Refractory psoriatic arthritis: emerging concepts in whole process management.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, mainly affecting the axial and peripheral joints, characterized by a wide range of complex phenotypes, significant heterogeneity, and a multifactorial etiology. To effectively address the distinct challenges in managing PsA, a pivotal emphasis is placed on clarifying the concept of refractory PsA. Here, we propose a distinction between refractory PsA, differentiating between difficult-to-treat PsA (D2T PsA) and Pseudo-D2T PsA.

Large-scale multicenter study reveals anticitrullinated SR-A peptide antibody as a biomarker and exacerbator for rheumatoid arthritis.

Current diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still challenging. More than one-third of patients with RA could not be accurately diagnosed because of lacking biomarkers. Our recent study reported that scavenger receptor-A (SR-A) is a biomarker for RA, especially for anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP)-negative RA.

Photocatalyzed Selective α-Monoalkylation of Aqueous Acetaldehyde for Synthesis of α,β-Unsubstituted 1,4-Ketoaldehydes.

The direct utilization of aqueous acetaldehyde as an industrially important aqueous chemical has been hampered in organic synthesis due to the high reactivity of acetaldehyde. Herein, the first metal-free photocatalyzed selective α-monoalkylation of commercially available and safe to handle aqueous acetaldehyde (40 wt %) with inexpensive α-chloro/bromoacetophenones has been developed using 0.5 mol % 4CzIPN as an organic photosensitizer, which provides easy access to high-added-value α,β-unsubstituted 1,4-ketoaldehydes.

Scavenger receptor-A is a sensitive disease activity biomarker in ESR and CRP normal rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Identification of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in active disease with normal ESR and CRP is a challenge in disease activity assessment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and clinical significance of Scavenger receptor-A (SRA) as a disease activity biomarker in RA, especially in ESR and CRP normal patients.

Methods: One hundred and sixty-two RA (40 discovery cohort; 122 validation cohort), 20 osteoarthritis (OA), and 36 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited.

Defending the right to health in Gaza: a call to action by health workers.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to severe destruction of the health system and eventually its collapse. Moreover, multiple attacks on health workers were reported which led to obstacles in service delivery. The conflict has led to further humanitarian crises including shortage of food, water sanitation, and hygiene, and outbreaks of infectious diseases.

An autoantibody profile identified by human genome-wide protein arrays in rheumatoid arthritis.

Precise diagnostic biomarkers of anticitrullination protein antibody (ACPA)-negative and early-stage RA are still to be improved. We aimed to screen autoantibodies in ACPA-negative patients and evaluated their diagnostic performance. The human genome-wide protein arrays (HuProt arrays) were used to define specific autoantibodies from the sera of 182 RA patients and 261 disease and healthy controls.

High-resolution mapping of urban Aedes aegypti immature abundance through breeding site detection based on satellite and street view imagery.

Identification of Aedes aegypti breeding hotspots is essential for the implementation of targeted vector control strategies and thus the prevention of several mosquito-borne diseases worldwide. Training computer vision models on satellite and street view imagery in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, we analyzed the correlation between the density of common breeding grounds and Aedes aegypti infestation measured by ovitraps on a monthly basis between 2019 and 2022. Our findings emphasized the significance (p ≤ 0.

Multicenter Analysis of Valganciclovir Prophylaxis in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Background: Valganciclovir is the only approved antiviral for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention in pediatric solid organ transplantation (SOT). Additional approaches may be needed to improve outcomes.

Methods: A multicenter retrospective study from 2016 to 2019 was conducted of pediatric SOT recipients in whom at least 3 months of valganciclovir prophylaxis was planned.

Combined analysis of metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing for ankylosing spondylitis patients before and after secukinumab therapy.

Objective: Alterations in gut microbiota have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study aims to investigate changes in gut microbiota and metabolites in individuals with AS before and after treatment with secukinumab, to identify the biological characteristics specific to AS patients and investigate the potential biomarkers, for optimizing therapeutic strategies more effectively.

