M1/M2 Macrophages in Diabetic Nephropathy: Nrf2/HO-1 as Therapeutic Targets.

The process of inflammation is orchestrated by macrophages, according to their state of differentiation: thus, classically activated (M1) macrophages initiate the process by elaborating proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, whereas the latter phase is controlled by alternatively activated macrophages (M2) to resolve inflammation and promote tissue remodelling with the release of growth factors. In a simple human inflammatory response, such as acute crystal arthropathy, macrophages progress linearly through M1 and M2 phases; however, in chronic inflammatory responses, such as atherosclerosis and Diabetic Nephropathy (DN), both M1 and M2 macrophages may coexist, leading to persistent inflammation and fibrosis. A key macrophage receptor that regulates conversion from M1 to M2 is CD163, the hemoglobin scavenger receptor.

Shifting the HIV Paradigm from Care to Cure: Proceedings from the Caribbean Expert Summit in Barbados, August 2017.

The CCAS EXPERT SUMMIT convened an array of international experts in Barbados on August 27-31, 2017 under the theme "From Care to Cure-Shifting the HIV Paradigm." The Caribbean Cytometry & Analytical Society (CCAS) partnered with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to deliver a program that reviewed the advances in antiretroviral therapy and the public health benefits accruing from treatment as prevention. Particular emphasis was placed on reexamining stigma and discrimination through a critical appraisal of whether public health messaging and advocacy had kept pace with the advances in medicine.

Attitudes towards homosexuals in seven Caribbean countries: implications for an effective HIV response.

Between 2000 and 2015, the number of people newly infected with HIV in the Caribbean decreased by 76% and HIV-related deaths by 42%. The number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) increased from near zero to 50% (44% to 57%) in 2015. In many Caribbean countries communities of men-who-have-sex-with-other-men (MSM) have higher incidence and prevalence of HIV.

Impact of Implementing the 2013 ACC/AHA Cholesterol Guidelines on Vascular Events in a Statewide Community-Based Practice Registry.

Electronic health record data were analyzed to estimate the number of statin-eligible adults with the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association cholesterol guidelines not taking statin therapy and the impact of recommended statin therapy on 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD10 ) events. Adults aged 21 to 80 years in an outpatient network with ≥1 clinic visit(s) from January 2011 to June 2014 with data to calculate ASCVD10 were eligible. Moderate-intensity statin therapy was assumed to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 30% and high-intensity therapy was assumed to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 50%.

Leu/Val SNP polymorphism of CYP1B1 and risk of uterine leiomyoma in a Black population.

Uterine leiomyoma (UL) is the most commonly occurring benign tumor that affects women of reproductive ages. Studies strongly suggest that ULs are hormonally dependent and that genes acting in estrogen metabolism might be involved in their development. The focus of this case-control study was to determine whether the Leucine432Valine single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the gene encoding cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) was associated with an increased risk of UL in Black Barbadian women.

The clinical characteristics and outcome of children hospitalized with dengue in Barbados, an English Caribbean country.

Introduction: Although dengue is endemic in all English-speaking Caribbean countries, there are no published studies on the clinical presentations and outcomes of children hospitalized with dengue from this region. This study aims to assess the clinical charcteristics and the outcome in children hospitalized with dengue.

Methods: This was a population-based prospective study of all the children hospitalized with confirmed dengue in 2009 in Barbados.

Distribution of CYP17α polymorphism and selected physiochemical factors of uterine leiomyoma in Barbados.

Uterine leiomyoma is a major reproductive health disease among women and in particular Black women. The present study sought to determine whether a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of CYP17 (rs743572) was associated with the risk of developing uterine leiomyoma (UL) in affected women in Barbados; a majority Black population. It also sought to determine if BMI, waist circumference and oestradiol levels were associated with UL in this group.

A case of T-tube dislocation.

In environments where endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatogram (ERCP) services may at time be limited or unavailable, the surgeon must also decide between the insertion of a conventional T-tube or primary choledochorrhaphy when it is operatively perceived that the common bile duct (CBD) has been adequately cleared. Where the hospital stay of the patients with a T-tube in situ is prolonged, there is a higher incidence of postoperative bacteraemia with a moderate morbidity from biliary leakage after T-tube withdrawal. We report here a case as well as methods designed to prevent tube dislocation and alternatives to T-tube insertion after choledochotomy, whether performed open or laparoscopically.

Changing HIV infection-related mortality rate and causes of death among persons with HIV infection before and after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy: analysis of all HIV-related deaths in Barbados, 1997-2005.

Objectives: To compare the trends in death rates and the causes of deaths before and after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Methods: This is a retrospective study based on chart review of all HIV-related deaths between January 1997 and December 2005.

Results: The HIV-specific death rate declined from 34.