Future Science OA最新文献

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.

SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19. COVID-19 has led to severe clinical illnesses and an unprecedented death toll. The virus induces immune inflammatory responses specifically cytokine storm in lungs. Several published reports indicated that pregnant females are less likely to develop severe symptoms compared with non-pregnant. Putative protective role of maternal blood circulating fetal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has emerged and have been put forward as an explanation to alleviated symptoms. MSCs with immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral roles, hold great potential for the treatment of COVID-19. MSCs could be an alternative to treat infections resulting from the SARS-CoV-2 and potential future outbreaks. This review focuses on the MSCs putative protective roles against COVID-19 in pregnant females.

Aim: To assess the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) combined with porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) on full-thickness skin injuries in rats. Methods: We established full-thickness skin injury models in Sprague-Dawley rats, dividing them into blank control, SIS, hUCMSCs and hUCMSCs combined with SIS. We monitored wound healing, scores and area, and analyzed inflammatory cells, microvessel density and collagen fibers after 12 days. Results: The blank group showed no healing, forming a scar of 0.6 × 0.5 cm², while SIS and hUCMSCs groups exhibited incomplete healing with 0.4 × 0.5 cm² scabs. Wound healing was significantly better in the hUCMSCs combined with the SIS group. Conclusion: Local application of hUCMSCs combined with SIS enhances full-thickness skin injury wound healing in rats.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2144/fsoa.15.57.].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2020-0107.].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2019-0157.].

Aim: This study endeavors to explore the anti-arthritic effects of macerated oil derived from the plant's aerial parts. Methods: The macerated oil was prepared using maceration in coconut oil, and its phytochemical composition was elucidated using GC-MS. To assess its anti-arthritic activity, in-vitro studies were conducted using various assays. Results & conclusion: The macerated oil showed better antioxidant and anti-arthritic potential by in-vitro investigations. Molecular docking studies elucidated potential binding interactions between specific constituents of the oil and critical molecular targets implicated in the pathogenesis of arthritis, further substantiating its therapeutic potential. The results demonstrated that Abrus precatorius macerated oil could ameliorate arthritis severity in a dose-dependent manner.

Aim: This study evaluated the levels of anti-insulin antibodies (AIAs) and the influence of some antidiabetic medications on AIA in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with retinopathy. Patient & methods: An observational cross-sectional study. Results: A lower titer of AIA IgG was observed in the diabetic retinopathy (DR) and DM-only study categories compared with the control group [DR = 86 (5-560), DM-only = 50 (5-500), versus control = 200 (7-565); p = 0.017]. Taking nifedipine and metformin were negatively correlated (r = -0.32, p = 0.04) with the levels of AIA IgE in the DR group. Conclusion: A decreased titer of circulating AIAs was observed in the DR study category, suggesting that AIA may not contribute to the pathogenesis of DR.