Introduction: The diabetic foot remains a public health problem due to its high frequency, difficult and costly management. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological, therapeutic and evolutionary aspe...Introduction: The diabetic foot remains a public health problem due to its high frequency, difficult and costly management. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of the diabetic foot in a hospital setting in Bamako. Methodology: This is a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional and monocentric study conducted between September 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015 on diabetic patients aged 14 years and older arriving in our department with a foot infection. Results: We identified 94 cases of diabetic foot infection out of a total of 828 hospitalized patients, a prevalence of 11.35%. The age range 41 - 60 years represented 57 cases (60.6%), the extreme ages were 14 and 81 years. Men (38.3%), women (61.7%) with a sex ratio of 0.62%. Housewives 50%, illiterate 51 cases (54.3%), low economic standard of living 40 cases (42.6%), presence of osteitis 40 cases (42.6%), foot at stage D Grade3 28 cases (29.8%). Management was medical in 48 cases (51.1%), treatment with insulin 58 cases (61.7%), Amoxicillin + Metronidazole used 36 cases (38.29%). Amputation was performed in 35 cases (37.2%). Deaths concerned 5 patients (9.6%) with hypoglycemia as the main cause in 4 cases. Conclusion: Diabetic foot is a frequent complication of diabetes. The establishment of a multidisciplinary team should contribute to the improvement of the prognosis of the diabetic foot in a management center.展开更多
<strong>Introduction:</strong> Diabetes is a heterogeneous group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from a defect in the secretion and/or action of insulin, diagnosed by...<strong>Introduction:</strong> Diabetes is a heterogeneous group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from a defect in the secretion and/or action of insulin, diagnosed by the observation of high levels of glucose in the blood, responsible in the long term for vascular and nervous complications. The diabetic foot is the set of pathological manifestations affecting the foot in relation to the diabetic disease. Approximately 5% of diabetics present a chronic lesion of the foot. <strong>Objective: </strong>To describe the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the diabetic foot in the medicine/endocrinology department of the Mali hospital. <strong>Methodology:</strong> This was a retrospective descriptive study from November 2011 to December 2015. It focused on diabetic patients hospitalized in the department with a foot wound and aged 14 years and over. Results: The study involved 94 patients out of 828 hospitalized, a prevalence of 11.35%. Our series included 36 (38.3%) men and 58 (61.7%) women, <em>i.e.</em> a sex ratio of 0.61%. The mean age was 42.66 years with extremes of 14 and 81 years. Type 2 diabetes was present in 95% of the patients with a duration of evolution of more than 5 years in 60.6% of the cases. The mechanism of occurrence of the wounds was minor trauma in 54 cases (57.4%). Self-medication was the primary treatment in 70 patients (74.5%). More than 50% of the patients wore unsuitable footwear. Clinical and para-clinical examinations revealed isolated neuropathy in 37 cases (39.4%), necrotic wound in 37 cases (39.19%), poor glycemic control: HbA1c > 7% (98.9%), absence of osteitis (57.4%), normal Doppler ultrasound 45 cases (45.7%), stenosing arteriopathy 11 cases (22.3%), non-stenosing 3 cases (20.2%), germs present 56 cases (59.6%) including 21 cases (22.4%) of <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Diabetes and diabetic foot constitute a real public health problem. They are responsible for dreadful and sometimes disabling complications. Its management is multidisciplinary and requires significant financial resources.展开更多
Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a major public health problem because of its morbidity and mortality. It occurs with increased frequency during diabetes. The objective of this work was to study the freq...Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a major public health problem because of its morbidity and mortality. It occurs with increased frequency during diabetes. The objective of this work was to study the frequency and etiologies of urinary tract infections in diabetics hospitalized at the department of medicine of Abass Ndao Hospital. Patients and Methods: This work was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study conducted from January 01, 2018, to December 31, 2018. It focused on hospitalized diabetic patients with urinary tract infection. Epidemiological, clinical, and evolutionary data of UTI were evaluated. Results: One hundred and twenty-eight (128) diabetic patients had a cytobacteriological urine exam (CUE). 44 of who had a positive CUE (34.4%). The age group [60 - 69] years was the most represented (31.8%). Women predominated (61.4%) with a sex ratio (m/f) of 0.63. Abdominal pain was the most frequent reason for consultation, followed by polydipsia. Fever was recorded in 21 patients (47.7%). Type 2 diabetes was found in most patients (70.5%). Glycemia above 2g/l was found in 34 patients (89.5%). Anemia accounted for more than half of the patients with 29 cases (65.9%). Leukocytosis was noted in 28 patients (63.6%) and a positive CRP in 33 patients (75%). An increase in urea-creatinine was noted in 23 cases (52.3%). The results of the CUE revealed Escherichia coli as predominant (43.2%, n = 19), followed by Candida with 22.7% (n = 10). Antibiotic therapy was given to all patients. The mostly used antibiotic in the treatment of UTI was Cefotaxime 27.3% (n = 12). Older age and female gender were associated with the presence of E. coli. Four (4) deaths were recorded (9%). They were all male over the age of 65. Conclusion: UTI in diabetes is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The development and implementation of a prevention and management program are essential.展开更多
Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in diabetics. The objective of our study was to investigate the echocardiographic aspects of type 2 diabetics. Patients and Method: Descriptive a...Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in diabetics. The objective of our study was to investigate the echocardiographic aspects of type 2 diabetics. Patients and Method: Descriptive and cross-sectional study of 12 months from June 2020 to June 2021. We included hospitalized type 2 diabetics who underwent transthoracic cardiac ultrasound in the Department of Medicine and Endocrinology at the Mali Hospital. Results: We collected 128 type 2 diabetics. The predominance was male with a sex ratio of 1.2. The mean age of patients was 60.06 ± 11.54 years with extremes of 28 and 84 years. Echocardiographic abnormalities were dominated by abnormal relaxation of left ventricle in 62.5%, increased of left ventricle mass in 54.7% and left atrium dilation in 28.1%. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension had more left atrium dilation with a p of 0.02. Disorders of global kinetics and systolic dysfunction were more prevalent in smoking patients with statistically significant associations, respectively, p = 0.02;p = 0.03. Dyslipidemia had a statistically significant association with segmental kinetic disorders with a p of 0.008. Duration of diabetes greater than 5 years was associated with left atrium dilation and p-value was 0.04. Conclusion: Diabetes is responsible for cardiovascular manifestations that can be identified with transthoracic echocardiography. Its performance in diabetic patients makes it possible to refine the patient’s management.展开更多
