Text messaging (SMS) as a tool to facilitate weight loss and prevent metabolic deterioration in clinically healthy overweight and obese subjects : a randomised controlled trial

Publisher Copyright: © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Objective: To examine whether SMS text messaging facilitates a reduction of weight and waist circumference (WC) and favourable changes in lipid profile and insulin levels in clinically healthy overweight and obese subjects. Design: A randomised controlled trial. Setting and intervention: Primary care health centre in Riga, Latvia. Text messaging once in two weeks. Subjects: A total of 123 overweight and obese men and women aged 30–45 years with no cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) or diabetes. Main outcome measures: changes in anthropometric parameters (weight, WC, body mass index (BMI)) and biochemical parameters (lipids, fasting glucose and insulin). Results: We found a statistically significant decrease in weight (2.4%), BMI and WC (4.8%) in the intervention group, while the control group showed a statistically non-significant increase in weight and BMI and decrease in WC. Between group results obtained over the course of a year showed statistically significant mean differences between weight (–3.4 kg (95% CI –5.5, –1.3)), BMI kg/m2 (–1.14 (95% CI –1.9, –0.41)), WC (–4.6 cm (95% CI –6.8, –2.3)), hip circumference (–4.0 cm (95% CI –5.9, –2.0)) and fasting insulin (2.43 μU/ml (95% CI 0.6, 4.3)). Mean differences of changes in glucose and lipid levels were statistically non significant: fasting glucose (–0.01 mmol/l (95% CI –0.19, 0.17)), TC mmol/l (–0.04 mmol/l (95% CI –0.29, 0.21)), HDL-C (0.14 mmol/l (95% CI –0.65, 0.09)), LDL-C (–0.02 mmol/l (95% CI –0.22, 0.18)) and TG (0.23 mmol/l (95% CI –0.06, 0.52)). Conclusions: SMS messaging in clinically healthy overweight and obese subjects facilitates a slight decrease in weight, BMI and WC. It is anticipated that the implications of this strategy might facilitate the design of preventive and promotive strategies among high risk groups in Latvia.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Molecular characterisation and expression analysis of SEREX-defined antigen NUCB2 in gastric epithelium, gastritis and gastric cancer

NUCB2 is an EF-hand Ca2+ binding protein that has been implicated in various physiological processes like calcium homeostasis, hypothalamic regulation of feeding and TNF receptor shedding. In our previous study we identified NUCB2 as a potential tumour antigen eliciting autoantibody responses in 5.4% of gastric cancer patients but not in the healthy individuals. The current study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying NUCB2 immunogenicity and to gain an insight into the physiological functions of NUCB2 in the stomach. mRNA expression analysis demonstrated that NUCB2 is ubiquitously expressed in normal tissues, including lymphoid tissues, and downregulated in gastric tumours when compared with the adjacent relatively normal stomach tissues. The search for molecular alterations resulted in the identification of novel mRNA variants transcribed from an alternative promoter and expressed predominantly in gastric cancers. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the protein levels correspond to mRNA levels and revealed that NUCB2 is phosphorylated in gastric mucosa. Furthermore, a 55 kDa isoform, generated presumably by yet an unidentified post-translational modification was detected in gastric tumours and AGS gastric cancer cells but was absent in the relatively normal gastric mucosa and thereby might have served as a trigger for the immune response against NUCB2. Staining of stomach tissue microarray with anti-NUCB2 antibody revealed that it is expressed in the secretory granules of chief cells and in the cytoplasm of parietal cells in the functioning gastric glands which are lost in atrophic glands and tumour cells. Hence we propose that NUCB2 may be implicated in gastric secretion by establishing an agonist-releasable Ca2+ store in ER or Golgi apparatus, signalling via heterotrimeric Gα proteins and/or mediating the exocytosis of the secretory granules

MODERNIZATION OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD PULSE GENERATION FACILITY

The subject of this work is modernization of the magnetic field pulse generation facility

