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Frontiers in Immunology 2024
Topics: Humans; Hematologic Neoplasms; Killer Cells, Natural; Immunotherapy, Adoptive; Animals; Receptors, Chimeric Antigen; Immunotherapy
PubMed: 38957468
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1434259 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024
Topics: Extracellular Vesicles; Humans; Chronic Disease; Animals
PubMed: 38957467
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1442387 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024
Review
Topics: Humans; Oxidation-Reduction; Inflammation; Animals; Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone
PubMed: 38957466
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1403124 -
Frontiers in Neuroanatomy 2024Extraocular muscles are innervated by two anatomically and histochemically distinct motoneuron populations: motoneurons of multiply-innervated fibers (MIF), and of...
INTRODUCTION
Extraocular muscles are innervated by two anatomically and histochemically distinct motoneuron populations: motoneurons of multiply-innervated fibers (MIF), and of singly-innervated fibers (SIF). Recently, it has been established by our research group that these motoneuron types of monkey abducens and trochlear nuclei express distinct ion channel profiles: SIF motoneurons, as well as abducens internuclear neurons (INT), express strong Kv1.1 and Kv3.1b immunoreactivity, indicating their fast-firing capacity, whereas MIF motoneurons do not. Moreover, low voltage activated cation channels, such as Cav3.1 and HCN1 showed differences between MIF and SIF motoneurons, indicating distinct post-inhibitory rebound characteristics. However, the ion channel profiles of MIF and SIF motoneurons have not been established in human brainstem tissue.
METHODS
Therefore, we used immunohistochemical methods with antibodies against Kv, Cav3 and HCN channels to (1) examine the human trochlear nucleus in terms of anatomical organization of MIF and SIF motoneurons, (2) examine immunolabeling patterns of ion channel proteins in the distinct motoneurons populations in the trochlear and abducens nuclei.
RESULTS
In the examination of the trochlear nucleus, a third motoneuron subgroup was consistently encountered with weak perineuronal nets (PN). The neurons of this subgroup had -on average- larger diameters than MIF motoneurons, and smaller diameters than SIF motoneurons, and PN expression strength correlated with neuronal size. Immunolabeling of various ion channels revealed that, in general, human MIF and SIF motoneurons did not differ consistently, as opposed to the findings in monkey trochlear and abducens nuclei. Kv1.1, Kv3.1b and HCN channels were found on both MIF and SIF motoneurons and the immunolabeling density varied for multiple ion channels. On the other hand, significant differences between SIF motoneurons and INTs were found in terms of HCN1 immunoreactivity.
DISCUSSION
These results indicated that motoneurons may be more variable in human in terms of histochemical and biophysiological characteristics, than previously thought. This study therefore establishes grounds for any histochemical examination of motor nuclei controlling extraocular muscles in eye movement related pathologies in the human brainstem.
PubMed: 38957435
DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1411154 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024The study was designed to develop and validate a new drug clinical trial participation feelings questionnaire (DCTPFQ) for cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
The study was designed to develop and validate a new drug clinical trial participation feelings questionnaire (DCTPFQ) for cancer patients.
METHODS
Data collection and analysis involved a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. There were two phases to this study. Phase Ⅰ involved developing a questionnaire to establish a list of items to be included in the pool: A theoretical framework was constructed based on the transitions theory and the Roper-Logan-Tierney theory. After incorporating a theoretical framework, interviewing participants, and reviewing the literature, 44 items were generated. After a Delphi consultation and a pilot test, 36 items proceeded to item analysis and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and a four-factor structure with 21 items was formed. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), test-retest reliability, criteria-related validity, and internal consistency tests were conducted in phase II to examine the psychometric properties.
RESULTS
There were 21 items on the DCTPFQ, ranging from 1 (fully disagree) through 5 (fully agree). As a result of EFA and CFA, the four factors of DCTPFQ could be verified, including cognitive engagement, subjective experience, medical resources, and relatives and friends' support. Test-retest reliability of the DCTPFQ was 0.840, and Cronbach's alpha was 0.934. DCTPFQ is significantly correlated with the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-short form (r = 0.731, < 0.05) and the Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Scale (r = 0.714, < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The DCTPFQ is a useful tool for measuring the drug clinical trial participation feelings among cancer patients.
PubMed: 38957384
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1371811 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, for which clinically useful non-invasive measures have been elusive, in...
Application of novel non-invasive ophthalmic imaging to visualize peripapillary wrinkles, retinal folds and peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures associated with elevated intracranial pressure.
