TRP drop, TRP drop: a steady patter of anti-schistosomal target illumination.

Infections caused by parasitic flatworms impart a significant disease burden. This is well exemplified by the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis, which afflicts millions of people worldwide. The anti-schistosomal activity of various chemotypes has been known for decades, but the parasite targets of many of these remain undefined.

Usefulness of polymerase chain reaction tests in Chagas disease studies.

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is a highly sensitive, specific, and rapid diagnostic tool for Chagas disease. Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan flagellate and is endemic to the Americas. While conventional serological methods are still used in the diagnosis of Chagas disease, they are being gradually replaced by molecular methods like PCR.

Praziquantel resistance in schistosomes: a brief report.

Schistosomiasis is a group of both acute and chronic parasitic trematode infections of the genus . Research into schistosomiasis has been minimal, leading to its classification as a neglected tropical disease, yet more than 140 million people are infected with schistosomes globally. There are no treatments available for early-stage infections, schistosomal dermatitis, or Katayama syndrome, other than symptomatic control with steroids and antihistamines, as the maturing organisms seem to be mostly resistant to typical antiparasitics.

From laboratory to clinical practice: an update of the immunological and molecular tools for neurocysticercosis diagnosis.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is caused by the invasion of larvae in the central nervous system (CNS) and stands as the predominant cause of epilepsy and other neurological disorders in many developing nations. NCC diagnosis is challenging because it relies on brain imaging exams (CT or MRI), which are poorly available in endemic rural or resource-limited areas. Moreover, some NCC cases cannot be easily detected by imaging, leading to inconclusive results.

Detecting two circulating antigens - CCA and CAA - in urine and serum to improve diagnosis of human schistosomiasis.

Background: Schistosomiasis is caused by infection with parasitic worms and affects more than 250 million people globally. The detection of schistosome derived circulating cathodic and anodic antigens (CCA and CAA) has proven highly valuable for detecting active infections, causing both intestinal and urinary schistosomiasis.

Aim: The combined detection of CCA and CAA was explored to improve accuracy in detecting infections.

Evolution of dirofilariasis diagnostic techniques from traditional morphological analysis to molecular-based techniques: a comprehensive review.

Dirofilariasis, caused by the nematode spp., poses significant challenges in diagnosis due to its diverse clinical manifestations and complex life cycle. This comprehensive literature review focuses on the evolution of diagnostic methodologies, spanning from traditional morphological analyses to modern emerging techniques in the context of dirofilariasis diagnosis.

Schistosomiasis endemicity and its role in sexually transmitted infections - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Schistosomiasis, a tropical parasitic disease, affects 779 million people globally, with 85% of cases in Africa. The interplay between schistosomiasis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can exacerbate health burdens, but most attention has focused on interactions with HIV, neglecting coinfections with other STIs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to understand the role infections play in STIs within schistosomiasis-endemic populations.

Effectiveness and Safety of Dose-Specific DOACs in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Dose adjustments of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for atrial fibrillation are based on pivotal clinical trials assessing their effectiveness and safety in controlled settings. However, the appropriateness of these dosing strategies in real-world practice is uncertain. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of dose-specific DOACs with those of warfarin.

Application Value of STOP-Bang Questionnaire in Predicting Abnormal Metabolites.

Objective: To evaluate the application value of STOP-Bang questionnaire (SBQ) in predicting abnormal metabolites.

Methods: Totally 121 patients were included into the study and filled the questionnaires, and their clinical data were collected at the same time. These patients were grouped according to the questionnaire scores.

Potential effects of liver dysfunction at the time of diagnosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

Whilst severe liver dysfunction is rarely encountered at the time of diagnosis for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), mild elevations aminotransferase (<5 times the upper limit of normal) may be more frequently seen. Liver dysfunction at the time of diagnosis of AML is a parameter that requires investigation and can assist the clinicians in predicting prognosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate liver dysfunction at the time of diagnosis using the assoicated parameters in patients with AML.

Fetal Cartilage Progenitor Cells in the Repair of Osteochondral Defects.

Background: Therapies for cartilage restoration are of great interest, but current options provide limited results. In salamanders, interzone (IZN) tissue can regenerate large joint lesions. The mammalian homolog to this tissue exists during fetal development and exhibits remarkable chondrogenesis in vitro.

ChatGPT is an Unreliable Source of Peer-Reviewed Information for Common Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty Patient Questions.

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and publicly accessible language model tools such as ChatGPT-3.5 continue to shape the landscape of modern medicine and patient education. ChatGPT's open access (OA), instant, human-sounding interface capable of carrying discussion on myriad topics makes it a potentially useful resource for patients seeking medical advice.

Dysregulation of genes involved in the long-chain fatty acid transport in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive lethal malignancy with limited options for treatment and a 5-year survival rate of 11% in the United States. As for other types of tumors, such as colorectal cancer, aberrant lipid synthesis and reprogrammed lipid metabolism have been suggested to be associated with PDAC development and progression.

