Reduction of SPARC protects mice against NLRP3 inflammasome activation and obesity

The comprehensive assessment of long-term effects of reducing intake of energy (CALERIE-II; NCT00427193) clinical trial established that caloric restriction (CR) in humans lowers inflammation. The identity and mechanism of endogenous CR-mimetics that can be deployed to control obesity-associated inflammation and diseases are not well understood. Our studies have found that 2 years of 14% sustained CR in humans inhibits the expression of the matricellular protein, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), in adipose tissue. In mice, adipose tissue remodeling caused by weight loss through CR and low-protein diet feeding decreased, while high-fat diet-induced (HFD-induced) obesity increased SPARC expression in adipose tissue. Inducible SPARC downregulation in adult mice mimicked CR\u27s effects on lowering adiposity by regulating energy expenditure. Deletion of SPARC in adipocytes was sufficient to protect mice against HFD-induced adiposity, chronic inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. Mechanistically, SPARC activates the NLRP3 inflammasome at the priming step and downregulation of SPARC lowers macrophage inflammation in adipose tissue, while excess SPARC activated macrophages via JNK signaling. Collectively, reduction of adipocyte-derived SPARC confers CR-like metabolic and antiinflammatory benefits in obesity by serving as an immunometabolic checkpoint of inflammation

Towards a collaborative research: A case study on linking science to farmers' perceptions and knowledge on Arabica coffee pests and diseases and its management

The scientific community has recognized the importance of integrating farmer's perceptions and knowledge (FPK) for the development of sustainable pest and disease management strategies. However, the knowledge gap between indigenous and scientific knowledge still contributes to misidentification of plant health constraints and poor adoption of management solutions. This is particularly the case in the context of smallholder farming in developing countries. In this paper, we present a case study on coffee production in Uganda, a sector depending mostly on smallholder farming facing a simultaneous and increasing number of socio-ecological pressures. The objectives of this study were (i) to examine and relate FPK on Arabica Coffee Pests and Diseases (CPaD) to altitude and the vegetation structure of the production systems; (ii) to contrast results with perceptions from experts and (iii) to compare results with field observations, in order to identify constraints for improving the information flow between scientists and farmers. Data were acquired by means of interviews and workshops. One hundred and fifty farmer households managing coffee either at sun exposure, under shade trees or inter-cropped with bananas and spread across an altitudinal gradient were selected. Field sampling of the two most important CPaD was conducted on a subset of 34 plots. The study revealed the following findings: (i) Perceptions on CPaD with respect to their distribution across altitudes and perceived impact are partially concordant among farmers, experts and field observations (ii) There are discrepancies among farmers and experts regarding management practices and the development of CPaD issues of the previous years. (iii) Field observations comparing CPaD in different altitudes and production systems indicate ambiguity of the role of shade trees. According to the locality-specific variability in CPaD pressure as well as in FPK, the importance of developing spatially variable and relevant CPaD control practices is proposed. (Résumé d'auteur

Comparing the Results of Written Testing for Advanced Cardiac Life Support Teaching Using Team-based Learning and the "Flipped Classroom" Strategy.

Objectives We sought to further determine whether cognitive test results changed for advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) taught in the team-based learning/flipped classroom format (TBL/FC) versus a lecture-based (LB) control. Methods We delivered 2010 ACLS to two classes of fourth-year medical students in the TBL/FC format (2015-2016), compared to three classes in the LB format (2012-2014). There were 27.5 hours of instruction for the TBL/FC model (TBL - 10.5 hours, podcasts - nine hours, small-group simulation - eight hours), and 20 hours (lectures - 12 hours, simulation - eight hours) in LB. We taught TBL for 13 cardiac cases while LB had none. Didactic content and seven simulated cases were the same in lecture (2012-2014) or in podcast formats (2015-2016). Testing was the same using 50 multiple-choice (MC) format questions, 20 rhythm-matching questions, and seven fill-in management of simulated cases. Results Some 468 students enrolled in the course 259 (55.4%) in the LB format in 2012-2014, and 209 (44.6%) in the TBL/FC format in 2015-2016. The scores for two out of three tests (MC and fill-in) increased with TBL/FC. Combined, median scores increased from 93.5% (IQR 90.6, 95.4) to 95.1% (92.5, 96.8, p = 0.0001). More students did not pass one of three tests with LB versus TBL/FC (24.7% versus 18.2%), and two or three parts of the test (8.1% versus 4.3%, p = 0.01). On the contrary, 77.5% passed all three with TBL/FC versus 67.2% with LB (change 10.3%, 95% CI 2.2%-18.2%). Conclusion TBL/FC teaching for ACLS improved written test results compared with the LB format

Comparing the Results of Written Testing for Advanced Cardiac Life Support Teaching Using Team-based Learning and the "Flipped Classroom" Strategy.

