Immune checkpoints and pancreatic beta cell dysfunction in HIV.

We explored the impact of immune dysregulation on pancreatic beta cell injury in HIV patients. Analyzing 105 participant samples, we observed lower IL-21 levels and elevated immune checkpoint levels (e.g.

A comparative evaluation of the effect of eugenol exposure time on the bond strength of an etch-and-rinse and a self-etch adhesive to dentin: An study.

Aim: The study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effect of eugenol exposure time on the micro-shear bond strength (μ-SBS) of etch-and-rinse and a self-etch adhesive to dentin.

Materials And Methods: One hundred and twelve teeth samples were prepared from bisectioning 56 freshly extracted human mandibular molars and were randomly divided into 14 subgroups of 8 samples each (n = 8). Three subgroups containing eugenol and a noneugenol-based restorative material were placed on the dentin surface and left for 24 h, 7 days, and 14 days, respectively, and were compared to a control.

Profiling the neuroimmune cascade in 3xTg-AD mice exposed to successive mild traumatic brain injuries.

Repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (rmTBI) sustained within a window of vulnerability can result in long term cognitive deficits, depression, and eventual neurodegeneration associated with tau pathology, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, gliosis, and neuronal and functional loss. However, a comprehensive study relating acute changes in immune signaling and glial reactivity to neuronal changes and pathological markers after single and repetitive mTBIs is currently lacking. In the current study, we addressed the question of how repeated injuries affect the brain neuroimmune response in the acute phase of injury (< 24 h) by exposing the 3xTg-AD mouse model of tau and Aβ pathology to successive (1x-5x) once-daily weight drop closed-head injuries and quantifying immune markers, pathological markers, and transcriptional profiles at 30 min, 4 h, and 24 h after each injury.

Antibody-mediated cellular responses are dysregulated in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a severe complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection characterized by multi-organ involvement and inflammation. Testing of cellular function ex vivo to understand the aberrant immune response in MIS-C is limited. Despite strong antibody production in MIS-C, SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing can remain positive for 4-6 weeks after infection.

"I Would Rather Die Drinking than take the Medicine": Role of Alcohol Use Disorder in Loss-to-follow-up of Tuberculosis Treatment in a Rural Area of Ballabgarh, Haryana.

Introduction: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant risk factor for tuberculosis (TB) treatment loss-to-follow-up (LTFU). This field-based study was undertaken to understand the role of AUD and TB treatment LTFU and the reasons behind this association in a rural area of Ballabgarh, Haryana.

Material And Methods: TB patients who had completed their treatment and who had been LTFU were included in the study, along with the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) staff, healthcare providers, family, and community members from Ballabgarh block of the north Indian state of Haryana.

Profiling the neuroimmune cascade in 3xTg mice exposed to successive mild traumatic brain injuries.

Repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (rmTBI) sustained within a window of vulnerability can result in long term cognitive deficits, depression, and eventual neurodegeneration associated with tau pathology, amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, gliosis, and neuronal and functional loss. However, we have limited understanding of how successive injuries acutely affect the brain to result in these devastating long-term consequences. In the current study, we addressed the question of how repeated injuries affect the brain in the acute phase of injury (<24hr) by exposing the 3xTg-AD mouse model of tau and Aβ pathology to successive (1x, 3x, 5x) once-daily weight drop closed-head injuries and quantifying immune markers, pathological markers, and transcriptional profiles at 30min, 4hr, and 24hr after each injury.

Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Patients With Liver Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.

Introduction: A subset of patients with celiac disease (CeD) has liver involvement in the form of hypertransaminasemia, liver cirrhosis, and autoimmune hepatitis. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analyses to determine the pooled prevalence of CeD in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis, all-cause cirrhosis, cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia, and all-cause hypertransaminasemia.

Methods: We searched PubMed and EMBASE up to January 2022.

Comparing the Effects of Oral HIV Self-Testing With Those of Standard HIV Testing for Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The WHO recommends HIV self-testing (HIVST) as an innovative strategy and an additional testing approach to attain UNAIDS targets to end HIV by 2030. HIVST is a process whereby a person collects his or her own specimen (either oral fluid or blood), performs an HIV test, and interprets the result. It has been described as a discreet and convenient way to reach the hidden, unreached key populations (KPs) who do not know their HIV status or do not get tested.