BACKGROUND
Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, for which clinically useful non-invasive measures have been elusive, in some cases due to their inadequate sensitivity and specificity. Our aim was to evaluate novel non-invasive ophthalmic imaging of selected pathological features seen in elevated ICP, namely peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures (PHOMS), peripapillary wrinkles (PPW) and retinal folds (RF) as potential biomarkers of elevated ICP.
METHODS
This single-center pilot study included subjects with untreated or incompletely treated high ICP. The retinas of these subjects were evaluated with averaged en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT retinal cross-sections (OCT B-scans), adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO), and fundus photos.
RESULTS
Seven subjects were included in the study. 6 subjects with high ICP (5 idiopathic intracranial hypertension, 1 medication induced, 30.8 ± 8.6 years, 75% female, 5 with papilledema) and 1 control (20-25 years) were included. PHOMS, PPW and RF were present in all subjects with papilledema, but neither in the high ICP subject without papilledema nor in the control subject. Averaged en-face OCT scans and AOSLO were more sensitive for PPW and RF than OCT B-scans and commercial fundus photos.
CONCLUSION
PPW, RF and PHOMS volume have potential as non-invasive biomarkers of ICP. Novel imaging modalities may improve sensitivity. However, lack of automated image acquisition and processing limits current widespread adoption in clinical settings. Further research is needed to validate these structures as biomarkers for elevated ICP and improve clinical utility.
PubMed: 38957348
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1383210 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2024
PubMed: 38957331
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1441511 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) occurs most frequently in patients >60 years old with a history of tobacco and alcohol use. Epidemiological studies describe...
Altered extracellular matrix correlates with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and disease progression in younger adults with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.
INTRODUCTION
Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) occurs most frequently in patients >60 years old with a history of tobacco and alcohol use. Epidemiological studies describe increased incidence of OSCC in younger adults (<45 years). Despite its poor prognosis, knowledge of OSCC tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristics in younger adults is scarce and could help inform possible resistance to emerging treatment options.
METHODS
Patients with OSCC were evaluated using TCGA-HNSC (n=121) and a stage and subsite-matched institutional cohort (n=8) to identify differential gene expression focusing on the extracellular matrix (ECM) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes in younger (≤45 years) vs. older adults (≥60 years). NanoString nCounter analysis was performed using isolated total RNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples. Stained tumor slides from young and old OSCC patients were evaluated for CD8 T-cell counts using immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS
Younger OSCC patients demonstrated significantly increased expression of ECM remodeling and EMT process genes, as well as TME immunosuppression. Gene set enrichment analyses demonstrated increased ECM pathways and concurrent decreased immune pathways in young relative to old patients. Transcripts per million of genetic markers involved in ECM remodeling including LAMB3, VCAN, S100A9, COL5A1, and ITGB2 were significantly increased in tumors of younger vs. older patients (adjusted p-value < 0.10). Young patient TMEs demonstrated a 2.5-fold reduction in CD8 T-cells as compared to older patients (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Differential gene expression impacting ECM remodeling and TME immunosuppression may contribute to disease progression in younger adult OSCC and has implications on response to evolving treatment modalities, such as immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
PubMed: 38957320
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1412212 -
The Lancet Regional Health. Southeast... Aug 2024Telemedicine is a promising solution to the challenges of delivering equitable and quality primary healthcare, especially in LMICs. This review evaluated peer-reviewed... (Review)
Review
Telemedicine is a promising solution to the challenges of delivering equitable and quality primary healthcare, especially in LMICs. This review evaluated peer-reviewed literature on telehealth interventions in Indian primary care published from Jan 1, 2011 to Dec 31, 2021, from PubMed, Scopus, TRIP, Google Scholar, Indian Kanoon, and Cochrane database The majority of Indian studies focus on key health issues like maternal and child health, mental health, diabetes, infectious diseases, and hypertension, mainly through patient education, monitoring, and diagnostics. Yet, there's a lack of research on telemedicine's cost-effectiveness, communication among providers, and the role of leadership in its quality and accessibility. The current research has gaps, including small sample sizes and inconsistent methodologies, which hamper the evaluation of telemedicine's effectiveness. India's varied healthcare landscape, technological limitations, and social factors further challenge telemedicine's adoption. Despite regulatory efforts, issues like the digital divide and data privacy persist. Addressing these challenges with a context-aware, technologically driven approach is crucial for enhancing healthcare through telemedicine in India.
PubMed: 38957222
DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100431 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2024
PubMed: 38957214
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1441872