Future Science OA最新文献

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.

Aim: To describe advances in 3D data capture and printing that allow photorealistic replicas of human anatomical specimens for education and research, and discuss advantages of current generation printing for replica design and manufacture. Materials & methods: We combine surface scanning and computerized tomography datasets that maximize precise color and geometric capture with ultra violet (UV) curable resin printing to replicate human anatomical specimens. Results: We describe the process for color control, print design and translation of photorealistic 3D meshes into 3D prints in durable resins. Conclusion: Current technologies allow previously unachievable ability to capture and reproduce anatomical specimens, and provide a platform for a new generation of 3D printed teaching materials to be designed and used in anatomy education environments.

Aim: Leydig cell tumors (LCT) are rare neoplasms that represent less than 0.1% of all ovarian tumors. This tumor usually presents with signs and symptoms of excess androgen levels. Diagnosis is made based on a combination of history, laboratory findings, imaging techniques and histopathological findings.Case: We present the case of a 35-year-old gravida five para 3⁺¹ pregnant woman with a unilateral ovarian cystic mass that was discovered incidentally during a cesarean section. The cyst measured 9 cm in its maximum dimension. A left oophorectomy was performed after the delivery of an alive male baby. Morphological and immunophenotypic findings were consistent with those of a pure Leydig cell tumor.Conclusion: Leydig cell tumors are uncommon and usually present with hyperandrogenism. The presentation could be polymorphic, ranging from the rapid onset of virilization to being asymptomatic.

Aim: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), enriched with multiple growth factors, is a promising adjunctive therapy for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). As a classic anti-platelet drug for diabetic patients, the effects of aspirin on the content of growth factors in PRP remains unclear.Methods: Our study enrolled diabetic patients who were currently taking or not taking aspirin as the research subjects, with healthy volunteers as the control. PRP from these individuals was activated with glucose calcium and thrombin. Growth factors levels in PRP activated supernatant (PRP-AS) and wound healing ability of platelet gel (PG) in the full-thickness skin defect diabetic mouse model were compared.Results: We found the level of growth factors in PRP-AS derived from two groups of diabetic patients were not statistically different, whereas both lower than that from healthy volunteers. Similarly, we found better wound healing ability of PG from healthy volunteers than those from diabetic patients, but no difference between the two groups of diabetic patients in the mouse model.Discussion: Aspirin does not interfere with autologous PRP therapy when using calcium gluconate and thrombin as agonists. However considering the content of growth factors, PRP from healthy volunteers is a preferable option for promoting DFU repair.

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.

Aim: The current sperm selection procedure for intracytoplasmic sperm injection has limited ability to detect structural and functional abnormalities of the spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the degree of sperm tail swelling observed during hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) may predict sperm quality.Materials & methods: Sixty semen samples were collected from men investigated for couple infertility. For each sample, sperm parameters, HOST and sperm chromatin status were evaluated. The relationship between the different HOST-induced tail swelling patterns ('a' to 'g') and sperm quality was evaluated.Results: The HOST significantly correlated with higher sperm motility and vitality, and with better morphology and nuclear quality. The HOST grades 'b' and 'c' were associated with better motility (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and morphology (grade 'b', p < 0.001). While grade 'd' was associated with better motility and count (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Our results show that the pattern of sperm tail swelling is linked to sperm functional integrity. HOST grades 'b' and 'd' were associated with better sperm quality, suggesting their preferential use during routine sperm selection for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to develop a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method to measure two important biomarkers of biotin deficiency from dried blood spot samples for effective management of the disorder. Materials & methods: The method was developed on a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry system using pentafluorophenyl column employing a mobile phase composition of methanol and water in the isocratic mode. A full validation of the method was performed as per relevant guidelines. Results & conclusion: Correlation between the results of dried blood spot and plasma method was evaluated to determine the interconvertibility of the method. The developed method was successfully applied for establishing the reference ranges for these biomarkers in the population of Udupi, a coastal district of South India.

Aim: Endoplasmic reticulum stress triggers neuronal unfolded protein accumulation, contributing to the pathophysiology of depression psychiatric illnesses.Materials & methods: The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), metabotropic glutamate receptor type 7 (GRM7), phosphoinisitol kinase-3 (PIK3), serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT) and Homer1 may afford an important signaling pathways in LPS induced depression rat model. Herein, thioctic acid, Burdock and propolis therapeutic index on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression was monitored. BDNF/PI3K/GR7M/ATF6/CHOP/XBP/AKT/Homer-1 signaling pathways also opened a novel avenue in the integration of synaptic neurotransmission.Results: The aforementioned treatments elevated GR7M/BDNF/GABA gene expression meanwhile decreased reactive oxygen species generation (Malondialdehyde/glutathione reductase/Total antioxidant capacity) and reduced the expression of ATF6/CHOP/PI3K/AKT/XBP/Homer-1 post LPS elevation.Conclusion: Thioctic acid, propolis and Burdock are prospective therapeutic agents via GRM7/BDNF/AKT/PI3K/ATF6/XBP/homer -1 signaling pathways in LPS-induced depression.