Search

The core motive of the investigation is to scrutinize the precise outcome of an unsteady motion of a convective Casson fluid of the non-Newtonian type when thermo-diffusion and diffusion-thermo are present through an infinite vertical plate. The convection of binary diffusivity is exemplified via thermal-diffusion and Diffusion-thermal parameter. The numerical modeling of delimited stream yields a set of non-linear PDEs, these are transmuted into dimensionless PDEs via non-dimensional quantities. The dimensionless quasilinear PDEs defining the flow model are handled numerically, adopting an effectual finite difference schema. The behavior of different aspects, i.e., velocity, thermal and solutal transport, is presented via a graphical illustration using the MAPLE program. The results finding are likened to earlier investigations that have already been published, and a high level of precision is found. The concluding outcomes revealed that increasing the permeability term, thermal and species buoyancy forces fasten the flow velocity whilst the opposite behavior is taking down with escalating magnetic parameters. Enhancing the Dufour and heat source parameters raise thermal fluid, where the Prandtl number oppositely affect the heat transfer. The thermo-diffusion parameter speeds up the species mass and the liquid velocity.

The current work concentrates on increasing the thermal and solutal performance in exponentially accelerating vertical surfaces via the utilization of nanofluids containing the mixtures of base water fluid and Aluminum oxide (Al2O3), Copper (Cu), Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Silver (Ag) nanoparticles. During the fully utilize the capabilities of nanoparticles in a variety of applications and to evaluate the effects that they will have on the environment and biological systems, it is crucial to comprehend and manage heat transmission. This motivation allows us to investigate the nanofluid boundary layer flows under cross-diffusion effects, as this model study earlier was not conducted, thus the results of this work are new, which describe the novelty of the current problem. The partial differential equations for the developed model are altered into dimensionless statements first via non-dimensionalization. The numerical simulations implementing a finite difference scheme are applied for the solution description. The physical description of the variation of momentum, temperature, and mass fields for different factors is computed and presented graphically for ramped temperature and isothermal heat cases. Convergence and validation of the problem are checked with the help of tables. We found that enhancement in the Reynolds number, Brinkman parameter and magnetic field mark a downward trend in the fluid velocity, but it strengthens with the porosity parameter and time factor. The temperature distribution expands for advancing diffusion-thermal and radiation effects, whereas a contrary pattern was noted with the Prandtl number and heat consumption parameter. The thermo-diffusion effect enlarges the concentration distribution but decays with chemical reaction and Schmidt number.

(1) Background: History of TB is a known risk factor for long-term respiratory impairment affecting lung functions in both restrictive and obstructive lung disease. (2) Methods: We analyzed data from the NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study (NHEFS), a longitudinal study conducted on a noninstitutionalized adult US population aged 25–74 years. Approximately 93 percent of the original NHANES I cohort was successfully traced by the end of the survey period and was available for analysis. The final adjusted model included age groups, gender, family income, lifetime smoking, body mass index (BMI), and frequency of alcohol consumption as potential confounders. (3) Results: The estimated hazards ratio of developing emphysema during follow-up for individuals with a past diagnosis of TB was 54% lower (95% CI = 0.35, 0.61) that that in individuals with no past TB, after controlling for potential confounders and using proportional hazards regression appropriate to the complex sample design. The association, however, was not statistically significant (HR = 0.86, p-value = 0.38) when only a self-reported history of TB was considered as the exposure in an unadjusted model. (4) Conclusions: Tuberculosis (self-reported or LTBI) was strongly (but inversely) associated with emphysema incidence. The association was not statistically significant with only a self-reported history of TB as exposure.

Introduction Alterations in DNA methylation profiles have been associated with cancer, and can be influenced by environmental factors such as smoking. A small but growing literature indicates there are reproducible and robust differences in methylation levels among smokers, never smokers, and ex-smokers. Here, we compared differences in salivary DNA methylation levels among current and ex-smokers (at least 2 years abstinent). Methods Smokers (n=26) and ex-smokers (n=30) provided detailed smoking histories, completed the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), and submitted a saliva sample. Whole-genome DNA methylation from saliva was performed, and ANCOVA models and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for the differences between groups and the performance of significant CpG sites. Results After controlling for race, age, and gender, smokers had significantly lower methylation levels than ex-smokers in two CpG sites: cg05575921 (AHRR) and cg21566642 (ALPPL2). Based on the ROC analyses, both CpGs had strong classification potentials (cg05575921 AUC=0.97 and cg21566642 AUC=0.93) in differentiating smoking status. Across all subjects, the percent methylation of cg05575921 (AHRR) and cg21566642 (ALPPL2) positively correlated with the length of the last quit attempt (r=0.65 and 0.64, respectively, p

