This cross-sectional study evaluates the association between COVID-19 vaccination and symptomatic child asthma.

UNASSIGNED: The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of sex-steroid receptors in human choroidal tissue across different ages and sex, aiming to better understand the pronounced sex difference in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) occurrence.
UNASSIGNED: Paraffin-embedded enucleated eyes of 14 premenopausal women, 15 postmenopausal women, 10 young men (<45 years), and 10 older men (>60 years) were used. A clinically certified immunostaining was performed to detect the presence of the androgen receptor (AR), progesterone receptor (PR; isoform A and B), and estrogen receptor (ERα). The stained slides were scored in a blinded manner for positive endothelial cells and stromal cells in consecutive sections of the same choroidal region.
UNASSIGNED: Our analysis revealed the presence of AR, PR, and ERα in endothelial cells and stromal cells of choroidal tissue. The mean proportion of AR-positive endothelial cells was higher in young men (46% ± 0.15) compared to aged-matched women (29% ± 0.12; P < 0.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]). Premenopausal women showed markedly lower mean proportion of ERα (5% ± 0.02) and PR-positive endothelial cells (2% ± 0.01) compared to postmenopausal women (15% ± 0.07 and 19% ± 0.13; both P < 0.05, 95% CI), young men (13% ± 0.04 and 21% ± 0.10; both P < 0.05, 95% CI), and older men (18% ± 0.09 and 27% ± 0.14; both P < 0.05, 95% CI). Mean PR-positive stromal cells were also less present in premenopausal women (12% ± 0.07) than in other groups.
UNASSIGNED: The number of sex-steroid receptors in the choroidal tissue differs between men and women across different ages, which aligns with the prevalence patterns of CSC in men and postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is common in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). Limited data exist on the prevalence of hip OA in patients with ASD, or on its impact on baseline and postoperative alignment and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Therefore, this paper will assess the prevalence and impact of hip OA on alignment and PROMs.
METHODS: Patients with ASD who underwent L1-pelvis or longer fusions were included. Two independent reviewers graded hip OA with the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification and stratified it by severity into non-severe (KL grade 1 or 2) and severe (KL grade 3 or 4). Radiographic parameters and PROMs were compared among 3 patient groups: Hip-Spine (hip KL grade 3 or 4 bilaterally), Unilateral (UL)-Hip (hip KL grade 3 or 4 unilaterally), or Spine (hip KL grade 1 or 2 bilaterally).
RESULTS: Of 520 patients with ASD who met inclusion criteria for an OA prevalence analysis, 34% (177 of 520) had severe bilateral hip OA and unilateral or bilateral hip arthroplasty had been performed in 8.7% (45 of 520). A subset of 165 patients had all data components and were examined: 68 Hip-Spine, 32 UL-Hip, and 65 Spine. Hip-Spine patients were older (67.9 ± 9.5 years, versus 59.6 ± 10.1 years for Spine and 65.8 ± 7.5 years for UL-Hip; p < 0.001) and had a higher frailty index (4.3 ± 2.6, versus 2.7 ± 2.0 for UL-Hip and 2.9 ± 2.0 for Spine; p < 0.001). At 1 year, the groups had similar lumbar lordosis, yet the Hip-Spine patients had a worse sagittal vertebral axis (SVA) measurement (45.9 ± 45.5 mm, versus 25.1 ± 37.1 mm for UL-Hip and 19.0 ± 39.3 mm for Spine; p = 0.001). Hip-Spine patients also had worse Veterans RAND-12 Physical Component Summary scores at baseline (25.7 ± 9.3, versus 28.7 ± 9.8 for UL-Hip and 31.3 ± 10.5 for Spine; p = 0.005) and 1 year postoperatively (34.5 ± 11.4, versus 40.3 ± 10.4 for UL-Hip and 40.1 ± 10.9 for Spine; p = 0.006).
CONCLUSIONS: This study of operatively treated ASD revealed that 1 in 3 patients had severe hip OA bilaterally. Such patients with severe bilateral hip OA had worse baseline SVA and PROMs that persisted 1 year following ASD surgery, despite correction of lordosis.
METHODS: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

