BACKGROUND Monkeypox(Mpox),is a disease of global public health concern,as it does not affect only countries in western and central Africa.AIM To assess Burundi healthcare workers(HCWs)s’level of knowledge and confid...BACKGROUND Monkeypox(Mpox),is a disease of global public health concern,as it does not affect only countries in western and central Africa.AIM To assess Burundi healthcare workers(HCWs)s’level of knowledge and confidence in the diagnosis and management of Mpox.METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study via an online survey designed mainly from the World Health Organization course distributed among Burundi HCWs from June-July 2023.The questionnaire comprises 8 socioprofessional-related questions,22 questions about Mpox disease knowledge,and 3 questions to assess confidence in Mpox diagnosis and management.The data were analyzed via SPSS software version 25.0.A P value<0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.RESULTS The study sample comprised 471 HCWs who were mainly medical doctors(63.9%)and nurses(30.1%).None of the 22 questions concerning Mpox knowledge had at least 50%correct responses.A very low number of HCWs(17.4%)knew that Mpox has a vaccine.The confidence level to diagnose(21.20%),treat(18.00%)or prevent(23.30%)Mpox was low among HCWs.The confidence level in the diagnosis of Mpox was associated with the HCWs’age(P value=0.009),sex(P value<0.001),work experience(P value=0.002),and residence(P value<0.001).The confidence level to treat Mpox was significantly associated with the HCWs’age(P value=0.050),sex(P value<0.001),education(P value=0.033)and occupation(P value=0.005).The confidence level to prevent Mpox was associated with the HCWs’education(P value<0.001),work experience(P value=0.002),residence(P value<0.001)and type of work institution(P value=0.003).CONCLUSION This study revealed that HCWs have the lowest level of knowledge regarding Mpox and a lack of confidence in the ability to diagnose,treat or prevent it.There is an urgent need to organize continuing medical education programs on Mpox epidemiology and preparedness for Burundi HCWs.We encourage future researchers to assess potential hesitancy toward Mpox vaccination and its associated factors.展开更多
BACKGROUND Aberrant methylation is common during the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer(CRC),and detecting these changes that occur during early adenoma(ADE)formation and CRC progression has clinical valu...BACKGROUND Aberrant methylation is common during the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer(CRC),and detecting these changes that occur during early adenoma(ADE)formation and CRC progression has clinical value.AIM To identify potential DNA methylation markers specific to ADE and CRC.METHODS Here,we performed SeqCap targeted bisulfite sequencing and RNA-seq analysis of colorectal ADE and CRC samples to profile the epigenomic-transcriptomic landscape.RESULTS Comparing 22 CRC and 25 ADE samples,global methylation was higher in the former,but both showed similar methylation patterns regarding differentially methylated gene positions,chromatin signatures,and repeated elements.High-grade CRC tended to exhibit elevated methylation levels in gene promoter regions compared to those in low-grade CRC.Combined with RNA-seq gene expression data,we identified 14 methylation-regulated differentially expressed genes,of which only AGTR1 and NECAB1 methylation had prognostic significance.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that genome-wide alterations in DNA methylation occur during the early stages of CRC and demonstrate the methylation signatures associated with colorectal ADEs and CRC,suggesting prognostic biomarkers for CRC.展开更多
BACKGROUND Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains a major problem due to its high incidence,high risk,and high cost.One of the aims of the management in scoliosis is to correct the deformity.Many techniques are avail...BACKGROUND Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains a major problem due to its high incidence,high risk,and high cost.One of the aims of the management in scoliosis is to correct the deformity.Many techniques are available to correct scoliosis deformity;however,they are all far from ideal to achieve three-dimensional correction in scoliosis.AIM To develop a set of tools named Scoliocorrector Fatma-UI(SCFUI)to aid threedimensional correction and to evaluate the efficacy,safety,and functional outcome.METHODS This study consists of two stages.In the first stage,we developed the SCFUI and tested it in finite element and biomechanical tests.The second stage was a single-blinded randomized clinical trial to evaluate the SCFUI compared to direct vertebral rotation(DVR).Forty-four subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were randomly allocated into the DVR group(n=23)and SCFUI group(n=21).Radiological,neurological,and functional outcome was compared between the groups.RESULTS Finite element revealed the maximum stress of the SCFUI components to be between 31.2-252 MPa.Biomechanical analysis revealed the modulus elasticity of SCFUI was 9561324±633277 MPa.Both groups showed improvement in Cobb angle and sagittal profile,however the rotation angle was lower in the SCFUI group(11.59±7.46 vs 18.23±6.39,P=0.001).Neurological and functional outcome were comparable in both groups.CONCLUSION We concluded that SCFUI developed in this study resulted in similar coronal and sagittal but better rotational correction compared to DVR.The safety and functional outcomes were also similar to DVR.展开更多
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory skin disease in children. Treatment of AD is based on skin barrier repair and reduction of inflammation. We analyzed the efficacy and safety of activa...Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory skin disease in children. Treatment of AD is based on skin barrier repair and reduction of inflammation. We analyzed the efficacy and safety of activated piroctone olamine (APO)—Blue Cap—in children with AD. Materials and Methods: An open-label interventional clinical study was carried out at three clinical centers in Serbia. A total of 58 patients with AD, aged between 3 and 18 years were included and treated with Blue Cap Foam (100 ml;CATALYSIS S.L. Madrid)—Activated Piroctone Olamine—applied twice a day in the affected areas with eczema for 30 days and final assessment at 45 days from baseline. Photographic documentation, clinical evaluation, therapy effectiveness and safety questionnaires were assessed at baseline, 15, 30 and 45 days. Results: Our results demonstrated a significant reduction in signs (erythema, scaling, infiltration, excoriations, xerosis) and symptoms (pruritus) at weeks 2 and 4 of the study. At the end of the study, most patients had moderate (28.6%) to great (62.5%) disappearance of manifestations and moderate (25%) to great (71.4%) skin quality improvement. The effect and tolerability of the therapy were evaluated as very good in 66.1 % and 67.9% and good in about 14.3% and 17.9%, assessed by the investigator and patient, respectively. Three patients experienced a burning sensation at the beginning of the study, the side-effects were resolved as the patients continued applying the foam. After two weeks of cessation of the investigated foam, a significant percentage of patients experienced worsening in the final assessment done by the investigator as well as the participant. In the final assessment, a significantly high percentage (57.1%) of patients had a total reduction of manifestation, and a significant number of participants considered the applied product as treatment success, assessed by the investigator (62.5%) as well as the participants (66.4%). Conclusions: Blue Cap is effective and safe in children with AD, although further large-scale randomized controlled trials should confirm our study findings.展开更多