Background:Choosing the appropriate antipsychotic drug(APD)treatment for patients with schizophrenia(SCZ)can be challenging,as the treatment response to APD is highly variable and difficult to predict due to the lack ...Background:Choosing the appropriate antipsychotic drug(APD)treatment for patients with schizophrenia(SCZ)can be challenging,as the treatment response to APD is highly variable and difficult to predict due to the lack of effective biomarkers.Previous studies have indicated the association between treatment response and genetic and epigenetic factors,but no effective biomarkers have been identified.Hence,further research is imperative to enhance precision medicine in SCZ treatment.Methods:Participants with SCZ were recruited from two randomized trials.The discovery cohort was recruited from the CAPOC trial(n=2307)involved 6 weeks of treatment and equally randomized the participants to the Olanzapine,Risperidone,Quetiapine,Aripiprazole,Ziprasidone,and Haloperidol/Perphenazine(subsequently equally assigned to one or the other)groups.The external validation cohort was recruited from the CAPEC trial(n=1379),which involved 8 weeks of treatment and equally randomized the participants to the Olanzapine,Risperidone,and Aripiprazole groups.Additionally,healthy controls(n=275)from the local community were utilized as a genetic/epigenetic reference.The genetic and epigenetic(DNA methylation)risks of SCZ were assessed using the polygenic risk score(PRS)and polymethylation score,respectively.The study also examined the genetic-epigenetic interactions with treatment response through differential methylation analysis,methylation quantitative trait loci,colocalization,and promoteranchored chromatin interaction.Machine learning was used to develop a prediction model for treatment response,which was evaluated for accuracy and clinical benefit using the area under curve(AUC)for classification,R^(2) for regression,and decision curve analysis.Results:Six risk genes for SCZ(LINC01795,DDHD2,SBNO1,KCNG2,SEMA7A,and RUFY1)involved in cortical morphology were identified as having a genetic-epigenetic interaction associated with treatment response.The developed and externally validated prediction model,which incorporated clinical information,PRS,genetic risk score(GRS),and proxy methylation level(proxyDNAm),demonstrated positive benefits for a wide range of patients receiving different APDs,regardless of sex[discovery cohort:AUC=0.874(95%CI 0.867-0.881),R^(2)=0.478;external validation cohort:AUC=0.851(95%CI 0.841-0.861),R^(2)=0.507].Conclusions:This study presents a promising precision medicine approach to evaluate treatment response,which has the potential to aid clinicians in making informed decisions about APD treatment for patients with SCZ.Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(https://www.chictr.org.cn/),18 Aug 2009 retrospectively registered:CAPOC-ChiCTR-RNC-09000521(https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=9014),CAPEC-ChiCTRRNC-09000522(https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=9013).展开更多
The endoplasmic reticulum(ER)is connected to mitochondria through mitochondria-associated ER membranes(MAMs).MAMs provide a framework for crosstalk between the ER and mitochondria,playing a crucial role in regulating ...The endoplasmic reticulum(ER)is connected to mitochondria through mitochondria-associated ER membranes(MAMs).MAMs provide a framework for crosstalk between the ER and mitochondria,playing a crucial role in regulating cellular calcium balance,lipid metabolism,and cell death.Dysregulation of MAMs is involved in the development of chronic liver disease(CLD).In CLD,changes in MAMs structure and function occur due to factors such as cellular stress,inflammation,and oxidative stress,leading to abnormal interactions between mitochondria and the ER,resulting in liver cell injury,fibrosis,and impaired liver function.Traditional Chinese medicine has shown some research progress in regulating MAMs signaling and treating CLD.This paper reviews the literature on the association between mitochondria and the ER,as well as the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating CLD.展开更多
Introduction: Heart failure is a major public health pandemic, particularly in Africa, where its prevalence continues to increase. In northern Mali, few data exist, hence the interest of this study with the objective ...Introduction: Heart failure is a major public health pandemic, particularly in Africa, where its prevalence continues to increase. In northern Mali, few data exist, hence the interest of this study with the objective of studying the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of Heart failure at the regional hospital of Gao. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study that took place from July 2022 to June 2023 in the medical department at Gao Hospital. Results: The hospital prevalence of heart failure was 44.1%. The mean age was 47.30 ± 20 years (range: 16-88). Hypertension was the most common with 46.1%, followed by a sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes with 18.2% and 8.3% respectively;NYHA stage III-IV dyspnea was found in 83.9%. Reduced EF heart failure was present in 110 patients (76.9%), seventeen cases with moderately reduced EF (11.9%) and sixteen patients had preserved EF (11.2%). Global heart failure was the dominant (91.6%). The main etiologies of heart failure were dominated by hypertensive heart disease in 46 patients (32.2%), followed by postpartum cardiomyopathy with 43 cases (30.1%), primary dilated cardiomyopathy in 18 patients (12.6%), ischemic heart disease in 16 patients with 11.2%. Seven cases of valvular heart disease, or 4.9%. The evolution was favorable under treatment in 104 patients or 72.7%. In-hospital mortality was 14.7%. Conclusion: Heart failure is a common condition in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in our country.展开更多
Aims: To review one year of ultrasound impulse elastometry in a hospital in Ouagadougou. Patients and Method: This is a retrospective descriptive study of data from one year’s use of impulse ultrasound elastometry. U...Aims: To review one year of ultrasound impulse elastometry in a hospital in Ouagadougou. Patients and Method: This is a retrospective descriptive study of data from one year’s use of impulse ultrasound elastometry. Ultrasound impulse elastometry was performed using the FibroScan® COMPACT 530. Fibrosis was considered significant when E (hepatic elasticity) ≥ 7.2 kPa (F2 fibrosis). The test was considered valid when the IQR/Median ratio ≤ 30% and there were at least 10 valid measurements. Results: A total of 1911 patients underwent FibroScan®. There were 1079 men, giving a sex ratio of 1.3. The mean age of the patients was 37.9 ± 12.2 years. The indication for FibroScan® was hepatitis B virus infection in 89% of cases. The validation criteria for FibroScan® were met in all patients. The mean value for elasticity was 7.9 kPa and for steatosis 212 dB/m. Fibrosis was non-significant in 75.5% of cases. More than half of our patients (56.7%) didn’t have steatosis, 24.8% had mild steatosis, 12.4% had moderate steatosis and 6.1% had severe steatosis. Conclusion: Ultrasound pulse elastometry plays an important role in monitoring chronic liver disease. It allows non-invasive diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. In our context, however, access to the test is limited by its availability only in large urban centers, and by its cost.展开更多
Cardiac rehabilitation helps improve the prognosis and quality of life for patients with heart disease. To show its interest in the African context, in the management of heart disease, a prospective study was carried ...Cardiac rehabilitation helps improve the prognosis and quality of life for patients with heart disease. To show its interest in the African context, in the management of heart disease, a prospective study was carried out. Its objective was to evaluate the effects of physical rehabilitation on cardiac function. Methods: Patients were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of cardiovascular rehabilitation by cardiovascular, biological, and echocardiographic parameters including the size of the heart chambers, the kinetics of the walls, and the systolic function of the ventricles. Results: The study involved 12 patients, 67% of whom were men. After cardiac rehabilitation, the mean hemodynamic constants had not been significantly modified. However, a significant decrease in Total-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol and triglyceride levels was noted. Mean fasting blood sugar decreased from 1.25 ± 0.48 g/L to 0.92 ± 0.18 g/L and glycated hemoglobin from 7.72% ± 0.01% to 6.45% ± 0.008%. The echocardiographic parameters studied showed an improvement in the dilation of the heart chambers in 8.33% of the patients, the normalization of the ejection fraction of the left ventricle in 16% patients, the improvement of the kinetic disorders in 16% of patients and recovery of right ventricular systolic function in all patients. Conclusion: Cardiac rehabilitation as a secondary preventive measure for cardiovascular disease has contributed significantly to improving the clinico-biological parameters of the disease.展开更多
Loss of synapse and functional connectivity in brain circuits is associated with aging and neurodegeneration,however,few molecular mechanisms are known to intrinsically promote synaptogenesis or enhance synapse functi...Loss of synapse and functional connectivity in brain circuits is associated with aging and neurodegeneration,however,few molecular mechanisms are known to intrinsically promote synaptogenesis or enhance synapse function.We have previously shown that MET receptor tyrosine kinase in the developing cortical circuits promotes dendritic growth and dendritic spine morphogenesis.To investigate whether enhancing MET in adult cortex has synapse regenerating potential,we created a knockin mouse line,in which the human MET gene expression and signaling can be turned on in adult(10–12 months)cortical neurons through doxycycline-containing chow.We found that similar to the developing brain,turning on MET signaling in the adult cortex activates small GTPases and increases spine density in prefrontal projection neurons.These findings are further corroborated by increased synaptic activity and transient generation of immature silent synapses.Prolonged MET signaling resulted in an increasedα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/N-methyl-Daspartate(AMPA/NMDA)receptor current ratio,indicative of enhanced synaptic function and connectivity.Our data reveal that enhancing MET signaling could be an interventional approach to promote synaptogenesis and preserve functional connectivity in the adult brain.These findings may have implications for regenerative therapy in aging and neurodegeneration conditions.展开更多
