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Malaria Journal Feb 2023Genome-wide association studies have identified ATP2B4 as a severe malaria resistance gene. Recently, 8 potential causal regulatory variants have been shown to be...
BACKGROUND
Genome-wide association studies have identified ATP2B4 as a severe malaria resistance gene. Recently, 8 potential causal regulatory variants have been shown to be associated with severe malaria.
METHODS
Genotyping of rs10900585, rs11240734, rs1541252, rs1541253, rs1541254, rs1541255, rs10751450, rs10751451 and rs10751452 was performed in 154 unrelated individuals (79 controls and 75 mild malaria patients). rs10751450, rs10751451 and rs10751452 were genotyped by Taqman assays, whereas the fragment of the ATP2B4 gene containing the remaining SNPs was sequenced. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the SNPs and mild malaria.
RESULTS
The results showed that mild malaria was associated with rs10900585, rs11240734, rs1541252, rs1541253, rs1541254, rs1541255, rs10751450, rs10751451 and rs10751452. The homozygous genotypes for the major alleles were associated with an increased risk of mild malaria. Furthermore, the haplotype containing the major alleles and that containing the minor alleles were the most frequent haplotypes. Individuals with the major haplotypes had a significantly higher risk of mild malaria compared to the carriers of the minor allele haplotype.
CONCLUSIONS
ATP2B4 polymorphisms that have been associated with severe malaria are also associated with mild malaria.
Topics: Humans; Genome-Wide Association Study; Alleles; Genotype; Malaria; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Plasma Membrane Calcium-Transporting ATPases
PubMed: 36849945
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04503-8 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2021Pregnant women are often susceptible to anemia, which can damage the thyroid gland. However, compared with moderate and severe anemia, less attention has been paid to...
BACKGROUND
Pregnant women are often susceptible to anemia, which can damage the thyroid gland. However, compared with moderate and severe anemia, less attention has been paid to mild anemia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of mild anemia on the thyroid function in pregnant women during the first trimester.
METHODS
A total of 1,761 women in the first trimester of their pregnancy were enrolled from Shenyang, China, and divided into mild anemia and normal control groups based on their hemoglobin levels. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS
The TSH levels of pregnant women with mild anemia were higher than those of pregnant women without mild anemia (p < 0.05). Normal control women were selected to set new reference intervals for TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels during the first trimester, which were 0.11-4.13 mIU/l, 3.45-5.47 pmol/l, and 7.96-16.54 pmol/l, respectively. The upper limit of TSH 4.13 mU/l is close to the upper limit 4.0 mU/l recommended in the 2017 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines, indicating that exclusion of mild anemia may reduce the difference in reference values from different regions. Mild anemia was related to 4.40 times odds of abnormally TSH levels (95% CI: 2.84, 6.76) and 5.87 increased odds of abnormal FT3 (95% CI: 3.89, 8.85). The proportion of hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with mild anemia was higher than that in those without anemia (0.6% vs. 0, p = 0.009; 12.1% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001). Mild anemia was related to 7.61 times increased odds of subclinical hypothyroidism (95% CI: 4.53, 12.90).
CONCLUSIONS
Mild anemia may affect thyroid function during the first trimester, which highlights the importance of excluding mild anemia confounding when establishing a locally derived specific reference interval for early pregnancy.
Topics: Adult; Anemia; China; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Pregnant Women; Thyroid Function Tests; Thyroid Gland; Thyrotropin; Thyroxine; Triiodothyronine
PubMed: 34956084
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.772917 -
Journal of Medicine and Life Sep 2023This study aimed to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting perinatal outcomes among women with COVID-19. Data was collected from hospitals in the...