Abstract Background Histoplasma antigen and anti‐Histoplasma antibody detection are used to support the diagnosis of histoplasmosis. There is a paucity of published data on antibody assays. Objectives Our primary hypothesis was that anti‐Histoplasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody detection using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) will be more sensitive as compared to immunodiffusion (ID). Animals Thirty‐seven cats and 22 dogs with proven or probable histoplasmosis; 157 negative control animals. Methods Residual stored sera were tested for anti‐Histoplasma antibodies using EIA and ID. Results of urine antigen EIA were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnostic sensitivity was calculated for all three assays and compared between immunoglobulin G (IgG) EIA and ID. The diagnostic sensitivity of urine antigen EIA and IgG EIA, interpreted in parallel, was reported. Results Sensitivity of IgG EIA was 30/37 (81.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 68.5%‐93.4%) in cats and 17/22 (77.3%; 95% CI, 59.8%‐94.8%) in dogs. Diagnostic sensitivity of ID was 0/37 (0%; 95% CI, 0%‐9.5%) in cats and 3/22 (13.6%; 95% CI, 0%‐28.0%) in dogs. Immunoglobulin G EIA was positive in all animals (2 cats and 2 dogs) with histoplasmosis but without detectable antigen in urine. Diagnostic specificity of IgG EIA was 18/19 (94.7%; 95% CI, 74.0%‐99.9%) in cats and 128/138 (92.8%; 95% CI, 87.1%‐96.5%) in dogs. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Antibody detection by EIA can be used to support the diagnosis of histoplasmosis in cats and dogs. Immunodiffusion has an unacceptably low diagnostic sensitivity and is not recommended.

Histoplasma capsulatum, the etiological agent for histoplasmosis, is a dimorphic fungus that grows as a mold in the environment and as a yeast in human tissues. It has a broad global distribution with shifting epidemiology during recent decades. While in immunocompetent individuals infection is usually self-resolving, solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk of symptomatic disease with dissemination to extrapulmonary tissue. Diagnosis of histoplasmosis relies on direct observation of the pathogen (histopathology, cytopathology, and culture) or detection of antigens, antibodies, or nucleic acids. All transplant recipients with histoplasmosis warrant therapy, though the agent of choice and duration of therapy depends on the severity of disease. In the present article, we describe the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations and management of histoplasmosis in solid organ transplant recipients.

The numerical study of Newtonian heating effect on unsteady free convection MHD Casson flow of radiating and chemically reacting fluid past an oscillating vertical porous plate embedded in a porous medium was conducted by considering the effects of heat sink and viscous dissipation. The fluid motion is persuaded due to the periodic oscillations of the plate along its length. This phenomenon is represented as nonlinear PDEs with initial and boundary conditions. By introducing suitable nondimensional variable and parameters, the leading equation with initial and boundary conditions is converted into dimensionless form, which are then solved numerically using a finite difference method. The effects of several relevant parameters on the velocity, temperature, and concentration are displayed graphically, whilst the effects of these parameters on the skin friction and Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are exhibited in tabular format and then discussed in detail. The final outcomes divulge that the radiation parameter and Eckert number have an increasing effect on the velocity and temperature, whilst reverse tendency is detected with increasing Prandtl number and heat absorption parameter. Newtonian heating parameter and thermal and mass buoyancy forces boost fluid velocity, whilst Schmidt number and chemical reaction have the opposite impact. It is noteworthy to point out in this study that the velocity boundary layer thickness for the Newtonian fluid is larger than the Casson fluid.

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is multidimensional and is composed of, at a minimum, self-perceived health status, physical functioning, and psychological well-being. HRQoL measures reflect the extent of disability and dysfunction associated with a chronic disease such as cancer. The objective of this study is to examine factors associated with HRQoL among cancer survivors.Methods: Data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey was used to examine factors associated with HRQoL among participants who reported having ever been diagnosed with cancer. Four questions associated with HRQoL included self-perceived health status, number of bad physical health days, and number of bad mental health days per month. Least square regression and logistic regression models, adjusted for confounding variables, were used for an ordinal and dichotomous [5 (bad) vs. 1–4 (excellent, very good, good, fair)] scale of HRQoL, respectively.Results: Fifty nine thousand one hundred seventy three participants reported having ever been diagnosed with cancer. Adjusted mean self-perceived health status (5-point scale) among survivors of thyroid, colon, lung, cervical, breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer was 3.83 (0.05), 4.02 (0.04), 4.36 (0.06), 3.77 (0.03), 3.88 (0.03), 3.78 (0.04), and 3.96 (0.05), respectively. After adjusting for confounders, a positive dose-response effect was observed between income range and all three HRQoL measures across all seven cancer sites. Income was consistently and inversely associated with a higher chance for reporting poorer HRQoL [OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.57–0.71], [OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.48–0.82], [OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.56–0.80], [OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56–0.86], [OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.49–0.62], [OR:0.55, 95% CI: 0.44–0.69], [OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62–0.91] among those with thyroid, colon, lung, cervical, breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer, respectively.Discussion: This study found that income range was associated with HRQoL among cancer survivors. It is plausible that financial resources may lessen the overall burden of cancer survivors, which could improve health-related quality of life among cancer survivors.

