High Prevalence Of Disease Research Articles

Exploring the clinical profiles and management of juvenile dermatomyositis in Africa: a survey of African rheumatology care providers

BackgroundThere are limited studies of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Many demonstrate delays to care, high prevalence of severe manifestations, and high mortality. Given the disease-associated damage with JDM, understanding JDM in Africa further is critical. Our objectives are to understand the burden of JDM in Africa and provider access to diagnostic tools and therapy through survey methodology.MethodsA survey (available in English and French) was distributed via WhatsApp to 363 total members of the African League of Associations for Rheumatology (AFLAR; n = 233) and Paediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism (PAFLAR; n = 130) from November 2022-January 2023. Topics included respondent specialty, number of JDM patients followed, severe manifestations, and available diagnostic tools and medications (with and without considering cost).ResultsForty-three (12%) of the 363 providers who received the survey started it. Among the 43 who started the survey, 37 (86%) provided consent and manage JDM patients; of these 37 providers, 4 (11%) partially and 16 (43%) fully completed the survey. Most were adult and/or pediatric rheumatologists (n = 19; 95%). Respondents represented all 5 African regions and described 216 children with JDM within the last 10 years. There was high prevalence of calcinosis (as high as 100%) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) (as high as 32%); mortality rates in Kenya (6/42; 14%) and Zambia (2/7; 29%) exceeded the 1–3% mortality reported in studies of high-income countries. Thirteen of 27 diagnostic tools and medications were accessible to ≤ 50% of respondents after considering cost, mostly in Northern or Southern Africa (9/13; 69%). Despite being cost-free, disease assessment tools and physical exam to assess calcinosis were not reported as universally available or accessible.ConclusionsThis is the first study to explore experiences of providers caring for children with JDM in Africa. Respondents identified 216 children with JDM seen within the last 10 years, exceeding the 196 children with JDM reported within the last 25 years but likely still underestimating prevalence. Our findings align with reports of severe manifestations and poor outcomes in African children with JDM. Access to many diagnostics and medications is limited, and differences in accessibility parallel regional healthcare disparities. The potential differences in JDM severity warrant systematic study and highlight the need to include patients and providers from LMIC in collaborative research efforts.

High metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease prevalence in type 2 diabetes: Urgent need for integrated screening and lifestyle intervention.

This letter discusses the recent study by Mukherjee et al, which identifies a significant prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Bihar, India, and underscores the pressing need for integrated MASLD management within T2DM care. With 72.3% of the study cohort affected by MASLD, implementing routine liver function tests and ultrasound screenings is recommended as a standard practice in diabetes care, especially in regions with high prevalence rates. The study also advocates for dietary and lifestyle modifications, particularly the reduction of saturated fats, to slow MASLD progression. Patient education on monitoring body mass index and waist circumference, coupled with the integration of these metrics into digital health records, could enhance patient involvement and support proactive health management. Moreover, the letter emphasizes the advantages of developing a region-specific MASLD risk model that incorporates local dietary patterns and socioeconomic factors. Continued research into genetic and environmental determinants of MASLD remains essential for advancing our understanding of its etiology and informing targeted public health strategies.

Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Radiology—Current Status and Critical Review

Humanity stands at a pivotal moment of technological revolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping fields traditionally reliant on human cognitive abilities. This transition, driven by advancements in artificial neural networks, has transformed data processing and evaluation, creating opportunities for addressing complex and time-consuming tasks with AI solutions. Convolutional networks (CNNs) and the adoption of GPU technology have already revolutionized image recognition by enhancing computational efficiency and accuracy. In radiology, AI applications are particularly valuable for tasks involving pattern detection and classification; for example, AI tools have enhanced diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in detecting abnormalities across imaging modalities through automated feature extraction. Our analysis reveals that neuroimaging and chest imaging, as well as CT and MRI modalities, are the primary focus areas for AI products, reflecting their high clinical demand and complexity. AI tools are also used to target high-prevalence diseases, such as lung cancer, stroke, and breast cancer, underscoring AI’s alignment with impactful diagnostic needs. The regulatory landscape is a critical factor in AI product development, with the majority of products certified under the Medical Device Directive (MDD) and Medical Device Regulation (MDR) in Class IIa or Class I categories, indicating compliance with moderate-risk standards. A rapid increase in AI product development from 2017 to 2020, peaking in 2020 and followed by recent stabilization and saturation, was identified. In this work, the authors review the advancements in AI-based imaging applications, underscoring AI’s transformative potential for enhanced diagnostic support and focusing on the critical role of CNNs, regulatory challenges, and potential threats to human labor in the field of diagnostic imaging.

