Biallelic TLR4 deficiency in humans.

Background: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate functions for host defense and inflammatory responses. TLR4 recognizes LPS, a component of gram-negative bacteria as well as host-derived endogenous ligands such as S100A8 and S100A9 proteins.

Objective: We sought to report phenotype and cellular function of individuals with complete TLR4 deficiency.

Gene Expression Profiling of FFPE Samples: A Titration Test.

The gene expression analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues is often hampered by poor RNA quality, which results from the oxidation, cross-linking and other chemical modifications induced by the inclusion in paraffin. Yet, FFPE samples are a valuable source for molecular studies and can provide great insights into disease progression and prognosis. With the advancement of genomic technologies, new methods have been established that offer reliable and accurate gene expression workflows on samples of poor quality.

Gastric glomus tumor presenting with massive upper GI bleeding: A challenging to diagnose and treat tumor.

Glomus tumors are infrequent benign tumors that originate from the glomus body and can be found anywhere in the body including the gastrointestinal tract. It is rare that gastric glomus tumors present with life-threatening upper GI bleeding. Diagnosis of gastric glomus tumors poses a challenge due to overlapping endoscopic and endosonographic features with other gastric subepithelial lesions, and the final diagnosis may not be clear until after surgical resection and pathological examination.

Mean Platelet Volume, Red Cell Distribution Width to Platelet Count Ratio, Globulin Platelet Index, and 16 Other Indirect Noninvasive Fibrosis Scores: How Much Do Routine Blood Tests Tell About Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis C?

Background And Aim: Many indirect noninvasive scores to predict liver fibrosis are calculated from routine blood investigations. Only limited studies have compared their efficacy head to head. We aimed to compare these scores with liver biopsy fibrosis stages in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Clinical Application of AIMS65 Scores to Predict Outcomes in Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.

Background/aims: To evaluate the ability of the recently proposed albumin, international normalized ratio (INR), mental status, systolic blood pressure, age >65 years (AIMS65) score to predict mortality in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB).

Methods: AIMS65 scores were calculated in 251 consecutive patients presenting with acute UGIB by allotting 1 point each for albumin level <30 g/L, INR >1.5, alteration in mental status, systolic blood pressure ≤90 mm Hg, and age ≥65 years.

High dose of Lamivudine and resistance in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Background. Lamivudine is the most affordable drug used for chronic hepatitis B and has a high safety profile. With the daily dose of 100 mg there is progressive appearance of resistance to lamivudine therapy.

Emerging role for colorectal cancer screening in Asian countries.

Background And Aim: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related mortality globally. Though Asia has traditionally been considered a relatively low incidence area for colorectal cancer, the incidence is reportedly increasing. The Asia Pacific Working Group for Colorectal Cancer has recommended screening of individuals at average risk starting from 50 years of age.