Background: Oral health is vital to the overall health and well being of an individual. It is imperative to train children from a young age in order to inculcate good oral hygiene practices among them that would become the basis for a healthy society. It is generally observed that children from urban areas are more sensitized towards personal hygiene than those from rural area. Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among secondary school students in urban and rural areas of Karad, Maharashtra. Methods: A cross sectional study sample of 200 students (100 student from rural and 100 from urban) from 2 schools were included in the study. Participants for this study were selected by stratified random sampling and included both males and females, aged between 12-14 years. All the participants were requested to complete a closed-ended questionnaire of 18 questions for assessment of knowledge, attitude and local oral health practices. Results: The overall results showed that urban children showed a better knowledge, attitude and practice of oral hygiene in comparison to those from rural areas inspite of the fact that both the areas were not very different culturally, economically or in terms of development. Conclusions: Rural areas need more oral health awareness programmes and outreach activities for promoting better community oral health and hygiene.

Background: Studies investigating the association between pesticide exposure and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk have been inconclusive. Objectives: Investigate the association between pesticide exposure and CRC risk through a systematic literature review. Methods: CRC has the fourth-highest rate of cancer-caused death in the US after lung cancer, breast cancer in women, and prostate cancer in men. Here we have conducted a systematic literature search on studies examining the association between any pesticide exposure and CRC risk using PubMed, MEDLINE via EBSCO host, and Embase according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Results: Following the review, 139 articles were included for qualitative evaluation. Study participants were farmers, pesticide applicators, pesticide manufacturers, spouses of pesticide applicators, farm residents, Korean veterans of the Vietnam War, rural communities, and those who consumed food with pesticide residues. The studies' results were split between those with significant positive (39 significant results) and inverse (41 significant results) associations when comparing pesticide exposure and CRC risk. Discussion: From our literature review, we have identified a similar number of significant positive and inverse associations of pesticide exposure with CRC risk and therefore cannot conclude whether pesticide exposure has a positive or inverse association with CRC risk overall. However, certain pesticides such as terbufos, dicamba, trifluralin, S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC), imazethapyr, chlorpyrifos, carbaryl, pendimethalin, and acetochlor are of great concern not only for their associated elevated risk of CRC, but also for the current legal usage in the United States (US). Aldicarb and dieldrin are of moderate concern for the positive associations with CRC risk, and also for the illegal usage or the detection on imported food products even though they have been banned in the US. Pesticides can linger in the soil, water, and air for weeks to years and, therefore, can lead to exposure to farmers, manufacturing workers, and those living in rural communities near these farms and factories. Approximately 60 million people in the US live in rural areas and all of the CRC mortality hotspots are within the rural communities. The CRC mortality rate is still increasing in the rural regions despite the overall decreasing of incidence and mortality of CRC elsewhere. Therefore, the results from this study on the relationship between pesticide exposure and CRC risk will help us to understand CRC health disparities.

Ascotricha chartarum is a rare human pathogen. We describe the isolation and characterization of A. chartarum from bronchoalveolar lavage samples of two patients with underlying pulmonary infections. The identity of both isolates was established by typical phenotypic characteristics and by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region and D1/D2 domains of recombinant DNA and β-tubulin gene fragment. The demonstration of branched, septate hyphae in direct microscopic examination of both the specimens and isolation of the fungus in pure cultures suggest its aetiologic role in the disease process. Because of phenotypic similarities of A. chartarum with Chaetomium spp. and other Chaetomium-like fungi, the application of molecular methods is needed for its accurate identification. Although in the absence of histopathologic evidence the aetiologic role of A. chartarum could not be established unequivocally, nonetheless, in view of the rarity of its isolation from clinical specimens and demonstration of hyphal elements in bronchoalveolar lavage sample, this report assumes considerable significance. It serves to create awareness about environmental fungi that previously have missed attention but may play a role in respiratory infections. Keywords: Ascotricha chartarum, bronchoalveolar lavage, isolation, molecular identification, pulmonary infection

The true clinical significance of Lodderomyces elongisporus remains underestimated as a result of problems associated with its identification by the VITEK 2 yeast identification system. Here we describe a case of L. elongisporus primary progressive fungaemia in a woman with no known risk factors for invasive fungal infections. The isolate was identified by PCR sequencing of the internally transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA. Despite treatment with caspofungin, the patient died within 3 days of onset of fungaemia. Our literature review highlights this organism's emerging role as a bloodstream pathogen. A need for application of molecular methods for its accurate identification is emphasized. Keywords: Ascospores, bloodstream pathogen, emerging significance, lodderomyces elongisporus, molecular identification

