The cause of the observed increase in mortality is uncertain, but it is likely due in part to malnutrition-induced immune system dysfunction, a higher burden of opportunistic infections, and metabolic derangements. In this article, we describe the epidemiology of HIV infection and malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, potential causes of increased

mortality after ART initiation among patients with a low BMI, recent studies on post-ART weight gain and treatment outcome, and trials of macro-nutrient supplementation from the region. We close by highlighting priority areas for future research. Am J Clin Nutr 2010;91(suppl):1138S-42S.”
“Monocyte recruitment to the endothelium is a crucial step in the inflammatory response that precedes the development of atherosclerosis. check details We assessed the effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis on monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, cytokine production during monocyte/endothelial cell co-culture, and the expression of cell adhesion molecules on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and their ligands on monocytes. Porphyromonas gingivalis challenge significantly increased the adhesion of THP-1 monocytes

to HUVEC, the production of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in co-cultures of HUVEC and THP-1 cells, and the transcription and translation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin in HUVEC. The transcription histone deacetylase activity of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1 was also increased in HUVEC and THP-1 cells by P. gingivalis infection. Moreover, the stimulation of monocyte adhesion to HUVEC by P. gingivalis infection was partially inhibited by pretreatment with a mixture of anti-ICAM-1, -VCAM, and -E-selectin monoclonal antibodies. These data suggest that adherence between HUVEC SNS-032 ic50 and THP-1 cells, followed by the production

of cytokines and chemokines, was enhanced by increased expression of cell adhesion molecules on P. gingivalis-sensitized HUVEC, which in turn led to inflammatory atherogenesis.”
“Study Design. Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective. To assess how confidently low back pain (LBP) can be attributed to abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and thereby explore the potential value of MRI abnormalities in refining case definition for mechanical LBP in epidemiological research.

Summary of Background Data. Most epidemiological studies of mechanical LBP have defined cases only by reported symptoms, but it is possible that the potency of causes differs depending on whether there is demonstrable underlying spinal pathology.

Methods. We reviewed the published data on MRI abnormalities, looking for data on the repeatability of their assessment, their prevalence in people free from LBP, and their association with LBP.