Molecular Characterization and Clinical Relevance of Taxonomic Reassignment of Staphylococcus schleiferi Subspecies into Two Separate Species, Staphylococcus schleiferi and Staphylococcus .

Staphylococcus schleiferi is an opportunistic pathogen in humans and dogs. Recent taxonomic reassignment of its subspecies ( subsp. and subsp.

Two Cases of Methimazole-Induced Agranulocytosis With Their Risk Factors.

Background: Antithyroid drugs, such as methimazole (MMI), are standard therapies for the medical management of thyrotoxicosis. Agranulocytosis is a rare but lethal adverse effect of antithyroid medications. We have reported 2 cases of MMI-induced agranulocytosis with similar risk factors that likely predisposed them to this adverse reaction.

High acceptability of HIV self-testing in a randomized trial among transgender women and men who have sex with men, Myanmar.

HIV self-testing (HIVST) shows promise to improve HIV diagnosis among those seeking privacy and anonymity in HIV testing. This may include sexual and gender diverse populations, who experience disproportionately high burdens of stigma and HIV globally. To inform potential scale-up of HIVST in Myanmar, we implemented a community-led, mixed-methods randomized trial in Yangon.

Is the stepping-down approach a better option than multiple daily injections in obese patients with poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes on advanced insulin therapy?

Aim: To determine whether de-escalating from advanced insulin therapy (AIT) to the combined use of metformin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, a GLP1 receptor agonist and basal insulin is the better option than multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) in obese patients with poorly controlled T2DM.

Methods: This was a 16-week, prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Twenty-two obese patients with T2DM on AIT were randomized to intervention (step-down) or control (MDI) group.

CCR5-edited CD4+ T cells augment HIV-specific immunity to enable post-rebound control of HIV replication.

BackgroundWe conducted a phase I clinical trial that infused CCR5 gene-edited CD4+ T cells to determine how these T cells can better enable HIV cure strategies.MethodsThe aim of trial was to develop RNA-based approaches to deliver zinc finger nuclease (ZFN), evaluate the effect of CCR5 gene-edited CD4+ T cells on the HIV-specific T cell response, test the ability of infused CCR5 gene-edited T cells to delay viral rebound during analytical treatment interruption, and determine whether individuals heterozygous for CCR5 Δ32 preferentially benefit. We enrolled 14 individuals living with HIV whose viral load was well controlled by antiretroviral therapy (ART).

"We are not gays… don't tell me those things": engaging 'hidden' men who have sex with men and transgender women in HIV prevention in Myanmar.

Background: In Myanmar, HIV is concentrated among key populations, yet less than half of the estimated 250,000 men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) report recent HIV testing. As many as 50% of MSM and TW may conceal their same-sex preferences and behaviors, yet little is known about the barriers faced by those who are locally regarded as 'hidden' - that is, MSM who do not disclose same-sex preferences and/or identify as gay. This study explored specific barriers to accessing HIV testing and other prevention services among 'hidden' MSM to inform appropriate models of service delivery.

Lipid profiles and determinants of total cholesterol and hypercholesterolaemia among 25-74 year-old urban and rural citizens of the Yangon Region, Myanmar: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: The first is to estimate the prevalence of dyslipidaemia (hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level), as well as the mean levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL, in the urban and rural Yangon Region, Myanmar. The second is to investigate the association between urban-rural location and total cholesterol.

Design: Two cross-sectional studies using the WHO STEPS methodology.

A randomized clinical trial of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) in ulcerative colitis patients with hypovitaminosis D.

Aim: To prospectively evaluate the effects of vitamin D on disease activity and quality of life in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with hypovitaminosis D.

Methods: The study was a prospective double-blinded, randomized trial conducted at Community Regional Medical Center, Fresno, CA from 2012-2013. Patients with UC and a serum 25(OH)D level <30 ng/ml were eligible for the study.

The Parasol Protocol: An Implementation Science Study of HIV Continuum of Care Interventions for Gay Men and Transgender Women in Burma/Myanmar.

Background: Efforts to improve HIV diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among people living with HIV and reduce onward transmission of HIV rely on innovative interventions along multiple steps of the HIV care continuum. These innovative methods are particularly important for key populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW). The HIV epidemic in Myanmar is concentrated among key populations, and national efforts now focus on reducing stigma and improving engagement of MSM and TW in HIV prevention and care.

New HIV testing technologies in the context of a concentrated epidemic and evolving HIV prevention: qualitative research on HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Yangon, Myanmar.

Introduction: Global effort to increase early diagnosis and engagement in HIV care emphasize the importance of developing novel approaches to reaching those missed by traditional methods. Such needs are particularly great for men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women (TW), and other populations who face stigma. Myanmar's HIV epidemic is concentrated among key populations and the revised National Strategy aims to reduce late diagnosis and barriers to care to curb HIV incidence among these groups.

Retention and mortality outcomes from a community-supported public-private HIV treatment programme in Myanmar.

Introduction: There is a growing interest in the potential contribution the private sector can make towards increasing access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in low- and middle-income settings. This article describes a public-private partnership that was developed to expand HIV care capacity in Yangon, Myanmar. The partnership was between private sector general practitioners (GPs) and a community-based non-governmental organization (International HIV/AIDS Alliance).

Impact of EMPA-REG OUTCOME on the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a review for primary care physicians.

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Most published trials of glucose-lowering agents have shown no significant CV benefit or increased risk of death or heart failure, with the exception of metformin. Three novel classes of glucose-lowering agents, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, have been approved by the U.

Unusual ictal foreign language automatisms in temporal lobe epilepsy.

The distinct brain regions could be specifically involved in different languages and the differences in brain activation depending on the language proficiency and on the age of language acquisition. Speech disturbances are observed in the majority of temporal lobe complex motor seizures. Ictal verbalization had significant lateralization value: 90% of patients with this manifestation had seizure focus in the non-dominant temporal lobe.

Hypogonadism in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: incidence and effects.

Purpose Of Review: This review summarizes the literature on hypogonadism in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Recent Findings: COPD is a systemic disease with effects beyond the lungs. Many prior studies have shown that middle-aged and elderly COPD patients may develop hypogonadism.

Clinical behavior of radiation-induced thyroid cancer: factors related to recurrence.

Background: Whether thyroid cancer is more aggressive in radiation-exposed patients is not resolved. The frequency of aggressive features in post-Chernobyl patients suggests this may be the case. Our aim was to address this question by re-examining the pattern of risk factors for recurrence of thyroid cancers found in a cohort exposed to external radiation.

The empty sella.

Empty sella (ES) is an extension or herniation of the subarachnoid space into the pituitary fossa through an incompetent sellar diaphragm that is commonly associated with clinical manifestations and endocrine abnormalities. The ES may occur secondary to a variety of pituitary disorders or as a primary entity. The pathogenesis of the primary ES appears to be multifactorial though the precise mechanisms remain unclear.