TB Groups Research Articles

Physiologic and behavioral effects of long-acting subcutaneous and transdermal buprenorphine in rats.

To investigate thermoregulation, thermal antinociception, food/kaolin intake, fecal output, and behavior following long-acting buprenorphine preparations in rats. 8 adult male rats (Rattus norvegicus) were administered long-acting SC buprenorphine (SB; 0.65 mg/kg), transdermal buprenorphine (TB; 10 mg/kg), and controls in a randomized, cross-over design. Body temperature, self-injury, sedation, food/kaolin intake, fecal output, and thermal withdrawal latencies were measured 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours posttreatment. Data analysis was performed with mixed linear models. Self-injury was present between 1 and 12 hours and 4 and 12 hours following TB and SB, respectively; sedation was associated with TB at 12 to 24 hours. Withdrawal latencies were longer in both TB and SB groups than in the control group. Food intake decreased with time in all groups but was significantly lower 24 to 48 hours after TB and 24 to 72 hours after SB versus controls. Kaolin intake decreased from baseline 48 to 72 hours in the control group. Fecal output decreased from baseline 24 to 72 hours in all groups but was significantly lower than controls 24 hours following TB and 24 to 48 hours in SB. Body temperature increased from baseline at 1 hour, 1 to 12 hours, and 1 to 24 hours in the control, TB, and SB groups, respectively, and was significantly higher than the control group 1 to 72 hours following TB and 4 to 24 hours after SB. Transdermal buprenorphine and SB in normal rats produced antinociception, self-injurious behavior, hyperthermia, and decreased food/fecal output. Although these buprenorphine preparations may produce antinociception, untoward effects such as hyperthermia, self-injurious behavior, and reduced food intake/fecal output may be seen.

The impact of anti-tuberculosis treatment on respiratory tract microbiome in pulmonary tuberculosis

The growing evidence has underscored the significance of interactions between the host and microbiota in respiratory health, presenting a novel perspective on disease management. Yet, comprehension of the respiratory microbiome shifts before and after anti-tuberculosis treatment is limited. This study compares respiratory microbiome profiles in untreated tuberculosis (UTB) and completed TB treatment (CTB) cases with healthy controls, using 16S rRNA sequencing on sputum samples. Significant reduction in sputum microbial alpha diversity was observed in both TB groups when compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05). Beta diversity analysis showed distinct clustering (P < 0.05). Linear discriminant analysis revealed an abundance of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera like Haemophilus, Pseudomonas, and Mycobacterium in the UTB group, while Streptococcus, Rothia, and Neisseria dominated in CTB samples. Healthy sputum microbiomes were enriched with Prevotella, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonadaceae_unclassified,andPeptostreptococcus. Moreover, predicted bacterial functional pathways showed significant differences among the three groups, mainly related to nutrient metabolism.These findings indicated significant microbial dysbiosis in sputum samples recovered from patients with pulmonary TB with an elevated presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria, depletion of beneficial genera, and downregulation of several essential metabolic pathways. Further exploration of respiratory microbiome-based diagnostic biomarkers and their role in targeted treatment strategies in tuberculosis is warranted.

Effect of freeze-thawing, cell collection, and laser irradiation cycles on mosaicism occurrence in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy

ObjectiveIn preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, opinions regarding the handling of mosaic embryos vary. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of freeze-thawing, the number of cells obtained, and the number of laser irradiation cycles on the degree of embryonic mosaicism. Study designThis study was conducted in three parts. First, we classified specimens into the normal biopsy (control) (119 patients, 304 blastocysts) and thawed-biopsy (TB group) (26 patients, 72 blastocysts)) groups. The control and TB groups were then classified into three categories (euploidy, mosaic and aneuploidy) according to next-generation sequencing (NGS) results, and the number of cells collected and laser irradiation cycles were compared for each category. Subsequently, the effects of differences in the number of cells collected and laser irradiation cycles on NGS results were investigated in the control and TB groups. Finally, data on cell collection and laser irradiation cycles and NGS analysis results for the groups were compared. ResultsThe TB group had a significantly higher incidence of chromosomal mosaicism than the control group. Neither the number of cells collected nor the laser irradiation cycles affected the percentage of chromosomal mosaicism. However, the freeze–thaw process increased the occurrence of mosaicism. ConclusionsThis study showed that repeated freeze–thaw cycles increase the incidence of mosaicism, but the embryos are not aneuploid and are therefore suitable for transfer.

