Genomic Medicine, Biomarkers, and Health Sciences最新文献

We analyzed the clinical outcome of stage II to IV malignant thymoma. This study focused on the treatment of 60 cases that combined surgery (biopsy or resection) and radiation therapy (with or without chemotherapy). Univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors predicting survival were carried out. There is a statistically significant relationship between the extent of surgery and the local control (19.4% of relapse after complete resection vs. 41.2% of relapse after partial resection or biopsy, p = 0.0001). Mediastinal radiation dose (≥50 Gy) had a significant effect in decreasing recurrence (p = 0.0001) and distant metastasis (p = 0.011). The rates of local recurrence (30%) and distant metastasis (25%) justify recommending a higher dose of mediastinal radiation (≥50 Gy) for patients with malignant thymoma.

Intestinal parasitic infections have been reported in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of 285 (84 male and 201 female) HIV-infected adults in the course of HAART were enrolled. Blood and stool specimens were collected from each participant and processed using standard procedures. CD4 count < 200 cells/μL and diarrhea were significant risk factors for acquiring intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-positive patients.Anemia was significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis were the only intestinal parasites recovered. We showed a low prevalence (5.3%) of intestinal parasitic infections among HAART patients. Opportunistic coccidia were not detected in this study. Routine diagnosis of intestinal parasites among HIV-infected patients on HAART is advocated.

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are infrequent fibrous neoplasms that arise most commonly in the thoracic cavity. Although initially described as arising from the pleura, SFTs have been reported at a wide range of anatomic sites. Owing to their rarity, accurate diagnosis of SFTs remains a challenge for clinicians. A 38-year-old man presented complaining of difficulty in defecation and a progressive perineal mass. A computed tomography scan revealed a huge pelvic mass characteristic of central necrosis and calcification with a severely compressed adjacent rectum. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-delineated mass with a maximal diameter of 15 cm. During surgery, an encapsulated tumor was excised via simultaneous abdominal and perineal approaches because of its huge size. SFT should be kept in mind for differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumors.

Stem cell techniques and tissue engineering are the foundation of the emerging field of regenerative medicine, which requires a stable source of stem or progenitor cells. Adipose tissue has been proven to serve as an alternative, rich source of adult stem cells with multipotent ability. There has been increased interest in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for tissue engineering applications. Here, we review the current techniques for isolating, cultivating, and differentiating ADSCs, and describe them in detail. The results from many studies that we summarize in this review indicate that ADSCs and their secretory factors show great promise for use in stem cell therapy.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are usually solitary tumors, mostly situated in the stomach and proximal small intestine. The existence of multiple lesions is thought to be an unusual event in some specific circumstances. Synchronous lesions are commonly viewed as the result of metastatic GIST, especially when the tumors are very different from each other in size and smaller lesions are located on the omentum or peritoneum. Nevertheless, differential diagnosis should include multiple primary sporadic GIST. Here we report a rare sporadic metachronous double GIST of the stomach; both tumors lacked KIT and PDGFRA mutations. The 76-year-old male underwent wedge resection of both gastric tumors and was treated postoperatively with imatinib 400 mg daily. He remained recurrence-free after 20 months of follow-up.

Individuals infected with HIV and AIDS and their families have to cope with a multitude of stressors. These chronic and stigmatized conditions can affect the overall functioning and lifestyle of affected children and their families. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a child’s illness on psychosocial issues for parents or caregivers and the problems they face. The descriptive study was carried out at Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Mangalore, India. In total, 27 parents or relatives of HIV-positive children were interviewed after obtaining consent. The male/female ratio of affected children was 0.9:1 and the majority of the children were >5 years of age. Ten children were looked after by both parents, 13 by one parent and four by relatives. The majority of the families had a per capita income of <Rs500 per month and a low education level. Of the three children who knew about their illness, two showed behavioral changes. HIV status was known in school for 12 of the 20 school-going children, and discrimination was observed in one case. Family members were supportive in 65% of cases and opposition and fear were the reactions in 30%. Healthcare providers were unsupportive in two cases. Monthly medical expenditure varied from Rs250 to Rs1500. Fifteen children were on antiretroviral therapy largely funded by voluntary organizations. Ninety two percent of the caregivers were aware of the modes of transmission, 85% of the preventive measures and 70% of the complications of HIV/AIDS. In conclusion, in spite of all the efforts raise awareness of HIV, social discrimination and stigmatization persist. General improvements in socioeconomic status and levels of knowledge and well-organized health programs will go a long way in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

