Prevalence of cagA, cagT, cagE, vacA and hrgA genes in Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from patients with gastric cancer in Karaj city, 2016

Background: It is estimated that approximately half of the planet's population is infected with Helicobacter pylori and 70-60 of the infections in the Western countries are caused by cagA-positive strains. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of cagA, cagT, cagE, vacA and hrgA genes in H. pylori isolated from patients with gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 non-repetitive biopsy samples were collected from patients undergoing endoscopy in the endoscopic center of the Shahid Fayaz Hospital in Karaj. The presence of cagA, cagT, cagE, vacA and hrgA genes was determined using the multiplex PCR method. Results: Of the 50 gastric biopsies, 44 samples (88) were positive for the presence of various virulence genes. The molecular analysis of virulence factors showed that the prevalence rates of cagA, cagT, cagE, vacA and hrgA genes were 16 (32), 8 (16), 13 (26), 7 (14) and 17 (34), respectively. There was a significant relationship between sex, smoking and gastric ulcer with some genes, but no significant relationship was found between the family history and age group with any of the genes. Conclusion: The presence of various pathogenic genes has a significant effect on gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer. The effects of other genes, such as hrgA, are important in tissue damage and inflammatory responses

Insights about Cannabis and Psychosis Using Video Games for Young People with a First Episode of Psychosis, Particularly Those from Black Racialized Communities: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study

Background: Cannabis use disorder among young people with a first episode of psychosis contributes to relapse, hospitalization, and impaired functioning. However, few studies have examined what young people with early phase psychosis, particularly those from Black racialized communities, understand or appreciate about this relationship, even though they may be at risk. There are no formally tested knowledge translation strategies that disseminate these research findings for young people with emerging psychosis from Black racialized communities. Objective: This study aims to conceptualize what young people with early phase psychosis/cannabis use disorder understand about the relationship between cannabis and psychosis, focusing on people from racialized backgrounds. This study also aims to assess whether the knowledge translation product, the “Back to Reality Series,” increases awareness of the impact of cannabis use on psychosis from the perspectives of young people with emerging psychosis and cannabis use disorder from Black African and Caribbean communities. Methods: Qualitative analysis will reveal themes from qualitative interviews about cannabis and psychosis from the perspectives of young people with emerging psychosis and cannabis use disorder from Black African and Caribbean communities. Perceptions before and after exposure to the Back to Reality Series will be qualitatively analyzed. A control game will be used for comparison, and scores on a quiz after playing the Back to Reality Series will be quantitatively analyzed to establish whether the Back to Reality Series raises awareness of the effects of cannabis on psychosis. An advisory council involving young people from Black communities, family members, and clinicians will bring community perspectives to this research. Results: We began recruiting participants for this study in September 2021. We will complete data collection on demographic and clinical factors, qualitative interviews, and quantitative assessments of the Back to Reality Series. Conclusions: The voices of young people from racialized backgrounds will generate preliminary data to inform early psychosis programs, addressing cannabis use in this population. The findings may advance the use of a new knowledge translation product that deals with gaps in knowledge about cannabis use for people experiencing early phase psychosis, particularly those from racialized communities