In patients with end-stage kidney disease, kidney transplantation is the kidney replacement therapy option that provides the most successful survival. However, immunosuppression agents administered after kidney transplantation can increase the risk of opportunistic infections. Microsporidia are obligate intracellular pathogens that can be fatal in immunosuppressed patients. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of microsporidia in kidney transplantation recipients and the molecular characterization of the detected species.
To evaluate the prevalence of renal microsporidiosis in kidney transplant recipients, the urine samples from a total of 325 patients were analyzed by real-time and nested polymerase chain reaction for Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi.
Only one (0.4%) sample from the adult patient was positive for the Encephalitozoon species, while no positivity was found in pediatric patients. It was determined as Encephalitozoon intestinalis by ITS rRNA gene region sequence analysis. A microsporidia species obtained from humans in Türkiye has been characterized for the first time and registered in GenBank.
Our epidemiological results show that the prevalence of renal microsporidiosis in kidney transplant recipients is very low. In addition, as a result of the phylogenetic analysis of the detected isolate, it was observed that it was 100% identical to the isolates reported from dogs in Kayseri, Türkiye. This situation provided essential data regarding the zoonotic transmission dynamics of microsporidia.
Böbrek nakli, son dönem böbrek yetmezliği olan hastalarda en başarılı sağkalım sağlayan renal replasman tedavi seçeneğidir. Ancak böbrek nakli sonrasında uygulanan immün baskılayıcı ajanlar fırsatçı enfeksiyon riskini artırmaktadır. Microsporidialar, immün sistemi baskılanmış hastalarda ölümcül olabilen zorunlu hücre içi patojenlerdir. Bu çalışmada böbrek nakil hastalarında microsporidia prevalansının belirlenmesi ve tespit edilen türlerin moleküler karakterizasyonunun yapılması amaçlandı.
Böbrek nakli hastalarında renal microsporidiosis prevalansını değerlendirmek için toplam 325 hastadan alınan idrar örnekleri Encephalitozoon spp. ve Enterocytozoon bieneusi açısından gerçek zamanlı ve nested polimeraz zincir reaksiyonu ile analiz edildi.
Erişkin hastalardan sadece biri (%0,4) Encephalitozoon türleri yönünden pozitif belirlendi, çocuk hastalarda ise pozitiflik saptanmadı. ITS rRNA gen bölgesi sekans analizi sonucunda tespit edilen türün Encephalitozoon intestinalis olduğu görüldü. Bu çalışma ile Türkiye’de ilk kez insanlardan izole edilen bir microsporidia türü karakterize edilerek GenBank’a kaydedildi.
Elde edilen epidemiyolojik sonuçlar, renal transplant hastalarında renal microsiporidiosis prevalansının çok düşük olduğunu göstermektedir. Ayrıca tespit edilen izolatın filogenetik analizi sonucunda Kayseri’de köpeklerden bildirilen izolatlarla %100 benzer olduğu görüldü. Bu çalışma microsporidiaların zoonotik bulaşma dinamikleri açısından önemli bir veri sağlamaktadır.

UNASSIGNED: Recent studies determined that the amoeboid form of Blastocystis acts as a factor in stimulating the host\'s immune responses and ultimately results in urticaria and other skin disorders. The present study was conducted in order to determine the prevalence of Blastocystis in people referred to Bushehr city health centers and the relationship of this parasite with urticaria.
UNASSIGNED: Fecal samples were collected from 180 males and females referred to Bushehr health centers and a questionnaire containing demographic information was completed for each person. Samples were examined by preparing direct smear (wet mount) and then formalin-detergent sedimentation techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software and chi-square test.
UNASSIGNED: The results showed that 11.1% of cases infected with Blastocystis and 55% of patients with Blastocystis had various gastrointestinal symptoms. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant relationship between infection with some demographic factors such as sex, age, literacy level and residence, but this was significant with some clinical symptoms such as itching and urticaria.
UNASSIGNED: Despite the existence of conflicting information and many ambiguities about the Blastocystis, this emerging pathogen is very important in terms of causing allergic and skin disorders in sufferers, therefore, it is necessary that patients with urticaria be evaluated for Blastocystis along with other diagnostic procedures and physicians should request a test before any medical intervention. Thus, diagnosis and treatment of these people can play an important role in improving the health of society.
UNASSIGNED: Son araştırmalar Blastocystis ameboid formunun konağın bağışıklık yanıtlarını uyaran bir faktör olarak hareket ettiğini ve sonuçta ürtiker ve diğer deri bozukluklarına yol açtığını göstermiştir. Bu çalışma Bushehr şehir sağlık merkezlerine başvuran kişilerde Blastocystis prevalansını ve bu parazitin ürtiker ile ilişkisini belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır.
UNASSIGNED: Bushehr sağlık merkezlerine başvuran 180 erkek ve kadından dışkı örnekleri toplandı ve her kişiye demografik bilgileri içeren bir anket dolduruldu. Örnekler direkt smear (wet mount) hazırlanarak ve ardından formol eter çöktürme teknikleri kullanılarak incelendi. Veriler SPSS 22.0 programı ve ki-kare testi kullanılarak analiz edildi.
UNASSIGNED: Bulgular olguların %11,1’inin Blastocystis ile enfekte olduğunu ve Blastocystis ile enfekte olan hastaların %55’inde çeşitli gastrointestinal semptomların bulunduğunu gösterdi. İstatistiksel analiz, enfeksiyon ile cinsiyet, yaş, okuryazarlık düzeyi ve yerleşim yeri gibi bazı demografik faktörler arasında anlamlı ilişki olmadığını, ancak enfeksiyon ile kaşıntı ve ürtiker gibi bazı klinik semptomlar arasında anlamlı ilişki olduğunu gösterdi.
UNASSIGNED: Blastocystis hakkında çelişkili bilgiler ve birçok belirsizlik bulunmasına rağmen bu patojen, alerjik deri bozukluklarına neden olması açısından oldukça önemlidir, bu nedenle ürtikerli hastaların diğer tanı işlemleriyle birlikte Blastocystis açısından da değerlendirilmesi ve hekimlerin herhangi bir tıbbi müdahale öncesinde test istemesi gerekmektedir. Dolayısıyla bu kişilerin tanı ve tedavisi toplum sağlığının iyileştirilmesinde önemli bir rol oynayabilir.

