Medicine
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Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) is an inhibitory receptor that is expressed on the surface of multiple immune cells and plays key roles in immune modulation. In patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), T cell number and functions are abnormal and the expression of inhibitory receptors is elevated. However, the expression of LAIR-1 on T cells in patients with CHB is still undetermined. ⋯ LAIR-1 expression levels on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells showed a significant negative association with hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA load and were lower in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients than in HBeAg-negative patients (P < .05). In addition, LAIR-1 expression levels on CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells were all negatively associated with liver inflammation and fibrosis parameters, such as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, FibroScan value, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index score. LAIR-1 expression levels on T cells were associated with HBV DNA load and liver inflammation and fibrosis parameters, indicating that LAIR-1 may play an important regulatory role in HBV-induced T cell immune pathogenesis and may be a therapeutic target for CHB.
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Population aging and air pollution are global concerns. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship among particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) knowledge, PM2.5 preventive attitude, and PM2.5 preventive behavioral intention in the elderly. A cross-sectional survey design was applied in this study, including usage intention and snowball sampling. ⋯ Elderly people's characteristics regarding PM2.5 knowledge and PM2.5 preventive attitude explained 22% (adjusted R2 = 0.22, F = 30.44, P < .001) of the variance in PM2.5 preventive behavioral intention. It is concluded that we found no difference in PM2.5 knowledge, PM2.5 preventive attitude, or PM2.5 preventive behavioral intention among the elderly with or without chronic diseases. In our opinion, health education regarding the threat of PM2.5 to the health of the elderly should be strengthened, to enhance their knowledge, preventive attitude, and preventive behavioral intention of PM2.5.
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Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a potentially life-threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality, and computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is an important diagnostic tool for patients in whom PTE is suspected; however, intraoperative PTE is very difficult to diagnose and often has a rapid clinical course. We experienced a case of intraoperative PTE with persistent tachycardia refractory to conventional treatments despite negative preoperative CTPA findings. ⋯ The patient with moderate risk for PTE (heart rate > 95 beats/min and immobilization, surgery under general anesthesia, and lower limb fracture within 1 month) should be closely monitored and managed intraoperatively even if preoperative CTPA findings are negative. The development of PTE needs to be expected if tachycardia is refractory to conventional treatments.
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Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide public health problem. Low vitamin D and its consequences among children and adolescents could be considered as one of the most important health-related problems. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in healthy Egyptian adolescents and investigate factors associated with vitamin D status. ⋯ Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are highly prevalent. In sunny countries, the special pattern of conservative clothing and the lack of outdoor physical activity might be the underlying factors for the high prevalence in females. Vitamin D supplementation seems to be mandatory to halt the problem.
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Anti leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) limbic encephalitis (LE) is rare autoimmune encephalitis, characterized by acute or subacute cognitive impairment, faciobrachial dystonic seizures, mental disorders, and refractory hyponatremia. As a type of treatable rapidly progressive dementia with a good prognosis, early, and accurate diagnosis is essential. We present a case of anti-LGI1 LE who was initially misdiagnosed with Alzheimer disease because his clinical manifestations were similar to Alzheimer disease. ⋯ Recognition of the specific symptoms and LGI-1 antibody test will be helpful for the early diagnosis, prompt immunotherapy, and good prognosis. This case raises the awareness that rapidly progressive dementia with frequent seizures could be caused by immunoreactions.