This study aimed to explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting perinatal outcomes among women with COVID-19. Data was collected from hospitals in the Middle Euphrates and Southern regions of Iraq, with 152 pregnant patients included in the study. Patients were categorized into mild and severe infection groups, and their serum samples were analyzed for mineral levels (magnesium, copper, calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc, selenium, and iron) and immune factors (IL-6, IL-8, IL-32, IL-10, IL-18, IL-37, IL-38, IL-36, and IL-1). The findings revealed significant associations between specific mineral levels, immune factors, and perinatal outcomes. Mineral levels such as magnesium (75.5% mild infection, 80.9% severe infection), copper (68.2% mild infection, 64.3% severe infection), calcium ion (81.8% mild infection, 76.2% severe infection), sodium (70.9% mild infection, 69.0% severe infection), potassium (72.7% mild infection, 71.4% severe infection), zinc (61.8% mild infection, 54.8% severe infection), selenium (78.2% mild infection, 82.9% severe infection), and iron (74.5% mild infection, 68.3% severe infection) showed varying percentages associated with mild and severe infections. Immune factors such as IL-6 (32% mild infection, 21% severe infection), IL-8 (15% mild infection, 7% severe infection), IL-32 (24% mild infection, 9% severe infection), IL-10 (7% mild infection, no severe infection), IL-18 (13% mild infection, 11% severe infection) demonstrated varying percentages associated with perinatal outcomes, while other interleukins showed no changes in severe infections. These results highlight the potential of AI in predicting outcomes for pregnant women with COVID-19, which could aid in improving their management and care. Further research and validation of predictive models are recommended to enhance accuracy and applicability.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Copper; Magnesium; Selenium; Interleukin-10; Calcium; Interleukin-18; COVID-19; Artificial Intelligence; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-8; Zinc; Iron; Potassium; Sodium; Immunologic Factors
PubMed: 38107716
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0214 -
Mayo Clinic Proceedings Oct 2014Mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia are common problems in the elderly. Primary care physicians are the first point of contact for most patients with these...
Mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia are common problems in the elderly. Primary care physicians are the first point of contact for most patients with these disorders and should be familiar with their diagnosis, prognosis, and management. Both mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia are characterized by objective evidence of cognitive impairment. The main distinctions between mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia are that in the latter, more than one cognitive domain is invariably involved and substantial interference with daily life is evident. The diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia is based mainly on the history and cognitive examination. The prognosis for mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia is an important motivation for diagnosis because in both, there is a heightened risk for further cognitive decline. The etiology of mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia can often be established through the clinical examination, although imaging and other laboratory tests may also contribute. Although Alzheimer disease is the most common cause of both, cerebrovascular disease and Lewy body disease make important contributions. Pharmacological treatments are of modest value in mild dementia due to Alzheimer disease, and there are no approved pharmacological treatments for mild cognitive impairment of any etiology. Nonetheless, new-onset cognitive impairment is a worrisome symptom to patients and families that demands answers and advice. If a patient is having difficulties managing medications, finances, or transportation independently, diagnosis and intervention are necessary to ensure the health and safety of the patient.
Topics: Aged; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dementia; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 25282431
DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2014.06.019 -
Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi =... Oct 2013Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of mild hypothermia in the treatment of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), which can... (Review)
Review
Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of mild hypothermia in the treatment of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), which can reduce mortality or the incidence of severe neurological sequelae. Mild hypothermia has been used in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as a routine treatment method for neonatal HIE in many developed countries, and it is increasingly applied in some NICUs in China. However, 40%-50% of the neonates treated with mild hypothermia die or develop severe neurological disability. Thus, to achieve the best neuroprotective effect, issues such as selection of patients with indications for mild hypothermia, cooling method, optimal time for mild hypothermia, duration of mild hypothermia, optimal target temperature, and the safety and long-term effects of mild hypothermia combined with other therapies, need to be further discussed. This article reviews the latest progress in clinical research on these issues.
Topics: Humans; Hypothermia, Induced; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 24131850
DOI: No ID Found -
Brain and Behavior Aug 2022Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Mild hypothermia (32-35°C) has been found to show neuroprotective effects against...
BACKGROUND
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Mild hypothermia (32-35°C) has been found to show neuroprotective effects against TBI. However, the specific mechanism is still elusive. In the current study, we explored the relationship between oxidative damage after TBI and treatment with mild hypothermia as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms.
METHODS
We used the closed cortex injury model to perform the brain injury and a temperature monitoring and control system to regulate the body temperature of mice after injury. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were adopted in this study and divided into four experimental groups. Tissue samples were harvested 24 h after injury.
