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).

Serpentine Supravenous Hyperpigmentation, a Phenomenon Following the Administration of Chemotherapeutic Agents: A Systematic Review.

Background: Serpentine supravenous hyperpigmentation (SSH) is known as a phenomenon occurring during the infusion of chemotherapy agents in the underlying veins. Chemotherapy agents have potential to cause infusion reactions when used systematically. Linear hyperpigmentation and reticular hyperpigmentation are the differential diagnosis for this phenomenon.

Using right colon interposition in patients with caustic ingestion, an introduction of a new surgical technique for post-gastrectomy reconstruction: a case series.

Background: Corrosive substance ingestion is rare but can cause severe injury, especially to the upper gastrointestinal tract, and can be a potentially fatal event. Various surgical procedures have been advocated for gastroesophageal reconstruction, but especially those using the right colon, when the ileocecal valve is preserved for gastric reconstruction, are briefly exposed in literature and have not been studied in humans by controlled studies. Using the right colon is believed to be beneficial because of the anti-reflux mechanism of the ileocecal valve.

Comparison of Different Local Anesthetics in Cervical Facet Medial Branch Blockade.

Objective: Cervical medial branch blocks (CMBBs) are frequently used for the treatment of facet arthropathy. The present study compares the effectiveness of lidocaine and prilocaine in CMBB procedures.

Methods: Patients with facet arthropathy scheduled for CMBB were randomly divided into 2 groups who were administered a combination of 2 mg dexamethasone and either 1% lidocaine or 1% prilocaine with a total volume of 1 mL per level.

Enhancing classification of active and non-active lesions in multiple sclerosis: machine learning models and feature selection techniques.

Introduction: Gadolinium-based T1-weighted MRI sequence is the gold standard for the detection of active multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. The performance of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models in the classification of active and non-active MS lesions from the T2-weighted MRI images has been investigated in this study.

Methods: 107 Features of 75 active and 100 non-active MS lesions were extracted by using SegmentEditor and Radiomics modules of 3D slicer software.

The safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in animal studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy, representing 75% of cases and posing a substantial public health challenge. Emerging evidence from animal studies indicates that stem cell therapy holds significant promise as a potential treatment for diabetic neuropathy. Nevertheless, a comprehensive evaluation of the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy for DPN in animal studies remains outstanding.

Investigation of the prevalence of latent tuberculosis in cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients: a case-control study.

Background: Latent tuberculosis (TB) can reactivate in immunocompromised individuals, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, leading to severe complications. Understanding the prevalence of latent TB in this high-risk group is crucial, especially in regions with moderate to high TB burdens.

Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence of latent tuberculosis in cancer patients before chemotherapy and immunotherapy to guide preventive interventions and reduce the risk of TB reactivation.

Novel immunoinflammatory blood markers in Graves' orbitopathy: insights into activity and severity.

Objective: This prospective case-control study examined the novel immunoinflammatory markers obtained from blood counts of patients with Graves' orbitopathy (GO), Graves' disease (GD) and healthy subjects.

Methods: Demographic data, white cell count parameters, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR), red cell distribution width (RDW), RDW-to-platelet ratio (RDW/PLT), MPV-to-lymphocyte ratio (MPV/ALC), eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) were evaluated. The European Group on Graves Orbitopathy scale and Clinical Activity Score were used for clinical activity and severity assessment.

Gastroprotective Effects of Betahistine Against an Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Mucosal Ulcer in Rats: The Role of CINC-2α Gene.

Background: The role of histamine H3 receptors (H3Rs) in gastric protection and anti-inflammatory function is controversial. In this study, we investigated the gastroprotective effect of a histamine H3 receptor antagonist drug, betahistine, on cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) gene expression in a rat model of indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal injury.

Methods: In this experiment, rats were divided into four groups; the control group received no treatment, group 2 was treated with indomethacin at a dose of 25 mg/kg, group 3 pre-treated with famotidine at a dose of 50 mg/kg, and group 4 pre-treated with betahistine (as a reference drug) at a dose of 50 mg/kg.

Harmonic activity of glutamate dehydrogenase and neuroplasticity: The impact on aging, cognitive dysfunction, and neurodegeneration.

In recent years, glutamate has attracted significant attention for its roles in various brain processes. However, one of its key regulators, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), remains understudied despite its pivotal role in several biochemical pathways. Dysfunction or dysregulation of GDH has been implicated in aging and various neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Evaluating the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on survival outcomes in stage II rectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

Background Rectal cancer, accounting for a significant proportion of colorectal malignancies, presents unique challenges in treatment. Surgery remains the primary curative approach, but recurrence rates post-surgery poses challenges. While neoadjuvant chemoradiation has improved outcomes, the role of adjuvant chemotherapy is still debated.

Postoperative NEOadjuvant TEMozolomide followed by chemoradiotherapy versus upfront chemoradiotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme (NEOTEM) trial: Interim results.

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor with poor survival rates despite current treatments. The standard of care (SOC) includes surgery, followed by radiotherapy plus concurrent and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ). This phase II trial assessed the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant TMZ (nTMZ) before and during chemoradiotherapy in newly diagnosed GBM patients.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of colonization and infection by yeast species in solid organ transplant recipients: Molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility patterns of isolates.

