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Cancers Jul 2023Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Among newly diagnosed patients with CRC, 20% will present with... (Review)
Review
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Among newly diagnosed patients with CRC, 20% will present with metastatic disease and another 25% will develop metastases. The surgical resection of the primary tumor and metastatic disease sites confers the best chance at long-term survival. Unfortunately, many patients will recur after resection or present with unresectable disease. As such, metastatic CRC is commonly treated with a combination of surgery, systemic therapy, and/or liver-directed therapies. Despite best efforts, 5-year survival for unresectable metastatic CRC is only about 20%. CRC is a heterogeneous disease and the underlying genetic differences inform behavior, treatment strategy, and prognosis. Given the limitations of cytotoxic chemotherapy and the growing role of molecular profiling, research has focused on identifying and developing targeted therapies. We herein review how genetic profiling informs prognosis, crucial cell-signaling pathways that play a role in CRC carcinogenesis, and currently approved targeted therapies for metastatic CRC.
PubMed: 37444625
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133513 -
Cureus Jan 2024Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is a rare disease that causes inflammation on the scalp, leading to scarring alopecia. It commonly affects young and middle-aged men and is...
Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is a rare disease that causes inflammation on the scalp, leading to scarring alopecia. It commonly affects young and middle-aged men and is characterized by pustules, papules, scarring, hemorrhagic crusts, and erosions. The exact cause of FD is not fully understood, but it is believed that may play a role in its development. The condition is thought to be influenced by a combination of genetic, allergic, infectious, and immunological factors. This report describes a 20-year-old male patient who experienced painful pustules on his scalp for six months. The pustules first appeared on the occipital region and then spread to the crown. The patient was diagnosed with FD after a thorough clinical and pus culture examination. Treatment involved a month-long prescription of doxycycline (100 mg BD) and topical ozenoxacin (2%), which led to successful remission of the lesions.
PubMed: 38406166
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52881 -
Viruses Aug 2023Viral vectors play a pivotal role in the field of gene therapy, with several related drugs having already gained clinical approval from the EMA and FDA. However,... (Review)
Review
Viral vectors play a pivotal role in the field of gene therapy, with several related drugs having already gained clinical approval from the EMA and FDA. However, numerous viral gene therapy vectors are currently undergoing pre-clinical research or participating in clinical trials. Despite advancements, the innate response remains a significant barrier impeding the clinical development of viral gene therapy. The innate immune response to viral gene therapy vectors and transgenes is still an important reason hindering its clinical development. Extensive studies have demonstrated that different DNA and RNA sensors can detect adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, and lentiviruses, thereby activating various innate immune pathways such as Toll-like receptor (TLR), cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING), and retinoic acid-inducible gene I-mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (RLR-MAVS). This review focuses on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the innate immune response induced by three widely utilized viral vectors: adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, and lentivirus, as well as the strategies employed to circumvent innate immunity.
Topics: Immunity, Innate; Signal Transduction; Toll-Like Receptors; Adenoviridae; Genetic Therapy
PubMed: 37766208
DOI: 10.3390/v15091801 -
Current Opinion in Critical Care Dec 2023This review examines recent advancements in nonoperative management (NOM) of hemodynamically stable blunt abdominal trauma, focusing on expanding patient selection for... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review examines recent advancements in nonoperative management (NOM) of hemodynamically stable blunt abdominal trauma, focusing on expanding patient selection for observation-first strategies, particularly for high-grade solid organ injuries.
RECENT FINDINGS
Advances include a more deliberate nonoperative approach, allowing for broader patient inclusion in diagnostic and interventional angiography. Strict clinical monitoring and appropriate follow-up strategies are crucial to identify early signs of clinical progression and complications. Repeated contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) scan can be used for close observation of high-risk injuries, while the repetition of CECTs may be avoided for lower-risk cases, such as specific high-grade kidney injuries. The role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in detecting sequelae of nonoperative approaches is still debated and has lot of potential, with ongoing trials exploring possible advantages.
SUMMARY
Multidisciplinary trauma teams play a crucial role in nonoperative management, particularly for high-grade injuries. A careful selection of patients is essential to minimize failure rates. Complications of nonoperative and angiographic approaches should be managed according to local expertise.
Topics: Humans; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Wounds, Nonpenetrating; Abdominal Injuries; Angiography; Ultrasonography; Liver; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37861213
DOI: 10.1097/MCC.0000000000001095 -
Biomedical Journal Feb 2024Nod-like receptors (NLRs) are innate immune receptors that play a key role in sensing components from pathogens and from damaged cells or organelles. NLRs form signaling... (Review)
Review
Nod-like receptors (NLRs) are innate immune receptors that play a key role in sensing components from pathogens and from damaged cells or organelles. NLRs form signaling complexes that can lead to activation of transcription factors or effector caspases - by means of inflammasome activation -Inflammatory arthritis (IA) culminating in promoting inflammation. An increasing body of research supports the role of NLRs in driving pathogenesis of IA, a collection of diseases that include rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis, and pediatric arthritis. In this review, we briefly discuss the main drivers of IA diseases and dive into the evidence for - and against - various NLRs in driving these diseases. We also review the studies examining the use of NLR and inflammasome inhibitors as potential therapies for IA.
