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Introduction: Hypertension is a chronic condition of concern due to its role in the causation of coronary heart disease, stroke and other vascular complications. Objectives of this study were to find out prevalence of hypertension among adults of rural community and association between hypertension and its risk factors. Methodology: Cross sectional community-based study was done with a sample of 501 adults between 18 to 60 years of age including both men (244) and women (257). A pretested semi-structured proforma was used collect data by trained doctors. Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was found to be 32.13 %. Higher prevalence found among males (34%), age group 51-60 year (49.5%) and in class III SES (38.9%). Hypertension was found to be significantly associated with family history of hypertension (OR=2.41, CI= 1.50-3.80), smoking (OR= 1.78, CI=1.08-2.93), alcohol use (OR=1.8, CI=1.20-2.60), high salt intake (OR= 3.2, CI=1.80-5.45), junk food consumption (OR=2.40, CI=1.63-3.52), physical inactivity (OR=2.8, CI=1.90-4.14), overweight (OR=3.14, CI=2.11-4.66) and obesity (OR=3.78, CI=2.41-5.95). Conclusion: Increasing prevalence of hypertension in rural areas is major public health problem. Appropriate strategies are needed to create awareness regarding risk factors of hypertension.

Anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are common, and the incidence of anal cancer is high in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). To evaluate the performance of HPV assays in anal samples, we compared the cobas HPV test (cobas) to the Roche Linear Array HPV genotyping assay (LA) and cytology in HIV-infected MSM. Cytology and cobas and LA HPV testing were conducted for 342 subjects. We calculated agreement between the HPV assays and the clinical performance of HPV testing and HPV genotyping alone and in combination with anal cytology. We observed high agreement between cobas and LA, with cobas more likely than LA to show positive results for HPV16, HPV18, and other carcinogenic types. Specimens testing positive in cobas but not in LA were more likely to be positive for other markers of HPV-related disease compared to those testing negative in both assays, suggesting that at least some of these were true positives for HPV. cobas and LA showed high sensitivities but low specificities for the detection of anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 (AIN2/3) in this population (100% sensitivity and 26% specificity for cobas versus 98.4% sensitivity and 28.9% specificity for LA). A combination of anal cytology and HPV genotyping provided the highest accuracy for detecting anal precancer. A higher HPV load was associated with a higher risk of AIN2/3 with HPV16 (P(trend) < 0.001), HPV18 (P(trend) = 0.07), and other carcinogenic types (P(trend) < 0.001). We demonstrate that cobas can be used for HPV detection in anal cytology specimens. Additional tests are necessary to identify men at the highest risk of anal cancer among those infected with high-risk HPV.

Dynamic flux balance analysis (FBA) allows estimation of intracellular reaction rates using organism‐specific genome‐scale metabolic models (GSMM) and by assuming instantaneous pseudo‐steady states for processes that are inherently dynamic. This technique is well‐suited for industrial bioprocesses employing complex media characterized by a hierarchy of substrate uptake and product secretion. However, knowledge of exchange rates of many components of the media would be required to obtain meaningful results. Here, we performed spent media analysis using mass spectrometry coupled with liquid and gas chromatography for a fed‐batch, high‐cell density cultivation of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) expressing a recombinant protein. Time course measurements thus obtained for 246 metabolites were converted to instantaneous exchange rates. These were then used as constraints for dynamic FBA using a previously reported GSMM, thus providing insights into how the flux map evolves through the process. Changes in tri‐carboxylic acid cycle fluxes correlated with the increased demand for energy during recombinant protein production. The results show how amino acids act as hubs for the synthesis of other cellular metabolites. Our results provide a deeper understanding of an industrial bioprocess and will have implications in further optimizing the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundCarcinogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause a large proportion of anal cancers. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk of HPV infection and anal cancer compared with HIV-negative men. We evaluated risk factors for HPV infection and anal precancer in a population of HIV-infected MSM.MethodsOur study included 305 MSM at an HIV/AIDS clinic in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Health Maintenance Organization. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations of risk factors comparing men without anal HPV infection; men with anal HPV infection, but no precancer; and men with anal precancer.ResultsLow CD4 count (

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097911.].

