Int J Med Sci
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The skin is directly exposed to atmospheric pollutants, especially particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in the air, which poses significant harm to skin health. However, limited research has been performed to identify molecules that can confer resistance to such substances. Herein, we analyzed the effect of fermented sea tangle (FST) extract on PM2.5-induced human HaCaT keratinocyte damage. ⋯ Interestingly, pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK treatment enhanced the anti-apoptotic effect of FST extract in PM2.5-treated cells. Our results indicate that FST extract prevents PM2.5-induced cell damage via inhibition of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in human keratinocytes. Accordingly, FST extract could be included in skin care products to protect cells against the harmful effects of PM2.5.
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Currently, there is no consensus on the treatment protocol for ossicular chain trauma. This study aims to investigate the classification and treatment strategies for traumatic ossicular chain dislocation. We retrospectively analyzed 15 patients. ⋯ Pneumolabyrinth was detected in 2 patients. We propose a novel classification system for traumatic ossicular chain dislocation. Treatment strategies should be tailored according to the specific trauma type.
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Background and objective: The aim of this research is to investigate whether the GRIm score serves as a novel prognostic tool for predicting the survival rates among early breast cancer patients undergoing surgical treatment. Methods: This retrospective study included 313 cases of breast cancer patients hospitalized in our hospital from January 2015 to November 2015. All enrolled patients received surgery and had no metastasis. ⋯ Nomograms exhibited excellent predictive performance for DFS (C-index: 0.823) and OS (C-index: 0.807). Conclusions: GRIm score serves as a predictive tool for assessing the prognosis of early breast cancer patients. Nomograms based on GRIm score show good prediction ability.
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Observational Study
Interleukin 41 As A Potential Predictor of Bio-Therapy Efficacy In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Prospective Observational Study.
Introduction: A novel immunomodulatory cytokine IL-41 is associated with the pathogenesis of Graves disease, Kawasaki disease, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to evaluate serum IL-41 level as a biomarker of the RA and disease activity treatment efficacy and patient responses. We also wanted to determine eventual potential predictors of IL-41 concentrations. ⋯ The only statistically significant predictor of higher IL-41 values was smoking. Conclusion: IL-41 may be a new potential biomarker that can help physicians evaluate treatment efficacy and predict patient responses. Smoking status is associated with the higher concentration of IL- 41 and clinical presentation of patients with RA.
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Introduction: Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with clinical features of retinal dystrophy, obesity, postaxial polydactyly, renal anomalies, learning disabilities, hypogonadism, and genitourinary abnormalities. Nevertheless, previous studies on the phenotypic traits of BBS heterozygous carriers have generated inconclusive results. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of BBS heterozygosity on carriers when compared to non-carriers within the Taiwanese population. ⋯ When stratified by BMI level, obese males with the MKS1 rs199910690 variant and obese females with the BBS2 rs773862084 variant exhibited a negative association with CKD development. Conclusion: We found that aside from the association with overweight and obesity, heterozygous BBS mutations did not appear to increase the predisposition of individuals to comorbidities and metabolic diseases. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic susceptibility associated with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS), further research is warranted.