Protein kinase N1 (PKN1) knockout (KO) mice spontaneously form germinal centers (GCs) and develop an autoimmune-like disease with age. Here, we investigated the function of PKN1 kinase activity in vivo using aged mice deficient in kinase activity resulting from the introduction of a point mutation (T778A) in the activation loop of the enzyme. PKN1[T778A] mice reached adulthood without external abnormalities; however, the average spleen size and weight of aged PKN1[T778A] mice increased significantly compared to aged wild type (WT) mice. Histologic examination and Southern blot analyses of spleens showed extramedullary hematopoiesis and/or lymphomagenesis in some cases, although without significantly different incidences between PKN1[T778A] and WT mice. Additionally, flow cytometry revealed increased numbers in B220+, CD3+, Gr1+ and CD193+ leukocytes in the spleen of aged PKN1[T778A] mice, whereas the number of lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes was reduced in the peripheral blood, suggesting an advanced impairment of leukocyte trafficking with age. Moreover, aged PKN1[T778A] mice showed no obvious GC formation nor autoimmune-like phenotypes, such as glomerulonephritis or increased anti-dsDNA antibody titer, in peripheral blood. Our results showing phenotypic differences between aged Pkn1-KO and PKN1[T778A] mice may provide insight into the importance of PKN1-specific kinase-independent functions in vivo.

Background: Although hypertension was formerly thought to be a disease in affluent countries, recent data suggest that low- and middle-income countries account for three-quarters of the worldwide hypertension burden. Several studies have shown a high prevalence of HTN in Bangladesh, while data on urban slum areas are scarce. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in an urban slum area of Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 602 adults aged 18 years and above living in slum areas of Donia union at Kodomtali Thana, Dhaka, from September to October 2018 by simple random sampling. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the risk factors for hypertension. Results: A quarter of the urban slum dwellers were suffering from hypertension. Higher aged groups, 31 to 45 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.54-4.27] and 46 and above years [AOR: 5.13; 95% CI: 2.68-9.82], family history of hypertension [AOR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.24-2.99], and obesity [AOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.34-6.12] were found to be the significant risk factors of hypertension. Middle socio-economic status [AOR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34-0.93] and underweight [AOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.15-0.83] showed negative association with hypertension. Among the hypertensive participants, 20.6% were aware of their hypertension, 16.8% were on antihypertensive treatment, and 7.7% had their blood pressure controlled. Conclusion: A high prevalence of hypertension associated with poor awareness and control in an urban slum community needs government initiatives for prevention.

This case-control study estimated the association between maternal adverse childhood experience (ACE) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) in offspring. The study included 122 mothers with NDD children as case and 234 mothers with healthy children as control from 3 urban sub-districts of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Respondents' socio-demographic variables and ACE history were collected. A multivariate regression model was used to examine the association. Mothers with a history of more than 3 ACE are fourfold more vulnerable to give birth to NDD offspring than mothers having 3 or less ACE after adjusting with other covariates. The findings implicate the importance of routine screening of pregnant women for ACE to minimize the risk of giving birth to NDD offspring and taking effective measures to protect children from all types of violence in line with the UN convention on the rights of the child.

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Background: Although hypertension was formerly thought to be a disease in affluent countries, recent data suggest that low- and middle-income countries account for three-quarters of the worldwide hypertension burden. Several studies have shown a high prevalence of HTN in Bangladesh, while data on urban slum areas are scarce. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in an urban slum area of Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 602 adults aged 18 years and above living in slum areas of Donia union at Kodomtali Thana, Dhaka, from September to October 2018 by simple random sampling. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the risk factors for hypertension. Results: A quarter of the urban slum dwellers were suffering from hypertension. Higher aged groups, 31 to 45 years [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.54-4.27] and 46 and above years [AOR: 5.13; 95% CI: 2.68-9.82], family history of hypertension [AOR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.24-2.99], and obesity [AOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.34-6.12] were found to be the significant risk factors of hypertension. Middle socio-economic status [AOR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34-0.93] and underweight [AOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.15-0.83] showed negative association with hypertension. Among the hypertensive participants, 20.6% were aware of their hypertension, 16.8% were on antihypertensive treatment, and 7.7% had their blood pressure controlled. Conclusion: A high prevalence of hypertension associated with poor awareness and control in an urban slum community needs government initiatives for prevention.