTI in secondary care.Primary anorectal malignant melanoma (ARMM) is a rare, aggressive tumour that accounts for approximately 1.2% of all melanomas. This rare entity represents less than 5% of anorectal malignant tumours and 0.05-1% of all malignant colorectal neoplasms. The incidence increases with age while there is a higher prevalence in Caucasians. ARMM is often asymptomatic or presents with no disease-specific evidence so that it can mimic other rectal disorders, malignant or benign. Colonoscopy is obligatory as a diagnosing mean for ARMM. Furthermore, endoscopic ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can be utilized for the evaluation of tumour infiltration and lymph node metastases. Moreover, diagnostic establishment of ARMM requires an undeniable demonstration of essential melanocytic features in histology and immunohistochemistry. Even though the standard of treatment remains surgical resection, the choice between wide local excision and abdomino-perineal resection is still controversial. Recently, there have been recommendations regarding new techniques which could be utilized for the surgical treatment of ARMM.