BackgroundThe prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced anal cancer in high-risk populations such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) remains an urgent priority, given rising incidence rates despite widespread antiretroviral therapy use.MethodsHPV genotypes and anal disease prevalence, by cytology and histopathologic findings, were evaluated among 363 HIV-infected MSM. We modeled fractions of high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (HGAIN) attributable to individual carcinogenic HPV genotypes and estimated the range of the proportion of HGAIN cases potentially preventable by prophylactic HPV vaccines.ResultsHPV16 was the most common genotype overall (26.4% of cases) and among HGAIN cases (55%). Prevalence of multiple (≥ 2) carcinogenic HPV genotypes increased from 30.9% in cases of AIN grade

ObjectiveAnal cancer incidence is high in HIV-infected MSM. Screening for anal intraepithelial lesions and cancers is performed at specialized clinics and relies on high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) and anal cytology. Both approaches have limited reproducibility and sensitivity for detecting anal cancer precursors. We evaluated biomarkers for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related disease in a population of HIV-infected MSM.MethodsA cross-sectional screening study with passive follow-up included 363 MSM followed at a HIV/AIDS clinic. All men had anal cytology samples taken and were evaluated using HRA and anal biopsies. Using a composite endpoint of biopsy results and cytology, we compared the performance of HPV16/18 genotyping, HPVE6/E7 mRNA expression, and p16/Ki-67 cytology to detect high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasias (AINs).ResultsFor all biomarkers analyzed, there was a significant trend of increasing percentage of men testing positive with increasing severity of disease (P < 0.001). HPV DNA testing had the highest sensitivity for anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (AIN3), followed by p16/Ki-67, HPVE6/E7 mRNA testing, and HPV16/18 genotyping. The highest Youden's index was observed for HPVE6/E7 mRNA testing, followed by HPV16/18 genotyping, p16/Ki-67 cytology, and HPV DNA testing. Increasing the threshold for positivity of p16/Ki-67 to five or more positive cells led to significantly higher specificity, but unchanged sensitivity for detecting AIN3.ConclusionMolecular features of anal disease categories are similar to those of corresponding cervical lesions. Biomarkers evaluated for cervical cancer screening may be used for primary anal cancer screening or to decide who should require immediate treatment vs. expectant management.

Unfortunately, after publication of this article [1], errors were noticed in Figs. 3 and 4.

Abstract Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most important components of tumor stroma and play a key role in modulating tumor growth. However, a mechanistic understanding of how CAFs communicate with tumor cells to promote their proliferation and invasion is far from complete. A major reason for this is that most current techniques and model systems do not capture the complexity of signal transduction that occurs between CAFs and tumor cells. Methods In this study, we employed a stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) strategy to label invasive breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231, and breast cancer patient-derived CAF cells. We used an antibody-based phosphotyrosine peptide enrichment method coupled to LC–MS/MS to catalog and quantify tyrosine phosphorylation-mediated signal transduction events induced by the bidirectional communication between patient-derived CAFs and tumor cells. Results We discovered that distinct signaling events were activated in CAFs and in tumor epithelial cells during the crosstalk between these two cell types. We identified reciprocal activation of a number of receptor tyrosine kinases including EGFR, FGFR1 and EPHA2 induced by this bidirectional communication. Conclusions Our study not only provides insights into the mechanisms of the interaction between CAFs and tumor cells, but the model system described here could be used as a prototype for analysis of intercellular communication in many different tumor microenvironments.

Byline: Nandini. Sahasrabuddhe, Aruna. Korlimarla, Madhura. Kulkarni, Vinay. Kusuma, Jyothi. Prabhu, Santosh. Dixit, Chetan. Deshmukh, T. Sridhar, Aditya. Phatak, Chaitanyananda. Koppiker Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) are one of the most [...]