RESULTS
First, our results showed that treatment with mild hypothermia significantly improved neurobehavioral dysfunction and alleviated brain edema after TBI. Moreover, treatment with mild hypothermia enhanced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and reduced the accumulation of lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde. Importantly, the expression and activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) pathway were upregulated by mild hypothermia after TBI. Finally, treatment with hypothermia significantly decreased the cell apoptosis induced by TBI.
CONCLUSION
Our results showed that the protective effects of mild hypothermia after TBI may be achieved by the upregulation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway and revealed Nrf2 as a potentially important target to improve the prognosis of TBI.
Topics: Animals; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Disease Models, Animal; Hypothermia; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Neuroprotection; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 35803901
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2686 -
JMIR Serious Games Oct 2020Cognitive training using virtual reality (VR) may result in motivational and playful training for patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia. Fully...
Cognitive Training Using Fully Immersive, Enriched Environment Virtual Reality for Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia: Feasibility and Usability Study.
BACKGROUND
Cognitive training using virtual reality (VR) may result in motivational and playful training for patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia. Fully immersive VR sets patients free from external interference and thus encourages patients with cognitive impairment to maintain selective attention. The enriched environment, which refers to a rich and stimulating environment, has a positive effect on cognitive function and mood.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and usability of cognitive training using fully immersive VR programs in enriched environments with physiatrists, occupational therapists (OTs), and patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia.
METHODS
The VR interface system consisted of a commercialized head-mounted display and a custom-made hand motion tracking module. We developed the virtual harvest and cook programs in enriched environments representing rural scenery. Physiatrists, OTs, and patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia received 30 minutes of VR training to evaluate the feasibility and usability of the test for cognitive training. At the end of the test, the usability and feasibility were assessed by a self-report questionnaire based on a 7-point Likert-type scale. Response time and finger tapping were measured in patients before and after the test.
RESULTS
Participants included 10 physiatrists, 6 OTs, and 11 patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia. The mean scores for overall satisfaction with the program were 5.75 (SD 1.00) for rehabilitation specialists and 5.64 (SD 1.43) for patients. The response time of the dominant hand in patients decreased after the single session of cognitive training using VR, but this was not statistically significant (P=.25). There was no significant change in finger tapping in either the right or left hand (P=.48 and P=.42, respectively). None of the participants reported headaches, dizziness, or any other motion sickness after the test.
CONCLUSIONS
A fully immersive VR cognitive training program may be feasible and usable in patients with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia based on the positive satisfaction and willingness to use the program reported by physiatrists, OTs, and patients. Although not statistically significant, decreased response time without a change in finger tapping rate may reflect a temporary increase in attention after the test. Additional clinical trials are needed to investigate the effect on cognitive function, mood, and physical outcomes.
PubMed: 33052115
DOI: 10.2196/18127 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... May 2021Current data about the cardiovascular manifestations of mild primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) are often conflicting. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the gold standard for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Current data about the cardiovascular manifestations of mild primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) are often conflicting. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the gold standard for assessing aortic stiffness, and it predicts cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
OBJECTIVE
Primary outcomes were to investigate if mild pHPT was associated with higher PWV and if parathyroidectomy (PTX) reduced PWV in mild pHPT. Secondary outcome was to investigate blood pressure changes after PTX.
METHODS
Sources were PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Eligible studies included reports of PWV in patients with mild pHPT and controls, or in patients with mild pHPT before and after PTX. Two investigators independently identified eligible studies and extracted data. Pooled mean difference (MD) was the summary effect measure. Data were presented in forest plots with outlier and influential case diagnostics. Nine observational studies and one randomized clinical trial were selected, including 433 patients with mild pHPT, 171 of whom underwent PTX, and 407 controls. PWV was significantly higher in mild pHPT than in controls (MD = 1.18, 0.67 to 1.68, P < .0001). Seven studies evaluated the effect of PTX on PWV. PTX significantly reduced PWV (MD = -0.48, -0.88 to -0.07, P = .022).
