Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, underscoring the urgency for a noninvasive and effective biomarker to enhance patient prognosis. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), a potential marker for real-time tumor monitoring, are limited in clinical utility due to the low sensitivity of existing detection methods. Previously, we introduced a novel nano-based CTCs detection method that relies on the electrical properties of cell surfaces, thus eliminating the need for specific molecular biomarkers. In this study, we used this technique to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of CTCs in stage II-IV CRC. ⋯ Our study indicates the potential of nano-based CTCs detection in diagnosing and predicting outcomes for patients with stage II-IV CRC.
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TBK1 variants have been implicated in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia spectrum disorder. The current study elucidated the clinical and molecular genetic features of a novel TBK1 variant identified in a patient with young-onset, rapidly progressive ALS. ⋯ The heterozygous TBK1 p.Y153Qfs*9 variant may be associated with young-onset, rapidly progressive ALS through a haploinsufficiency mechanism.
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Several risk factors for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) have been identified; however, the recurrence rate of PUD remains high even with standard ulcer treatments. High cholesterol levels have been proposed as a risk factor for PUD, but clinical evidence remains limited. Therefore, this database study investigated whether hyperlipidemia increases PUD risk and whether antihyperlipidemic drugs reduce this risk. ⋯ Hyperlipidemia is associated with a higher risk of PUD, which can be reduced through the administration of antihyperlipidemic drugs with or without red yeast rice prescriptions.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes persistent symptoms, including brain fog. Based on limited research on the long-term consequences of mild COVID-19, which has yielded inconsistent results, we investigated which cognitive functions were most affected by COVID-19 in non-hospitalized Asian patients with long-term COVID and subjective cognitive complaints. ⋯ Nearly 70% of patients with subjective cognitive complaints and long COVID had objective cognitive impairments. A comprehensive evaluation is essential for patients with long COVID and brain fog, including those with mild symptoms.
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In primary health care, the dissemination of retracted publications through literature reviews, guidelines, and recommendations can have a significant and lasting impact. Despite this potential threat, the retraction consequences and patterns in this domain have not been extensively explored. Therefore, this study investigates the characteristics and ripple effects of retracted papers in primary health care literature. ⋯ Retractions resulting from scientific misconduct in primary health care are increasing, with a substantial portion of such work continuing to be cited. This trend underscores the urgent need to improve research ethics and develop mechanisms that help primary care physicians discern reliable information, thereby reducing the reliance on compromised literature.