Methods: Fecal microbiome data were collected from 30 AS patients before and after secukinumab therapy and compared with data from 40 healthy controls (HC).

MDSCs are important osteoclast precursors primed by B cells in rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoclast-mediated bone erosion and deformation represent significant pathological features in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and B cells have emerged as key contributors to the progression of RA. Nevertheless, their involvement, especially the interaction in RA osteoclastogenesis remains elusive.

Performance of Tumor Surveillance for Children With Cancer Predisposition.

Importance: Pediatric oncology patients are increasingly recognized as having an underlying cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS). Surveillance is often recommended to detect new tumors at their earliest and most curable stages. Data on the effectiveness and outcomes of surveillance for children with CPS are limited.

Association of Vitamin A and D Deficiencies with Infectious Outcomes in Children Undergoing Intensive Induction Therapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Objective: To evaluate the association between deficiency of vitamin A or D at diagnosis of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and subsequent infectious complications during induction therapy.

Study Design: We conducted an institutional review board-approved, retrospective cohort study of children with newly diagnosed ALL from 2007 to 2017 at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Immunological role of Gas6/TAM signaling in hemostasis and thrombosis.

The immune system is an emerging regulator of hemostasis and thrombosis. The concept of immunothrombosis redefines the relationship between coagulation and immunomodulation, and the Gas6/Tyro3-Axl-MerTK (TAM) signaling pathway builds the bridge across them. During coagulation, Gas6/TAM signaling pathway not only activates platelets, but also promotes thrombosis through endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells involved in inflammatory responses.

A predictive model for premature atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus based on clinical characteristics.

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a significant risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially in the development of premature atherosclerosis. Specific prediction models for premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients are still limited. The objective of this study was to establish a predictive model for premature atherosclerosis in SLE.

Diagnostic value of a novel salivary gland ultrasound scoring system in IgG4-related sialadenitis.

Objectives: To develop a novel ultrasound scoring system for the major salivary glands in patients with immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) and assess its diagnostic value in a multicenter cohort of Chinese patients.

Methods: Twenty clinicians (rheumatologists, stomatologists, and radiologists) participated. The study was conducted in four steps: (1) defining the ultrasonography (US) elements, (2) developing a novel ultrasound scoring system for US of the salivary glands, (3) evaluation of inter- and intra-reader reliabilities using the new ultrasound scoring system, and (4) assessing the diagnostic value of this novel ultrasound scoring system in IgG4-RS patients in a Chinese multicenter cohort.

Elevated expression of hsa_circ_0000479 in neutrophils correlates with features of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: Accumulating evidence suggests that differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical roles in immune cells of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Hsa_circ_0000479 has been studied in the field of cancer and infection, whereas seldom studied in autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and clinical value of neutrophil hsa_circ_0000479 in SLE.

Prognostic factors in patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistioc ytosis in a Chinese cohort.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare hyperinflammatory syndrome with high mortality mediated by an unbridled and persistent activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. However, the influence factors of early death in adult sHLH patients are still not fully elucidated, which need further investigating. We have conducted an observational study of adult HLH patients between January 2016 and December 2022.

Assessment of malaria risk in Southeast Asia: a systematic review.

Background: Several countries in Southeast Asia are nearing malaria elimination, yet eradication remains elusive. This is largely due to the challenge of focusing elimination efforts, an area where risk prediction can play an essential supporting role. Despite its importance, there is no standard numerical method to quantify the risk of malaria infection.

Complete genome sequences of D1_2, a bacterium with antimicrobial properties isolated from peat soil.

is a beneficial lactic acid bacterium commonly studied for its probiotic properties and role in dairy production. Here, we present a complete genome of D1_2, isolated from peat swamp forests. To discover the potential antimicrobial properties, the complete genome of the strain was sequenced and analyzed.