Candida blankii is a newly recognized human pathogen. Here we describe a case of bloodstream infection in a preterm neonate. The yeast was repeatedly isolated from blood, and its identity was confirmed by PCR sequencing of rDNA. Additionally, C. blankii DNA was detected directly in a blood sample. The isolates initially developed pink colonies on CHROMagar Candida which later turned into dark metallic blue similar to Candida tropicalis. Inaccurate identification by the VITEK 2 yeast identification system as Stephanoascus ciferrii and intrinsic resistance to fluconazole (MIC 12–16 μg/mL) underscore the need for its accurate identification for appropriate therapeutic management. Keywords: Azole resistance, Candida blankii, molecular identification, neonate

ABSTRACT IMPACT: Our results reveal a limited amount of breast cancer survivorship print materials as both understandable and actionable, and indicate a need to supplement material with personalized teaching. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Using educational print material for young women breast cancer survivors (YBCS) is considered a best practice in patient teaching. Little is known about how well YBCS understand or act upon the material. The purpose of this study was to assess the understandability and actionability of commonly distributed breast cancer survivorship print materials. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We used an environmental scan approach to obtain breast cancer survivorship print materials available in eight outpatient oncology clinics and one electronic medical record used in a Midwestern state. Print materials were included if they were freely available to patients, were specific to breast cancer, provided detailed information about survivorship, and were directly given to patients by physicians or nurses. Print materials were excluded if topics were related to treatment, diagnosis, or prevention. All brochures, drug advertisements, and advertisements for support services were excluded. The understandability and actionability analyses of the breast cancer survivorship print materials were analyzed using Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printable Materials (PEMAT-P). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The environmental scan resulted in 82 individual print materials. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight breast cancer survivorship print materials were included in the final sample. The final sample included two books, two patient education handouts from the electronic medical record, two multi-page booklets, and two pamphlets. The overall mean understandability score of the print materials was 68.9% ? 11.3 with a range of 47% to 80%. Five materials scored above the recommended 70% in understandability. The overall mean actionability score of the print materials was much higher at 81.3% ? 21.6 with a range of 67% to 100%. Five materials scored above 70% in actionability. However, only three of the eight materials scored above the recommended 70% in both understandability and actionability. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Limited breast cancer survivorship print materials exist as both understandable and actionable. Personalized instruction provided by oncology team members may be indicated to supplement the material. This additional teaching may help ensure survivors comprehend messages and act upon specific tasks as indicated in survivorship print material.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Young women (18 – 45 years of age) with breast cancer have complex medical and psychosocial needs. Educational materials are often used as tools in patient-centered communication. However, these materials disseminate complex health information in print-heavy formats and can be difficult to understand for women with varying health literacy levels. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: In the first phase of this study, the principal investigator (PI) will recruit 40 diverse women to participate in four focus groups (FG) to explore the perceived usefulness of the most frequently used cancer educational materials. The PI will also obtain demographics and heath literacy levels of the FG participants using the Newest Vital Sign. In the second phase, the PI will assess the literacy demands of the ten most frequently used cancer educational print materials and five most frequently used websites described by the FG participants. The perceptions of the usefulness of materials and the literacy demands will then be used to appraise the effectiveness of materials within patient-centered cancer communication. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Results from this study will provide a patient-centered blueprint that will be used to design more effective educational materials that treatment centers can incorporate into their patient-centered cancer communication process. The next step of this research will be to determine providers’ perceptions of cancer education materials used to exchange information within the patient-centered communication process. This will complement the patient findings and inform the development of the provider aspect of a communication intervention centered on designing educational materials for women with various health literacy levels within the patient-centered cancer communication process. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Detecting the usefulness of cancer educational materials, as perceived by young women with breast cancer, is foundational to developing communication interventions that improve cancer outcomes. This study will identify how materials can be improved in the critical informational-exchange component of the patient-communication process.

Abstract Background and aims Infection with high‐risk (HR) genotypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is necessary for and causative of almost all cervical cancers and their precursor condition, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. These conditions have been sharply reduced by cervical cytology screening, and a further decrease is expected because of the recent introduction of prophylactic HPV vaccinations. While significant attention has been given to gynecologic HPV disease, men can be affected by HPV‐related cancers of the anus, penis, and oropharynx. This literature review aims to address disparities in HPV‐related disease in men, and certain HR male subpopulations, compared with women. Discussion Overall, immunocompetent men are far less likely than women to develop anogenital HPV‐related cancers, despite harboring HR HPV infections at anogenital sites. On the other hand, men who have sex with men and men living with human immunodeficiency virus infection are at considerably higher risk of HPV‐related disease. Historic rates of prophylactic HPV vaccination in males have trailed those of females due to numerous multilevel factors, although, in recent years, this sex gap in vaccination coverage has been closing. In the absence of routine HPV screening in males, therapeutic vaccinations have emerged as a potential treatment modality for preinvasive neoplasia and are in various phases of clinical testing. Conclusion Successful reductions in HPV disease morbidity at the population level must acknowledge and target HPV infections in men.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) occurs at alarmingly high rates towards pregnant women in South Africa. Experiences of emotional, physical, and sexual IPV in pregnancy can adversely impact the health and safety of mother and fetus. Furthermore, IPV is associated with increased risk of HIV, exacerbating the public health impact of violence among pregnant women in this HIV endemic setting. In-depth understanding of cultural and contextual drivers of experiences of IPV is a critical precursor to development of interventions effectively addressing this issue among pregnant women in South Africa. The present study examines factors contributing to IPV among pregnant women to identify potential points of intervention. We conducted twenty in-depth interviews with postpartum women who used oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in pregnancy and reported recent experiences of IPV and/or ongoing alcohol use in a township near Cape Town, South Africa that experiences a heavy burden of both HIV and IPV. Interpretive thematic analysis was used. Several patterns of IPV during pregnancy were identified and violence was frequently described as co-occurring with male partner alcohol use. A majority of women referenced oral PrEP as their preferred method for HIV prevention, highlighting the agency and discretion it provided as beneficial attributes for women experiencing IPV. Fear of judgement from peers for remaining with an abusive partner and a lack of clear community messaging around IPV were identified as barriers to disclosure and support-seeking. Addressing the lack of social support received by women experiencing IPV during pregnancy in South Africa is essential to comprehensive IPV programming.

