Medicine
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Breast invasive cancer (BRCA) is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of malignancy death among women. Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) family played a vital role in regulating certain biological processes and could serve as biomarkers for many diseases or cancers. ⋯ STAT5B was a biomarker associated with prognosis and immune infiltration in breast cancer.
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Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant neurological tumor that has a poor prognosis. While pyroptosis affects cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration, function of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in GBM as well as the prognostic significance of PRGs remain obscure. By analyzing the mechanisms involved in the association between pyroptosis and GBM, our study hopes to provide new insights into the treatment of GBM. ⋯ The risk score calculated using the gene signature was found to be an independent predictor of survival of GBM cases. Besides, we observed significant differences in the expression levels of immune checkpoints between the high risk versus low risk GBM cases, providing instructive suggestions for immunotherapy of GBM. Overall, the present study developed a new multigene signature for prognostic prediction of GBM.
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Recently, a certain volume of biopsy specimens has been required for genetic testing of tumors using endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). This study aimed to verify the superiority of our newly devised EBUS-TBNA biopsy technique, the "cross-fanning technique," which combines rotation and up-down maneuvers, by comparing its harvest volume with that of other maneuvers. Using a bronchoscope simulator, ultrasonic bronchoscope, and 21-gauge puncture needle, we compared the weight of silicone biopsy specimens obtained by the following 4 procedures: Conventional maneuver; Up-down maneuver; Rotation maneuver, and; Cross-fanning technique. ⋯ There was a significant difference between the 4 groups (P = .024). The post hoc test showed a statistically significant difference between techniques A and D (P = .019). This study showed that the cross-fanning technique might contribute to the increased volume of tissue samples obtained by EBUS-TBNA biopsy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
The effects of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 on functional gas and bloating in adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Gut microbiome dysbiosis is a major cause of abdominal gas, bloating, and distension. Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 (LactoSpore) is a spore-forming, thermostable, lactic acid-producing probiotic that has numerous health benefits. We evaluated the effect of Lacto Spore on improving the clinical symptoms of functional gas and bloating in healthy adults. ⋯ Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 may be a potential supplement to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with abdominal gas and distension.
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Review Case Reports
Ustekinumab for steroid-refractory pancolitis in a biologically naive child: A case report and literature review.
Ustekinumab is not recommended for the treatment of children with inflammatory bowel disease, but its off-label use is increasing despite a lack of pediatric pharmacokinetic data. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Ustekinumab on children with inflammatory bowel disease and to recommend the best treatment regimen. Ustekinumab was the first biological treatment for a 10-year-old Syrian boy with steroid-refractory pancolitis who weighed 34 kg. ⋯ In pediatric inflammatory bowel disease, a dose of intravenous ~6 mg/kg of Ustekinumab is a common induction regimen, while children weighing < 40 kg may require a dose of 9 mg/kg. For maintenance, children may require 90 mg of subcutaneous Ustekinumab every 8 weeks. The outcome of this case report is interesting with improved clinical remission and highlighting the expansion of clinical trials on Ustekinumab for children.