Medicine
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Oxidative stress, a condition characterized by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the body's ability to detoxify them, has emerged as a pivotal factor in the pathophysiology of various diseases. Red blood cells (RBCs), essential components of the circulatory system, are particularly susceptible to oxidative damage due to their high oxygen-carrying capacity and the abundance of vulnerable biomolecules. This review comprehensively explores the intricate mechanisms underlying oxidative stress-induced damage to red blood cells and the subsequent implications for overall health and disease. ⋯ Consequently, understanding the implications of oxidative stress on RBCs provides valuable insights into the broader landscape of health and disease. In conclusion, this review underscores the critical role of oxidative stress in influencing red blood cell physiology and its far-reaching implications for human health. Elucidating the molecular intricacies of this relationship not only enhances our understanding of fundamental biological processes but also paves the way for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of oxidative stress on red blood cells and, by extension, on overall health.
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Squamous cell carcinoma is seen as principal malignancy of head and neck. Tumor immune microenvironment plays a vital role in the occurrence, development and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). ⋯ This review searched for high-quality literature included within PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using the keywords "head and neck cancers," "tumor microenvironment" and "immunotherapy," with the view to summarizing the characteristics of HNSCC immune microenvironment and how various subsets of immune cells promote tumorigenesis. At the same time, based on the favorable prospects of immunotherapy having been shown currently, the study is committed to pinpointing the latest progress of HNSCC immunotherapy, which is of great significance in not only further guiding the diagnosis and treatment of HNSCC, but also conducting its prognostic judgement.
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The success of pregnancy depends on various factors, with the endometrial receptivity being a crucial component. Endometrial thickness (EMT) serves as a direct indicator for assessing endometrial receptivity. Previous studies have suggested that a thin endometrium is associated with lower pregnancy rates, especially in patients with an EMT of less than 4 mm. Even in assisted reproductive technology cycles with high success rates, clinical pregnancy cases in patients with such thin endometrium are reported to be very few, let alone in natural conception cycles. Therefore, a thin endometrium poses significant challenges for infertility patients. In this study, patients with an extremely thin endometrium were able to achieve clinical pregnancy and successful live births through natural conception, highlighting the possibility of success even in challenging cases. ⋯ This case report underscores the significance of managing a thin endometrium during letrozole-induced ovulation. While EMT is traditionally pivotal for predicting embryo implantation success, our findings indicate that endometrial receptivity extends beyond thickness alone. Factors such as endometrial morphology, type, and blood supply play crucial roles. Successful pregnancies with a 3.8 mm EMT are rare, making this case a beacon of hope for such patients. It highlights that, with appropriate interventions, successful pregnancies remain attainable. For those with a thin endometrium, emphasis should extend beyond thickness, addressing ways to enhance both endometrial blood supply and morphology for improved pregnancy rates.
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Accurate clinical staging is important in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) to adapt to optimal therapy. Splenic involvement of DLBCL has been recently more detectable with the advancement of a diagnostic scan by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT). Our clinical question is whether splenic involvement was adequately diagnosed by FDG-PET/CT imaging. ⋯ The decision at EOI was more suitable by selecting both positive cases of ∆ TLG and ∆ SUVmax. Obtaining both the positive spleen TLG and SUVmax is recommended at diagnosis to predict splenic involvement. The assessment by ∆ spleen TLG and ∆ SUVmax seems to be optimal.
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Complicated anorectal sepsis: Validation of scoring system for predicting anorectal sepsis severity.
Anorectal sepsis is a common and potentially serious medical condition characterized by infection and inflammation of the anal canal and surrounding tissues. However, the lack of standardized and comprehensive scoring systems specifically tailored for predicting the severity of anorectal sepsis poses challenges in clinical practice. This study aimed to develop and validate a scoring system for predicting the severity of anorectal sepsis by incorporating relevant patient factors. ⋯ The ROC analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.85, indicating good discriminative ability of the scoring system. The scoring system was developed and validated in a single center, which may limit its generalizability to other settings. The scoring system demonstrated good predictive performance and can be a valuable tool for clinicians in assessing disease severity, guiding treatment decisions, and identifying high-risk patients.