Histoplasmosis is an endemic fungal infection that may affect both immune compromised and non-immune compromised individuals. It is now recognized that the geographic range of this organism is larger than previously understood, placing more people at risk. Infection with Histoplasma capsulatum may occur after inhalation of conidia that are aerosolized from the filamentous form of the organism in the environment. Clinical syndromes typically associated with histoplasmosis include acute or chronic pneumonia, chronic cavitary pulmonary infection, or mediastinal fibrosis or lymphadenitis. Disseminated infection can also occur, in which multiple organ systems are affected. In up to 10% of cases, infection of the central nervous system (CNS) with histoplasmosis may occur with or without disseminated infection. In this review, we discuss challenges related to the diagnosis of CNS histoplasmosis and appropriate treatment strategies that can lead to successful outcomes.

Background: UV exposure-induced oxidative stress is implicated as a driving mechanism for melanoma. Increased oxidative stress results in DNA damage and epigenetic dysregulation. Accordingly, we explored whether a low dose of the antioxidant sulforaphane (SFN) in combination with the epigenetic drug 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine (DAC) could slow melanoma cell growth. SFN is a natural bioactivated product of the cruciferous family, while DAC is a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor. Methods: Melanoma cell growth characteristics, gene transcription profiles, and histone epigenetic modifications were measured after single and combination treatments with SFN and DAC. Results: We detected melanoma cell growth inhibition and specific changes in gene expression profiles upon combinational treatments with SFN and DAC, while no significant alterations in histone epigenetic modifications were observed. Dysregulated gene transcription of a key immunoregulator cytokine—C-C motif ligand 5 (CCL-5)—was validated. Conclusions: These results indicate a potential combinatorial effect of a dietary antioxidant and an FDA-approved epigenetic drug in controlling melanoma cell growth.

BackgroundSouth African women experience high levels of alcohol use and HIV infection during the perinatal period. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at reducing HIV risk. We examined associations between alcohol use and PrEP use during pregnancy and postpartum.MethodsThe PrEP in Pregnant and Postpartum women study is a prospective observational cohort of 1200 HIV-negative pregnant women enrolled at first antenatal care visit and followed through 12 months' postpartum in Cape Town, South Africa. The analytic sample comprised pregnant women who initiated PrEP at baseline and were not censored from study follow-up before 3-month follow-up. We examined associations between any or hazardous alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption score ≥3) in the year before pregnancy and PrEP continuation and adherence during pregnancy (self-report of missing

Background. Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men in the US. Growing evidence suggests that oxidative stress is involved in prostate cancer. Methods. In this study, thioredoxin 1 (Trx 1), an enzyme and subcellular indicator of redox status, was measured in prostate biopsy tissue from 55 men from the North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project. A pathologist blindly scored levels of Trx 1. The association between Trx 1 and the Gleason score, erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activity, and dietary antioxidant intake was determined using Fisher’s exact test. Results. Trx 1 levels in benign prostate tissue in men with incident prostate cancer were positively associated with the Gleason score (P=0.01) and inversely associated with dietary antioxidant intake (P=0.03). In prostate cancer tissue, Trx 1 levels were associated with erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity (P=0.01). No association was found for other erythrocyte enzymes. Greater Gleason score of malignant tissue corresponds to a greater difference in Trx 1 levels between malignant and benign tissue (P=0.04). Conclusion. These results suggest that the redox status of prostate tissue is associated with prostate cancer grade and both endogenous and exogenous antioxidants.