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder caused by exposure to severe traumatic life events.Currently,there are no validated biomarkers or laboratory tests that can distinguish between trauma survivors with...Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder caused by exposure to severe traumatic life events.Currently,there are no validated biomarkers or laboratory tests that can distinguish between trauma survivors with and without post-traumatic stress disorder.In addition,the heterogeneity of clinical presentations of post-traumatic stress disorder and the overlap of symptoms with other conditions can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.Evidence suggests that this condition is a multisystem disorder that affects many biological systems,raising the possibility that peripheral markers of disease may be used to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder.We performed a PubMed search for microRNAs(miRNAs)in post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)that could serve as diagnostic biomarkers and found 18 original research articles on studies performed with human patients and published January 2012 to December 2023.These included four studies with whole blood,seven with peripheral blood mononuclear cells,four with plasma extracellular vesicles/exosomes,and one with serum exosomes.One of these studies had also used whole plasma.Two studies were excluded as they did not involve microRNA biomarkers.Most of the studies had collected samples from adult male Veterans who had returned from deployment and been exposed to combat,and only two were from recently traumatized adult subjects.In measuring miRNA expression levels,many of the studies had used microarray miRNA analysis,miRNA Seq analysis,or NanoString panels.Only six studies had used real time polymerase chain reaction assay to determine/validate miRNA expression in PTSD subjects compared to controls.The miRNAs that were found/validated in these studies may be considered as potential candidate biomarkers for PTSD and include miR-3130-5p in whole blood;miR-193a-5p,-7113-5p,-125a,-181c,and-671-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cells;miR-10b-5p,-203a-3p,-4488,-502-3p,-874-3p,-5100,and-7641 in plasma extracellular vesicles/exosomes;and miR-18a-3p and-7-1-5p in blood plasma.Several important limitations identified in the studies need to be taken into account in future studies.Further studies are warranted with war veterans and recently traumatized children,adolescents,and adults having PTSD and use of animal models subjected to various stressors and the effects of suppressing or overexpressing specific microRNAs.展开更多
<strong>Introduction:</strong> Urinary tract infections (UTI) are frequent and of polymorphous clinical symptomatology in elderly subjects both in and out of hospital. In Mali, to our knowledge, no study c...<strong>Introduction:</strong> Urinary tract infections (UTI) are frequent and of polymorphous clinical symptomatology in elderly subjects both in and out of hospital. In Mali, to our knowledge, no study concerning UTIs in the elderly has been conducted, hence the interest in this innovative work. <strong>Objectives:</strong> To determine the prevalence and clinical and paraclinical aspects of urinary tract infections in the elderly. <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> This was a prospective descriptive and cross-sectional study from September 1, 2013 to August 31, 2014, <i>i.e. </i> duration of 12 months. All patients aged 65 years and over, hospitalized or ambulatory in the internal medicine department with a documented urinary tract infection were included. <strong>Results:</strong> We collected and examined 194 patients. The cytobacteriological study of urine (CBSU) was positive in 28 patients, <i>i.e. </i> a prevalence of 14.43%. The male sex represented 59.8% of the cases, the sex ratio was equal to 1.46. The age groups between 65 - 69 and 70 - 74 years were the most affected, respectively 28.57% and 39.28%. The main clinical signs were: asthenia, anorexia, dependence, fever, urinary burning, dysuria. Hospitalization was associated with urinary tract infection with P = 0.01. The group of enterobacteria were incriminated in 75% of cases. <i>Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> represented 39.28%, 14.28% and 10.71% of cases. Urinary tract infections were represented by pyelonephritis, acute prostatitis, orchi-epididymitis and simple cystitis. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Urinary tract infection is frequent in the elderly, its clinical presentation is polymorphic and enterobacteria are the most incriminated group of bacteria.展开更多
Background: Transgender healthcare is not a formal learning requirement in Internal Medicine residency or fellowship. The National LGBTQ Task Force appealed to urgently train clinicians on the effective care of transg...Background: Transgender healthcare is not a formal learning requirement in Internal Medicine residency or fellowship. The National LGBTQ Task Force appealed to urgently train clinicians on the effective care of transgender patients. Few studies address the successful implementation of transgender healthcare teaching and education in graduate medical education. Purpose: The purpose was to design an online asynchronous curriculum to address the need for improved transgender healthcare education in graduate medical education and assess change in knowledge and comfort in transgender healthcare for residents and fellow learners. Methods: A 6-module curriculum was developed using established guidelines and ACGME competencies as a framework for content. To assess curriculum effectiveness, participants received anonymous pre- and post-curriculum surveys which included a multiple-choice knowledge assessment, Likert scale comfort questions focusing on healthcare skills, and open-ended feedback questions. Results: Twenty-six internal medicine residents and fellows participated in the curriculum (2022-2023). There was a 69% post-survey response rate. Participants improved their gender-affirming knowledge after completing the curriculum (p Conclusion: This online curriculum was successful in increasing knowledge and comfort in transgender care for IM residents and fellows. It provides a promising framework to address this gap in curricular content.展开更多
Background:Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)are effective in a subset of patients with metastatic solid tumors.However,the patients who would benefit most from ICIs in biliary tract cancer(BTC)are still controversial...Background:Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)are effective in a subset of patients with metastatic solid tumors.However,the patients who would benefit most from ICIs in biliary tract cancer(BTC)are still controversial.Materials and methods:We molecularly characterized tissues and blood from 32 patients with metastatic BTC treated with the ICI pembrolizumab as second-line therapy.Results:All patients had microsatellite stable(MSS)type tumors.Three of the 32 patients achieved partial response(PR),with an objective response rate(ORR)of 9.4%(95%confidence interval[CI],2.0–25.2)and nine showed stable disease(SD),exhibiting a disease control rate(DCR)of 37.5%(95%CI,21.1–56.3).For the 31 patients who had access to PD-1 ligand 1(PD-L1)combined positive score(CPS)testing(cut-off value≥1%),the ORR was not different between those who had PD-L1-positive(PD-L1+;1/11,9.1%)and PDL1-(2/20,10.0%)tumors(p=1.000).The tumor mutational burden(TMB)of PD-L1+BTC was comparable to that of PD-L1-BTC(p=0.630).TMB and any exonic somatic mutations were also not predictive of pembrolizumab response.Molecular analysis of blood and tumor samples demonstrated a relatively high natural killer(NK)cell proportion in the peripheral blood before pembrolizumab treatment in patients who achieved tumor response.Moreover,the tumors of these patients presented high enrichment scores for NK cells,antitumor cytokines,and Th1 signatures,and a low enrichment score for cancer-associated fibroblasts.Conclusions:This study shows the molecular characteristics associated with the efficacy of pembrolizumab in BTC of the MSS type.展开更多
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated response of the body in response to an infection that harms its tissues and organs.Interleukin-6(IL-6)is a significant component of the inflammatory resp...Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated response of the body in response to an infection that harms its tissues and organs.Interleukin-6(IL-6)is a significant component of the inflammatory response as part of the pa-thogenesis of sepsis.It aids in the development of Acute lung injury and,subse-quently,multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.This letter probes into the corre-lation between plasma IL-6 levels and the risk of developing acute lung injury and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in critically ill patients with sepsis.While it shows promising results,limitations like its observational study design,a limited sample size,a single center involvement,single-time-point measurement,and a lack of a control group restrain its cogency.The study is a big step in identifying IL-6 as a biomarker to improve patient care.展开更多
