Future Science OA最新文献

Aim: To compare the safety and efficacy of triazavirin (TZV) 250 mg capsules versus oseltamivir 75 mg capsules in the treatment of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19.Materials & methods: A double-blind, randomized, interventional pilot study was conducted in a parallel design with a 7-day treatment period.Results: The results showed that TZV is superior to oseltamivir regarding length of hospital stay, days until clinical symptoms improvement, and cure of chest pneumonia.Discussion: Different literature data indicate the superiority of TZV in treating COVID-19 when compared with other therapeutic agents. While there is controversy about the efficacy of oseltamivir.Conclusion: It was concluded that TZV is more effective than oseltamivir in the management of COVID-19 disease.Trial registration number: NCT04973462.

Aim: ZnO NPs were prepared via green synthesis utilizing Zingiber Officinale.Methodology: Physical characterization and biological activity were performed against 2D, and 3D spheroids MCF-7 cell lines.Results: The NPs exhibited 188.9, 175.7 and 171.2 nm size with charge of -8.2, -11.7 and -9.7 mV for the 2%, 3% and 4% formulations. XRD confirmed a wurtzite hexagonal phase. FTIR spectra showed Zn-O stretching vibrations. The 2%, 3% and 4% formulations presented IC₅₀ values of 14.7, 26.2 and 47 μg/ml, respectively, with complete destruction of MCF-7 spheroids. Elevated TNF-α levels suggested an inflammatory-mediated mechanism of action.Conclusion: 2% Zingiber officinale-derived ZnO NPs showed antitumor potential against deserving further mechanistic and in vivo explorations.

Aim: Whether house dust mite (HDM) sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is effective for the skin symptoms of adult atopic dermatitis (AD) is unclear.Methods: HDM SLIT was added to conventional AD treatment for 10 HDM-sensitized AD patients with rhinitis for 2 years.Results: Seven out of ten enrolled patients completed the study. Eczema Area and Severity Index score was significantly reduced when comparing before treatment and at 24 months follow-up. CD203c ratio in the basophil activation test using HDM extract, skin prick test with HDM extract and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus/Dermatophagoides farinae specific-IgG4 tended to improve when comparing before treatment and after treatment.Conclusion: HDM SLIT might be a therapeutic option for AD patients with rhinitis who are sensitized to HDM.

Disseminated tuberculosis (TB) is a TB infection involving two or more noncontiguous sites. It is a challenging medical care due to its misleading presentation. Although it is associated with immunodepression, rare cases have been described in immunocompetent patients.We report the case of a 27-year-old immunocompetent man who presented with an altered general condition and dyspnea. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed pulmonary masses and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Sputum smear microscopy for acid-fast bacilli was negative. Scannoguided transparietal lung biopsy was performed twice with inflammatory tissue in histological study. A surgical lung biopsy was then made. The histopathology report confirmed TB involving lung, pleura and lymph nodes. A few days after antituberculosis therapy was started, the patient developed psychomotor slowing related to quadriportal hydrocephalus. He benefited from ventriculoperitoneal bypass. Polymerase chain reaction for detection of Mycobacterium TB was positive in cerebrospinal fluid.In conclusion: The diagnosis of disseminated TB is challenging owing to its non-specific clinical and radiological presentation and the frequent negativity of biological fluids for tubercle bacilli. Molecular biology should always be considered in front of lingering symptoms, particularly in endemic areas, given their speed and sensitivity, thus avoiding invasive diagnostic procedures, as was the case with our patient.

Aim: Limited research has explored factors influencing participants' decisions to consent to and complete hair sample collection. This study examined the relationships of sociodemographics, perceived stress and coping with hair sample collection among children aged 3-5 years and parents.Research design & methods: Data were analyzed from 188 parent-child dyads. Among these, 78% of parents provided consent to hair sample collection. Hair samples were collected from 81% children and 68% parents.Results: Parents who provided consent reported higher levels of stress and used more avoidant coping strategies compared with those who did not. Parents who provided a hair sample engaged in less problem-focused coping. Children who were girls, non-Hispanic and White had higher odds of completing hair sample collection. Additionally, children were more likely to complete hair sample collection if their parents were married, employed full-time, or had an annual family income of ≥$20,000. Pregnant women and full-time employed parents also had higher odds of completing hair sample collection.Conclusion: The study identified important sociodemographic factors that may influence hair sample collection in research. To improve participation, tailored approaches such as at-home self-collection, sensitive hair cutting approaches to maintain participants' hair style, and addressing participants' unique barriers are recommended.

Aim: Early biomarkers of phenoconversion to neurodegeneration are crucial to identify individuals at high risk. In patients with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), the strongest risk factor for neurodegeneration, CD4⁺ T cells exhibit a peculiar transcription factor pattern.Objective: To assess transcription factor mRNA levels in CD4⁺ T cells as predictive biomarkers of phenoconversion in iRBD patients.Methods: iRBD patients were followed prospectively. ROC curve analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess the discrimination between converters and non-converters.Results: CD4⁺ T cells from converters had higher STAT1, and lower GATA3 and FOXP3 mRNA levels. Hazard ratio was 58.3 (95% CI: 6.2-547.1) for higher STAT1, 101.2 (95% CI: 16.8-609.4) for lower GATA3 and 15.7 (2.7-91.4) for lower FOXP3.Conclusion: STAT1, GATA3 and FOXP3 mRNA levels in CD4⁺ T cells are promising predictive biomarkers of phenoconversion in iRBD patients.

We hereby report the case of a 40-year-old male, who initially underwent a left inguinal orchiectomy for a stage Is mixed germ cell tumor achieving an R0 status. His follow-up is mainly noticeable for many recurrences affecting exclusively the inguinal and suprapubic soft tissues. The recurrences occurred early, and almost always contained immature tissue upon pathologic reading, which has never been described in the medical literature before.

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive disorder that significantly impacts women's quality of life (QOL). Its unclear etiology, whether genetic or environmental, and the treatments associated with it have been widely studied globally.

Research design and methods: This study assessed the QOL of 108 women with PCOS, examining both physical and mental symptoms. Participants completed the Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire through a web-based survey to evaluate their QOL scores.

Results: Common symptoms included menstrual irregularity (73.14%), hirsutism (65.7%), acne (62.03%), and obesity (22.22%). Complications such as diabetes mellitus (12.9%), hypertension (2.78%), infertility (1.85%), miscarriages (31.4%), hyperandrogenism (68.51%), and insulin resistance (28.7%) were reported. Patients with infertility had the lowest physical scores (PCS), while those working night shifts had the lowest mental scores (MCS).

Conclusion: PCOS significantly affects QOL, with infertility contributing to the lowest physical scores and night shift work correlating with the lowest mental scores. These findings emphasize the need for integrated psychological and physical care, particularly for young working women with PCOS.