Efavirenz is commonly used as part of the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1. The effects of chronic administration of efavirenz on the kidney of adult Wistar rats were investigated. The rats were divided into two groups, those given efavirenz (treatment) and those given water (control), both for 30 days. The animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation on Day 31 of the experiment and kidneys were dissected, weighed and quickly fixed in 10% formalin for histological analysis. The findings indicate that there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in weight and increase in relative weight of treated right and left kidneys compared to the control group. Kidneys in the treated group showed disruption of the cytoarchitecture of the renal cortical structure, diffuse glomerulonephritis with some cell congestion, and dilation of Bowman’s space compared to the control group. Chronic efavirenz administration may therefore have an adverse effect on the kidney function of adult Wistar rats. Further studies to corroborate these observations should be carried out.

Practicing gender-based equal rights is an international trend today. An empirical study was conducted to analyze the individual traits of women and their needs in order to determine how female-friendly hospital environments were by focusing on environments fitted for individuals. A structured questionnaire was distributed to the female users of a model female-friendly hospital recognized by the Health Bureau; 200 questionnaires were issued and 154 replies were valid. Variance and multiple regression analyses were conducted on the valid questionnaires. The results of the study indicate that: (1) the hospital’s efforts to promote a female-friendly hospital environment fell below women’s expectations; (2) when the hospital offered a less female-friendly hospital environment, female patients were less satisfied; and (3) “educational attainment” and “experience of a female-friendly hospital environment” most significantly influence the degree to which female patients would be satisfied with services provided by hospitals. We recommend hospitals educate medical staff and administrators regarding the concept of gender-based equal rights through relevant training in order to cultivate a high level of awareness and enthusiasm for offering female patients more comprehensive services so that they feel respected when receiving medical treatment.

Early detection is the hallmark of successful cancer treatment. Evidence is accumulating that primary cancers begin shedding neoplastic cells into the circulation at an early stage. To date, many different methodologies have been used for the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with variable sensitivity and specificity. In many studies, including patients with different clinical stages of colorectal cancer, the detection of CTCs in early and/or metastatic colorectal cancer has been shown to correlate with unfavorable clinical outcome. However, a high-sensitivity and high-throughput method for the detection of CTCs is currently lacking. Here, we introduce a high-sensitivity genechip analysis method from a colorimetric membrane array to a weighted enzymatic chip array in order to detect the CTC-related multiple mRNA markers derived from colorectal cancer patients as a convenient and practical tool for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction.

Female vaginal contraceptives are associated with increased susceptibility to infections. The prevalence of female reproductive tract infections (RTI) among contraceptive users was determined. A total of 187 female participants including 156 contraceptive users and 31 age-matched noncontraceptive users with signs and symptoms of RTIs were recruited for this study. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic information. High vaginal swabs were collected from each participant and processed using standard technique. Female contraceptive users (40.4%) had an increased risk for developing RTIs compared to noncontraceptive users (19.35%) (OR = 2.833, 95 CI = 1.095, 7.276; p= 0.044). Intrauterine device (IUD) users (53.07%; p= 0.032), users of contraceptives for less than 1 year (60.00%; p= 0.003) and age group of 26-30 years (68.18%; p= 0.0001) had significantly higher prevalence of RTIs among contraceptive users. Candida albicans was the most prevalent etiologic agent of RTIs among contraceptive users irrespective of types of contraceptives, bacteria vaginosis caused by other bacterial isolates was the most common RTIs among noncontraceptive users. In this situation, Klebsiella species was found only among IUD users. The study reveals an overall prevalence of 36.90% of female RTIs. Contraceptive users had 1-7 fold increase in developing RTIs. Vaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis were the most common female RTIs observed among contraceptives and noncontraceptive users. Some valuable measures to reduce infections associated with contraceptive use are advocated.