Objectives We sought to further determine whether cognitive test results changed for advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) taught in the team-based learning/flipped classroom format (TBL/FC) versus a lecture-based (LB) control. Methods We delivered 2010 ACLS to two classes of fourth-year medical students in the TBL/FC format (2015-2016), compared to three classes in the LB format (2012-2014). There were 27.5 hours of instruction for the TBL/FC model (TBL - 10.5 hours, podcasts - nine hours, small-group simulation - eight hours), and 20 hours (lectures - 12 hours, simulation - eight hours) in LB. We taught TBL for 13 cardiac cases while LB had none. Didactic content and seven simulated cases were the same in lecture (2012-2014) or in podcast formats (2015-2016). Testing was the same using 50 multiple-choice (MC) format questions, 20 rhythm-matching questions, and seven fill-in management of simulated cases. Results Some 468 students enrolled in the course 259 (55.4%) in the LB format in 2012-2014, and 209 (44.6%) in the TBL/FC format in 2015-2016. The scores for two out of three tests (MC and fill-in) increased with TBL/FC. Combined, median scores increased from 93.5% (IQR 90.6, 95.4) to 95.1% (92.5, 96.8, p = 0.0001). More students did not pass one of three tests with LB versus TBL/FC (24.7% versus 18.2%), and two or three parts of the test (8.1% versus 4.3%, p = 0.01). On the contrary, 77.5% passed all three with TBL/FC versus 67.2% with LB (change 10.3%, 95% CI 2.2%-18.2%). Conclusion TBL/FC teaching for ACLS improved written test results compared with the LB format

Serum Biomarker Concentrations upon Admission in Acute Traumatic Brain Injury: Associations with TBI Severity, Toxoplasma gondii Infection, and Outcome in a Referral Hospital Setting in Cameroon

Peer reviewed: TrueDespite the available literature on traumatic brain injury (TBI) biomarkers elsewhere, data are limited or non-existent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The aim of the study was to analyse associations in acute TBI between the admission serum biomarker concentrations and TBI severity, CT-scan findings, and outcome, as well as to explore the influence of concurrent Toxoplasma gondii infection. The concentrations of serum biomarkers (GFAP, NFL Tau, UCH-L1, and S100B) were measured and Toxoplasma gondii were detected in the samples obtained &lt;24 h post injury. GOSE was used to evaluate the 6-month outcome. All of the biomarker levels increased with the severity of TBI, but this increase was significant only for NFL (p = 0.01). The GFAP values significantly increased (p = 0.026) in those with an unfavourable outcome. The Tau levels were higher in those who died (p = 0.017). GFAP and NFL were sensitive to CT-scan pathology (p values of 0.004 and 0.002, respectively). The S100B levels were higher (p &lt; 0.001) in TBI patients seropositive to Toxoplasma gondii. In conclusion, NFL was found to be sensitive to TBI severity, while NFL and GFAP were predictive of CT intracranial abnormalities. Increased levels of GFAP and Tau were associated with poorer outcomes 6 months after TBI, and the S100B levels were significantly affected by concurrent T. gondii infection in TBI patients compared with the seronegative patients.</jats:p

Serum biomarker concentrations upon admission in acute traumatic brain injury : associations with TBI severity, Toxoplasma gondii infection, and outcome in a referral hospital setting in Cameroon

Abstract: Despite the available literature on traumatic brain injury (TBI) biomarkers elsewhere, data are limited or non-existent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The aim of the study was to analyse associations in acute TBI between the admission serum biomarker concentrations and TBI severity, CT-scan findings, and outcome, as well as to explore the influence of concurrent Toxoplasma gondii infection. The concentrations of serum biomarkers (GFAP, NFL Tau, UCH-L1, and S100B) were measured and Toxoplasma gondii were detected in the samples obtained <24 h post injury. GOSE was used to evaluate the 6-month outcome. All of the biomarker levels increased with the severity of TBI, but this increase was significant only for NFL (p = 0.01). The GFAP values significantly increased (p = 0.026) in those with an unfavourable outcome. The Tau levels were higher in those who died (p = 0.017). GFAP and NFL were sensitive to CT-scan pathology (p values of 0.004 and 0.002, respectively). The S100B levels were higher (p < 0.001) in TBI patients seropositive to Toxoplasma gondii. In conclusion, NFL was found to be sensitive to TBI severity, while NFL and GFAP were predictive of CT intracranial abnormalities. Increased levels of GFAP and Tau were associated with poorer outcomes 6 months after TBI, and the S100B levels were significantly affected by concurrent T. gondii infection in TBI patients compared with the seronegative patients

Prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among people living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy in Benin’s National Teaching Hospital

Abstract Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has extended the lifespan of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), exposing them to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Hypertension (HTN), the primary contributor to CVD burden, is increasingly concerning for PLHIV. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension in PLHIV on ART at the National Teaching Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga (HKM) of Benin using a prospective cross-sectional study conducted between October and December 2021. Patients who had a systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or/and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg or/and current use of antihypertensive medication from medical records were considered to have HTN. A total of 352 patients, including 260 women with a sex ratio of 0.3 were included. The mean age was 42.9 ± 11.9 years. Most patients were educated and did not use tobacco. 42.0% were current alcohol drinkers. The duration of ART treatment ranged from 0 to 22 years, with a median duration of 5.0 years. 14.2% were hypertensives with 3.1% newly diagnosed and 11.1% known with hypertension. Age above 40 years, living with a partner, alcohol consumption and body mass index greater than 25 were significantly associated with HTN. HTN in PLHIV is associated with numerous factors. Reducing the burden of the disease in target people in Benin requires a wide range of actions that need to be implemented