Fungal infections are serious complications after solid organ transplantation, with high mortality and morbidity. Given the importance of the local epidemiological data and also extensive prophylactic regimens in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, this study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and resistance patterns of yeast isolates in SOT recipients at a main referral transplant center in Iran. Of the 275 recipients enrolled, 22 (8%) had at least one positive yeast culture at a median of 5 days after transplantation.

Mesenteric desmoid tumor in its cystic form: Case report of a very rare variant.

Desmoid tumors, also known as deep fibromatosis or desmoid-type fibromatosis, represent a rare subset of deep fibromatoses. It is a locally aggressive tumor, with no specific symptoms, and no metastatic potential. We report a case of a 38-year-old male patient with an abdominal mass.

Isolated sphenoid sinus fungal mucoceles: A rare entity with a high propensity for causing neurological complications.

Background: Isolated sphenoid sinus fungal mucoceles are extremely rare and potentially associated with visual disturbances, cranial nerve (CN) deficits, or pituitary dysfunction. Their initial symptoms are often absent or nonspecific, and routine examination offers little information, resulting in diagnostic and therapeutic delays. A high index of suspicion and a thorough understanding of their clinical presentation, neuroradiological features, microbiological implications, and complication profile are crucial for early diagnosis and prompt management.

Serratia marcescens Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: Portending a Dismal Course.

 an opportunist pathogen mainly isolated in healthcare-associated infections, is a rare cause of infective endocarditis (IE) that generates an increased mortality rate compared to the usual agents. We report a case of a 70-year-old male patient who underwent a mitral valve replacement and was readmitted two months later with a high-grade continuous fever and deterioration of the general status. The diagnosis of early IE due to was established upon further investigation.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Autoimmune Gastritis.

Autoimmune gastritis is an immune-mediated disease characterized by the destruction of parietal cells and atrophy of the oxyntic mucosa due to anti-parietal cell antibodies. It may lead to serious conditions including iron/vitamin B12 and micronutrient deficiencies, neurological disorders, and gastric malignancies. The exact mechanism of this disease is not exactly understood; however, dysregulated immunological mechanisms appear to be major contributors.

Species distribution and antifungal susceptibility patterns of Candida involvement in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients: A cross-sectional study from a single transplant center.

The epidemiology and resistance patterns of Candida infections in pediatric kidney/liver recipients has not been well characterized, recently. In this study, all patients ≤ 18 years old who underwent liver/kidney transplant surgery between September 2021 and 2022 were included. Species identification of isolates recovered from clinical specimens was performed by DNA-sequencing method following amplification of the ITS1-5.

Golimumab-Induced Anti-NuMA-1 (Nuclear Mitotic Apparatus Protein 1) Antibodies in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient: A Case Report.

Anti-nuclear mitotic apparatus (NuMA) 1 antibodies are uncommonly detected in routine antinuclear antibody (ANA) screening. We present the case of a 65-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing golimumab biotherapy who developed lupus-like symptoms including photosensitivity, fatigue, weakness, myalgias, alopecia, oral ulcers, and worsening of arthritis. Elevated serum levels of NuMA-1 antibodies were detected using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on HEp-2 cells with a titer of 1:1000, but no other ANA patterns were associated.

The association between mortality due to COVID-19 and coagulative parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis study.

Aims And Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis study evaluated the association between mortality due to COVID-19 and coagulative factors.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted on electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science from the beginning of the pandemic until October 2024 to identify relevant studies on COVID-19 patients and their laboratory findings related to coagulation markers and mortality outcome. Eligibility criteria were defined based on the PICO framework, and data extraction was performed by two authors independently using a standardized sheet.

De-escalation of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies to low-moderate efficacy disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) in patients with relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis: An initial Iranian experience.

Background: Anti-CD20 are among the high-efficacy DMTs commonly used in treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Long-term safety data on anti-CD20s are limited. There is convincing evidence of hypogammaglobulinemia in the long-term use of anti-CD20s, raising the likelihood of infection.

Approach to Different Features of Plastibell Ring Circumcision.

Introduction: In this review article, we aim to illustratively address abnormal and normal courses of Plastibell (a system designed to remove the correct amount of skin) circumcision. We searched 2 target databases, PubMed and Embase, for Plastibell ring circumcision and recruited photos from circumcised children with plasticbell rings. The ordinary postprocedure healing course may resemble abnormal situations such as infection and dehiscence.

The role of methylation quantification of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a diagnostic biomarker of Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and Paragangliomas (PGLs).

Objectives: Circulating tumor DNAs (ctDNAs) are fragments of malignant tissue DNA that can simply signify the real time genetic change and epigenetic modification of a solid tumor tissue. Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and Paragangliomas (PGLs) are malinancy of adrenal gland tissue that have the possible diagnosis by ctDNAs. In this study the methylation quanifcation of three target genes , , and in the ctDNA of PCCs/PGLs patients were measured as a diagnostic biomarker.