Design, Synthesis, and Structure−Activity Relationship Exploration of 1-Substituted 4-Aroyl-3-hydroxy-5-phenyl-1H-pyrrol-2(5H)-one Analogues as Inhibitors of the Annexin A2−S100A10 Protein Interaction

This research was supported by grants from Cancer Research UK. H.K.M. was funded by a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council studentship.S100 proteins are small adaptors that regulate the activity of partner proteins by virtue of direct protein interactions. Here, we describe the first small molecule blockers of the interaction between S100A10 and annexin A2. Molecular docking yielded candidate blockers that were screened for competition of the binding of an annexin A2 peptide to S100A10. Several inhibitory clusters were identified with some containing compounds with potency in the lower micromolar range. We chose 3-hydroxy-1-(2-hydroxypropyl)-5-(4-isopropylphenyl)-4-(4-methylbenzoyl)-1H-pyrrol-2(5H)-one (1a) as a starting point for structure-activity studies. These confirmed the hypothetical binding mode from the virtual screen for this series of molecules. Selected compounds disrupted the physiological complex of annexin A2 and S100A10, both in a broken cell preparation and inside MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Thus, this class of compounds has promising properties as inhibitors of the interaction between annexin A2 and S100A10 and may help to elucidate the cellular function of this protein interaction.Peer reviewe

Лечение стриктур билиодигестивного анастомоза после трансплантации левого латерального сектора печени

Many studies have shown that biliary complications after transplantation of the left lateral segment (LLS) of the liver reduce graft and recipient survival. Thus, timely correction of biliary complications, and strictures in particular, improves long-term outcomes in transplantation. Objective: to analyze our own experience in correcting biliary strictures in LLS graft transplantation. Materials and methods. From February 2014 to April 2020, 425 LLS grafts were transplanted in children. 19 (4.5%) patients were diagnosed with biliary strictures at different times after transplantation (from 0.2 to 97 months). Results. Biliary strictures were more often formed a year after transplantation (17.8 ± 23.9 months). In 14 out of the 19 patients, internal-external biliary drainage was successfully performed with phased replacement of the catheter with one that was larger in diameter (from 8.5 Fr to 14 Fr). The catheters were removed in 8 patients after completion of the treatment cycle. Restenosis was not observed during follow-up (13 ± 8.7 months) after the internal-external biliary drainage catheter had been removed. In 5 cases, antegrade passage of a guide wire through the stricture was unsuccessful. As a result, biliary reconstruction was performed in 4 (21.1%) patients and retransplantation was required in 1 (5.3%) patient. Conclusion. An antegrade minimally invasive approach can successfully eliminate biliary strictures in most children after liver LLS graft transplantation. The proposed technique is effective and safe.Введение. Билиарные осложнения после трансплантации левого латерального сектора (ЛЛС) печени, согласно многим исследованиям, негативно влияют на выживаемость трансплантатов и реципиентов. Таким образом, своевременная коррекция билиарных осложнений, и в частности стриктур, позволяет улучшить отдаленные результаты трансплантации. Цель. Проанализировать собственный опыт лечения билиарных стриктур при трансплантации ЛЛС печени. Материалы и методы. С февраля 2014-го по апрель 2020 года проведено 425 трансплантаций ЛЛС печени детям. У 19 (4,5%) пациентов диагностированы стриктуры желчных протоков в разные сроки после трансплантации (от 0,2 до 97 мес.). Результаты. Билиарные стриктуры чаще формировались через год после трансплантации (17,8 ± 23,9 мес.). У 14 из 19 было успешно проведено наружно-внутреннее дренирование желчных протоков с этапной заменой дренажа на больший диаметр (с 8,5 до 14 Fr). Дренажи удалены у 8 пациентов после завершения цикла лечения. За период наблюдения (13 ± 8,7 мес.) после удаления дренажа рестенозов не отмечалось. В 5 случаях антеградное прохождение стриктуры не удалось, в связи с чем в 4 (21,1%) случаях выполнена билиарная реконструкция и в 1 (5,3%) случае потребовалась ретрансплантация. Выводы. Антеградный мини-инвазивный подход позволяет успешно устранить билиарные стриктуры у большинства детей после трансплантации ЛЛС печени. Предложенный алгоритм лечения является эффективным и безопасным

