Effect of Cell Phone Usage on Semen Analysis in Men Attending Infertility Clinics: An Observational Study

Compares the sperm parameters -- such as mean sperm count, motility, viability, and normal morphology -- of men divided into four groups according to the amount of time they spend on cell phones on a daily basis

Role of dynamic hip screw with locking side plate in intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients

Background: Dynamic hip screw (DHS) is a vital mainstay implant in managing intertrochanteric fractures. While most of the modifications of implant have been done in screw design, this study evaluates the role of employing locking side plate with DHS to increase the screw hold and avoid plate pull out in trochanteric fractures of elderly patients.Methods: A prospective study was conducted from August 2012 to August 2014 on 30 patients having trochanteric fractures. The fixation, fracture consequences, functional outcome and complications were assessed clinically and radiologically in immediate post-operative period and on follow-ups at six weeks, three months, six months and one year. Young patients (<55 years), fractures with subtrochanteric extension and pathological fractures were excluded from study. Fractures in elderly patients from AO 31A1.1 to AO 31A3.1 were included in study. Evaluation of the clinical outcome was done by modified Harris hip score at the last follow-up.Results: Average age of the patients in study was 64 years; males had better outcome scores, which was statistically significant. The mean trauma-surgery interval was four days. Trauma surgery interval and functional outcome by Harris hip score was statistically significant and was inversely proportional. Union was achieved in all patients with delayed union noted in four cases; the average time to union was 12.2 weeks with no major complications and good functional outcome by Harris hip score.Conclusions: This study suggests that locking side plate with DHS would make a stronger bone implant construct and a valuable modification to prevent sliding, screw cut-out and side plate pull-out with low infection rates

Assessing College-Age Adult Attitudes and Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to HPV Vaccination

Background: The HPV vaccine is recommended for people aged 11 to 26 and is effective at preventing against certain types of cancers. Current vaccination rates among college-aged individuals remain inadequate. This study aims to assess attitudes to HPV vaccination and elucidate differences in awareness among individuals of different vaccination status. Methods: Medical students and premedical undergraduate students engaged individuals in a central campus student location to collect survey responses and educate about HPV and HPV vaccination. A peer-education approach was utilized to engage students. Knowledge gaps were generally assessed via a true/false questionnaire during peer-to-peer interactions and a link to a REDCap survey was shared. Respondents completed it themselves. We used one-way ANOVA and T-tests to compare levels of awareness levels and HPV vaccination status. Results: 209 survey responses from UVM students qualified for analysis. A majority of students had completed an HPV vaccine series. Survey results showed respondents learned of HPV and the vaccine from a variety of sources, but primarily from family or in a clinical setting. Average awareness also varied amongst individuals with differing HPV vaccination status. Conclusion: There may be associations linking greater knowledge of HPV with “Completed” vaccination status. Results demonstrate that awareness may not equate to general knowledge of HPV, possibly contributing to disparities in vaccination rate. With year-to-year HPV vaccine awareness declining, there is an increased need for educational campaigns to not only raise awareness about HPV but also on HPV topics like its transmission, disease prevention, and federal guidelines.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1342/thumbnail.jp

Demodex Blepharitis: A Comprehensive Review of the Disease, Current Management, and Emerging Therapies

Demodex blepharitis is a common disease of the eyelid, affecting approximately 25 million Americans. This article reviews what is known about the mechanisms and impact of Demodex blepharitis, risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnostic techniques, current management options, and emerging treatments. Demodex mites contribute to blepharitis in several ways: direct mechanical damage, as a vector for bacteria, and by inducing hypersensitivity and inflammation. Risk factors for Demodex blepharitis include increasing age, rosacea, and diabetes. The costs, symptom burden, and psychosocial effects of Demodex blepharitis are considerable. The presence of collarettes is pathognomonic for Demodex blepharitis. Redness, dryness, discomfort, foreign body sensation, lash anomalies, and itching are also hallmarks of the disease. Although a number of oral, topical, eyelid hygiene and device-based options have been used clinically and evaluated in studies for the management of Demodex blepharitis, none have been FDA approved to treat the disease. Recent randomized controlled clinical trials suggest that lotilaner ophthalmic solution, 0.25%, is a topical treatment with the potential to eradicate Demodex mites and eliminate collarettes and eyelid redness for an extended period