Introduction: HIV-prevention and endpoint-driven clinical trials enrol individuals at substantial risk of HIV. Recently, these trials have provided oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as HIV-prevention standard of care; however, data on PrEP uptake and use during the trial and post-trial access are lacking.Methods: We conducted once-off, telephonic, in-depth interviews from August 2020 to March 2021, with 15 key stakeholders (including site directors/leaders, principal investigators and clinicians), purposively recruited from research sites across South Africa that are known to conduct HIV-prevention and endpoint-driven clinical trials. The interview guide probed for facilitators and barriers to PrEP uptake and use during the trial, and post-trial PrEP access. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Coding was facilitated using NVivo and emergent themes were identified.Results: Most stakeholders reported incorporating PrEP as part of the HIV-prevention package in HIV-prevention and endpoint-driven clinical trials. Stakeholders identified multiple barriers to PrEP uptake and use, including difficulties with daily pill taking, side effects, stigma, a lack of demand creation and limited knowledge and education about PrEP in communities. Facilitators of PrEP uptake and use included demand-creation campaigns and trial staff providing quality counselling and education. Post-trial PrEP access was frequently challenging as facilities were located a considerable distance from research sites, had long queues and inconvenient operating hours.Conclusions: Strategies to address barriers to PrEP uptake and use during trials and post-trial access, such as PrEP demand creation, education and counselling, addressing stigma, support for daily pill-taking and increased post-trial access, are urgently needed.

To better understand possible blazar jet mechanisms and morphologies, brighter prototypical objects are regularly monitored for variability in optical broad-band light. If the monitoring filters are polarized, the position angles and polarization percentages can be measured and their evolution monitored over time. However, building up a statistically significant time base of polarization parameters requires the arduous task of monitoring sources for months or years to catch and follow interesting events such as flares. Fortunately, monitoring an object is easily done using remotely operated or robotic telescopes. The Remote Observatory for Variable Object Research (ROVOR) is a small-aperture telescope that has monitored blazars in broad-band Johnson filters since 2009. Calibration data using a set of four plane-polarized filters suggest that it is suitable for polarimetric monitoring as well. We have successfully collected data on CTA 102 and are encouraged at the prospects of monitoring it and other similar objects. Long-term monitoring campaigns are a scientifically and educationally-effective use of underutilized smaller-aperture telescopes.

Haematobiochemical studies on young and adult Chara and Chemballi drakes of Kerala revealed that adults have significantly (P

BackgroundPretreatment HIV drug resistance (PDR) undermines individual treatment success and threatens the achievement of UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. In many African countries, limited data are available on PDR as detection of recent HIV infection is uncommon and access to resistance testing is limited. We describe the prevalence of PDR among South African women with recent HIV infection from the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial.MethodsHIV-uninfected, sexually active women, aged 18-35 years, and seeking contraception were enrolled in the ECHO Trial at sites in South Africa, from 2015 to 2018. HIV testing was done at trial entry and repeated quarterly. We tested stored plasma samples collected at HIV diagnosis from women who seroconverted during follow-up and had a viral load >1000 copies/mL for antiretroviral resistant mutations using a validated laboratory-developed population genotyping assay, which sequences the full protease and reverse transcriptase regions. Mutation profiles were determined using the Stanford Drug Resistance Database.ResultsWe sequenced 275 samples. The median age was 23 years, and majority (98.9%, n = 272) were infected with HIV-1 subtype C. The prevalence of surveillance drug resistance mutations (SDRMs) was 13.5% (n = 37). Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) mutations were found in 12.4% of women (n = 34). Few women had NRTI (1.8%, n = 5) and protease inhibitor (1.1%, n = 3) mutations. Five women had multiple NRTI and NNRTI SDRMs.ConclusionsThe high levels of PDR, particularly to NNRTIs, strongly support the recent change to the South African national HIV treatment guidelines to transition to a first-line drug regimen that excludes NNRTIs.

BackgroundHIV endpoint-driven clinical trials provide oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as HIV prevention standard of care. We evaluated quantifiable plasma tenofovir among South African women who used oral PrEP during the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial.MethodsECHO, a randomized trial conducted in 4 African countries between 2015 and 2018, assessed HIV incidence among HIV-uninfected women, aged 16-35 years, randomized to 1 of 3 contraceptives. Oral PrEP was offered onsite as part of the HIV prevention package at the South African trial sites. We measured tenofovir in plasma samples collected at the final trial visit among women reporting ongoing PrEP use. We used bivariate and multivariate logistical regression to assess demographic and sexual risk factors associated with plasma tenofovir quantification.ResultsOf 260 women included, 52% were ≤24 years and 22% had Chlamydia trachomatis at enrollment. At PrEP initiation, 68% reported inconsistent/nonuse of condoms. The median duration of PrEP use was 90 days (IQR: 83-104). Tenofovir was quantified in 36% (n = 94) of samples. Women >24 years had twice the odds of having tenofovir quantified vs younger women (OR = 2.12; 95% confidence interval = 1.27 to 3.56). Women who reported inconsistent/nonuse of condoms had lower odds of tenofovir quantification (age-adjusted OR = 0.47; 95% confidence interval = 0.26 to 0.83).ConclusionsOver a third of women initiating PrEP and reporting ongoing use at the final trial visit had evidence of recent drug exposure. Clinical trials may serve as an entry point for PrEP initiation among women at substantial risk for HIV infection with referral to local facilities for ongoing access at trial end.Clinical trial numberNCT02550067.