Aim: To identify the possible involvement of lipid metabolism in PDAC by analyzing in tumoral and non-tumoral tissues the expression level of the most relevant genes involved in the long-chain fatty acid (FA) import into cell.

Coagulation indices and fibrinogen degradation products as predictive biomarkers for tumor-node-metastasis staging and metastasis in gastric cancer.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignancy with a substantial health burden and high mortality rate, despite advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment. Compared with the global average, Asia, notably China, reports disproportionately high GC incidences. The disease often progresses asymptomatically in the early stages, leading to delayed diagnosis and compromised outcomes.

Association between autoimmune gastritis and gastric polyps: Clinical characteristics and risk factors.

Background: The relationship between autoimmune gastritis (AIG) and gastric polyps (GPs) is not well understood.

Aim: To explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of AIG with GPs in patients.

Methods: This double center retrospective study included 530 patients diagnosed with AIG from July 2019 to July 2023.

Exosomes as promising frontier approaches in future cancer therapy.

In this editorial, we will discuss the article by Tang published in the recent issue of the . They explored an innovative approach to enhancing gemcitabine (GEM) delivery and efficacy using human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HU-BMSCs)-derived exosomes. The manufacture of GEM-loaded HU-BMSCs-derived exosomes (Exo-GEM) has been optimized.

Advancing treatment strategies: Insights from network meta-analysis of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

This study examines the pivotal findings of the network meta-analysis of Zhou , which evaluated the efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and combination therapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This meta-analysis suggests that therapeutic combinations have greater efficacy than do standard treatments. The article highlights the key insights that have the potential to shift current clinical practice and enhance outcomes for patients with advanced HCC.

Multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging-based radiomics model for the prediction of rectal cancer metachronous liver metastasis.

Background: The liver, as the main target organ for hematogenous metastasis of colorectal cancer, early and accurate prediction of liver metastasis is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Herein, this study aims to investigate the application value of a combined machine learning (ML) based model based on the multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging for prediction of rectal metachronous liver metastasis (MLM).

Aim: To investigate the efficacy of radiomics based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging images of preoperative first diagnosed rectal cancer in predicting MLM from rectal cancer.

Development of a nomogram for overall survival in patients with esophageal carcinoma: A prospective cohort study in China.

Background: Esophageal carcinoma (EC) presents a significant public health issue in China, with its prognosis impacted by myriad factors. The creation of a reliable prognostic model for the overall survival (OS) of EC patients promises to greatly advance the customization of treatment approaches.

Aim: To create a more systematic and practical model that incorporates clinically significant indicators to support decision-making in clinical settings.

BIBR1532 inhibits proliferation and metastasis of esophageal squamous cancer cells by inducing telomere dysregulation.

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality, and easy to develop resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes located at the termini of chromosomes in eukaryotic cells, which are unreplaceable in maintaining the stability and integrity of genome. Telomerase, an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, play vital role in telomere length maintain, targeting telomerase is a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer.

Complete response of gallbladder cancer treated with gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy combined with durvalumab: A case report and review of literature.

Background: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common and aggressive subtype of biliary tract cancer (BTC) and has a poor prognosis. A newly developed regimen of gemcitabine, cisplatin, and durvalumab shows promise for the treatment of advanced BTC. However, the efficacy of this treatment for GBC remains unclear.

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treatment strategies: Are transarterial approaches leading the way?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with advanced stages posing significant treatment challenges. Although hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has emerged as a promising modality for treating advanced HCC, particularly in Asian clinical practice, its adoption in Western medicine remains limited due to a lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials. This editorial reviews and comments on the meta-analysis conducted by Zhou , which evaluates the efficacy and safety of HAIC and its combination strategies for advanced HCC.

Lipid levels and insulin resistance markers in patients with colorectal cancer: Propensity score matching analysis.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignant neoplasm characterized by subtle early manifestations.

Aim: To investigate the correlation among serum lipid profiles, the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, and the atherosclerotic index (AI) in patients with CRC. Furthermore, it explored the clinical diagnostic utility of combining serum lipids with cancer antigens in the context of CRC.

Targeted gene sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of patients with gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma: A case report.

Background: Gallbladder neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) represents a subtype of gallbladder malignancies characterized by a low incidence, aggressive nature, and poor prognosis. Despite its clinical severity, the genetic alterations, mechanisms, and signaling pathways underlying gallbladder NEC remain unclear.

Case Summary: This case study presents a rare instance of primary gallbladder NEC in a 73-year-old female patient, who underwent a radical cholecystectomy with hepatic hilar lymphadenectomy and resection of liver segments IV-B and V.

Unraveling the landscape of pediatric pancreatic tumors: Insights from Japan.

Pediatric pancreatic tumors, though rare, pose significant diagnostic and management challenges. The recent, 22-year nationwide survey on pediatric pancreatic tumors in Japan by Makita offers valuable insights into this uncommon entity, revealing striking geographical variations and questioning current treatment paradigms. This editorial commentary analyzes the study's key findings, including the predominance of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms and their younger age of onset, which contrast sharply with Western data.