Blood transfusion saves lives and reduces morbidity and mortality for a large number of diseases and clinical conditions, but it is not without danger. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HIV ...Blood transfusion saves lives and reduces morbidity and mortality for a large number of diseases and clinical conditions, but it is not without danger. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HIV and hepatitis B in blood donors received at the regional Blood Transfusion Centre of N’Zérékoré (Guinea). This was a 5-year retrospective analytical study. We included records of blood donors aged 18 to 60 years admitted to the N’Zérékoré Regional Blood Transfusion Centre for blood donation from January 2016 to December 2020. We performed a descriptive analysis followed by Chi-2 or Fish-er-exact tests and the Student or Wilcoxon test, followed by multivariate logistic regression. In this study, donor age ranged from 18 - 60 years, with a pre-dominance of donors aged 25 - 34 (44.2%). Male donors were the most represented in our study (79.0% versus 21.0% female). More than half of the donors were blood group O (55.6%). We observed a seroprevalence of 3.6% for HIV, 13.4% for HBsAg and 0.2% for co-infection. In our series, age 25 - 34 (OR = 1.89 and P = 0.001) and 35 - 44 for HIV (OR = 2.01 and P = 0.001), HBsAgserostatus (OR = 3.04 and P = 0.001) and blood donation history (OR of 3.04 and P = 0.001) were factors associated with HIV positivity (P < 0.05). In our study, HIV serostatus (OR = 3.04 and P = 0.001) and blood donation history (OR = 0.01 and P = 0.001) were factors associated with HBsAgseropositivity. We reported a high prevalence of HIV and HBsAg. Sex, serological status and blood donation history were associated factors.展开更多
AIM: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP)-I are considered predictive biomarkers of chronic hepatitis activity and fibrosis.The aim of this study was to evalu...AIM: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP)-I are considered predictive biomarkers of chronic hepatitis activity and fibrosis.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lamivudine treatment on the plasma levels of these peptides in patients with chronic hepatitis B.METHODS: TGF-β1, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations were measured with an enzyme immunoassay in 40 patients treated with lamivudine for 48 wk. Elimination of HBV-DNA and HBV antigens was evaluated 24 wk after treatment completion.RESULTS: Baseline TGF-β1(29.6±2.2 ng/mL) and TIMP-1(1 578±93 ng/mL) significantly exceeded normal values(18.3±1.6 ng/mL and 1 102±67 ng/mL respectively). Lamivudine treatment resulted in a significant decrease of TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 during treatment with an increase after 24 wk of treatment. Pretreatment MMP-1 levels (6.7±0.7 ng/mL) were significantly lower than normal values (11.9±0.9 ng/mL) and increased during treatment and follow-up. A significant correlation was noted between TGF-β1 or TIMP-1 and aminotransferases as well as fibrosis scored in liver biopsy specimens. There were no statistically significant differences of TGF-β1, TIMP-1 and MMP-1 between four groups at baseline, 24 and 48 wk of treatment. TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 levels increased significantly in non-responders and normalized in responders at wk 72. MMP-1 also normalized in responders and decreased to values significantly lower than normal in non-responders.CONCLUSION: These findings support the role of TGF-β1,TIMP-1 and MMP-1 in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B.Because of their association with hepatic injury and antiviral treatment efficacy, determination of these peptides may be useful in disease management.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the effect of antiviral treatment on plasma levels of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, metalloproteinase 1 （MMP-1）, and tissue inhibitor of metaUoproteinase-1 （TIMP-1） in patients with...AIM： To evaluate the effect of antiviral treatment on plasma levels of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, metalloproteinase 1 （MMP-1）, and tissue inhibitor of metaUoproteinase-1 （TIMP-1） in patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS： TGF-β1, MMP-1, and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations were measured by an enzyme immunoassay in 28 patients, during 48 wk of treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha 2b （PEG-IFN-α2b） plus ribavirin （RBV） and after 24 wk of follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups： responders （R） and non-responders （NR） related to achieved sustained virologic response. Normal values were evaluated in plasma samples of 13 healthy volunteers. RESULTS： Baseline plasma concentrations of TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 （30.9±3.7 and 1 506±61 ng/mL respectively） measured in all subjects significantly exceeded the normal values （TGF-β1： 18.3±1.6 ng/mL and TIMP-1： 1 102±67 ng/mL）. In contrast, pretreatment MMP-1 mean level （6.5±0.9 ng/mL） was significantly lower than normal values （11.9±0.9 ng/mL）. Response to the treatment was observed in 12 patients （43%）. TGF-β1 mean concentration measured during the treatment phase decreased to the control level in both groups. However at wk 72, values of NR patients increased and became significantly higher than in R group. TIMP-1 concentrations in R group decreased during the treatment to the level similar to normal. In NR group, TIMP-1 remained significantly elevated during treatment and follow-up phase and significant difference between both groups was demonstrated at wk 48 and 72. MMP-1 levels were significantly decreased in both groups at baseline. Treatment caused rise of its concentration only in the R group, whereas values in NR group remained on the level similar to baseline. Statistically significant difference between groups was noted at wk 48 and 72. CONCLUSION： These findings support the usefulness of TGF-β1, TIMP-1, and MMP-1 in the management of chronic hepatitis C. Elevated TIMP-1 and low MMP-1 plasma concentrations during antiviral therapy may indicate medication failure.展开更多
Diabetes mellitus,a chronic disease of metabolism,is characterized by a disordered production or cellular utilization of insulin.Diabetic foot disease,which comprises the spectrum of infection,ulceration,and gangrene,...Diabetes mellitus,a chronic disease of metabolism,is characterized by a disordered production or cellular utilization of insulin.Diabetic foot disease,which comprises the spectrum of infection,ulceration,and gangrene,is one of the most severe complications of diabetes and is the most common cause of hospitalization in diabetic patients.The aim of this study is to provide an evidence-based overview of diabetic foot complications.Due to neuropathy,diabetic foot infections can occur in the form of ulcers and minor skin lesions.In patients with diabetic foot ulcers,ischemia and infection are the main causes of non-healing ulcers and amputations.Hyperglycemia compromises the immune system of individuals with diabetes,leading to persistent inflammation and delayed wound healing.In addition,the treatment of diabetic foot infections is challenging due to difficulty in accurate identification of pathogenic microorganisms and the widespread issue of antimicrobial resistance.As a further complicating factor,the warning signs and symptoms of diabetic foot problems can easily be overlooked.Issues associated with diabetic foot complications include peripheral arterial disease and osteomyelitis;accordingly,the risk of these complications in people with diabetes should be assessed annually.Although antimicrobial agents represent the mainstay of treatment for diabetic foot infections,if peripheral arterial disease is present,revascularization should be considered to prevent limb amputation.A multidisciplinary approach to the prevention,diagnosis,and treatment of diabetic patients,including those with foot ulcers,is of the utmost importance to reduce the cost of treatment and avoid major adverse consequences such as amputation.展开更多
Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas(CTCLs)are a heterogeneous group of skin-homing non-Hodgkin lymphomas.There are limited options for effective treatment of patients with advanced-stage CTCL,leading to a poor survival rate.Ep...Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas(CTCLs)are a heterogeneous group of skin-homing non-Hodgkin lymphomas.There are limited options for effective treatment of patients with advanced-stage CTCL,leading to a poor survival rate.Epigenetics plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.Epigenetic alterations are involved in virtually all key cancerassociated pathways and are fundamental to the genesis of cancer.In recent years,the epigenetic hallmarks of CTCL have been gradually elucidated and their potential values in the diagnosis,prognosis,and therapeutic intervention have been clarified.In this review,we summarize the current knowledge of the best-studied epigenetic modifications in CTCL,including DNA methylation,histone modifications,micro RNAs,and chromatin remodelers.These epigenetic regulators are essential in the development of CTCL and provide new insights into the clinical treatments of this refractory disease.展开更多