Mortality among extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients in the HIV endemic setting: lessons from a tertiary level hospital in Mbeya, Tanzania

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) has received less attention than pulmonary tuberculosis due to its non-contagious nature. EPTB can affect any organ and is more prevalent in people living with HIV. Low- and middle-income countries are now facing the double burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and HIV, complicating the management of patients with symptoms that could be compatible with both EPTB and NCDs. Little is known about the risk of death of patients presenting with symptoms compatible with EPTB. We included patients with a clinical suspicion of EPTB from a tertiary level hospital in Mbeya, Tanzania, to assess their risk of dying. A total of 113 (61%) patients were classified as having EPTB, and 72 (39%) as having non-TB, with corresponding mortality rates of 40% and 41%. Associated factors for mortality in the TB groups was hospitalization and male sex. Risk factors for hospitalization was having disease manifestation at any site other than lymph nodes, and comorbidities. Our results imply that NCDs serve as significant comorbidities amplifying the mortality risk in EPTB. To strive towards universal health coverage, focus should be on building robust health systems that can tackle both infectious diseases, such as EPTB, and NCDs.

Association of tuberculosis risk with genetic polymorphisms of the immune checkpoint genes PDCD1, CTLA-4, and TIM3.

The immune checkpoint proteins were reported to involve to host resistance to Mycobacteria tuberculosis (Mtb). Here, we evaluated 11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PDCD1, CTLA4, and HAVCR2 genes between participants with and without TB infection. Genomic DNA isolated from 285 patients with TB and 270 controls without TB infection were used to perform the genotyping assay. Odds ratios were used to characterize the association of 11 SNPs with TB risk. In this study, the various genotypes of the 11 SNPs did not differ significantly in frequency between the non-TB and TB groups. When patients were stratified by sex, however, men differed significantly from women in genotype frequencies at HAVCR2 rs13170556. Odds ratios indicated that rs2227982, rs13170556, rs231775, and rs231779 were sex-specifically associated with TB risk. In addition, the combinations of rs2227982/rs13170556 GA/TC in men and the A-C-C haplotype of rs231775-rs231777-rs231779 in women were significantly associated with TB risk. Our results indicate that rs2227982 in PDCD1 and rs13170556 in HAVCR2 are associated with increased TB susceptibility in men and that the CTLA4 haplotype appears protective against TB in women.

Flow cytometry-based method using diversity of cytokine production differentiates between Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and disease

Authors present a pilot study of the development of innovative flow cytometry-based assay with a potential for use in tuberculosis diagnostics. Currently available tests do not provide robust discrimination between latent tuberculosis infection (TBI) and tuberculosis disease (TB). The desired application is to distinguish between the two conditions by evaluating the production of a combination of three cytokines: IL-2 (interleukin-2), IFNɣ (interferon gamma) and TNFɑ (tumor necrosis factor alpha) in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.The study was conducted on 68 participants, divided into two arms according to age (paediatric and adults). Each arm was further split into three categories (non-infection (NI), TBI, TB) based on the immune reaction to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) after a close contact with pulmonary TB. Each blood sample was stimulated with specific M.tb antigens present in QuantiFERON tubes (TB1 and TB2). We inferred TBI or TB based on the predominant cytokine response of the CD4+ and/or CD8+ T cells.Significant differences were detected between the NI, TBI and the TB groups in TB1 in the CD4+TNFɑ+parameter in children. Along with IL-2, TNFɑ seems to be the most promising diagnostic marker in both CD4+and CD8+ T cells. However, more detailed analyses on larger cohorts are needed to confirm the observed tendencies.

Gut Microbial Dysbiosis Differs in Two Distinct Cachectic Tumor-Bearing Models Consuming the Same Diet.

The impact of cancer cachexia on the colonic microbiota is poorly characterized. This study assessed the effect of two cachectic-producing tumor types on the gut microbiota to determine if a similar dysbiosis could be found. In addition, it was determined if a diet containing an immunonutrient-rich food (walnuts) known to promote the growth of probiotic bacteria in the colon could alter the dysbiosis and slow cachexia. Male Fisher 344 rats were randomly assigned to a semi-purified diet with or without walnuts. Then, within each diet group, rats were further assigned randomly to a treatment group: tumor-bearing ad libitum fed (TB), non-tumor-bearing ad libitum fed (NTB-AL), and non-tumor-bearing group pair-fed to the TB (NTB-PF). The TB group was implanted either with the Ward colon carcinoma or MCA-induced sarcoma, both transplantable tumor lines. Fecal samples were collected after the development of cachexia, and bacteria species were identified using 16S rRNA gene analysis. Both TB groups developed cachexia but had a differently altered gut microbiome. Beta diversity was unaffected by treatment (NTB-AL, TB, and NTB-PF) regardless of tumor type but was affected by diet. Also, diet consistently changed the relative abundance of several bacteria taxa, while treatment and tumor type did not. The control diet increased the abundance of A. Anaeroplasma, while the walnut diet increased the genus Ruminococcus. There were no common fecal bacterial changes characteristic of cachexia found. Diet consistently changed the gut microbiota, but these changes were insufficient to slow the progression of cachexia, suggesting cancer cachexia is more complex than a few gut microbiota shifts.