Cancer encompasses a highly heterogeneous group of diseases. It is thought that transition from promotion to progression in carcinogenesis may be driven primarily by epigenetic abnormalities. There is emerging evidence that nutrition and environmental factors affect epigenetic changes. The observation that epigenetic changes are reversible makes them an attractive target for cancer prevention. Until recently, there have been difficulties studying epigenetic mechanisms in interactions between dietary factors and environmental toxicants. The development of the field of cancer epigenetics in the past decade has been rapidly advanced by genome-wide technologies, initially employing microarrays but increasingly high-throughput sequencing, which helped to improve the quality of the analysis, increase the capacity of sample throughput, and reduce the cost of assays. It is particularly true for applications of cancer epigenetics in epidemiologic studies examining the relationship among diet, epigenetics, and cancer because of the issues of tissue heterogeneity, the often limiting amount of DNA samples, and the significant cost of the analyses. This review offers an overview of the state of the science in nutrition, environmental toxicants, epigenetics, and cancer to stimulate further exploration of this important and developing area of science. Additional epidemiologic research is needed to clarify the relationship of these complex epigenetic mechanisms on cancer.

Purpose. To examine the associations among intake of refined grains, whole grains and dietary fiber and aggressiveness of prostate cancer in African Americans (AA, n=930) and European Americans (EA, n=993) in a population-based, case-only study (The North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project, PCaP). Methods. Prostate cancer aggressiveness was categorized as high, intermediate or low based on Gleason grade, PSA level and clinical stage. Dietary intake was assessed utilizing the NCI Diet History Questionnaire. Logistic regression (comparing high to intermediate/low aggressive cancers) and polytomous regression with adjustment for potential confounders were used to determine odds of high prostate cancer aggressiveness with intake of refined grains, whole grains and dietary fiber from all sources. Results. An inverse association with aggressive prostate cancer was observed in the 2nd and 3rd tertiles of total fiber intake (OR = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50–0.97 and OR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.40–0.93, resp.) as compared to the lowest tertile of intake. In the race-stratified analyses, inverse associations were observed in the 3rd tertile of total fiber intake for EA (OR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23–0.87) and the 2nd tertile of intake for AA (OR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35–0.95). Conclusions. Dietary fiber intake was inversely associated with aggressive prostate cancer among both AA and EA men.

To determine if the revised US FRAX can identify those at high risk for fractures at any skeletal site, we studied 250 women and 249 men ≥40 years old from an age-stratified random sample of Rochester, MN residents. At baseline, femoral neck (FN) bone density was assessed, as were the clinical risk factors included in FRAX, along with additional fracture risk factors such as bone turnover markers and fall history. Fracture ascertainment through periodic interviews and comprehensive medical record review was performed over 10 years of followup. In both women and men, a higher FRAX probability at baseline was associated with greater subsequent likelihood of a major osteoporotic fracture. However, a relative 10% increase in the FRAX 10-year fracture probability was also associated with a 1.4-fold increase (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–1.7) in other fractures in women and a 1.7-fold increase (95% CI 0.8–3.1) in men. Furthermore, FRAX predicted asymptomatic vertebral fractures and fractures generally in both sexes. The addition of risk factors not currently included in FRAX did not appear to improve the accuracy of fracture risk prediction. FRAX may provide a conservative estimate of risk for major osteoporotic fractures, but it also predicts fractures generally.

IntroductionSouth African men are underrepresented in HIV testing and treatment services. Secondary distribution of oral HIV self-test (HIVST) kits by women living with HIV (WLHIV) to their male partners (i.e. index partner HIVST) may increase men's testing and treatment but has been understudied.MethodsBetween March and July 2021, we evaluated the effectiveness of index partner HIVST versus the standard of care (SOC) (invitations for men's facility-based testing) on men's testing in a 1:1 randomized control trial. Eligibility criteria included: WLHIV; ≥18 years of age; attending one of four high-density rural clinics; have a working cell phone; and self-reported having a primary male partner of unknown serostatus. The primary outcome was the proportion of WLHIV reporting that her partner tested for HIV within 3 months after enrolment.ResultsWe enrolled 180 WLHIV and 176 completed an endline survey (mean age = 35 years, 15% pregnant, 47% unmarried or non-cohabiting). In the HIVST arm, 78% of male partners were reported to have tested for HIV versus 55% in SOC (RR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.14-1.76). In the HIVST arm, nine men were reactive with HIVST (14% positivity), six were confirmed HIV positive with standard testing (67%) and all of those started antiretroviral therapy (ART), and four HIV-negative men started pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (5%). In SOC, six men were diagnosed with HIV (12% positivity), 100% started ART and seven HIV-negative men started PrEP (16%). One case of verbal intimate partner violence was reported in the HIVST arm.ConclusionsSecondary distribution of HIVST to partners of WLHIV was acceptable and effective for improving HIV testing among men in rural South Africa in our pilot study. Interventions are needed to link reactive HIVST users to confirmatory testing and ART.