Summary：To investigate the effects of ATRA, acitretin and tazarotene on the growth and apoptosis of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line Tca8113. The effect of retinoids on growth of Tca8113 cells in vitro ...Summary：To investigate the effects of ATRA, acitretin and tazarotene on the growth and apoptosis of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line Tca8113. The effect of retinoids on growth of Tca8113 cells in vitro was examined by MTT assay and Trypan blue exclusion assay. Cell cycle analysis, early apoptosis analysis with double staining with Annexin V-FITC and PI, and active caspase-3 analysis with the staining of FITC-conjugated monoclonal rabbit anli-active caspase-3 antibody were made by flow cytometer. Streptavidin-biotin complex （SABC） immunocytochemical assays were employed for the detections of Bax/Bcl-2 proteins expressions. Our results showed that the retinoids inhibited growth of Tca8113 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner with maximal inhibition 24 h after treatment of 10 5 mol/L. 10^-5 mol/L retinoids altered cell cycle distribution of Tca8113 cells, revealing an increase in G0/G1-phase population, a decrease in S-phase population and the inhibition of G1/S switching. 10^-5 mol/L retinoids significantly induced apoptosis of Tca8113 cells （all P〈0.05）, elevated the cells population with detectable active caspase-3 （P〈 0.05 for all）, increased the number of cells forming Bax and decreased the number of cells forming Bcl-2 significantly （all P〈0.05）. Acitretin played a most prominent role among the retinoids. It is concluded that the inhibition of cell cycle progress of Tca8113 cells by ATRA, acitretin and tazarotene is one of the possible mechanisms for proliferation arrest of TcaS113 cells elicited by the retinoids. The retinoids mediate apoptosis in TcaS113 cells that may be caspase-dependent through mitochondria pathway. High concentration retinoids inhibit growth of Tca8113 cells in vitro by interfering with proliferation and inducing apoptosis of cells. Acitretin may be an alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.展开更多
The most effective sequence of small interfering RNA（si RNA） silencing STAT3 of psoriatic keratinocytes（KCs） was screened out,and the effects of the most effective si RNA combined with ultrasonic irradiation and S...The most effective sequence of small interfering RNA（si RNA） silencing STAT3 of psoriatic keratinocytes（KCs） was screened out,and the effects of the most effective si RNA combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles on the expression of STAT3 of KCs and the dose-and time-response were investigated.Three chemically-synthetic si RNAs targeting STAT3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 were transfected into KCs,and the effects on STAT3 expression were detected,then the most effective si RNA was selected for the subsequent experiments.The negative controls of siR NA（si RNA-NC） labeled with Cy3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles were transfected into KCs,then the optimal parameters of ultrasonic irradiation were determined.The most effective si RNA carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation at the optimal parameters and Sono Vue microbubbles was transfected into KCs,and the dose-and time-response of RNA interference was determined.The effect of RNA interference by the most effective si RNA at the optimal time and dose carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles（LUS group） was compared with that only carried by Lipofectamine 3000（L group）.The results showed that si RNA-3 achieved the highest silencing efficacy.0.5 W/cm2 and 30 s were selected as the parameters of ultrasonic irradiation.The si RNA-3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles could effectively knock down the STAT3 expression at m RNA and protein levels in dose-and time-dependent manners determined at 100 nmol/L with maximum downregulation on m RNA at 48 h,and on protein at 72 h after transfection.The LUS group achieved the highest silencing efficacy.It was concluded that si RNA-3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and SonoV ue microbubbles could effectively knock down the STAT3 expression in psoriatic KCs,and the optimized transfection condition and the sequence of si RNA-3 could serve for further research on gene therapy of psoriasis.展开更多
Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) are the two main pathogens in the clinical setting to cause serious, sometimes, lethal fungal infections. Immunocompromised patients fall victims...Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) are the two main pathogens in the clinical setting to cause serious, sometimes, lethal fungal infections. Immunocompromised patients fall victims to these fungi, with a mortality rate rising drastically over the past decades. This is in correlation with the fact that conventional antifungals are no longer capable of completely eradicating the disease, or if so, high doses are usually required to do so, leading to eventual resistance to those drugs and severe side effects. High drug resistance is in association with the discovery that these opportunistic pathogens have the ability to develop a multicellular complex, known as biofilm. Biofilms prevent drugs from reaching the fungal cells by sequestering them in their extracellular matrix. Other factors such as extracellular DNA, persister cells or heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) also play a role in biofilm and contribute to drug recalcitrance. With the discovery of new antifungals lagging behind, scientists focused on other more profitable ways to counteract this phenomenon. Combination of two or more antifungals was found effective but came with serious drawbacks. Natural plant extracts, such as traditional Chinese medicine have also been demonstrated in vitro to possess antimicrobial actions. Great interest was directed towards their use with conventional antifungal agents with a possibility of lowering the necessary concentration required to inhibit the growth of fungi. This review aims in understanding the different factors contributing to clinical drug resistance and evaluating the effect of combination therapy and natural products on those cases difficult to treat.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cutaneous metastases originating from pancreatic cancer are relatively rare. The most common reported site of metastasis is the umbilicus, and this manifestation is known as the Sister Mary Joseph's nod...BACKGROUND Cutaneous metastases originating from pancreatic cancer are relatively rare. The most common reported site of metastasis is the umbilicus, and this manifestation is known as the Sister Mary Joseph's nodule. Non-umbilical cutaneous metastases are far less common, with only a few cases reported in the literature. Our case is the first case report, to our knowledge, on metastasis involving the labia majora and flat papules.CASE SUMMARY A 49-year-old Chinese female patient presented with a number of red, swollen papules on the vulva for 2 mo. Histological examination of the labia majora lesion revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma. The serum levels of tumor biomarkers CA199, CA242, and CA125 were significantly elevated. B-mode ultrasoundguided needle biopsy of the pancreas demonstrated moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient finally declined treatment for financial reasons and died 3 mo later.CONCLUSION Metastatic cutaneous lesions could indicate pancreatic cancer. Serum levels of tumor biomarkers may aid in diagnosing metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the effect of Quercetin (QT) on erectile dysfunction and oxidative stress in penile tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Methods: Two weeks after diabetes induction, QT was treated to n...Objective:To evaluate the effect of Quercetin (QT) on erectile dysfunction and oxidative stress in penile tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Methods: Two weeks after diabetes induction, QT was treated to normal and diabetic rats for 5 wk. Sexual behavioral parameters including mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, post-ejaculatory interval, mount frequency and intromission frequency, were observed against stimulus females. Sperm count and their motility and viability were recorded. Serum glucose and testosterone levels were estimated. In penile tissue levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and glutathione, and enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were measured. Histopathological changes were evaluated in a cross-section of penile tissue.Results:Sexual behavioral ejaculation latency, post-ejaculatory interval, mount latency and intromission latency were significantly increased while mount frequency and intromission frequency were decreased in diabetic rats. Treatment with QT corrected the male sexual behavioral levels and also enhanced the inhibited sperm count, motility and viability in diabetic rats. Serum testosterone and penile cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels were significantly increased in QT treated diabetic rats compared to untreated diabetic animals. Penile oxidative stress biomarkers were corrected by the QT treatments in diabetic rats. Histopathological evaluation revealed damaged penile tissues in diabetic rats, which was protected following QT treatment.Conclusions: QT eliminated the diabetic-induced sexual impairment and showed significant antioxidant effects in penile tissue. Further experimental studies are recommended for QT therapeutically usage.展开更多