BACKGROUND Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at a 2-8-fold higher risk of deve-loping venous thromboembolism(VTE)as compared to the general population.Although the exact pathogenesis is unclear,the literatu...BACKGROUND Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at a 2-8-fold higher risk of deve-loping venous thromboembolism(VTE)as compared to the general population.Although the exact pathogenesis is unclear,the literature suggests that increased risk of thromboembolic events in such patients occurs as a result of increased coagulation factors,inflammatory cytokines,and reduction in anticoagulants leading to a prothrombotic state.AIM To assess the prevalence,risk factors,management,and outcome of ulcerative colitis(UC)patients who develop VTE.METHODS This was a retrospective chart review done in The Gastroenterology Department of The Aga Khan University Hospital.Data was collected from medical records for all patients admitted with a diagnosis of UC from January 2012 to December 2022.RESULTS Seventy-four patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria.The mean±SD of age at presentation of all UC patients was 45 years±10 years whereas for those who developed VTE,it was 47.6 years±14.7 years.Hypertension and diabetes were the most common co-morbid seen among UC patients with a frequency of 17(22.9%)and 12(16.2%),respectively.A total of 5(6.7%)patients developed VTE.Deep venous thrombosis was the most common thromboembolic phenomenon seen in 3(60%)patients.All the patients with UC and concomitant VTE were discharged home(5;100%).CONCLUSION The prevalence of VTE with UC in Pakistani patients corresponds with the international literature.However,multi-centric studies are required to further explore these results.展开更多
Despite advancements in neuroimaging,false positive diagnoses of intracranial aneurysms remain a significant concern.This article examines the causes,prevalence,and implications of such false-positive diagnoses.We dis...Despite advancements in neuroimaging,false positive diagnoses of intracranial aneurysms remain a significant concern.This article examines the causes,prevalence,and implications of such false-positive diagnoses.We discuss how conditions like arterial occlusion with vascular stump formation and infundibular widening can mimic aneurysms,particularly in the anterior circulation.The article compares various imaging modalities,including computer tomography angiogram,magnetic resonance imaging/angiography,and digital subtraction angiogram,highlighting their strengths and limitations.We emphasize the im-portance of accurate differentiation to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.The potential of emerging technologies,such as high-resolution vessel wall ima-ging and deep neural networks for automated detection,is explored as promising avenues for improving diagnostic accuracy.This manuscript underscores the need for continued research and clinical vigilance in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms.展开更多
The theory of“Salt-processing enhancing drug into kidney meridian”was firstly put forward by Chen Jiamu,a medical doctor of Xin’an,in“Enlightening Primer of Materia Medica”.This theory integrates the theory of th...The theory of“Salt-processing enhancing drug into kidney meridian”was firstly put forward by Chen Jiamu,a medical doctor of Xin’an,in“Enlightening Primer of Materia Medica”.This theory integrates the theory of the five elements of Chinese medicine that the five flavors enter into the five viscera,and forms the theory of the role of the auxiliary materials of Chinese medicine concoctions.This theory is an important guiding significance for the clinical use of raw and cooked Chinese medicine tablets.At present,there are more studies on the theory of“Salt-processing enhancing drug into kidney meridian”in the literature,mainly focusing on the chemical composition,efficacy changes and the concoction mechanism of salt products of traditional Chinese medicines before and after salt preparation.There are relatively few review papers on the theory of“Salt-processing enhancing drug into kidney meridian”from the perspectives of auxiliary salt and attribution of meridians.In this paper,through reviewing relevant ancient books and literature,and on the basis of the previous review articles,this paper centers on the auxiliary salt,and conducts in-depth excavation and elaboration in terms of its sources,types,and the historical evolution of the salt production method.From the perspective of categorization,focusing on the core theory of“Kidney stores essence,governing reproduction,bone and generating marrow,water and brain”,we summarize the changes in efficacy before and after the salt preparation of kidney tonic traditional Chinese medicines,the changes in external and internal constituents as well as the scientific connotation of the concocting mechanism behind the effect-constituent changes.The scientific connotation of the concoction theory of“Salt-processing enhancing drug into kidney meridian”was initially elucidated,providing a new reference model for the study of the theory of Chinese medicine concoction attribution.展开更多
Traditional Chinese guidance techniques are an important part of traditional Chinese medicine and involve integrating three aspects:essence,energy,and spirit,while combining physical movement,breath control,and mental...Traditional Chinese guidance techniques are an important part of traditional Chinese medicine and involve integrating three aspects:essence,energy,and spirit,while combining physical movement,breath control,and mental regulation.Traditional Chinese guidance techniques include Tai Chi,Eight Section Brocade,Five Animal Frolics,Yi Jin Jing,and Liu Zi Jue,among others.In recent years,an increasing number of clinical studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of guidance techniques on promoting health and well-being safely.This study provides a systematic and comprehensive summary and analysis of the research on the application of Traditional Chinese guidance techniques in the management of chronic diseases,offering valuable insights for future clinical research directions and the integration of these techniques into medical practice.展开更多
Introduction:Alzheimer 's disease(AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder and the primary cause of dementia. Considerable evidence supports the “amyloid hypothesis,” stating that the pathogenesis of AD is pri...Introduction:Alzheimer 's disease(AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder and the primary cause of dementia. Considerable evidence supports the “amyloid hypothesis,” stating that the pathogenesis of AD is primarily caused by the deposition of amyloid-β(Aβ), which drives tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration in the brain. The amyloid hypothesis is strengthened by the significant and moderate benefit of lecanemab, a humanized antibody through an anti-amyloid mechanism,showing slowed clinical decline(van Dyck et al.,2023). The recent positive results of anti-amyloid trials have brought back focus on the amyloid hypothesis through biochemical, genetic, and pharmacological approaches(Zhang, 2023).展开更多
文摘Introduction: The diabetic foot remains a public health problem due to its high frequency, difficult and costly management. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of the diabetic foot in a hospital setting in Bamako. Methodology: This is a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional and monocentric study conducted between September 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015 on diabetic patients aged 14 years and older arriving in our department with a foot infection. Results: We identified 94 cases of diabetic foot infection out of a total of 828 hospitalized patients, a prevalence of 11.35%. The age range 41 - 60 years represented 57 cases (60.6%), the extreme ages were 14 and 81 years. Men (38.3%), women (61.7%) with a sex ratio of 0.62%. Housewives 50%, illiterate 51 cases (54.3%), low economic standard of living 40 cases (42.6%), presence of osteitis 40 cases (42.6%), foot at stage D Grade3 28 cases (29.8%). Management was medical in 48 cases (51.1%), treatment with insulin 58 cases (61.7%), Amoxicillin + Metronidazole used 36 cases (38.29%). Amputation was performed in 35 cases (37.2%). Deaths concerned 5 patients (9.6%) with hypoglycemia as the main cause in 4 cases. Conclusion: Diabetic foot is a frequent complication of diabetes. The establishment of a multidisciplinary team should contribute to the improvement of the prognosis of the diabetic foot in a management center.