A Randomized Comparison Between Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair Using Broström Operation with and without an Internal Brace

The aim of the study was to compare the intermediate-term (>24 months) clinical outcomes between anterior talofibular ligament repair using Broström operation with and without an internal brace. Nineteen patients underwent surgery using an arthroscopic traditional Broström repair with an internal brace technique (IB) and Eighteen patients underwent surgery using an arthroscopic traditional Broström repair without an internal brace technique (TB) . All patients were evaluated clinically using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). According to FAAM, sports activity scores of TB and IB groups were 83.33 ± 5.66 and 90.63 ± 6.21 at the final follow-up (p = .02). There were no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative stress radiographs between the two groups. Total medical expense was more in the IB group (p < .001). It also has a significant superiority in the terms of FAAM scores at sports activity. However, there was no difference during daily life.

Gendered gaps to tuberculosis prevention and care in Kenya: a political economy analysis study

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains a public health concern in Kenya despite the massive global efforts towards ending TB. The impediments to TB prevention and care efforts include poor health systems, resource...

Effect of bronchodilator therapy on the function of external respiration and lung parenchyma in surgical treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of regular prolonged inhalation therapy with tiotropium bromide delivered via the Respimat inhaler and short-acting bronchodilator (SAB) therapy with ipratropium bromide/fenoterol in the perioperative period in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd).Material and Methods. The study included 66 patients with Nsclc and copd. The patients received tiotropium bromide, 5 mcg/day (TB group) or a combination of ipratropium bromide/fenoterol 20/50 mcg/dose, 2 doses 4 times a day (SAB group) for 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after surgery. The control group consisted of patients who did not receive bronchodilators before surgery, but they received a combination of ipratropium bromide/fenoterol in the postoperative period. All patients underwent tests of pulmonary function (spirometry, body plethysmography), measurement of lung parenchyma density and emphysematous lung areas (high-resolution computed tomography).Results. After preoperative preparation with use of tB or saB, there was a significant improvement in FEV1, FVC, VC, RV, ITGV, and. RV/TLC ratio relative to baseline. In the tB and sad groups, a significant reduction in the severity of total respiratory resistance (Rtot) compared to that in the control group was observed. According to the assessment of lung density and the volume of emphysematous areas on expiration, the results in the TB group were significantly better than those in the sad and control groups. six weeks after surgery, all patients showed a significant decrease in post-FeV1, post-FVC, and post-VC relative to the preoperative values. Bronchodilator therapy resulted in the reduction in Rtot in all groups; however, better results were achieved in the TB group (86 %) compared to sad group (93 %, p=0.03) and control (101.5 %, p=0.02). After surgical treatment, a decrease in the volume of emphysematous areas on inspiration was observed: the parameters were better in the TB group than in the sad and control groups (220 cm3 versus 1025 cm3 and 1002 cm3, p&lt;0.001 and p=0.002, respectively).Conclusion. In patients with Nsclc and copd, longterm inhaled bronchodilator therapy can significantly improve respiratory function. more beneficial results are achieved after using long-acting drugs (tiotropium bromide).

Histoplasma Seropositivity in TB Patients in The Gambia: Evidence to Drive Research on a High-Priority Fungal Pathogen.