Level and Duration of IgG and Neutralizing Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Children with Symptomatic or Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

There are conflicting data about level and duration of Abs to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in children after symptomatic or asymptomatic infection. In this human population, we enrolled adults and children in a prospective 6-mo study in the following categories: 1) symptomatic, SARS-CoV-2 PCR (SP; children, = 8; adults, = 16), 2) symptomatic, PCR, or untested (children, = 27), 3) asymptomatic exposed (children, = 13), and 4) asymptomatic, no known exposure (children, = 19). Neutralizing Abs (nAbs) and IgG Abs to SARS-CoV-2 Ags and spike protein variants were measured by multiplex serological assay.

"Better to Die Than Take These Medicines": A Community-Based Qualitative Study on the Determinants of Treatment Loss-to-Follow-Up in Tuberculosis Patients in District Faridabad, Haryana, India.

Introduction India is the biggest contributor to the global incidence of tuberculosis (TB). A major reason behind the persistently high incidence of TB in India is treatment loss-to-follow-up (LTFU). The consequences of LTFU include continuous transmission to uninfected individuals, drug resistance, and a higher rate of death in incompletely treated patients.

Predicting neurodevelopmental risk in children born to mothers living with HIV in Kenya: protocol for a prospective cohort study (Tabiri Study).

Introduction: For the growing number of children with in utero and postpartum exposure to HIV and/or antiretrovirals, it is unclear which exposures or risk factors play a significant role in predicting worse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This protocol describes a prospective longitudinal cohort study of infants born to mothers living with HIV and those born to mothers without HIV. We will determine which risk factors are most predictive of child neurodevelopment at 24 months.

Disease Progression in Children With Perinatal Human Immunodeficiency Virus Correlates With Increased PD-1+ CD8 T Cells That Coexpress Multiple Immune Checkpoints.

Background: PD-1 marks exhausted T cells, with weak effector functions. Adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have increased levels of PD-1+ CD8 T cells that correlate with HIV disease progression, yet little is known about the role of PD-1+ CD8 T cells in children with perinatal HIV.

Methods: We enrolled 76 Kenyan children with perinatal HIV and 43 children who were HIV unexposed and quantified PD-1 levels on CD8 T cells; their coexpression with immune checkpoints (ICs) 2B4, CD160, and TIM3; correlates with immune activation and HIV disease progression; and HIV-specific and -nonspecific proliferative responses.

COVID-19 in Children: A Review and Parallels to Other Hyperinflammatory Syndromes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, children have had markedly different clinical presentations and outcomes compared to adults. In the acute phase of infection, younger children are relatively spared the severe consequences reported in adults. Yet, they are uniquely susceptible to the newly described Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).

Clinical Features of Critical Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Children.

Objectives: We sought to describe the presentation, course, and outcomes of hospitalized pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 patients, with detailed description of those requiring mechanical ventilation, and comparisons between critically ill and noncritical hospitalized pediatric patients.

Design: Observational cohort study.

Setting: Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis in the early weeks of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

MD/MS thesis as a training tool.

As part of the MD/MS thesis, a postgraduate resident plans, conducts, analyses, and reports a research study under the guidance of the faculty members of the department. At the end of this process, the resident is expected to know the principles of conducting scientific research. Such an integral component of the resident's training program bears close examination.

High soluble CD163 levels correlate with disease progression and inflammation in Kenyan children with perinatal HIV-infection.

Objectives: CD163 is a hemoglobin scavenger receptor on monocytes and macrophages, cleaved to soluble CD163 (sCD163) in the plasma following activation. In HIV+ adults, sCD163 is linked to non-AIDS morbidity and predicts mortality, but there is limited data in children. We investigated sCD163 levels in HIV+ children and their correlations with disease progression, immune activation and gut mucosal damage.

Community-Acquired MRSA Pericarditis and Mediastinitis in a Previously Healthy Infant.

Invasive community-acquired methicillin-resistant (CA-MRSA) infections disproportionately affect children, but there are few pediatric reports of pericarditis and mediastinitis caused by CA-MRSA in previously healthy children. Here we report a severe case of CA-MRSA pericarditis with extension to the mediastinum and carotid sheath in a previously healthy 8-month-old infant who was successfully treated with surgical interventions and with a combination of daptomycin and vancomycin. The relatively indolent clinical course in this patient was notable given the significant extent of infection.

Low Peripheral T Follicular Helper Cells in Perinatally HIV-Infected Children Correlate With Advancing HIV Disease.

Background: T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are crucial for B cell differentiation and antigen-specific antibody production. Dysregulation of Tfh-mediated B cell help weakens B cell responses in HIV infection. Moreover, Tfh cells in the lymph node and peripheral blood comprise a significant portion of the latent HIV reservoir.