文摘<strong>Introduction:</strong> Diabetes is a heterogeneous group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from a defect in the secretion and/or action of insulin, diagnosed by the observation of high levels of glucose in the blood, responsible in the long term for vascular and nervous complications. The diabetic foot is the set of pathological manifestations affecting the foot in relation to the diabetic disease. Approximately 5% of diabetics present a chronic lesion of the foot. <strong>Objective: </strong>To describe the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the diabetic foot in the medicine/endocrinology department of the Mali hospital. <strong>Methodology:</strong> This was a retrospective descriptive study from November 2011 to December 2015. It focused on diabetic patients hospitalized in the department with a foot wound and aged 14 years and over. Results: The study involved 94 patients out of 828 hospitalized, a prevalence of 11.35%. Our series included 36 (38.3%) men and 58 (61.7%) women, <em>i.e.</em> a sex ratio of 0.61%. The mean age was 42.66 years with extremes of 14 and 81 years. Type 2 diabetes was present in 95% of the patients with a duration of evolution of more than 5 years in 60.6% of the cases. The mechanism of occurrence of the wounds was minor trauma in 54 cases (57.4%). Self-medication was the primary treatment in 70 patients (74.5%). More than 50% of the patients wore unsuitable footwear. Clinical and para-clinical examinations revealed isolated neuropathy in 37 cases (39.4%), necrotic wound in 37 cases (39.19%), poor glycemic control: HbA1c > 7% (98.9%), absence of osteitis (57.4%), normal Doppler ultrasound 45 cases (45.7%), stenosing arteriopathy 11 cases (22.3%), non-stenosing 3 cases (20.2%), germs present 56 cases (59.6%) including 21 cases (22.4%) of <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Diabetes and diabetic foot constitute a real public health problem. They are responsible for dreadful and sometimes disabling complications. Its management is multidisciplinary and requires significant financial resources.
文摘Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a major public health problem because of its morbidity and mortality. It occurs with increased frequency during diabetes. The objective of this work was to study the frequency and etiologies of urinary tract infections in diabetics hospitalized at the department of medicine of Abass Ndao Hospital. Patients and Methods: This work was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study conducted from January 01, 2018, to December 31, 2018. It focused on hospitalized diabetic patients with urinary tract infection. Epidemiological, clinical, and evolutionary data of UTI were evaluated. Results: One hundred and twenty-eight (128) diabetic patients had a cytobacteriological urine exam (CUE). 44 of who had a positive CUE (34.4%). The age group [60 - 69] years was the most represented (31.8%). Women predominated (61.4%) with a sex ratio (m/f) of 0.63. Abdominal pain was the most frequent reason for consultation, followed by polydipsia. Fever was recorded in 21 patients (47.7%). Type 2 diabetes was found in most patients (70.5%). Glycemia above 2g/l was found in 34 patients (89.5%). Anemia accounted for more than half of the patients with 29 cases (65.9%). Leukocytosis was noted in 28 patients (63.6%) and a positive CRP in 33 patients (75%). An increase in urea-creatinine was noted in 23 cases (52.3%). The results of the CUE revealed Escherichia coli as predominant (43.2%, n = 19), followed by Candida with 22.7% (n = 10). Antibiotic therapy was given to all patients. The mostly used antibiotic in the treatment of UTI was Cefotaxime 27.3% (n = 12). Older age and female gender were associated with the presence of E. coli. Four (4) deaths were recorded (9%). They were all male over the age of 65. Conclusion: UTI in diabetes is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The development and implementation of a prevention and management program are essential.
文摘Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in diabetics. The objective of our study was to investigate the echocardiographic aspects of type 2 diabetics. Patients and Method: Descriptive and cross-sectional study of 12 months from June 2020 to June 2021. We included hospitalized type 2 diabetics who underwent transthoracic cardiac ultrasound in the Department of Medicine and Endocrinology at the Mali Hospital. Results: We collected 128 type 2 diabetics. The predominance was male with a sex ratio of 1.2. The mean age of patients was 60.06 ± 11.54 years with extremes of 28 and 84 years. Echocardiographic abnormalities were dominated by abnormal relaxation of left ventricle in 62.5%, increased of left ventricle mass in 54.7% and left atrium dilation in 28.1%. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension had more left atrium dilation with a p of 0.02. Disorders of global kinetics and systolic dysfunction were more prevalent in smoking patients with statistically significant associations, respectively, p = 0.02;p = 0.03. Dyslipidemia had a statistically significant association with segmental kinetic disorders with a p of 0.008. Duration of diabetes greater than 5 years was associated with left atrium dilation and p-value was 0.04. Conclusion: Diabetes is responsible for cardiovascular manifestations that can be identified with transthoracic echocardiography. Its performance in diabetic patients makes it possible to refine the patient’s management.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81825009,82071505,81901358)the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(2021-I2MC&T-B-099,2019-I2M-5–006)+2 种基金the Program of Chinese Institute for Brain Research Beijing(2020-NKX-XM-12)the King’s College London-Peking University Health Science Center Joint Institute for Medical Research(BMU2020KCL001,BMU2019LCKXJ012)the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFF1201103,2016YFC1307000).