Background: A wide range of therapies exist for keloids. But despite the multiple treatment modalities available, keloids still remain a significant challenge for both the clinician and the patient. Objective: To asse...Background: A wide range of therapies exist for keloids. But despite the multiple treatment modalities available, keloids still remain a significant challenge for both the clinician and the patient. Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of debulking of keloid with intralesional injection of 5-flurouracil and triamcinolone in comparison to intralesional injection of 5-flurouracil and triamcinolone alone. Patient and Methods: This single blinded comparative therapeutic outpatient based study was done at the Department of Dermatology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital during the period from February 2011 to February 2013. Twenty-three patients with 52 lesions were enrolled in the study and consisted of two groups: Group A (26 lesions): Treated by intralesional injection of combination of 5-flurouracil and triamcinolone acetonide and repeated every month;Group B (26 lesions): Debulking was carried out first and then injection of combination of 5-flurouracil and triamcinolone acetonide at time of operation and then repeated injection monthly. Evaluation was performed by scoring system with 5 criteria (redness, elevation, hardness, itching and tenderness). The response was graded as no response, minimal, moderate or complete response. Results: Both modalities of treatments showed significant results in treating keloid, but the intralesional therapy alone was slightly better than debulking plus intralesional and no systemic adverse effects were noticed in both groups. Conclusion: Both modalities of therapy were effective in treatment of keloid, and there was no much difference between them.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the effects of histamine on growth and apoptosis of human melanoma cells A375. Methods: The effect of histamine on growth of A375 cells in vitro was examined by MTT assay and Trypan blue excl...Objective: To investigate the effects of histamine on growth and apoptosis of human melanoma cells A375. Methods: The effect of histamine on growth of A375 cells in vitro was examined by MTT assay and Trypan blue exclusion assay. Cell cycle analysis, early apoptosis analysis by double staining with Annexin V-FITC and PI, and active caspase-3 analysis by staining FITC-conjugated monoclonal rabbit anti-active caspase-3 antibody were made by flow cytometer. StreptAvidin-Biotin Complex (SABC) immunocytochemical assays were adopted to detect Bax/Bcl-2 protein expressions.Results: Histamine inhibited proliferation of A375 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and altered cell cycle distribution of A375 cells revealing an increase in G0/G1-phase population, a decrease in S-phase population and the inhibition of G1/S switching. Histamine induced apoptosis of A375 cells (P<0.05), elevated the cells population with detectable active caspase-3 (P<0.05), increased the number of cells forming Bax and decreased the number of cells forming Bcl-2 significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: That histamine inhibits cell cycle progress of A375 cells is one of the possible mechanisms of proliferation arrest of A375 cells elicited by histamine. Histamine mediates apoptosis in A375 cells that may be caspase-dependent through mitochondria routine. Histamine with high concentration inhibits growth of A375 cells in vitro by interfering proliferation and inducing apoptosis of cells.展开更多
Skin is the first line of defense against a wide variety of physical and chemical damages.Photodamage of the skin can have an effect on beauty,while it is correlated with various skin diseases.Accordingly,effective pr...Skin is the first line of defense against a wide variety of physical and chemical damages.Photodamage of the skin can have an effect on beauty,while it is correlated with various skin diseases.Accordingly,effective prevention of skin photodamage has constantly been a research hotspot in the field of skin.The precursor protein of amyloidβ-protein(APP)refers to a type of transmembrane protein that has been widely found in numerous types of cells.展开更多
To re-identify and further group 25 isolates of Trichosporon spp. identified morphologically previously, sequences of D1/D2 region of large subunit （LSU） of ribosomal DNA （rDNA） of 25 tested strains for identifica...To re-identify and further group 25 isolates of Trichosporon spp. identified morphologically previously, sequences of D1/D2 region of large subunit （LSU） of ribosomal DNA （rDNA） of 25 tested strains for identification and those of ribosomal intergenic space 1 （IGS1） region of 11 strains for subgrouping were detected. The identifications of tested strains were changed except 6 strains. According to the alignment of the IGS1 region, 6 T. asahii isolates tested fell into 4 groups and 5 T. faecale isolates into 3 groups. Polymorphism of 2 T. japonicum isolates was found in 10 positions. With the alignments obtained in this research compared with the relative GenBank entries, it was found that T. asahii, T. faecale and T. japonicum species were divided into 7, 3 and 2 subtypes respectively. Morphological and biophysical methods are not sufficient for Trichosporon spp. identification. Sequencing becomes necessary for Trichosporon diagnosis. There is obvious diversity within a species.展开更多
BACKGROUND Gitelman syndrome(GS)is a rare inherited autosomal recessive tubulopathy,characterized clinically by hypokalemia,hypomagnesemia,hypocalciuria,and metabolic alkalosis,and is caused by an inactivating mutatio...BACKGROUND Gitelman syndrome(GS)is a rare inherited autosomal recessive tubulopathy,characterized clinically by hypokalemia,hypomagnesemia,hypocalciuria,and metabolic alkalosis,and is caused by an inactivating mutation in SLC12A3.GS is prone to misdiagnosis when occurring simultaneously with hyperthyroidism.It is important to consider the possibility of other diseases when hyperthyroidism is combined with hypokalemia,which is difficult to correct.CASE SUMMARY A female patient with hyperthyroidism complicated with limb weakness was diagnosed with thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis for 4 mo.However,the patient’s serum potassium level remained low despite sufficient potassium replacement and remission of hyperthyroidism.GS was confirmed by whole exome and Sanger sequencing.Gene sequencing revealed compound heterozygous mutations of c.488C>T(p.Thr163Met),c.2612G>A(p.Arg871His),and c.1171_1178dupGCCACCAT(p.Ile393fs)in SLC12A3.Protein molecular modeling was performed to predict the effects of the identified missense mutations.All three mutations cause changes in protein structure and may result in abnormal protein function.All previously reported cases of GS coexisting with autoimmune thyroid disease are reviewed.CONCLUSION We have identified a novel compound heterozygous mutation in SLC12A3.The present study provides new genetic evidence for GS.展开更多