This article aims to investigate the implications of grief among family members of COVID-19 victims; verify the prevalence of prolonged grief symptoms; and identify family members\' expectations regarding end-of-life care for their loved ones affected by COVID-19. Descriptive, cross-sectional research, with a quantitative-qualitative approach. Data collection was performed using an online questionnaire, guided by the PG-13 instrument. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. The results were presented descriptively and with the aid of tables. The study sample included 142 family members, mostly female, who presented emotional, physical, social, and financial implications as a result of grief. A prevalence of prolonged grief symptoms was observed in 11.4% of the mourners with more than six months and 29.6% of those with less than six months. Three thematic categories were identified: transparency in communicating the health situation, access to moments of farewell, and promotion of comfort in care actions. The symptoms of Prolonged Grief Disorder have a significant association with the degree of kinship. In final care, family members\' expectations were classified as: permission for a dignified farewell, effective communication, and promotion of comfort and care.
O objetivo deste artigo é investigar implicações do luto em familiares de vítimas da COVID-19; verificar a prevalência de sintomas de luto prolongado; identificar expectativas dos familiares acerca do cuidado em fim de vida de seus entes acometidos por COVID-19. Pesquisa descritiva, transversal, com abordagem quanti-qualitativa. Coleta de dados mediante questionário on-line, norteado pelo instrumento PG-13. Aplicou-se estatística descritiva e inferencial. Os resultados foram apresentados de forma descritiva e com auxílio de tabelas. Amostra de 142 familiares, maioria do sexo feminino, que apresentaram implicações emocionais, físicas, sociais e financeiras em decorrência do luto. Houve prevalência de sintomas de luto prolongado em 11,4% dos enlutados com mais de seis meses e 29.6% dos que tinham menos de seis meses. Foram identificadas três categorias temáticas: transparência na comunicação da situação de saúde, acesso a momentos de despedida e promoção de conforto nas ações de cuidado. Os sintomas de Transtorno de Luto Prolongado possuem associação significativa com o grau de parentesco. Nos cuidados finais as expectativas dos familiares foram classificadas em: permissão para despedida digna, comunicação efetiva e promoção de conforto e cuidado.

Diseases such as those caused by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) represent health problems for cats. Feline leishmaniasis (FL) has been reported in several cities across the country. The objective was to carry out a clinical-epidemiological and laboratory study of FIV, FeLV and FL in cats from shelters in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Blood samples and swabs from the conjunctival and nasal mucosa were obtained from 75 cats, from four animal shelters. Serology for FIV and FeLV was performed. For Leishmania, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on blood, conjunctiva and nasal mucosa. In the immunochromatographic serological test, seven cats tested positive for FIV and none for FeLV. No samples was positive in PCR for Leishmania. The study showed that despite the presence of human and canine leishmaniasis in the studied region, Leishmania spp. were absent in the cats studied. To avoid an increase in contagion in shelters, it is essential isolate cats with FIV.