文摘Background:Choosing the appropriate antipsychotic drug(APD)treatment for patients with schizophrenia(SCZ)can be challenging,as the treatment response to APD is highly variable and difficult to predict due to the lack of effective biomarkers.Previous studies have indicated the association between treatment response and genetic and epigenetic factors,but no effective biomarkers have been identified.Hence,further research is imperative to enhance precision medicine in SCZ treatment.Methods:Participants with SCZ were recruited from two randomized trials.The discovery cohort was recruited from the CAPOC trial(n=2307)involved 6 weeks of treatment and equally randomized the participants to the Olanzapine,Risperidone,Quetiapine,Aripiprazole,Ziprasidone,and Haloperidol/Perphenazine(subsequently equally assigned to one or the other)groups.The external validation cohort was recruited from the CAPEC trial(n=1379),which involved 8 weeks of treatment and equally randomized the participants to the Olanzapine,Risperidone,and Aripiprazole groups.Additionally,healthy controls(n=275)from the local community were utilized as a genetic/epigenetic reference.The genetic and epigenetic(DNA methylation)risks of SCZ were assessed using the polygenic risk score(PRS)and polymethylation score,respectively.The study also examined the genetic-epigenetic interactions with treatment response through differential methylation analysis,methylation quantitative trait loci,colocalization,and promoteranchored chromatin interaction.Machine learning was used to develop a prediction model for treatment response,which was evaluated for accuracy and clinical benefit using the area under curve(AUC)for classification,R^(2) for regression,and decision curve analysis.Results:Six risk genes for SCZ(LINC01795,DDHD2,SBNO1,KCNG2,SEMA7A,and RUFY1)involved in cortical morphology were identified as having a genetic-epigenetic interaction associated with treatment response.The developed and externally validated prediction model,which incorporated clinical information,PRS,genetic risk score(GRS),and proxy methylation level(proxyDNAm),demonstrated positive benefits for a wide range of patients receiving different APDs,regardless of sex[discovery cohort:AUC=0.874(95%CI 0.867-0.881),R^(2)=0.478;external validation cohort:AUC=0.851(95%CI 0.841-0.861),R^(2)=0.507].Conclusions:This study presents a promising precision medicine approach to evaluate treatment response,which has the potential to aid clinicians in making informed decisions about APD treatment for patients with SCZ.Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(https://www.chictr.org.cn/),18 Aug 2009 retrospectively registered:CAPOC-ChiCTR-RNC-09000521(https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=9014),CAPEC-ChiCTRRNC-09000522(https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=9013).
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82204755,and No.81960751the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation Youth Project,No.2023GXNSFBA026274+1 种基金the Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine School-level Project Youth Fund,No.2022QN008Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine Research Project,No.2022MS008 and No.2022QJ001.
文摘The endoplasmic reticulum(ER)is connected to mitochondria through mitochondria-associated ER membranes(MAMs).MAMs provide a framework for crosstalk between the ER and mitochondria,playing a crucial role in regulating cellular calcium balance,lipid metabolism,and cell death.Dysregulation of MAMs is involved in the development of chronic liver disease(CLD).In CLD,changes in MAMs structure and function occur due to factors such as cellular stress,inflammation,and oxidative stress,leading to abnormal interactions between mitochondria and the ER,resulting in liver cell injury,fibrosis,and impaired liver function.Traditional Chinese medicine has shown some research progress in regulating MAMs signaling and treating CLD.This paper reviews the literature on the association between mitochondria and the ER,as well as the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating CLD.
文摘Introduction: Heart failure is a major public health pandemic, particularly in Africa, where its prevalence continues to increase. In northern Mali, few data exist, hence the interest of this study with the objective of studying the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of Heart failure at the regional hospital of Gao. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study that took place from July 2022 to June 2023 in the medical department at Gao Hospital. Results: The hospital prevalence of heart failure was 44.1%. The mean age was 47.30 ± 20 years (range: 16-88). Hypertension was the most common with 46.1%, followed by a sedentary lifestyle, and diabetes with 18.2% and 8.3% respectively;NYHA stage III-IV dyspnea was found in 83.9%. Reduced EF heart failure was present in 110 patients (76.9%), seventeen cases with moderately reduced EF (11.9%) and sixteen patients had preserved EF (11.2%). Global heart failure was the dominant (91.6%). The main etiologies of heart failure were dominated by hypertensive heart disease in 46 patients (32.2%), followed by postpartum cardiomyopathy with 43 cases (30.1%), primary dilated cardiomyopathy in 18 patients (12.6%), ischemic heart disease in 16 patients with 11.2%. Seven cases of valvular heart disease, or 4.9%. The evolution was favorable under treatment in 104 patients or 72.7%. In-hospital mortality was 14.7%. Conclusion: Heart failure is a common condition in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in our country.
文摘Aims: To review one year of ultrasound impulse elastometry in a hospital in Ouagadougou. Patients and Method: This is a retrospective descriptive study of data from one year’s use of impulse ultrasound elastometry. Ultrasound impulse elastometry was performed using the FibroScan® COMPACT 530. Fibrosis was considered significant when E (hepatic elasticity) ≥ 7.2 kPa (F2 fibrosis). The test was considered valid when the IQR/Median ratio ≤ 30% and there were at least 10 valid measurements. Results: A total of 1911 patients underwent FibroScan®. There were 1079 men, giving a sex ratio of 1.3. The mean age of the patients was 37.9 ± 12.2 years. The indication for FibroScan® was hepatitis B virus infection in 89% of cases. The validation criteria for FibroScan® were met in all patients. The mean value for elasticity was 7.9 kPa and for steatosis 212 dB/m. Fibrosis was non-significant in 75.5% of cases. More than half of our patients (56.7%) didn’t have steatosis, 24.8% had mild steatosis, 12.4% had moderate steatosis and 6.1% had severe steatosis. Conclusion: Ultrasound pulse elastometry plays an important role in monitoring chronic liver disease. It allows non-invasive diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. In our context, however, access to the test is limited by its availability only in large urban centers, and by its cost.
文摘Cardiac rehabilitation helps improve the prognosis and quality of life for patients with heart disease. To show its interest in the African context, in the management of heart disease, a prospective study was carried out. Its objective was to evaluate the effects of physical rehabilitation on cardiac function. Methods: Patients were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of cardiovascular rehabilitation by cardiovascular, biological, and echocardiographic parameters including the size of the heart chambers, the kinetics of the walls, and the systolic function of the ventricles. Results: The study involved 12 patients, 67% of whom were men. After cardiac rehabilitation, the mean hemodynamic constants had not been significantly modified. However, a significant decrease in Total-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol and triglyceride levels was noted. Mean fasting blood sugar decreased from 1.25 ± 0.48 g/L to 0.92 ± 0.18 g/L and glycated hemoglobin from 7.72% ± 0.01% to 6.45% ± 0.008%. The echocardiographic parameters studied showed an improvement in the dilation of the heart chambers in 8.33% of the patients, the normalization of the ejection fraction of the left ventricle in 16% patients, the improvement of the kinetic disorders in 16% of patients and recovery of right ventricular systolic function in all patients. Conclusion: Cardiac rehabilitation as a secondary preventive measure for cardiovascular disease has contributed significantly to improving the clinico-biological parameters of the disease.
