Annals of medicine
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Absent end-diastolic flow (AEDF) in the umbilical artery (UA) worsens the already poor prognosis of growth-restricted fetuses (GRFs) in pregnancies complicated by early-onset preeclampsia with severe features (ESP). ⋯ The Dex no-effect on UA Doppler in GRFs with AEDF in the UA, in EPS-complicated pregnancies, can be a useful marker for a higher risk of proximal fetal deterioration, poor state at delivery, neonatal hypoxic complications, and worsening maternal condition, but not for perinatal mortality. The findings also highlight the alarmingly younger age of patients with EPS. Finally, all these pregnancies should be monitored in a complex multidisciplinary manner in tertiary referral units.Key messageThe effect of dexamethasone on absent end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery in growth-restricted fetuses from pregnancies complicated by early-onset preeclampsia with severe features can be a useful prognostic factor for perinatal outcomes.
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Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is often characterized by broad clinical and biological heterogeneity, as well as recurrent genetic aberrations. Despite remarkable improvements in the treatment outcome in paediatric ALL over the past several decades, it remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children. Cytokines have been extensively studied in haematologic diseases; however, the mechanisms by which cytokines contribute to ALL pathogenesis remain poorly understood. ⋯ Our study reveals an important role for IL-33/IL1RL1 axis in supporting ALL which may represent a novel treatment for paediatric patients.KEY MESSAGESBoth IL-33 and IL1RL1 levels are upregulated in primary ALL samples.IL-33 increased both p38 MAPK and AKT activation in ALL.IL-33 promotes survival and cell cycle progression of ALL cells via activating p38 MAPK.
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To determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in eye healthcare workers (EHCW) in the largest ophthalmology centre in Guatemala and factors associated with antibody positivity. ⋯ We found a similar seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in EHCW to what has been reported in other healthcare groups. Seropositivity was higher among HCW with fewer patient exposure, hence the probability of community transmission.Key messagesEven though eye healthcare workers are believed to be at higher risk of infection, the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in this group is comparable to what has been reported previously in other healthcare groups.
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This study aimed to compare the clinical features and outcomes of neonatal bacterial meningitis (NBM) between patients with positive and negative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures and determine the risk factors for CSF culture-positive NBM. ⋯ Cases of NBM with CSF culture-positive results were more likely to have severe clinical manifestations and develop more serious neurologic damage. Patients with NBM who have longer durations of fever, more neurologic symptoms, and higher levels of CSF protein were more likely to have CSF culture-positive results, who should be followed up more closely.Key MessageBacterial meningitis is clinically defined as a serious inflammation of meningitis, usually caused by a variety of bacterial infections that may leave sequelae and long-term complications and high mortality rates. Early diagnosis is often difficult, particularly when the patient has been treated with antimicrobials.
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Background: Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common human malignancies worldwide. Previous researches have shown that the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway could contribute to the tumorigenesis of BC. However, the role of UPR in the immune infiltration, progression, and prognosis of BC is unclear. ⋯ The UPR score was positively correlated with the infiltration abundance of many tumor immune cells in TCBC. Besides, we constructed predictive models based on the UPR score, and good performance was observed, with c-indexes ranging from 0.74 to 0.87. Conclusions: Our study proved that the UPR pathway may have an important impact on the progression, prognosis, and tumor immune infiltration in TCBC, and the models we built may provide effective and reliable guides for prognosis assessment and treatment decision-making for TCBC patients.