Objective:To observe the effects of the recombinant chimeric toxin Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 on T and B lymphocytes isolated from Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) patients to further study its biological therapeutic function for PV. Meth...Objective:To observe the effects of the recombinant chimeric toxin Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 on T and B lymphocytes isolated from Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) patients to further study its biological therapeutic function for PV. Methods:Recombinant chimeric toxin Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 was first identified, expressed and purified, and then its effects on T and B lymphocytes of PV patients in vitro were detected and quantified by ELISPOT assay and MTT assay.Results:The purity of the expressed protein Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 was up to 80%. In ELISPOT assay, with Dsg3EC 1-2PE40, the overall number of B cells that produce anti-Dsg3 antibodies among PV patients was only about 60% of the comparable number with Dsg3EC 1-2. The proliferation of T cells of PV patients was inhibited markedly by Dsg3EC 1-2PE40. There was significant difference between the different groups with Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 and Dsg3EC 1-2.Conclusion:The recombinant chimeric toxin Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 decrease the number of B cells that produce anti-Dsg3 antibodies in PV patients and can inhibit or kill T cells of PV patients in vitro.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Monkeypox(Mpox),is a disease of global public health concern,as it does not affect only countries in western and central Africa.AIM To assess Burundi healthcare workers(HCWs)s’level of knowledge and confidence in the diagnosis and management of Mpox.METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study via an online survey designed mainly from the World Health Organization course distributed among Burundi HCWs from June-July 2023.The questionnaire comprises 8 socioprofessional-related questions,22 questions about Mpox disease knowledge,and 3 questions to assess confidence in Mpox diagnosis and management.The data were analyzed via SPSS software version 25.0.A P value<0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.RESULTS The study sample comprised 471 HCWs who were mainly medical doctors(63.9%)and nurses(30.1%).None of the 22 questions concerning Mpox knowledge had at least 50%correct responses.A very low number of HCWs(17.4%)knew that Mpox has a vaccine.The confidence level to diagnose(21.20%),treat(18.00%)or prevent(23.30%)Mpox was low among HCWs.The confidence level in the diagnosis of Mpox was associated with the HCWs’age(P value=0.009),sex(P value<0.001),work experience(P value=0.002),and residence(P value<0.001).The confidence level to treat Mpox was significantly associated with the HCWs’age(P value=0.050),sex(P value<0.001),education(P value=0.033)and occupation(P value=0.005).The confidence level to prevent Mpox was associated with the HCWs’education(P value<0.001),work experience(P value=0.002),residence(P value<0.001)and type of work institution(P value=0.003).CONCLUSION This study revealed that HCWs have the lowest level of knowledge regarding Mpox and a lack of confidence in the ability to diagnose,treat or prevent it.There is an urgent need to organize continuing medical education programs on Mpox epidemiology and preparedness for Burundi HCWs.We encourage future researchers to assess potential hesitancy toward Mpox vaccination and its associated factors.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81960504the“Xingdian Talents”Support Project of Yunnan Province,No.RLQB20200002+2 种基金the Medical Discipline Reserve Talents of Yunnan Province,No.H-2018015the Applied Basic Research Projects-Union Foundation of Kunming Medical University,No.2017FE467(-132)the Talent Introduction Project of Hubei Polytechnic University,No.21xjz34R。
文摘BACKGROUND Aberrant methylation is common during the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer(CRC),and detecting these changes that occur during early adenoma(ADE)formation and CRC progression has clinical value.AIM To identify potential DNA methylation markers specific to ADE and CRC.METHODS Here,we performed SeqCap targeted bisulfite sequencing and RNA-seq analysis of colorectal ADE and CRC samples to profile the epigenomic-transcriptomic landscape.RESULTS Comparing 22 CRC and 25 ADE samples,global methylation was higher in the former,but both showed similar methylation patterns regarding differentially methylated gene positions,chromatin signatures,and repeated elements.High-grade CRC tended to exhibit elevated methylation levels in gene promoter regions compared to those in low-grade CRC.Combined with RNA-seq gene expression data,we identified 14 methylation-regulated differentially expressed genes,of which only AGTR1 and NECAB1 methylation had prognostic significance.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that genome-wide alterations in DNA methylation occur during the early stages of CRC and demonstrate the methylation signatures associated with colorectal ADEs and CRC,suggesting prognostic biomarkers for CRC.
基金The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethical Committee Faculty of Medicine,University of Indonesia(Approval No.KET-615/UN2.F1/ETIK/PPM.00.02/2020)Ethical Committee of Fatmawati General Hospital(Approval No.DM 01.01/VIII.2/1294/2020).
文摘BACKGROUND Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains a major problem due to its high incidence,high risk,and high cost.One of the aims of the management in scoliosis is to correct the deformity.Many techniques are available to correct scoliosis deformity;however,they are all far from ideal to achieve three-dimensional correction in scoliosis.AIM To develop a set of tools named Scoliocorrector Fatma-UI(SCFUI)to aid threedimensional correction and to evaluate the efficacy,safety,and functional outcome.METHODS This study consists of two stages.In the first stage,we developed the SCFUI and tested it in finite element and biomechanical tests.The second stage was a single-blinded randomized clinical trial to evaluate the SCFUI compared to direct vertebral rotation(DVR).Forty-four subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were randomly allocated into the DVR group(n=23)and SCFUI group(n=21).Radiological,neurological,and functional outcome was compared between the groups.RESULTS Finite element revealed the maximum stress of the SCFUI components to be between 31.2-252 MPa.Biomechanical analysis revealed the modulus elasticity of SCFUI was 9561324±633277 MPa.Both groups showed improvement in Cobb angle and sagittal profile,however the rotation angle was lower in the SCFUI group(11.59±7.46 vs 18.23±6.39,P=0.001).Neurological and functional outcome were comparable in both groups.CONCLUSION We concluded that SCFUI developed in this study resulted in similar coronal and sagittal but better rotational correction compared to DVR.The safety and functional outcomes were also similar to DVR.
文摘Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common inflammatory skin disease in children. Treatment of AD is based on skin barrier repair and reduction of inflammation. We analyzed the efficacy and safety of activated piroctone olamine (APO)—Blue Cap—in children with AD. Materials and Methods: An open-label interventional clinical study was carried out at three clinical centers in Serbia. A total of 58 patients with AD, aged between 3 and 18 years were included and treated with Blue Cap Foam (100 ml;CATALYSIS S.L. Madrid)—Activated Piroctone Olamine—applied twice a day in the affected areas with eczema for 30 days and final assessment at 45 days from baseline. Photographic documentation, clinical evaluation, therapy effectiveness and safety questionnaires were assessed at baseline, 15, 30 and 45 days. Results: Our results demonstrated a significant reduction in signs (erythema, scaling, infiltration, excoriations, xerosis) and symptoms (pruritus) at weeks 2 and 4 of the study. At the end of the study, most patients had moderate (28.6%) to great (62.5%) disappearance of manifestations and moderate (25%) to great (71.4%) skin quality improvement. The effect and tolerability of the therapy were evaluated as very good in 66.1 % and 67.9% and good in about 14.3% and 17.9%, assessed by the investigator and patient, respectively. Three patients experienced a burning sensation at the beginning of the study, the side-effects were resolved as the patients continued applying the foam. After two weeks of cessation of the investigated foam, a significant percentage of patients experienced worsening in the final assessment done by the investigator as well as the participant. In the final assessment, a significantly high percentage (57.1%) of patients had a total reduction of manifestation, and a significant number of participants considered the applied product as treatment success, assessed by the investigator (62.5%) as well as the participants (66.4%). Conclusions: Blue Cap is effective and safe in children with AD, although further large-scale randomized controlled trials should confirm our study findings.