Inclusion of Histoplasma in the World Health Organization's first Fungal Priority Pathogens List under "high-priority" fungal species highlights the need for robust surveillance of Histoplasma spp. in endemic and underrepresented regions. Despite increasing reports of histoplasmosis in Africa, data on the burden of this fungal disease are sparse in The Gambia. This baseline study examined the human seroprevalence of anti-Histoplasma antibody in a TB patient group in The Gambia, explored associations between seropositivity and demographic and clinical variables, and proposes future research directions. Biobanked plasma samples were selected from active TB cases with variable HIV infection status. Latex agglutination tests were performed on samples from 52 study participants to detect the presence of anti-Histoplasma antibodies. Potential risk factors for Histoplasma exposure were explored using logistic regression analysis. The sample seroprevalence of anti-Histoplasma antibody was 28.8% (n = 15/52; 95% CI, 17.1%-43.1%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified a statistically significant association between Histoplasma seropositivity and age (odds ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84-0.98; P = .008). This baseline study provides evidence of Histoplasma seropositivity in TB patients in The Gambia and explores risk factors for exposure. The small sample size and use of the LAT in TB and HIV-positive patient groups are significant study limitations. Future research directions are proposed to ascertain the burden of Histoplasma in general and patient populations and explore the context-specific risk factors for exposure and infection in The Gambia.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy With Transit Loop Bipartition and Transit Bipartition in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Obesity: A Retrospective Analysis.

We aimed to compare 1-year postoperative results of patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with transit bipartition (LSG-TB) and transit loop bipartition (LSG-TLB) and mini gastric bypass (MGB). This is a retrospective comparison of 2 novel bariatric surgery techniques with MGB. Primary outcome measure of the study was a rate of T2DM remission. Secondary outcomes included excess body mass index (BMI) loss, improvement in hepatosteatosis, and duration of operation. Revision surgery needs were also assessed. Overall, 32 patients underwent the LSG-TLB, 15 underwent LSG-TB, and 50 underwent MGB. Mean age and sex distribution were comparable for all groups. Presurgical BMI was similar in MGB and LSG + TB groups, whereas LSG + TLB group had significantly lower BMI values compared with the MGB group. In both groups, BMI values reduced significantly compared with respective baseline values. Excess BMI loss was significantly higher in patients who underwent LSG-TLB compared with patients treated with LSG-TB and MGB. Bariatric surgery procedures lasted shorter in LSG-TLB than in LSG-TB. However, the shortest of all was MGB. The remission of T2DM rates were 71% and 73.3% in LSG-TLB and LSG-TB groups, respectively (P > 9.999). The rate of revision surgeries was comparable in both groups. In conclusion, LSG-TLB took less time and provided significantly higher excess BMI loss compared with LSG-TB. T2DM remission and improvement rates were similar in both groups. LSG-TLB seemed like a promising bariatric surgery technique in patients with obesity and T2DM.

Comparing the diagnostic performance of QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus with QFT-GIT, T-SPOT.TB and TST: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundQuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) is an important test that has emerged in recent years for detecting TB infection. We conducted a review to compare the sensitivity, specificity and positive rate of QFT-Plus with that of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT), T-cell spot of tuberculosis assay (T-SPOT.TB) and Tuberculin test (TST).MethodsPubMed and Embase were searched, without language restrictions, from 1 January 2015 to 31 March 2022 using “Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infections” and “QuantiFERON-TB-Plus” as search phrases. We estimated the sensitivity from studies of patients with active tuberculosis, specificity from studies of populations with very low risk of TB exposure, and positive rate from studies of high-risk populations. The methodological quality of the eligible studies was assessed, and a random-effects model meta-analysis was used to determine the risk difference (RD). We assessed the pooled rate by using a random-effects model. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD 42021267432).ResultsOf 3996 studies, 83 were eligible for full-text screening and 41 were included in the meta-analysis. In patients with active TB, the sensitivity of QFT-Plus was compared to that of QFT-GIT and T-SPOT.TB, respectively, and no statistically differences were found. In populations with a very low risk of TB exposure, the specificity of QFT-Plus was compared with that of QFT-GTI and T-SPOT.TB, respectively, and no statistically differences were found. Two studies were eligible to compare the specificity of the QFT-Plus test with that of the TST test, and the pooled RD was 0.12 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.22). In high-risk populations, 18 studies were eligible to compare the positive rate of the QFT-Plus test with that of the QFT-GIT test, and the pooled RD was 0.02 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.03). The positive rate of QFT-Plus was compared with that of T-SPOT.TB and TST groups, and no statistically differences were found.ConclusionsThe diagnostic performance of QFT-Plus was similar to that of QFT-GIT and T-SPOT.TB, but was slightly more specific than TST.