To address the epidemiology of rib fractures, an age- and sex-stratified random sample of 699 Rochester, Minnesota, adults age 21–93 years was followed in a long-term prospective study. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed at baseline, and fractures were ascertained by periodic interview and medical record review. During 8560 person-years of followup (median, 13.9 years), 56 subjects experienced 67 rib fracture episodes. Risk factors for falling predicted rib fractures as well as BMD, but both were strongly age-related. After age-adjustment, BMD was associated with rib fractures in women but not men. Importantly, rib fractures attributed to severe trauma were associated with BMD in older individuals of both sexes. Self-reported heavy alcohol use doubled fracture risk but did not achieve significance due to limited statistical power. Bone density, along with heavy alcohol use and other risk factors for falling, contributes to the risk of rib fractures, but no one factor predominates. Older women with rib fractures, regardless of cause, should be considered for an osteoporosis evaluation, and strategies to prevent falling should be considered in both sexes.

Although disseminated blastomycosis is a rare complication in pregnancy, delay in diagnosis and treatment can be fatal. We investigate the use of the Blastomyces urine antigen in diagnosis following disease progression in the intrapartum, postpartum, and neonatal periods. We describe a case of disseminated blastomycosis in a pregnant adolescent and review the pertinent literature regarding treatment and monitoring blastomycosis in pregnancy and the neonatal periods. This is the first reported case in which the Blastomyces urine antigen is utilized as a method of following disease activity during pregnancy confirming absence of clinically evident disease in a neonate. Urine antigen detection for blastomycosis can be useful for following progression of disease in patients with disseminated blastomycosis in both the intrapartum and postpartum periods.

In settings with a high burden of HIV, pregnant women often experience a cluster of risk factors, including alcohol use and intimate partner violence (IPV). These interrelated risks are poorly understood among pregnant women at risk of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. We aim to determine cross-sectional associations between pregnant women's alcohol use and victimization due to IPV in the HIV-Unexposed-Uninfected Mother-Infant Cohort Study in Cape Town, South Africa. Women who tested HIV-negative at first antenatal care (ANC) visit were followed to delivery. Trained interviewers collected demographic and psychosocial information, including recent alcohol use and experiences of IPV victimization. We assess the prevalence of alcohol use and associations with IPV using multivariable logistic regression. In 406 HIV-uninfected pregnant women (mean age = 28 years; mean gestational age = 21 weeks), 41 (10%) reported alcohol consumption in the past 12 months; 30/41 (73%) of these at hazardous levels. Any and hazardous alcohol use were associated with greater odds of reporting past year IPV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for hazardous use: 3.24, 95% CI = 1.11, 7.56; aOR for any alcohol use: 2.97, 95% CI = 1.19, 7.45). These data suggest the occurrence of overlapping HIV risk factors among pregnant women and may help design improved health interventions in this population.

This study examines associations between alcohol use and HIV sexual risk among a cohort of HIV-uninfected pregnant women (n=1201) residing in a high HIV burden community in South Africa. Alcohol use was measured using a modified version of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). HIV sexual risk was measured through a composite variable of four risk factors: diagnosis with a STI, self-report of >1 recent sex partners, partner HIV serostatus (unknown or HIV+) and condomless sex at last sex. Any past year alcohol use prior to pregnancy was reported by half of participants (50%); 6.0% reported alcohol use during pregnancy. Alcohol use prior to pregnancy was associated with increased odds of being at high risk of HIV (aOR=1.33 for 2 risks and aOR=1.47 for 3 risks). In addition to reducing alcohol use, several other strategies to address HIV sexual risk in this population were identified.

BackgroundInvasive fungal diseases (IFDs) remain important causes of morbidity and mortality. The consensus definitions of the Infectious Diseases Group of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group have been of immense value to researchers who conduct clinical trials of antifungals, assess diagnostic tests, and undertake epidemiologic studies. However, their utility has not extended beyond patients with cancer or recipients of stem cell or solid organ transplants. With newer diagnostic techniques available, it was clear that an update of these definitions was essential.MethodsTo achieve this, 10 working groups looked closely at imaging, laboratory diagnosis, and special populations at risk of IFD. A final version of the manuscript was agreed upon after the groups' findings were presented at a scientific symposium and after a 3-month period for public comment. There were several rounds of discussion before a final version of the manuscript was approved.ResultsThere is no change in the classifications of "proven," "probable," and "possible" IFD, although the definition of "probable" has been expanded and the scope of the category "possible" has been diminished. The category of proven IFD can apply to any patient, regardless of whether the patient is immunocompromised. The probable and possible categories are proposed for immunocompromised patients only, except for endemic mycoses.ConclusionsThese updated definitions of IFDs should prove applicable in clinical, diagnostic, and epidemiologic research of a broader range of patients at high-risk.