CONCLUSION
Aortic stiffness is increased in patients with mild pHPT, supporting the notion that mild pHPT is also associated with adverse cardiovascular manifestations. PTX significantly reduced arterial stiffness in mild pHPT, indicating that the benefit of PTX over cardiovascular manifestations should not be dismissed but it deserves further studies.
Topics: Aged; Female; Humans; Hyperparathyroidism, Primary; Male; Middle Aged; Parathyroid Hormone; Parathyroidectomy; Pulse Wave Analysis; Severity of Illness Index; Vascular Stiffness
PubMed: 33693666
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab157 -
The Journal of Thoracic and... Apr 2021During degenerative mitral repair, surgeons must decide if further repair is warranted for residual mild mitral regurgitation. We examined the incidence of mild mitral...
OBJECTIVES
During degenerative mitral repair, surgeons must decide if further repair is warranted for residual mild mitral regurgitation. We examined the incidence of mild mitral regurgitation, late echocardiographic and clinical outcomes, and influence of surgical experience in decision making.
METHODS
From April 2004 to June 2018, 1155 of 1195 patients with pure degenerative disease underwent repair (97% repair rate). Propensity score matching was performed between patients with trace/no mitral regurgitation and patients with mild residual mitral regurgitation. Late echocardiographic outcome and freedom from reoperation were compared using competing-risks models. A comparison of outcomes of the referent surgeon (89.8% of repairs) with all other surgeons was performed.
RESULTS
Mild mitral regurgitation was present in 73 patients (6%). Propensity score-matched analyses compared 69 patients with mild mitral regurgitation with 198 patients without mitral regurgitation. Late moderate or greater mitral regurgitation was higher in those with mild mitral regurgitation than in those with no mitral regurgitation (17% vs 7%, P = .033), as was late moderate-severe or greater mitral regurgitation (6% vs 1%, P = .016). Ten-year freedom from reoperation was low in both groups (99.5% no vs 96.9% mild; P = .10). The referent surgeon had fewer patients with mild residual mitral regurgitation (6% vs 11%, P = .027) and less progression of mitral regurgitation compared with other surgeons (late moderate or greater mitral regurgitation 6% vs 15%, P = .002).
CONCLUSIONS
Residual mild mitral regurgitation was uncommon, and late progression to moderate or greater mitral regurgitation was rare and never led to late mitral reoperation. Experienced surgeons may be better able to determine repairs likely to remain stable, and most mild residual mitral regurgitation does not require re-repair.
Topics: Aged; Disease Progression; Female; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Intraoperative Period; Male; Middle Aged; Mitral Valve; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Postoperative Complications; Reoperation; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 31735391
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2019.10.033 -
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 2016Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are potentially progressive diseases. Few data are available on the prevalence and the factors associated with mild...
BACKGROUND
Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are potentially progressive diseases. Few data are available on the prevalence and the factors associated with mild inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
AIM
Our aim was to assess the natural history of mild CD and mild UC and to identify predictive factors of mild evolution over the long term.
METHODS
Retrospective study of IBD patients registered in the database of the university hospital CHU of Liège, Belgium. Mild CD was defined as an inflammatory luminal disease (no stricture, abdominal or perianal fistulae) requiring no immunomodulator (IM), anti-TNF and no surgery. Mild UC was defined as no requirement for IM, anti-TNF and no colectomy.
RESULTS
Four hundred and seventy-three CD and 189 UC were included (median follow-up: 13 and 11 years respectively). At 1 year, 147 patients had mild CD. At 5 years and the maximum follow-up, 56% and 13% patients still had mild CD, respectively. At 1 year, 142 patients had mild UC. At 5 years and the maximum follow-up, 72% and 44% still had a mild UC, respectively. Factors associated with long-term mild CD and UC were older age at diagnosis and absence of corticosteroids in the first year. In UC proctitis location was associated with mild UC.
CONCLUSIONS
In this cohort, 90% of CD patients and 3/4 of UC with mild disease at 1 year lost their mild disease status over time. An old age at diagnosis was predictive of the persistence of a mild CD and UC.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Child; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Databases, Factual; Disease Progression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Young Adult
PubMed: 26815198
DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2015.1128965