Electrocautery, Harmonic, and Thunderbeat Instruments in Parotid Surgery: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

The aim of this retrospective study has been to compare the surgical outcomes of patients undergoing superficial parotidectomy with three different instruments: bipolar electrocautery, ultrasound, and mixed energy instruments. The clinical records of 102 patients who had undergone superficial parotidectomy for benign tumors between January 2016 and April 2022 were considered. Based on the tool used during the surgery, the patients were divided into three study groups: classic electrocautery hemostasis group (CH group), ultrasonic instrument group (HA group), and combined energy instrument group (TB group). The duration of surgery, the total post-operative drainage volume, and the intra-operative blood loss were significantly higher in the CH group compared to the HA and the TB group, while the differences were not significant between the latter two groups. Facial nerve weakness was detected in 45.9% of the CH group, 12.5% of the HA group, and 21.2% of the TB group. The rate of facial nerve dysfunction in the CH group was significantly higher than in the HA group (0.011). In the patients who experienced post-operative facial nerve dysfunction, the recovery time was significantly shorter in the HA group compared to the CH and the TB group. The HA and TB groups have demonstrated comparable and significantly better surgical outcomes than bipolar electrocautery. Ultrasound instruments have been shown to cause, in comparison with the other techniques, a lower rate of temporary facial nerve dysfunction and, if this is present, lead to a faster spontaneous recovery time.

Effects of Tributyrin Supplementation on Liver Fat Deposition, Lipid Levels and Lipid Metabolism-Related Gene Expression in Broiler Chickens.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of tributyrin supplementation on liver fat metabolism in broiler chickens. Two hundred and forty broilers were randomly allocated into two experimental groups (6 replicates per treatment; 20 chickens in each replicate): the control group (CN), which received a basal diet, and the tributyrin group (TB), which received a basal diet supplemented with 1 g/kg of tributyrin. The experimental period lasted 37 days. The results showed that in the liver, broilers supplemented with tributyrin had higher content of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.05). Liver hepatic lipase (HL), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and total lipid (TL) activity were significantly lower than in the TB group than that in the NC group. Meanwhile, the diet supplemented with tributyrin had more lipid droplets than the NC group, whereas the TB and NC groups showed no histological abnormalities in the liver. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α (PPARα), proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), LPL and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) in the liver were significantly upregulated in the TB group (p < 0.05), while those of the long-chain acyl-CoA-synthetase 1 (ACSL1) mRNA between the TB group and the NC group were not different (p > 0.05). These findings indicated that the diet supplemented with tributyrin could increase fat deposition appropriately by promoting fat synthesis without causing liver tissue damage, which demonstrated that tributyrin can be considered a valid feed additive for broiler chickens.

The Differences in Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 Plasma Activity of HIV-Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis and HIV-Negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Background: Tuberculosis is the most common cause of death in HIV patients. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the immune response to TB and HIV infection. Increased plasma IDO1 activity in TB patients can be a promising marker for the diagnosis of TB, especially in HIV patients. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 plasma of HIV-positive pulmonary TB with HIV-negative pulmonary TB patients.&#x0D; Methods: This study is an analytic observational study. Plasma IDO1 activity was assessed by calculating the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio (K/T ratio). This indicator was assessed on 28 lung TB patients divided into two groups, HIV-positive pulmonary TB and HIV-negative pulmonary TB group.&#x0D; Results: Twenty-eight subjects were included in this study with a mean age of 42,96 (16,17) years, with more males than females. This study's mean K/T ratio was 0.18 (0.16), with HIV-positive pulmonary TB is higher than HIV-negative pulmonary TB (0.24 vs 0.12, p = 0.027).&#x0D; Conclusion: There is a significant difference in the Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) plasma in HIV-positive pulmonary TB and HIV-negative pulmonary TB groups. Thus the IDO1 plasma can be used as a new biomarker in diagnosed TB in HIV patients.

Diagnosis of Genital Tuberculosis in Infertile Women by Using the Composite Reference Standard.

Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) can be asymptomatic or even masquerade as other gynecological conditions. Conventional methods of FGTB diagnosis include various imaging, bacteriological, molecular, and pathological techniques that are only positive in a small percentage of patients, leaving many cases with undiagnosed condition. In the absence of a perfect diagnostic method, composite reference standards (CRSs) have been advocated in this diagnostic study. This study assesses the agreement between traditional diagnostic modalities using CRS and prevalent TB groups among different fallopian tube infertility manifestations. A total of 86 women with primary and secondary infertility were included in the study and subjected to bacteriological, pathological, and radiological examination for the diagnosis of FGTB. Results were evaluated statistically for concordance of the diagnostic tests to the CRS by sensitivity and specificity, while PPV and NPV were calculated for the performance of diagnostic tests of FGTB. We observed that 11.2% of women were found to be true positives by means of CRS. The positive findings by CRS were as follows: ultrasonography (13.9%), laparoscopy (14%), hysteroscopy (12%), GeneXpert (4.8%), culture (4.8%), polymerase chain reaction (4.8%), and histopathology (6.4%). GeneXpert and culture were found to have a perfect agreement with CRS. Hysterosalpingography, laparoscopy, and hysteroscopy have a fair agreement with CRS. Out of 43 women with tubal factor infertility, 6 women were found in the definitive TB group with mixed conditions of tubal manifestations. This study evaluates and demonstrates the reliability of the collective assessment of various diagnostic methods with CRS findings that help in identifying different TB groups of genital tuberculosis patients from all infertile patients by applying the criteria of CRS.