基金supported by NIH/NIMH grant R01MH111619(to SQ),R21AG078700(to SQ)Institute of Mental Health Research(IMHR,Level 1 funding,to SQ and DF)institution startup fund from The University of Arizona(to SQ)。
文摘Loss of synapse and functional connectivity in brain circuits is associated with aging and neurodegeneration,however,few molecular mechanisms are known to intrinsically promote synaptogenesis or enhance synapse function.We have previously shown that MET receptor tyrosine kinase in the developing cortical circuits promotes dendritic growth and dendritic spine morphogenesis.To investigate whether enhancing MET in adult cortex has synapse regenerating potential,we created a knockin mouse line,in which the human MET gene expression and signaling can be turned on in adult(10–12 months)cortical neurons through doxycycline-containing chow.We found that similar to the developing brain,turning on MET signaling in the adult cortex activates small GTPases and increases spine density in prefrontal projection neurons.These findings are further corroborated by increased synaptic activity and transient generation of immature silent synapses.Prolonged MET signaling resulted in an increasedα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/N-methyl-Daspartate(AMPA/NMDA)receptor current ratio,indicative of enhanced synaptic function and connectivity.Our data reveal that enhancing MET signaling could be an interventional approach to promote synaptogenesis and preserve functional connectivity in the adult brain.These findings may have implications for regenerative therapy in aging and neurodegeneration conditions.
文摘Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder caused by exposure to severe traumatic life events.Currently,there are no validated biomarkers or laboratory tests that can distinguish between trauma survivors with and without post-traumatic stress disorder.In addition,the heterogeneity of clinical presentations of post-traumatic stress disorder and the overlap of symptoms with other conditions can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.Evidence suggests that this condition is a multisystem disorder that affects many biological systems,raising the possibility that peripheral markers of disease may be used to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder.We performed a PubMed search for microRNAs(miRNAs)in post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)that could serve as diagnostic biomarkers and found 18 original research articles on studies performed with human patients and published January 2012 to December 2023.These included four studies with whole blood,seven with peripheral blood mononuclear cells,four with plasma extracellular vesicles/exosomes,and one with serum exosomes.One of these studies had also used whole plasma.Two studies were excluded as they did not involve microRNA biomarkers.Most of the studies had collected samples from adult male Veterans who had returned from deployment and been exposed to combat,and only two were from recently traumatized adult subjects.In measuring miRNA expression levels,many of the studies had used microarray miRNA analysis,miRNA Seq analysis,or NanoString panels.Only six studies had used real time polymerase chain reaction assay to determine/validate miRNA expression in PTSD subjects compared to controls.The miRNAs that were found/validated in these studies may be considered as potential candidate biomarkers for PTSD and include miR-3130-5p in whole blood;miR-193a-5p,-7113-5p,-125a,-181c,and-671-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cells;miR-10b-5p,-203a-3p,-4488,-502-3p,-874-3p,-5100,and-7641 in plasma extracellular vesicles/exosomes;and miR-18a-3p and-7-1-5p in blood plasma.Several important limitations identified in the studies need to be taken into account in future studies.Further studies are warranted with war veterans and recently traumatized children,adolescents,and adults having PTSD and use of animal models subjected to various stressors and the effects of suppressing or overexpressing specific microRNAs.
文摘<strong>Introduction:</strong> Urinary tract infections (UTI) are frequent and of polymorphous clinical symptomatology in elderly subjects both in and out of hospital. In Mali, to our knowledge, no study concerning UTIs in the elderly has been conducted, hence the interest in this innovative work. <strong>Objectives:</strong> To determine the prevalence and clinical and paraclinical aspects of urinary tract infections in the elderly. <strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> This was a prospective descriptive and cross-sectional study from September 1, 2013 to August 31, 2014, <i>i.e. </i> duration of 12 months. All patients aged 65 years and over, hospitalized or ambulatory in the internal medicine department with a documented urinary tract infection were included. <strong>Results:</strong> We collected and examined 194 patients. The cytobacteriological study of urine (CBSU) was positive in 28 patients, <i>i.e. </i> a prevalence of 14.43%. The male sex represented 59.8% of the cases, the sex ratio was equal to 1.46. The age groups between 65 - 69 and 70 - 74 years were the most affected, respectively 28.57% and 39.28%. The main clinical signs were: asthenia, anorexia, dependence, fever, urinary burning, dysuria. Hospitalization was associated with urinary tract infection with P = 0.01. The group of enterobacteria were incriminated in 75% of cases. <i>Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> represented 39.28%, 14.28% and 10.71% of cases. Urinary tract infections were represented by pyelonephritis, acute prostatitis, orchi-epididymitis and simple cystitis. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Urinary tract infection is frequent in the elderly, its clinical presentation is polymorphic and enterobacteria are the most incriminated group of bacteria.
文摘Background: Transgender healthcare is not a formal learning requirement in Internal Medicine residency or fellowship. The National LGBTQ Task Force appealed to urgently train clinicians on the effective care of transgender patients. Few studies address the successful implementation of transgender healthcare teaching and education in graduate medical education. Purpose: The purpose was to design an online asynchronous curriculum to address the need for improved transgender healthcare education in graduate medical education and assess change in knowledge and comfort in transgender healthcare for residents and fellow learners. Methods: A 6-module curriculum was developed using established guidelines and ACGME competencies as a framework for content. To assess curriculum effectiveness, participants received anonymous pre- and post-curriculum surveys which included a multiple-choice knowledge assessment, Likert scale comfort questions focusing on healthcare skills, and open-ended feedback questions. Results: Twenty-six internal medicine residents and fellows participated in the curriculum (2022-2023). There was a 69% post-survey response rate. Participants improved their gender-affirming knowledge after completing the curriculum (p Conclusion: This online curriculum was successful in increasing knowledge and comfort in transgender care for IM residents and fellows. It provides a promising framework to address this gap in curricular content.
基金supported by the MISP program at Merck Sharp&Dohme Corp.,USAa grant of the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute(KHIDI)funded by the Ministry of Health&Welfare,Republic of Korea(Grant Number:HR20C0025).
