Future Science OA最新文献

Aim: To correlate hematological, inflammatory indicators and serological responses among COVID-19 patients to point out the significant biomarkers for disease management and prognosis.Materials & methods: Standard analytical and molecular methods were used to assess various inflammatory and serological Responses among COVID-19 patients (ICU- (n = 99) and non-ICU patients (n = 64) as compared with health control (n = 40).Results: Significant differences in the Hb, WBC, Lymphocyte count, CRP and serum ferritin (p < 0.05) were observed. Patients' IgM/IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were associated with increased CRP, LDH and serum ferritin levels.Conclusion: A significant association between serum IgG/IgM and ICU admission was observed. Although serum ferritin and LDH can offer information about the extent of inflammation, they are exclusive factors for ICU admission.

Aim: This meta-analysis investigates the association between testosterone replacement therapy [TRT] and carotid artery atherosclerosis. Methods: 3 databases were searched for studies up to June 2023 per the PRISMA guidelines. The eligibility criteria comprised RCTs and observational studies involving hypogonadal males receiving exogenous testosterone, in which CIMT was assessed. CAA was the primary outcome, whereas secondary outcomes included HDL, LDL, CRP, total cholesterol and total testosterone. The statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager. Results: Statistical analysis revealed no association between TRT and assessed outcomes. There was a significant increase in total testosterone levels, depicting indirect anti-atherosclerotic effects of TRT. Conclusion: Meta-analysis shows no relation between TRT and CIMT or other markers, allowing its safe usage for hypogonadal males.

Aim: To evaluate the clinic-pathological features and prognostic value regarding PSMD14 in cancers.Materials & methods: Literature was gathered from public databases until 22 June 2023 to analyze data on survival rates and clinicopathological characteristics associated with PSMD14. TCGA and GEO data were also utilized for validation.Results: Eight reports on seven types of tumors showed that high PSMD14 expression was linked to poorer overall survival and disease-free survival. PSMD14 expression also correlated with larger tumor size, differentiation and metastasis, as well as the effectiveness of various chemotherapy drugs.Conclusion: PSMD14 could serve as a potential biomarker of poor prognosis in cancers, including lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aim: To investigate the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC).Materials & methods: The clinical data of 114 LELC patients were retrospectively analyzed.Results: Ninety-eight patients (86.0%) were Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER) positive detected by situ hybridization. A 67.1% (51/76) patients had PD-L1 expression. The 5-year overall survival rate of EBER negative patients was 51.6% while the rate of positive patients was 84.8% (p = 0.015). The 5-year progression free survival rate of EBER negative patients was 40.2% while the rate of positive patients was 70.2% (p = 0.004).Conclusion: The progression of LELC is relatively slow and present a better prognosis. The occurrence of tumor is closely related to Epstein-Barr virus infection and PD-L1 is highly expressed in tumor cells.

Aim: This study aimed to develop a topical antibiotic drug delivery system using aquasomes for enhanced treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Materials & methods: Cephalothin was loaded into aquasomes using a multi-step process and optimized using design of experiment. The aquasomes were characterized for FT-IR, SEM and zeta potential analysis. Entrapment efficacy, In vitro drug release studies, antibacterial assays and stability study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the formulated aquasomes. Results & conclusion: The formulated cephalothin-loaded aquasomes exhibited stable properties, controlled drug release and significant antibacterial activity against bacteria. This proves that the developed aquasome-based delivery system has the potential for sustained treatment of SSTIs.

The emergence of multicancer early detection (MCED) tests holds promise for improving early cancer detection and public health outcomes. However, positive MCED test results require confirmation through recommended cancer diagnostic imaging modalities. To address these challenges, we have developed a consultation and work-up protocol for definitive diagnostic results post MCED testing, named SPOT-MAS. Developed through circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis and in line with professional guidelines and advisory board consensus, this protocol standardizes information to aid general practitioners in accessing, interpreting and managing SPOT-MAS results. Clinical effectiveness is demonstrated through a series of identified cancer cases. Our research indicates that the protocol could empower healthcare professionals to confidently interpret circulating tumor DNA test results for 5 common types of cancer, thereby facilitating the clinical integration of MCED tests.

Aim: Head and Neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the second most prevalent cancer in Pakistan. Methods: Gene expression data from TCGA and GETx for normal genes to analyze Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs). Data was further investigated using the Enrichr tool to perform Gene Ontology (GO). Results: Our analysis identified most significantly differentially expressed genes and explored their established cellular functions as well as their potential involvement in tumor development. We found that the highly expressed Keratin family and S100A9 genes. The under-expressed genes KRT4 and KRT13 provide instructions for the production of keratin proteins. Conclusion: Our study suggests that factors such as poor oral hygiene and smokeless tobacco can result in oral stress and cellular damage and cause cancer.

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: To examine epigenetic changes leading to functional repair after damage to the central motor system.Data sources: A literature search was conducted using medical and health science electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus) up to July 2023.Study selection: Data were summarized for type of intervention, study design, findings including human and animal studies.Data extraction: Data were extracted and double-checked independently for methodological quality. By means of the influence of environmental (calorie restriction or physical exercise) and other factors, epigenetic instructions were found to increase levels of BDNF and enhance synaptic neurotransmission, possibly leading to larger scale changes in structural and functional assets, which may end up to cognitive and motor repair after stroke.