MAO-B Elevation in Mouse Brain Astrocytes Results in Parkinson's Pathology

Age-related increases in monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) may contribute to neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). The MAO-B inhibitor deprenyl, a long-standing antiparkinsonian therapy, is currently used clinically in concert with the dopamine precursor L-DOPA. Clinical studies suggesting that deprenyl treatment alone is not protective against PD associated mortality were targeted to symptomatic patients. However, dopamine loss is at least 60% by the time PD is symptomatically detectable, therefore lack of effect of MAO-B inhibition in these patients does not negate a role for MAO-B in pre-symptomatic dopaminergic loss. In order to directly evaluate the role of age-related elevations in astroglial MAO-B in the early initiation or progression of PD, we created genetically engineered transgenic mice in which MAO-B levels could be specifically induced within astroglia in adult animals. Elevated astrocytic MAO-B mimicking age related increase resulted in specific, selective and progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN), the same subset of neurons primarily impacted in the human condition. This was accompanied by other PD-related alterations including selective decreases in mitochondrial complex I activity and increased mitochondrial oxidative stress. Along with a global astrogliosis, we observed local microglial activation within the SN. These pathologies correlated with decreased locomotor activity. Importantly, these events occurred even in the absence of the PD-inducing neurotoxin MPTP. Our data demonstrates that elevation of murine astrocytic MAO-B by itself can induce several phenotypes of PD, signifying that MAO-B could be directly involved in multiple aspects of disease neuropathology. Mechanistically this may involve increases in membrane permeant H2O2 which can oxidize dopamine within dopaminergic neurons to dopaminochrome which, via interaction with mitochondrial complex I, can result in increased mitochondrial superoxide. Our inducible astrocytic MAO-B transgenic provides a novel model for exploring pathways involved in initiation and progression of several key features associated with PD pathology and for therapeutic drug testing

A rise in the frequency of lasR mutant Pseudomonas aeruginosa among keratitis isolates between 1993 and 2021

IntroductionPseudomonas aeruginosa causes vision threatening keratitis. The LasR transcription factor regulates virulence factors in response to the quorum sensing molecule N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone. P. aeruginosa isolates with lasR mutations are characterized by an iridescent high sheen phenotype caused by a build-up of 2-heptyl-4-quinolone. A previous study demonstrated 22% (n=101) of P. aeruginosa keratitis isolates from India between 2010 and 2016 were sheen positive lasR mutants, and the sheen phenotype correlated with worse clinical outcomes for patients. In this study, a longitudinal collection of P. aeruginosa keratitis isolates from Eastern North America were screened for lasR mutations by the sheen phenotype and sequencing of the lasR gene.MethodsKeratitis isolates (n=399) were classified by sheen phenotype. The lasR gene was cloned from a subset of isolates, sequenced, and tested for loss of function or dominant-negative status based on an azocasein protease assay. A retrospective chart review compared outcomes of keratitis patients infected by sheen positive and negative isolates.ResultsA significant increase in sheen positive isolates was observed between 1993 and 2021. Extracellular protease activity was reduced among the sheen positive isolates and a defined lasR mutant. Cloned lasR alleles from the sheen positive isolates were loss of function or dominant negative and differed in sequence from previously reported ocular lasR mutant alleles. Retrospective analysis of patient information suggested significantly better visual outcomes for patients infected by sheen positive isolates.DiscussionThese results indicate an increase in lasR mutations among keratitis isolates in the United States and suggest that endemic lasR mutants can cause keratitis

TFOS DEWS III Management and Therapy Report

This report provides an evidence-based review of current strategies to manage dry eye disease (DED). First-line management focuses on methods to replenish, conserve and stimulate the tear film, with an emphasis on ocular supplements, which remain the cornerstone of DED treatment. Meibomian gland dysfunction, a primary contributor to DED, is typically treated with warm compresses and a wide variety of in-office treatments, including device-driven technologies to warm the eyelids, intense pulsed light therapy, low-level light therapy and other new and emerging technologies. Lid hygiene treatments include lid wipes, anti-Demodex therapies, blepharoexfoliation and topical antibiotics. DED caused by certain etiological drivers can benefit from anti-inflammatory therapies, including corticosteroids, T-cell immunomodulatory topical drugs and a wide variety of pharmacological agents, in addition to biologic tear substitutes such as autologous serum and platelet-rich plasma. Emerging therapies, such as neuromodulation via nasal neurostimulation and novel pharmacological treatments offer potential future options. Advanced options, including amniotic membrane grafts and complex surgical methods, provide options for severe or refractory cases. Lifestyle modifications, including optimized blinking, dietary supplementation and environmental adjustments, play a crucial role in long-term management. Patient education and adherence to treatment regimens remain essential for sustained symptom relief. The TFOS DEWS III prescribing algorithm provides an evidence-based framework to offer guidance to clinicians in selecting relevant interventions based on disease etiology that aim to provide targeted management of the subtype of DED that an individual is experiencing