The first study on analysis of the codon usage bias and evolutionary analysis of the glycoprotein envelope E2 gene of seven Pestiviruses

Background and Aim: Pestivirus, a genus of the Flaviviridae family, comprises viruses that affect bovines, sheep, and pigs. Symptoms, including hemorrhagic syndromes, abortion, respiratory complications, and deadly mucosal diseases, are produced in infected animals, which cause huge economic losses to the farmers. Bovine viral diarrhea virus-1, bovine viral diarrhea virus-2, classical swine fever virus, border disease virus, Bungowannah, Hobi-like, and atypical porcine pestivirus belonging to the Pestivirus genus were selected for the study. This study aimed to estimate the codon usage bias and the rate of evolution using the glycoprotein E2 gene. Furthermore, codon usage bias analysis was performed using publicly available nucleotide sequences of the E2 gene of all seven Pestiviruses. These nucleotide sequences might elucidate the disease epidemiology and facilitate the development of designing better vaccines. Materials and Methods: Coding sequences of the E2 gene of Pestiviruses A (n = 89), B (n = 60), C (n = 75), D (n = 10), F (n = 07), H (n = 52), and K (n = 85) were included in this study. They were analyzed using different methods to estimate the codon usage bias and evolution. In addition, the maximum likelihood and Bayesian methodologies were employed to analyze a molecular dataset of seven Pestiviruses using a complete E2 gene region. Results: The combined analysis of codon usage bias and evolutionary rate analysis revealed that the Pestiviruses A, B, C, D, F, H, and K have a codon usage bias in which mutation and natural selection have played vital roles. Furthermore, while the effective number of codons values revealed a moderate bias, neutrality plots indicated the natural selection in A, B, F, and H Pestiviruses and mutational pressure in C, D, and K Pestiviruses. The correspondence analysis revealed that axis-1 significantly contributes to the synonymous codon usage pattern. In this study, the evolutionary rate of Pestiviruses B, H, and K was very high. The most recent common ancestors of all Pestivirus lineages are 1997, 1975, 1946, 1990, 2004, 1990, and 1990 for Pestiviruses A, B, C, D, F, H, and K, respectively. This study confirms that both mutational pressure and natural selection have played a significant role in codon usage bias and evolutionary studies. Conclusion: This study provides insight into the codon usage bias and evolutionary lineages of pestiviruses. It is arguably the first report of such kind. The information provided by the study can be further used to elucidate the respective host adaptation strategies of the viruses. In turn, this information helps study the epidemiology and control methods of pestiviruses

Підлітковий період: фактори ризику передраку і раку шийки матки та методи їх профілактики

Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and huge potential, but at the same time associated with the significant risks when social context has a significant impact. Sexual behavior of young people in Ukraine has undergone significant changes and is characterized by irresponsible d attitude to matters of sex. The average age of first sexual intercourse among adolescents is on average 15,1 years for boys - 14,7 years. The prevalence of premarital sex on the one hand, is a testament to the «liberalization» of sexual attitudes of young people, and on the other actualizes the problem of prevention of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. In the structure of cervical diseases in sexually active adolescent girls the cervical interepithelium neoplasia diagnosed in 25,83% of patients. Vaccination provides a new opportunity for the primary prevention of cervical cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Thus, it is necessary to conduct a proper information campaign for adolescents and their families by involving non-governmental organizations, schools, and health servicesПодростковый возраст – это время бурного роста и огромного потенциала, однако при этом – и время значительных рисков, когда социальный контекст имеет существенное влияние. Сексуальное поведение молодежи в Украине претерпело значительные изменения и характеризуется более раскованным отношением к вопросам секса. Средний возраст первых половых отношений среди девушек-подростков составляет в среднем 15,1 лет, среди мальчиков - 14,7 лет. Распространенность добрачных половых отношений с одной стороны является свидетельством «либерализации» сексуальных установок современной молодежи, а с другой – актуализирует проблему профилактики нежелательной беременности и передачи во время сексуальных контактов инфекций, передающихся половым путем. В структуре заболеваний шейки матки у сексуально активных девушек-подростков дисплазии шейки матки диагностированы у 25,83% пациенток. Вакцинопрофилактика дает новую возможность – первичную профилактику дисплазий и рака шейки матки. Таким образом, существует необходимость проведения надлежащей информационной кампании для подростков и их семей c участием общественных организаций, школ, служб здравоохраненияПідлітковий вік – це час бурхливого зростання і величезного потенціалу, однак при цьому – і час значних ризиків, коли соціальний контекст має суттєвий вплив. Сексуальна поведінка молоді в Україні зазнала значних змін і характеризується більш розкутим ставленням до питань сексу. Середній вік перших статевих стосунків серед дівчат-підлітків становить 15,1 років, серед хлопчиків – 14,7 років. Поширеність дошлюбних статевих відносин з одного боку є свідченням «лібералізації» сексуальних установок сучасної молоді, а з іншого – актуалізує проблему профілактики небажаної вагітності та передавання під час сексуальних контактів інфекцій, що передаються статевим шляхом. У структурі захворювань шийки матки у сексуально активних дівчат-підлітків дисплазії шийки матки діагностовано у 25,83% пацієнток. Вакцинопрофілактика дає нову можливість – первинну профілактику дисплазій і раку шийки матки. Таким чином, існує необхідність проведення належної інформаційної кампанії для підлітків та їх сімей з участю громадських організацій, шкіл, служб охорони здоров’я

Дисменорея в популяції підлітків

To study the frequency of problems related to menstruation in adolescent girls in urban region of Ukraine. Study includes 532 adolescent girls in the age group 15–17 years who had had menarche for at least one year at the time of study.It was detected that almost 20% of girls have irregular menstruation. Dysmenorrhea occurs in almost 62% of cases, harmonious development at age 15–17 years had less than 50% of girls.So general practitioners, pediatricians, adolescent gynecologists should be more active in diagnosis of dysmenorrhea at adolescence girl. One of the main preventive measures for adolescence girl’s management of dysmenorrhea is lifestyle modification, smoking cessation and exercises.Выполненное исследование изучало частоту проблем, связанных с менструацией, у проживающих в городских регионах Украины девушек-подростков. В исследование вошли 532 девочки-подростка в возрасте 15–17 лет, у которых были менструации в течение как минимум одного года до момента включения в исследование.Обнаружено, что почти 20% девушек имеют нерегулярные менструации. Дисменорея встречалась в почти 62% случаев, гармоничное развитие в возрасте 15–17 лет наблюдалось менее чем у 50% девочек.В связи с этим отмечено, что врачи общей практики, педиатры, подростковые гинекологи должны быть более активны в диагностике дисменореи у девочек-подростков. Одними из основных профилактических мер подростковой дисменореи являются изменение образа жизни, отказ от курения и физическая активность.Виконане дослідження вивчало частоту пов'язаних із менструацією проблем у дівчат-підлітків, які проживають у міських регіонах України. У дослідження увійшли 532 дівчинки-підлітка віком 15–17 років, у яких були менструації протягом щонайменше одного року до моменту включення в дослідження.Виявлено, що близько 20% дівчат мають нерегулярні менструації. Дисменорея зустрічалася у майже 62% випадків, гармонійний розвиток у віці 15–17 років спостерігався менш ніж у 50% дівчаток.У зв'язку з цим відзначено, що лікарі загальної практики, педіатри, підліткові гінекологи повинні бути активнішими в діагностиці дисменореї у дівчаток-підлітків. Одними з основних профілактичних заходів підліткової дисменореї є зміна способу життя, відмова від паління і фізична активність