Future Science OA最新文献

PD-1 checkpoint inhibition has revolutionized the care of cancer. A small portion of patients with stage IV cancer achieve durable control. But, early progression is common and dramatic control is achieved for only a minority. We hypothesized that ilixadencel, an allogeneic monocyte-derived dendritic cell product could be injected into tumor to potentiate PD-1 response and thus conducted a phase I study of pembrolizumab plus ilixadencel. Twenty-one patients were accrued. The most common treatment emergent adverse events were fatigue, injection site pain, anemia, weight decreased and hyponatremia, mostly grade 1-2. No dose limiting toxicities were observed and the recommended phase II dose was established at 10 million cells administered twice. Two unconfirmed responses were observed, with no confirmed responses.

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.

Aims: The objectives of this study were to determine the plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels and the prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHC) in a group of Tunisian patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by comparing it with healthy controls.

Methods: it was an observational case-control study including patients hospitalized for the management of unprovoked DVT. For each subject, a routine biochemical assay was conducted, including plasma homocysteine measurement and determination of vitamin B12 and B9 levels, as these vitamins are essential for assessing hyperhomocysteinemia in DVT patients due to their role in regulating homocysteine.

Results: We observed an increased mean plasma Hcy level compared to controls and the prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia 61.7% against 4% in the control subjects. The risk of developing DVT with HHC is 3.54.

Conclusion: Our study found that homocysteine levels were higher in patients with DVT than in controls.

Introduction: Chronic migraine is recognized by the WHO as one of the most debilitating chronic conditions. It is primarily caused by central sensitization of the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Key biomarkers associated with migraine include NFkB, IL-1β, CGRP, and iNOS. While CGRP antagonists have proven effective in treating migraines, Chrysanthemum indicum L., a traditional herbal remedy, has not been established as a treatment.

Methods: To address this, we investigated whether Fargesin, a lignan found in CI, could potentially reduce migraines by targeting these biomarkers. We conducted pharmacokinetic, toxicological, and in-silico studies. Molecular docking studies revealed a strong interaction between Fargesin and CGRP/iNOS.

Results: The pharmacokinetic analysis indicated robust intestinal absorption and effective penetration of the blood-brain barrier. In-silico toxicity assessments showed favorable results. Promising interactions with drug targets were observed in bioactivity tests.

Conclusion: Fargesin from Chrysanthemum indicum may hold potential as a therapeutic agent for migraines.

Aim: This study explored Panduratin A's protective effects against DSS-induced colitis in mice, focusing on reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the colon.

Methods: Mice were treated with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and Panduratin A (3, 6, 18 mg/kg), and changes in body weight, colon length, Disease Activity Index (DAI), histopathology, inflammation markers including tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), Interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), and oxidative stress, Malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated.

Results: Panduratin A significantly reversed DSS-induced symptoms, including body weight loss, colonic length shortening, and DAI increase, while reducing histopathological damage. It lowered inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, suppressed NF-κB activation, and enhanced Nrf2 and HO-1 expression.

Conclusion: Panduratin A shows promise as a colitis treatment, warranting further research for broader clinical application.

Aim: This study aimed to explore using peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cells targeting ROBO1 as a personalized medicine approach for ovarian cancer. Methods: A two-step strategy generated ROBO1-targeted CAR NK cells from PBMCs of ovarian cancer patients. Efficacy was evaluated using xCELLigence RTCA, CCK-8 and Live/Dead fluorescence assays. Results: ROBO1-NK cells exhibited higher efficiency in eradicating primary ovarian cancer cells and lysing ovarian tumor organoids compared with primary NK cells without ROBO1-CAR modification. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of developing ROBO1-targeted CAR-NK cells from patients' PBMCs as a personalized treatment option for ovarian cancer.

Aim: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a growing health concern. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, participants' knowledge, attitude and practice toward GERD were assessed using a questionnaire. Results: In our study of 411 participants, 92.5% knew about GERD. Correctly identified risk factors were smoking (62.3%), fatty food (84.2%), spicy food (91.2%) and meal timing (80.8%). Identified symptoms were burning sensation (92.2%) and regurgitation (81.0%). 43.6% of participants were unaware of GERD's complications. Only 46.2% would seek medical advice for feeling full after eating, but 85% would for severe symptoms. 88.7 and 86.8% of participants showed willingness to amend diet and lifestyle. Conclusion: General population has knowledge regarding GERD and its risk factors but poor attitude and practices toward the condition.

Aim: COVID-19 arose as a pandemic that wreaked havoc all over the world. Study determines lifestyle changes adopted by people of Karachi in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was the cross-sectional study and carried out at public sector hospital and 218 participants were selected through random sampling method. Results: Lifestyle changes a statistically significant difference in nutrition (p = 0.000), physical activity (p = 0.000), workout (p = 0.000), smoking (p = 0.000), sleep hours (p = 0.000), and supplements (p = 0.000) before and during lockdown. Face masks were utilized by 38% of individuals, gloves by 19%, and social isolation was observed by 26%. 11% of participants did not follow any protocols. Conclusion: Study found significant differences in lifestyle habits such as diet, sleep, smoking and physical activity.

Aim: Venous air embolism is a rare but potentially life threatening complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Diagnosis is difficult because of the lack of specific signs or symptoms. Case: A 62-year-old man underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for choledocholithiasis. A cardiovascular collapse occurred during the procedure. The echocardiography showed air within the right ventricle. Aspiration of air from the right ventricle was done and saved the patient's life. Conclusion: We highlight through this case that increased awareness is essential for prompt recognition of the air embolism to allow life-saving therapy.

Aim: Although Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are well-tolerated, their long-term use may be associated with decreased bone mass. Methods: This is a case-control study including patients treated with PPIs (>1 year) and control subjects who have not received PPIs treatment. Results: A total of 90 patients and 90 matched controls were included. PPIs use was associated with hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. Vitamin D3 deficiency and hyperparathyroidism were associated with PPIs use. Long-term PPIs use was significantly associated with decreased bone density. Risk factors of decreased bone mineral density (BMD) included age >50 years, menopause, lack of sun exposure, double PPIs dose, daily intake, post-meal intake and association with a mucoprotective agent. Conclusion: Our results highlight the risk of decreased BMD in patients on long-term PPIs treatment.