Topics: Humans; Child; Arthritis, Psoriatic; Inflammasomes; NLR Proteins; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Spondylitis, Ankylosing
PubMed: 37598797
DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2023.100655 -
Regenerative Therapy Dec 2023Significant developments in cell therapy and biomaterial science have broadened the therapeutic landscape of tissue regeneration. Tissue damage is a complex biological... (Review)
Review
Significant developments in cell therapy and biomaterial science have broadened the therapeutic landscape of tissue regeneration. Tissue damage is a complex biological process in which different types of cells play a specific role in repairing damaged tissues and growth factors strictly regulate the activity of these cells. Hydrogels have become promising biomaterials for tissue regeneration if appropriate materials are selected and the hydrogel properties are well-regulated. Importantly, they can be used as carriers for living cells and growth factors due to the high water-holding capacity, high permeability, and good biocompatibility of hydrogels. Cell-loaded hydrogels can play an essential role in treating damaged tissues and open new avenues for cell therapy. There is ample evidence substantiating the ability of hydrogels to facilitate the delivery of cells (stem cell, macrophage, chondrocyte, and osteoblast) and growth factors (bone morphogenetic protein, transforming growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor). This paper reviewed the latest advances in hydrogels loaded with cells or growth factors to promote the reconstruction of tissues. Furthermore, we discussed the shortcomings of the application of hydrogels in tissue engineering to promote their further development.
PubMed: 37772128
DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2023.09.007 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023Globally, the prevalence and fatality rates of liver disorders are on the rise. Among chronic liver conditions, hepatic fibrosis stands out as a central pathological... (Review)
Review
Globally, the prevalence and fatality rates of liver disorders are on the rise. Among chronic liver conditions, hepatic fibrosis stands out as a central pathological process. Despite this, approved treatments for hepatic fibrosis are currently lacking. Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles secreted by various cell types, play a significant role in intercellular communication and have emerged as essential mediators in liver fibrosis. In this regard, this review compiles the mechanisms through which exosomes regulate hepatic fibrosis, encompassing diverse targets and signaling pathways. Furthermore, it delves into the regulatory impact of exosomes modulated by natural plant-derived, endogenous, and synthetic compounds as potential therapeutic strategies for addressing hepatic fibrosis.
PubMed: 38108065
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1284742 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Mar 2024This editorial highlights the remarkable advancements in medical treatment strategies for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pan-NETs), emphasizing tailored approaches... (Review)
Review
This editorial highlights the remarkable advancements in medical treatment strategies for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pan-NETs), emphasizing tailored approaches for specific subtypes. Cytoreductive surgery and somatostatin analogs (SSAs) play pivotal roles in managing tumors, while palliative options such as molecular targeted therapy, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, and chemotherapy are reserved for SSA-refractory patients. Gastrinomas, insulinomas, glucagonomas, carcinoid tumors and VIPomas necessitate distinct thera-peutic strategies. Understanding the genetic basis of pan-NETs and exploring immunotherapies could lead to promising avenues for future research. This review underscores the evolving landscape of pan-NET treatment, offering renewed hope and improved outcomes for patients facing this complex disease.
Topics: Humans; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Immunotherapy; Carcinoid Tumor; Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures; Pancreatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 38617746
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i12.1670 -
Journal of Asthma and Allergy 2023Music therapy (MT) is a common modality that performs a complementary and integrative role along with standard treatments for many pediatric diseases. This article... (Review)
Review
Music therapy (MT) is a common modality that performs a complementary and integrative role along with standard treatments for many pediatric diseases. This article briefly reviewed the effects of MT on children aged 5-11 years old and adolescents with asthma from previous studies, specified its functional target towards asthma symptoms, and sorted out the design and investigation of selected research. Medline/PubMed, Embase, SportDis-cus, Cochrane Library, Teacher Reference Centre, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, PsycARTICLES, and Scopus were queried for experimental and observational studies published between 1990 and 2021. Then, researchers showed that MT lessened patients' asthma symptoms, improved medication compliance, pulmonary function, and quality of life, and helped children and their parents manage anxiety and depression. This article may serve as a reference for clinical research for pediatric asthma therapies and lay the foundation for future research on MT and its clinical practice.
PubMed: 37814635
DOI: 10.2147/JAA.S414060 -
Nutrients Oct 2023Diabetes is a disease in which lifestyle-based interventions, including recommendations for a healthy diet, play a critical role, and many countries have established...
Diabetes is a disease in which lifestyle-based interventions, including recommendations for a healthy diet, play a critical role, and many countries have established their own nutritional guidelines [...].
Topics: Humans; Diet; Diabetes Mellitus; Diet, Healthy; Life Style
PubMed: 37892390
DOI: 10.3390/nu15204314