BACKGROUND: Despite cryptorchidism being a common genital abnormality in male newborns with significant prevalence variations globally, there is a notable scarcity of epidemiological data on this condition in China.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to delineate the prevalence pattern of cryptorchidism in Chinese population over the past 15 years using nationwide surveillance data.
METHODS: Data from the China National Population-based Birth Defects Surveillance System (2007-2021) were analyzed to calculate the prevalence rates of cryptorchidism, stratified by birth year, maternal age, maternal residence, and geographic region. Adjusted prevalence rate ratios were computed using Poisson regression, while trends in prevalence and average annual percent change (AAPC) were assessed using the joinpoint regression model.
RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 1,833 cases of cryptorchidism were identified among 2,565,964 full-term male births, resulting in prevalence rates of 7.14, 5.60, and 1.54 per 10,000 births for overall, isolated, and associated cryptorchidism, respectively. The overall prevalence increased from 3.86 to 11.20 per 10,000 births, with an AAPC of 7.9% (95% confidence interval: 5.5-11.0). Significant variations were observed across maternal age (< 20 years, 7.62/10,000; 20-24 years, 6.14/10,000; 25-29 years, 6.96/10,000; 30-34 years, 7.48/10,000; ≥35 years, 9.22/10,000), maternal residence (urban vs. rural, 10.99/10,000 vs. 2.86/10,000), and geographic region (eastern, 12.38/10,000; central, 2.36/10,000; western, 2.63/10,000). Approximately one-third of cryptorchidism cases were bilaterally, while two-thirds were unilateral. Commonly observed associated abnormalities included congenital hydrocele testis, as well as anomalies in the genital organs, circulatory system, and musculoskeletal system.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite lower rates compared to other countries, the increasing trend in prevalence of cryptorchidism necessitates further investigation and intervention.

UNASSIGNED: PANX1 (pannexin 1), a ubiquitously expressed ATP release membrane channel, has been shown to play a role in inflammation, blood pressure regulation, and myocardial infarction. However, the possible role of PANX1 in cardiomyocytes in the progression of heart failure has not yet been investigated.
UNASSIGNED: We generated a novel mouse line with constitutive deletion of PANX1 in cardiomyocytes (Panx1MyHC6).
UNASSIGNED: PANX1 deletion in cardiomyocytes had no effect on unstressed heart function but increased the glycolytic metabolism and resulting glycolytic ATP production, with a concurrent decrease in oxidative phosphorylation, both in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, treatment of H9c2 cardiomyocytes with isoproterenol led to PANX1-dependent release of ATP and Yo-Pro-1 uptake, as assessed by pharmacological blockade with spironolactone and siRNA-mediated knockdown of PANX1. To investigate nonischemic heart failure and the preceding cardiac hypertrophy, we administered isoproterenol, and we demonstrated that Panx1MyHC6 mice were protected from systolic and diastolic left ventricle volume increases as a result of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Moreover, we found that Panx1MyHC6 mice showed decreased isoproterenol-induced recruitment of immune cells (CD45+), particularly neutrophils (CD11b+, Ly6g+), to the myocardium.
UNASSIGNED: Together, these data demonstrate that PANX1 deficiency in cardiomyocytes increases glycolytic metabolism and protects against cardiac hypertrophy in nonischemic heart failure at least in part by reducing immune cell recruitment. Our study implies PANX1 channel inhibition as a therapeutic approach to ameliorate cardiac dysfunction in patients with heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The escalating concern over Internet gaming disorder (IGD) among children underscores the urgency of comprehending its determinants and links to mental health, particularly for interventions targeting school-aged children.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of IGD and its association with depression, anxiety, and behavior among 8-12-year-old children attending private schools in Salem city.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 780 children aged 8-12 years from Salem district was conducted. Schools were randomly sampled, and data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire.
METHODS: Data were gathered from children without genetic, systemic, or mental disorders and brain trauma. The questionnaire, adapted from Alhamoud M A et al. (2022), encompassed sections on sociodemographic characteristics, gaming behavior, and scales for assessing IGD, depression, and anxiety. Administration occurred during school hours with a 30-35 min completion time.
METHODS: Data analysis utilized SPSS v23.0, including descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Chi-square tests for intergroup comparisons, and Pearson\'s correlation coefficient to determine associations.
RESULTS: The prevalence of IGD in Salem district was 1.2%, with higher rates of anxiety and depression observed among older children, particularly males.
CONCLUSIONS: A positive correlation was evident between IGD, anxiety, and depression. Urgent preventive measures have to be warranted to curb the rising trend of IGD, such as limiting screen time and promoting outdoor activities to enhance children\'s overall health.