Allogeneic bone marrow derived clonal mesenchymal stromal cells in refractory rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study.

Aims: This phase I trial assessed the safety and potential efficacy of monthly 3 dose intravenous infusion of allogeneic bone marrow-derived clonal mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-cMSCs) in refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients over 24 weeks.

Patients & Methods: Six patients with refractory RA received BM-cMSC infusions at one-month intervals over a 24-week period. Safety outcomes included adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs).

Asymptomatic multifocal avascular necrosis, a commonly overlooked finding in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Background: In patients with Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), osteonecrosis of various joints is a debilitating complication associated with the disease and its treatment, in which a considerable proportion of osteonecrosis may be asymptomatic. Recognizing the crucial role of early and timely detection, as well as appropriate management of asymptomatic osteonecrosis, in preventing joint destruction, we conducted a study to evaluate the prevalence of asymptomatic osteonecrosis in SLE patients who have already been diagnosed with symptomatic osteonecrosis. Additionally, we aimed to examine the relationship between proposed risk factors of osteonecrosis and the development of asymptomatic osteonecrosis.

The role of vitamin D in treated and refractory ulcerative colitis patients: a case-control study.

Background: Ulcerative colitis is a form of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) marked by ongoing inflammation of the mucosal lining that extends from the rectum to the upper part of the colon. Vitamin D regulates immune responses in several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including ulcerative colitis. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis and treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Learning to Generate Context-Sensitive Backchannel Smiles for Embodied AI Agents with Applications in Mental Health Dialogues.

Addressing the critical shortage of mental health resources for effective screening, diagnosis, and treatment remains a significant challenge. This scarcity underscores the need for innovative solutions, particularly in enhancing the accessibility and efficacy of therapeutic support. Embodied agents with advanced interactive capabilities emerge as a promising and cost-effective supplement to traditional caregiving methods.