Users can quickly and easily turn written prompts into visual representations using an AI picture generator dubbed the prompt-to-image converter. Users can easily create photos on this sophisticated website, thanks to its user-friendly interface. Image generation is the most current advancement in artificial intelligence technology. Thanks to prompt-to-image translators, both natural language processing (NLP) and artificial intelligence (AI) have made considerable strides. Visitors can rapidly enter their query into the website's system, and it generates images that are relevant to the prompt's topic. Graphic design projects are one endeavor where it may be advantageous to use visual representations of text. People who struggle to convey their ideas in writing will find this tool to be of great assistance. Furthermore, managing various and complicated prompts while preserving consistent and realistic image production continues to be a research priority. Prompt-to-image converters have broad repercussions. They enable people and companies to produce unique visual material efficiently, decreasing the need for manual design or picture creation. By presenting textual knowledge in visual formats for people with visual impairments, these models also aid accessibility initiatives. However ethical issues like the potential for misuse to produce false or harmful content call for responsible development and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Machine Learning transforms healthcare by analyzing varied data to predict conditions like stroke, aiding in prevention. Stroke, a major cause of disability and death, stems from abrupt brain blood flow interruption, underscoring the need for early risk detection. This study aimed to explore the correlation between socio-demographic, clinical, and lifestyle elements with stroke while employing machine learning techniques to predict stroke occurrence based on assessed risk factors. Methods: A case-control study involving 1360 individuals (50% stroke patients) gathered patient data using medical records. Statistical methods (Chi-square, correlation, t-test, Wilcoxon rank) were used to explore stroke associations. Four machine learning algorithms (Decision Tree, Naïve Bayes, Random Forest, and Logistic Regression) were applied to build a predictive stroke model, evaluated by measures like sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score for performance assessment. Results: The study identified stark variations between stroke and non-stroke groups in various health indicators: BMI, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL Chol/HDL ratio (6.00 vs. 3.00), and LDL/HDL ratio (3.34 vs. 1.56). Conversely, HDL and VLDL levels were notably lower in stroke cases: (43.28 vs. 59.93) and (8.50 vs. 42.68), respectively, with no significant differences observed in age and HbA1C. Among the Machine Learning algorithms employed, the random forest displayed exceptional performance, achieving accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and area under the curve of 92.09%, 92.11%, 90.21%, 93.64%, 91.15%, and 91.93%, respectively, considering all attributes. Conclusion: This study indicates that Machine Learning models can predict stroke occurrence using patient data, including sociodemographic, medical history, and lifestyle factors, potentially enabling future stroke probability predictions based on risk factors and medical consultations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In 2005, the Cervical Cancer Prevention Program in Zambia (CCPPZ) was implemented and has since provided cervical cancer screen-and-treat services to more than 500,000 women. By leveraging the successes and experiences of the CCPPZ, we intended to build capacity for the early detection and surgical treatment of breast cancer. Methods: Our initiative sought to build capacity for breast cancer care through the (1) formation of a breast cancer advocacy alliance to raise awareness, (2) creation of resource-appropriate breast cancer care training curricula for mid- and high-level providers, and (3) implementation of early detection and treatment capacity within two major health care facilities. Results: Six months after the completion of the initiative, the following outcomes were documented: Breast health education and clinical breast examination (CBE) services were successfully integrated into the service platforms of four CCPPZ clinics. Two new breast diagnostic centers were opened, which provided access to breast ultrasound, ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy, and needle aspiration. Breast health education and CBE were provided to 1,955 clients, 167 of whom were evaluated at the two diagnostic centers; 55 of those evaluated underwent core-needle biopsy, of which 17 were diagnosed with invasive cancer. Newly trained surgeons performed six sentinel lymph node mappings, eight sentinel lymph node dissections, and 10 breast conservation surgeries (lumpectomies). Conclusion: This initiative successfully established clinical services in Zambia that are critical for the early detection and surgical management of breast cancer.

Development of a suitable vaccine against visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a fatal parasitic disease, is considered to be vital for maintaining the success of kala-azar control programs. The fact that Leishmania-infected individuals generate life-long immunity offers a viable proposition in this direction. Our prior studies demonstrated that T-helper1 (Th1) type of cellular response was generated by six potential recombinant proteins viz. elongation factor-2 (elF-2), enolase, aldolase, triose phosphate isomerase (TPI), protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and p45, derived from a soluble antigenic fraction (89.9–97.1 kDa) of Leishmania (Leishmania) donovani promastigote, in treated Leishmania patients and golden hamsters and showed significant prophylactic potential against experimental VL. Moreover, since, it is well-known that our immune system, in general, triggers production of specific protective immunity in response to a small number of amino acids (peptide), this led to the identification of antigenic epitopes of the above-stated proteins utilizing immunoinformatics. Out of thirty-six, three peptides-P-10 (enolase), P-14, and P-15 (TPI) elicited common significant lymphoproliferative as well as Th1-biased cytokine responses both in golden hamsters and human subjects. Further, immunization with these peptides plus BCG offered 75% prophylactic efficacy with boosted cellular immune response in golden hamsters against Leishmania challenge which is indicative of their candidature as potential vaccine candidates.