文摘Background:Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)are effective in a subset of patients with metastatic solid tumors.However,the patients who would benefit most from ICIs in biliary tract cancer(BTC)are still controversial.Materials and methods:We molecularly characterized tissues and blood from 32 patients with metastatic BTC treated with the ICI pembrolizumab as second-line therapy.Results:All patients had microsatellite stable(MSS)type tumors.Three of the 32 patients achieved partial response(PR),with an objective response rate(ORR)of 9.4%(95%confidence interval[CI],2.0–25.2)and nine showed stable disease(SD),exhibiting a disease control rate(DCR)of 37.5%(95%CI,21.1–56.3).For the 31 patients who had access to PD-1 ligand 1(PD-L1)combined positive score(CPS)testing(cut-off value≥1%),the ORR was not different between those who had PD-L1-positive(PD-L1+;1/11,9.1%)and PDL1-(2/20,10.0%)tumors(p=1.000).The tumor mutational burden(TMB)of PD-L1+BTC was comparable to that of PD-L1-BTC(p=0.630).TMB and any exonic somatic mutations were also not predictive of pembrolizumab response.Molecular analysis of blood and tumor samples demonstrated a relatively high natural killer(NK)cell proportion in the peripheral blood before pembrolizumab treatment in patients who achieved tumor response.Moreover,the tumors of these patients presented high enrichment scores for NK cells,antitumor cytokines,and Th1 signatures,and a low enrichment score for cancer-associated fibroblasts.Conclusions:This study shows the molecular characteristics associated with the efficacy of pembrolizumab in BTC of the MSS type.
文摘Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated response of the body in response to an infection that harms its tissues and organs.Interleukin-6(IL-6)is a significant component of the inflammatory response as part of the pa-thogenesis of sepsis.It aids in the development of Acute lung injury and,subse-quently,multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.This letter probes into the corre-lation between plasma IL-6 levels and the risk of developing acute lung injury and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in critically ill patients with sepsis.While it shows promising results,limitations like its observational study design,a limited sample size,a single center involvement,single-time-point measurement,and a lack of a control group restrain its cogency.The study is a big step in identifying IL-6 as a biomarker to improve patient care.
文摘BACKGROUND Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at a 2-8-fold higher risk of deve-loping venous thromboembolism(VTE)as compared to the general population.Although the exact pathogenesis is unclear,the literature suggests that increased risk of thromboembolic events in such patients occurs as a result of increased coagulation factors,inflammatory cytokines,and reduction in anticoagulants leading to a prothrombotic state.AIM To assess the prevalence,risk factors,management,and outcome of ulcerative colitis(UC)patients who develop VTE.METHODS This was a retrospective chart review done in The Gastroenterology Department of The Aga Khan University Hospital.Data was collected from medical records for all patients admitted with a diagnosis of UC from January 2012 to December 2022.RESULTS Seventy-four patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria.The mean±SD of age at presentation of all UC patients was 45 years±10 years whereas for those who developed VTE,it was 47.6 years±14.7 years.Hypertension and diabetes were the most common co-morbid seen among UC patients with a frequency of 17(22.9%)and 12(16.2%),respectively.A total of 5(6.7%)patients developed VTE.Deep venous thrombosis was the most common thromboembolic phenomenon seen in 3(60%)patients.All the patients with UC and concomitant VTE were discharged home(5;100%).CONCLUSION The prevalence of VTE with UC in Pakistani patients corresponds with the international literature.However,multi-centric studies are required to further explore these results.
文摘Despite advancements in neuroimaging,false positive diagnoses of intracranial aneurysms remain a significant concern.This article examines the causes,prevalence,and implications of such false-positive diagnoses.We discuss how conditions like arterial occlusion with vascular stump formation and infundibular widening can mimic aneurysms,particularly in the anterior circulation.The article compares various imaging modalities,including computer tomography angiogram,magnetic resonance imaging/angiography,and digital subtraction angiogram,highlighting their strengths and limitations.We emphasize the im-portance of accurate differentiation to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.The potential of emerging technologies,such as high-resolution vessel wall ima-ging and deep neural networks for automated detection,is explored as promising avenues for improving diagnostic accuracy.This manuscript underscores the need for continued research and clinical vigilance in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms.
基金supported by The Youth Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82204623)Key scientific research projects in universities in Anhui Province(No.2022AH050471)+1 种基金Young Science and Technology Talents Cultivation Program of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.2021qnyc04)Scientific Research Team Program of Anhui Colleges and Universities(No.2022AH010036).
文摘The theory of“Salt-processing enhancing drug into kidney meridian”was firstly put forward by Chen Jiamu,a medical doctor of Xin’an,in“Enlightening Primer of Materia Medica”.This theory integrates the theory of the five elements of Chinese medicine that the five flavors enter into the five viscera,and forms the theory of the role of the auxiliary materials of Chinese medicine concoctions.This theory is an important guiding significance for the clinical use of raw and cooked Chinese medicine tablets.At present,there are more studies on the theory of“Salt-processing enhancing drug into kidney meridian”in the literature,mainly focusing on the chemical composition,efficacy changes and the concoction mechanism of salt products of traditional Chinese medicines before and after salt preparation.There are relatively few review papers on the theory of“Salt-processing enhancing drug into kidney meridian”from the perspectives of auxiliary salt and attribution of meridians.In this paper,through reviewing relevant ancient books and literature,and on the basis of the previous review articles,this paper centers on the auxiliary salt,and conducts in-depth excavation and elaboration in terms of its sources,types,and the historical evolution of the salt production method.From the perspective of categorization,focusing on the core theory of“Kidney stores essence,governing reproduction,bone and generating marrow,water and brain”,we summarize the changes in efficacy before and after the salt preparation of kidney tonic traditional Chinese medicines,the changes in external and internal constituents as well as the scientific connotation of the concocting mechanism behind the effect-constituent changes.The scientific connotation of the concoction theory of“Salt-processing enhancing drug into kidney meridian”was initially elucidated,providing a new reference model for the study of the theory of Chinese medicine concoction attribution.
基金This work was supported by National Social Science Foundation of China(No.19XZJ016).
文摘Traditional Chinese guidance techniques are an important part of traditional Chinese medicine and involve integrating three aspects:essence,energy,and spirit,while combining physical movement,breath control,and mental regulation.Traditional Chinese guidance techniques include Tai Chi,Eight Section Brocade,Five Animal Frolics,Yi Jin Jing,and Liu Zi Jue,among others.In recent years,an increasing number of clinical studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of guidance techniques on promoting health and well-being safely.This study provides a systematic and comprehensive summary and analysis of the research on the application of Traditional Chinese guidance techniques in the management of chronic diseases,offering valuable insights for future clinical research directions and the integration of these techniques into medical practice.
基金supported by the Massachusetts General Hospital Scientific Projects to Accelerate Research and Collaboration (SPARC) awardCure Alzheimer’s Fund (to CZ)the National Institutes of Health (NIH),including R01NS102190,RF1NS120947,and R01HL161253 (to MBW),RF1NS120947 (to RJT)。
文摘Introduction:Alzheimer 's disease(AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder and the primary cause of dementia. Considerable evidence supports the “amyloid hypothesis,” stating that the pathogenesis of AD is primarily caused by the deposition of amyloid-β(Aβ), which drives tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration in the brain. The amyloid hypothesis is strengthened by the significant and moderate benefit of lecanemab, a humanized antibody through an anti-amyloid mechanism,showing slowed clinical decline(van Dyck et al.,2023). The recent positive results of anti-amyloid trials have brought back focus on the amyloid hypothesis through biochemical, genetic, and pharmacological approaches(Zhang, 2023).