文摘Blood transfusion saves lives and reduces morbidity and mortality for a large number of diseases and clinical conditions, but it is not without danger. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HIV and hepatitis B in blood donors received at the regional Blood Transfusion Centre of N’Zérékoré (Guinea). This was a 5-year retrospective analytical study. We included records of blood donors aged 18 to 60 years admitted to the N’Zérékoré Regional Blood Transfusion Centre for blood donation from January 2016 to December 2020. We performed a descriptive analysis followed by Chi-2 or Fish-er-exact tests and the Student or Wilcoxon test, followed by multivariate logistic regression. In this study, donor age ranged from 18 - 60 years, with a pre-dominance of donors aged 25 - 34 (44.2%). Male donors were the most represented in our study (79.0% versus 21.0% female). More than half of the donors were blood group O (55.6%). We observed a seroprevalence of 3.6% for HIV, 13.4% for HBsAg and 0.2% for co-infection. In our series, age 25 - 34 (OR = 1.89 and P = 0.001) and 35 - 44 for HIV (OR = 2.01 and P = 0.001), HBsAgserostatus (OR = 3.04 and P = 0.001) and blood donation history (OR of 3.04 and P = 0.001) were factors associated with HIV positivity (P < 0.05). In our study, HIV serostatus (OR = 3.04 and P = 0.001) and blood donation history (OR = 0.01 and P = 0.001) were factors associated with HBsAgseropositivity. We reported a high prevalence of HIV and HBsAg. Sex, serological status and blood donation history were associated factors.
文摘AIM: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP)-I are considered predictive biomarkers of chronic hepatitis activity and fibrosis.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lamivudine treatment on the plasma levels of these peptides in patients with chronic hepatitis B.METHODS: TGF-β1, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations were measured with an enzyme immunoassay in 40 patients treated with lamivudine for 48 wk. Elimination of HBV-DNA and HBV antigens was evaluated 24 wk after treatment completion.RESULTS: Baseline TGF-β1(29.6±2.2 ng/mL) and TIMP-1(1 578±93 ng/mL) significantly exceeded normal values(18.3±1.6 ng/mL and 1 102±67 ng/mL respectively). Lamivudine treatment resulted in a significant decrease of TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 during treatment with an increase after 24 wk of treatment. Pretreatment MMP-1 levels (6.7±0.7 ng/mL) were significantly lower than normal values (11.9±0.9 ng/mL) and increased during treatment and follow-up. A significant correlation was noted between TGF-β1 or TIMP-1 and aminotransferases as well as fibrosis scored in liver biopsy specimens. There were no statistically significant differences of TGF-β1, TIMP-1 and MMP-1 between four groups at baseline, 24 and 48 wk of treatment. TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 levels increased significantly in non-responders and normalized in responders at wk 72. MMP-1 also normalized in responders and decreased to values significantly lower than normal in non-responders.CONCLUSION: These findings support the role of TGF-β1,TIMP-1 and MMP-1 in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B.Because of their association with hepatic injury and antiviral treatment efficacy, determination of these peptides may be useful in disease management.
文摘AIM： To evaluate the effect of antiviral treatment on plasma levels of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, metalloproteinase 1 （MMP-1）, and tissue inhibitor of metaUoproteinase-1 （TIMP-1） in patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS： TGF-β1, MMP-1, and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations were measured by an enzyme immunoassay in 28 patients, during 48 wk of treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha 2b （PEG-IFN-α2b） plus ribavirin （RBV） and after 24 wk of follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups： responders （R） and non-responders （NR） related to achieved sustained virologic response. Normal values were evaluated in plasma samples of 13 healthy volunteers. RESULTS： Baseline plasma concentrations of TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 （30.9±3.7 and 1 506±61 ng/mL respectively） measured in all subjects significantly exceeded the normal values （TGF-β1： 18.3±1.6 ng/mL and TIMP-1： 1 102±67 ng/mL）. In contrast, pretreatment MMP-1 mean level （6.5±0.9 ng/mL） was significantly lower than normal values （11.9±0.9 ng/mL）. Response to the treatment was observed in 12 patients （43%）. TGF-β1 mean concentration measured during the treatment phase decreased to the control level in both groups. However at wk 72, values of NR patients increased and became significantly higher than in R group. TIMP-1 concentrations in R group decreased during the treatment to the level similar to normal. In NR group, TIMP-1 remained significantly elevated during treatment and follow-up phase and significant difference between both groups was demonstrated at wk 48 and 72. MMP-1 levels were significantly decreased in both groups at baseline. Treatment caused rise of its concentration only in the R group, whereas values in NR group remained on the level similar to baseline. Statistically significant difference between groups was noted at wk 48 and 72. CONCLUSION： These findings support the usefulness of TGF-β1, TIMP-1, and MMP-1 in the management of chronic hepatitis C. Elevated TIMP-1 and low MMP-1 plasma concentrations during antiviral therapy may indicate medication failure.
文摘Diabetes mellitus,a chronic disease of metabolism,is characterized by a disordered production or cellular utilization of insulin.Diabetic foot disease,which comprises the spectrum of infection,ulceration,and gangrene,is one of the most severe complications of diabetes and is the most common cause of hospitalization in diabetic patients.The aim of this study is to provide an evidence-based overview of diabetic foot complications.Due to neuropathy,diabetic foot infections can occur in the form of ulcers and minor skin lesions.In patients with diabetic foot ulcers,ischemia and infection are the main causes of non-healing ulcers and amputations.Hyperglycemia compromises the immune system of individuals with diabetes,leading to persistent inflammation and delayed wound healing.In addition,the treatment of diabetic foot infections is challenging due to difficulty in accurate identification of pathogenic microorganisms and the widespread issue of antimicrobial resistance.As a further complicating factor,the warning signs and symptoms of diabetic foot problems can easily be overlooked.Issues associated with diabetic foot complications include peripheral arterial disease and osteomyelitis;accordingly,the risk of these complications in people with diabetes should be assessed annually.Although antimicrobial agents represent the mainstay of treatment for diabetic foot infections,if peripheral arterial disease is present,revascularization should be considered to prevent limb amputation.A multidisciplinary approach to the prevention,diagnosis,and treatment of diabetic patients,including those with foot ulcers,is of the utmost importance to reduce the cost of treatment and avoid major adverse consequences such as amputation.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.81872214 and 81922058)。
文摘Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas(CTCLs)are a heterogeneous group of skin-homing non-Hodgkin lymphomas.There are limited options for effective treatment of patients with advanced-stage CTCL,leading to a poor survival rate.Epigenetics plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.Epigenetic alterations are involved in virtually all key cancerassociated pathways and are fundamental to the genesis of cancer.In recent years,the epigenetic hallmarks of CTCL have been gradually elucidated and their potential values in the diagnosis,prognosis,and therapeutic intervention have been clarified.In this review,we summarize the current knowledge of the best-studied epigenetic modifications in CTCL,including DNA methylation,histone modifications,micro RNAs,and chromatin remodelers.These epigenetic regulators are essential in the development of CTCL and provide new insights into the clinical treatments of this refractory disease.