Pulmonary tuberculosis: An observational study to compare radiographic abnormalities with reference to smear microscopy status

Interpretation of Chest X Ray (CXR) in relation to sputum smear microscopy can be useful in early diagnosis of pulmonary TB. The study aimed to compare the CXR findings in pulmonary TB cases with positive sputum microscopy and negative sputum microscopy. Patients with presumptive pulmonary TB were grouped into smear positive pulmonary TB and smear negative pulmonary TB groups based on CXR and sputum smear microscopy. CXR findings in the two groups were compared using chi square and students- t test. A total of 225 patients with presumptive pulmonary TB were evaluated. Of these, 174 subjects were included in the study: 129 (74.2%) in smear positive pulmonary TB group and 45(25.8%) in smear negative pulmonary TB group. Parenchymal involvement was the most common finding in both smear positive and smear negative groups seen in 118 (91.5%) and 42 (93.3%) subjects, respectively. The area of parenchymal involvement was significantly more in smear positive group as compared to smear negative group (p&amp;#60;0.001). Cavitation was more commonly associated with smear positive group (p=0.005) Nodal enlargement was significantly more common among smear negative subjects (p&amp;#60;.001). CXR could detect 25.8% smear negative pulmonary TB cases. Extensive parenchymal infiltration and cavitation were more commonly associated with smear positive patients whereas nodal involvement was significantly more common in smear negative patients.

Evaluation of Predictors of the Effectiveness of Bronchoscopic Biopsies with Navigation by Endobronchial Ultrasound Mini Probes in Peripheral Lung Masses of Various Etiologies

The objective of the study: to evaluate and compare the predictors of effectiveness of navigation bronchobiopsy – radial endobronchial ultrasound with mini probes (rEBUS) in patients with peripheral pulmonary tumors of tuberculosis and oncological origin.Subjects and Methods. The effectiveness of rEBUS-guided bronchoscopic biopsies and predictors of this effectiveness were retrospectively analyzed in 152 patients (71 men and 81 women) with pulmonary tumors visualized by chest computed tomography (CT) as peripheral lung masses. All patients were divided into 2 groups according to the verified diagnoses: TB Group included 83 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis without bacterial excretion at the time of bronchological examination; NEO Group included 69 patients with pulmonary neoplasms.In all patients of both groups, a bronchological examination was performed for diagnostic purposes and included several types of biopsies (a set of biopsies): at least one of the liquid biopsies (bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or bronchial lavage) and one tissue biopsy (transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) or brush biopsy). Specimens of all types of bronchobiopsy were sent for microbiological and cytological tests, and the TBLB samples were additionally sent for histological examination.Results. The efficiency of diagnosing bronchobiopsy with rEBUS navigation in TB and NEO Groups was comparable – 81.9% (68/83) and 81.2% (56/69) (pχ2 &gt; 0.05), respectively. The factors (predictors) that statistically significantly influenced on effectiveness of bronchobiopsy in both groups were the following: signs of draining bronchus on chest CT, visualization of the mass in general during rEBUS, central position of the ultrasound probe in the mass during navigation, localization of the mass in the upper lobe of the right lung versus the lower lobe (summarized in two groups).Additionally for TB Group, the predictor was the size of the mass exceeding 20 mm.The effectiveness of cytological and histological verification in NEO Group with brush biopsy and TBLB samples significantly surpassed the effectiveness in TB Group, but the microbiological diagnosis of M. tuberculosis in BAL/bronchial lavage specimens increased the effectiveness in TB Group and made it comparable to NEO Group.

Synthesis, microstructures, and gas separation performance of norbornyl bis-benzocyclobutene-Tröger's base polymers derived from pure regioisomers

CANAL-TB polymers with defined distributions of methyl and TB groups were prepared, and the isomeric effects on the microstructures and gas separation performance were investigated.