Future Science OA最新文献

Introduction: Particularly in genetics, former results can gain new meaning in the course of time. This raises questions about when professionals should recontact patients with new information. The aim of this focus group study is to clarify how different stakeholders in oncology think about the extent and limits of a duty to recontact.

Materials and methods: One focus group with oncology patients (n = 12) and two groups with healthcare professionals (total n = 13) were conducted. In general, there was support for recontacting patients. The scope and extent of this duty was, however, perceived differently. Differences and similarities on the following six contextual factors are discussed: information features, costs and efforts, personal preferences, who is contacted, clinic or research setting, and time.

Discussion: Oncology patients were clear in their wish to receive updates while the professionals were more hesitant to consider recontact as a standard of care. This is not surprising as recontacting patients with new information would mean a shift from a patient-initiated approach toward an information-initiated approach. This entails a different way of offering healthcare. Furthermore, the question is not only what professionals' responsibilities are, but how to design a system that complies with patients' wishes to receive updates.

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.

Background: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in enzyme-coding genes play a role in susceptibility to anti-cancer therapy.

Materials & methods: A prospective study was performed of the relationship between enzyme activity and treatment response, drug toxicity and hypersensitivity reactions in 51 patients with colorectal cancer treated with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy. SNP analysis was performed in 22 enzyme-coding genes with a previously described role in treatment efficacy.

Results: SLC6 and MTHR enzyme activity was related with rates of progressive disease, GSTP1 activity with anti-EGFR antibodies-related skin toxicity, CYP3A5 and MTHR with chemotherapy dose reduction, CYP2B6, IL10, MTHR and TYMS activity with the risk of drug hypersensitivity reactions.

Conclusion: Pharmacogenetics is a valuable predictive marker in oncology, related to chemotherapy treatment response, toxicity and hypersensitivity.

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.

Background: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery brings significant cardiac benefits but also risks post-operative complications, including cognitive impairments and infections.

Materials & methods: We analyzed 108 patient records between 2011 and 2021 at the Princess Muna Al-Hussein Cardiac Center, Irbid, Jordan. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of postoperative events.

Results: Few patients (8.3%) faced complications like stroke and infections, with age and ICU stay length as significant risk factors. Patients with complications often experienced left ventricular impairments and required inotropic support.

Conclusion: The study highlights the need for understanding CABG surgery complications to improve outcomes, emphasizing preventive care and personalized follow-up.

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.