文摘Summary：To investigate the effects of ATRA, acitretin and tazarotene on the growth and apoptosis of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line Tca8113. The effect of retinoids on growth of Tca8113 cells in vitro was examined by MTT assay and Trypan blue exclusion assay. Cell cycle analysis, early apoptosis analysis with double staining with Annexin V-FITC and PI, and active caspase-3 analysis with the staining of FITC-conjugated monoclonal rabbit anli-active caspase-3 antibody were made by flow cytometer. Streptavidin-biotin complex （SABC） immunocytochemical assays were employed for the detections of Bax/Bcl-2 proteins expressions. Our results showed that the retinoids inhibited growth of Tca8113 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner with maximal inhibition 24 h after treatment of 10 5 mol/L. 10^-5 mol/L retinoids altered cell cycle distribution of Tca8113 cells, revealing an increase in G0/G1-phase population, a decrease in S-phase population and the inhibition of G1/S switching. 10^-5 mol/L retinoids significantly induced apoptosis of Tca8113 cells （all P〈0.05）, elevated the cells population with detectable active caspase-3 （P〈 0.05 for all）, increased the number of cells forming Bax and decreased the number of cells forming Bcl-2 significantly （all P〈0.05）. Acitretin played a most prominent role among the retinoids. It is concluded that the inhibition of cell cycle progress of Tca8113 cells by ATRA, acitretin and tazarotene is one of the possible mechanisms for proliferation arrest of TcaS113 cells elicited by the retinoids. The retinoids mediate apoptosis in TcaS113 cells that may be caspase-dependent through mitochondria pathway. High concentration retinoids inhibit growth of Tca8113 cells in vitro by interfering with proliferation and inducing apoptosis of cells. Acitretin may be an alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81441126)
文摘The most effective sequence of small interfering RNA（si RNA） silencing STAT3 of psoriatic keratinocytes（KCs） was screened out,and the effects of the most effective si RNA combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles on the expression of STAT3 of KCs and the dose-and time-response were investigated.Three chemically-synthetic si RNAs targeting STAT3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 were transfected into KCs,and the effects on STAT3 expression were detected,then the most effective si RNA was selected for the subsequent experiments.The negative controls of siR NA（si RNA-NC） labeled with Cy3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles were transfected into KCs,then the optimal parameters of ultrasonic irradiation were determined.The most effective si RNA carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation at the optimal parameters and Sono Vue microbubbles was transfected into KCs,and the dose-and time-response of RNA interference was determined.The effect of RNA interference by the most effective si RNA at the optimal time and dose carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles（LUS group） was compared with that only carried by Lipofectamine 3000（L group）.The results showed that si RNA-3 achieved the highest silencing efficacy.0.5 W/cm2 and 30 s were selected as the parameters of ultrasonic irradiation.The si RNA-3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and Sono Vue microbubbles could effectively knock down the STAT3 expression at m RNA and protein levels in dose-and time-dependent manners determined at 100 nmol/L with maximum downregulation on m RNA at 48 h,and on protein at 72 h after transfection.The LUS group achieved the highest silencing efficacy.It was concluded that si RNA-3 carried by Lipofectamine 3000 combined with ultrasonic irradiation and SonoV ue microbubbles could effectively knock down the STAT3 expression in psoriatic KCs,and the optimized transfection condition and the sequence of si RNA-3 could serve for further research on gene therapy of psoriasis.
文摘Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) are the two main pathogens in the clinical setting to cause serious, sometimes, lethal fungal infections. Immunocompromised patients fall victims to these fungi, with a mortality rate rising drastically over the past decades. This is in correlation with the fact that conventional antifungals are no longer capable of completely eradicating the disease, or if so, high doses are usually required to do so, leading to eventual resistance to those drugs and severe side effects. High drug resistance is in association with the discovery that these opportunistic pathogens have the ability to develop a multicellular complex, known as biofilm. Biofilms prevent drugs from reaching the fungal cells by sequestering them in their extracellular matrix. Other factors such as extracellular DNA, persister cells or heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) also play a role in biofilm and contribute to drug recalcitrance. With the discovery of new antifungals lagging behind, scientists focused on other more profitable ways to counteract this phenomenon. Combination of two or more antifungals was found effective but came with serious drawbacks. Natural plant extracts, such as traditional Chinese medicine have also been demonstrated in vitro to possess antimicrobial actions. Great interest was directed towards their use with conventional antifungal agents with a possibility of lowering the necessary concentration required to inhibit the growth of fungi. This review aims in understanding the different factors contributing to clinical drug resistance and evaluating the effect of combination therapy and natural products on those cases difficult to treat.
文摘BACKGROUND Cutaneous metastases originating from pancreatic cancer are relatively rare. The most common reported site of metastasis is the umbilicus, and this manifestation is known as the Sister Mary Joseph's nodule. Non-umbilical cutaneous metastases are far less common, with only a few cases reported in the literature. Our case is the first case report, to our knowledge, on metastasis involving the labia majora and flat papules.CASE SUMMARY A 49-year-old Chinese female patient presented with a number of red, swollen papules on the vulva for 2 mo. Histological examination of the labia majora lesion revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma. The serum levels of tumor biomarkers CA199, CA242, and CA125 were significantly elevated. B-mode ultrasoundguided needle biopsy of the pancreas demonstrated moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient finally declined treatment for financial reasons and died 3 mo later.CONCLUSION Metastatic cutaneous lesions could indicate pancreatic cancer. Serum levels of tumor biomarkers may aid in diagnosing metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the effect of Quercetin (QT) on erectile dysfunction and oxidative stress in penile tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Methods: Two weeks after diabetes induction, QT was treated to normal and diabetic rats for 5 wk. Sexual behavioral parameters including mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, post-ejaculatory interval, mount frequency and intromission frequency, were observed against stimulus females. Sperm count and their motility and viability were recorded. Serum glucose and testosterone levels were estimated. In penile tissue levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and glutathione, and enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were measured. Histopathological changes were evaluated in a cross-section of penile tissue.Results:Sexual behavioral ejaculation latency, post-ejaculatory interval, mount latency and intromission latency were significantly increased while mount frequency and intromission frequency were decreased in diabetic rats. Treatment with QT corrected the male sexual behavioral levels and also enhanced the inhibited sperm count, motility and viability in diabetic rats. Serum testosterone and penile cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels were significantly increased in QT treated diabetic rats compared to untreated diabetic animals. Penile oxidative stress biomarkers were corrected by the QT treatments in diabetic rats. Histopathological evaluation revealed damaged penile tissues in diabetic rats, which was protected following QT treatment.Conclusions: QT eliminated the diabetic-induced sexual impairment and showed significant antioxidant effects in penile tissue. Further experimental studies are recommended for QT therapeutically usage.
文摘Background: A wide range of therapies exist for keloids. But despite the multiple treatment modalities available, keloids still remain a significant challenge for both the clinician and the patient. Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of debulking of keloid with intralesional injection of 5-flurouracil and triamcinolone in comparison to intralesional injection of 5-flurouracil and triamcinolone alone. Patient and Methods: This single blinded comparative therapeutic outpatient based study was done at the Department of Dermatology, Baghdad Teaching Hospital during the period from February 2011 to February 2013. Twenty-three patients with 52 lesions were enrolled in the study and consisted of two groups: Group A (26 lesions): Treated by intralesional injection of combination of 5-flurouracil and triamcinolone acetonide and repeated every month;Group B (26 lesions): Debulking was carried out first and then injection of combination of 5-flurouracil and triamcinolone acetonide at time of operation and then repeated injection monthly. Evaluation was performed by scoring system with 5 criteria (redness, elevation, hardness, itching and tenderness). The response was graded as no response, minimal, moderate or complete response. Results: Both modalities of treatments showed significant results in treating keloid, but the intralesional therapy alone was slightly better than debulking plus intralesional and no systemic adverse effects were noticed in both groups. Conclusion: Both modalities of therapy were effective in treatment of keloid, and there was no much difference between them.
文摘Objective: To investigate the effects of histamine on growth and apoptosis of human melanoma cells A375. Methods: The effect of histamine on growth of A375 cells in vitro was examined by MTT assay and Trypan blue exclusion assay. Cell cycle analysis, early apoptosis analysis by double staining with Annexin V-FITC and PI, and active caspase-3 analysis by staining FITC-conjugated monoclonal rabbit anti-active caspase-3 antibody were made by flow cytometer. StreptAvidin-Biotin Complex (SABC) immunocytochemical assays were adopted to detect Bax/Bcl-2 protein expressions.Results: Histamine inhibited proliferation of A375 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and altered cell cycle distribution of A375 cells revealing an increase in G0/G1-phase population, a decrease in S-phase population and the inhibition of G1/S switching. Histamine induced apoptosis of A375 cells (P<0.05), elevated the cells population with detectable active caspase-3 (P<0.05), increased the number of cells forming Bax and decreased the number of cells forming Bcl-2 significantly (P<0.05). Conclusion: That histamine inhibits cell cycle progress of A375 cells is one of the possible mechanisms of proliferation arrest of A375 cells elicited by histamine. Histamine mediates apoptosis in A375 cells that may be caspase-dependent through mitochondria routine. Histamine with high concentration inhibits growth of A375 cells in vitro by interfering proliferation and inducing apoptosis of cells.
文摘Skin is the first line of defense against a wide variety of physical and chemical damages.Photodamage of the skin can have an effect on beauty,while it is correlated with various skin diseases.Accordingly,effective prevention of skin photodamage has constantly been a research hotspot in the field of skin.The precursor protein of amyloidβ-protein(APP)refers to a type of transmembrane protein that has been widely found in numerous types of cells.
基金supported by the National Bio-Resource Project "Pathogenic microbes" from the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology of the Japanese Governments
文摘To re-identify and further group 25 isolates of Trichosporon spp. identified morphologically previously, sequences of D1/D2 region of large subunit （LSU） of ribosomal DNA （rDNA） of 25 tested strains for identification and those of ribosomal intergenic space 1 （IGS1） region of 11 strains for subgrouping were detected. The identifications of tested strains were changed except 6 strains. According to the alignment of the IGS1 region, 6 T. asahii isolates tested fell into 4 groups and 5 T. faecale isolates into 3 groups. Polymorphism of 2 T. japonicum isolates was found in 10 positions. With the alignments obtained in this research compared with the relative GenBank entries, it was found that T. asahii, T. faecale and T. japonicum species were divided into 7, 3 and 2 subtypes respectively. Morphological and biophysical methods are not sufficient for Trichosporon spp. identification. Sequencing becomes necessary for Trichosporon diagnosis. There is obvious diversity within a species.
基金Supported by the Science and Technology Plan of Health Commission of Jiangxi Province,No.202130648the Science and Technology Research Project of Department of Education of Jiangxi Province,No.GJJ201522.
文摘BACKGROUND Gitelman syndrome(GS)is a rare inherited autosomal recessive tubulopathy,characterized clinically by hypokalemia,hypomagnesemia,hypocalciuria,and metabolic alkalosis,and is caused by an inactivating mutation in SLC12A3.GS is prone to misdiagnosis when occurring simultaneously with hyperthyroidism.It is important to consider the possibility of other diseases when hyperthyroidism is combined with hypokalemia,which is difficult to correct.CASE SUMMARY A female patient with hyperthyroidism complicated with limb weakness was diagnosed with thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis for 4 mo.However,the patient’s serum potassium level remained low despite sufficient potassium replacement and remission of hyperthyroidism.GS was confirmed by whole exome and Sanger sequencing.Gene sequencing revealed compound heterozygous mutations of c.488C>T(p.Thr163Met),c.2612G>A(p.Arg871His),and c.1171_1178dupGCCACCAT(p.Ile393fs)in SLC12A3.Protein molecular modeling was performed to predict the effects of the identified missense mutations.All three mutations cause changes in protein structure and may result in abnormal protein function.All previously reported cases of GS coexisting with autoimmune thyroid disease are reviewed.CONCLUSION We have identified a novel compound heterozygous mutation in SLC12A3.The present study provides new genetic evidence for GS.
文摘Objective:To observe the effects of the recombinant chimeric toxin Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 on T and B lymphocytes isolated from Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV) patients to further study its biological therapeutic function for PV. Methods:Recombinant chimeric toxin Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 was first identified, expressed and purified, and then its effects on T and B lymphocytes of PV patients in vitro were detected and quantified by ELISPOT assay and MTT assay.Results:The purity of the expressed protein Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 was up to 80%. In ELISPOT assay, with Dsg3EC 1-2PE40, the overall number of B cells that produce anti-Dsg3 antibodies among PV patients was only about 60% of the comparable number with Dsg3EC 1-2. The proliferation of T cells of PV patients was inhibited markedly by Dsg3EC 1-2PE40. There was significant difference between the different groups with Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 and Dsg3EC 1-2.Conclusion:The recombinant chimeric toxin Dsg3EC 1-2PE40 decrease the number of B cells that produce anti-Dsg3 antibodies in PV patients and can inhibit or kill T cells of PV patients in vitro.