High prevalence of unrecognized chronic kidney disease in the Lolland-Falster Health Study: a population-based study in a rural provincial area of Denmark.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 10-15% globally and is a marked independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Prevalence estimations are essential for public health planning and implementation of CKD treatment strategies. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and stages of CKD in the population-based Lolland-Falster Health Study, set in a rural provincial area with the lowest socioeconomic status in Denmark. Additionally, the study characterized participants with CKD, evaluated the overall disease recognition, including the awareness of CKD and compared it with other common conditions. Cross-sectional data were obtained from clinical examinations, biochemical analyses, and questionnaires. CKD was defined as albuminuria (urine albumin-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m², or by a diagnosis in the National Patient Register. Patient awareness was assessed by self-reported CKD, and overall disease recognition by either a registered hospital diagnosis or self-reported CKD. Among 16 097 adults (median age 58.6 years), CKD prevalence was 18.0% (n = 2903), with 70.1% identified by albuminuria, 28.4% by reduced eGFR, and 1.5% by a registered diagnosis alone. Of those with CKD, 98.8% had stages 1-3 (eGFR ≥30 ml/min/1.73 m²), and 1.2% had stages 4-5 (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m²). Female sex, comorbidities, smoking, and low socioeconomic parameters were independently associated with CKD. Patient awareness of CKD was 4.4%, compared to >50% for hypertension and >80% for diabetes, and the overall CKD recognition (self-reported or registered diagnosis) was 7.1%. Thus, in this population-based study, CKD was highly prevalent but poorly recognized, indicating great potential for preventing CKD progression and related complications.

Real-world clinical utility of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra in the assessment of tuberculosis in a low-TB-incidence, high-resource setting

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in the UK is impacted by delay and suboptimal culture-based microbiological confirmation rates due to the high prevalence of paucibacillary disease. We examine the real-world clinical utility...

A First Diastolic Function Evaluation in the Personalized Exercise Prescription Program for Solid Organs Transplanted Subjects: Is Atrial Strain Useful?

Background/Objectives: Solid organ transplant recipients (OTR) have been recently involved in exercise prescription programs in order to reduce the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. The normal systolic and diastolic cardiac function is fundamental to personalizing the prescription. Diastolic dysfunction can be associated to a higher risk of cardiovascular events and left atrial (LA) strain is an emerging parameter in the evaluation of diastolic compromising, especially in subjects with preserved ejection fraction. Left atrial (LA) strain has never been explored in this category. The study aimed to evaluate the contribution of the LA strain in the assessment of diastolic function of OTR and its potential contribution in the exercise program. Methods: 54 solid OTR (liver and kidney transplants) regularly trained for at least 12 months in a home-based, partially supervised model at moderate intensity estimated by cardiopulmonary exercise test, underwent a complete echocardiographic analysis. The measured variables included left ventricle systolic function (ejection fraction, EF), diastolic function (E/A and E/E'), LA indexed volumes, LA peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and LA peak atrial contraction strain (PACS). The data were compared to those of 44 healthy subjects (HS). Results: The OTR showed an overweight condition (BMI: 25.79 ± 2.92 vs. 22.25 ± 2.95; p < 0.01). Both groups showed a preserved systolic function (EF: OTR 63.1 ± 3.5% vs. HS 66.9 ± 6.1; p < 0.001), while diastolic standard parameters were significantly different (E/A, 1.01 ± 0.4 vs. 1.96 ± 0.74; p < 0.001; E/E', 9.2 ± 2.7 vs. 6.9 ± 1.3; p < 0.001, in OTR and HS respectively) despite being normal. LA strain was significantly lower in OTR vs. HS (4C PALS, 33.7 ± 9.7 vs. 45.4 ± 14.19; p < 0.001; 4C PACS, 15.9 ± 6.7 vs. 11.6 ± 7.5; p = 0.006; 2C PALS, 35.3 ± 11.1 vs. 47.6 ± 14.9; p < 0.001; 2C PALS, 17.4 ± 4.9 vs. 13.2 ± 14.97; p = 0.001; in OTR and HS respectively). A specific correlation of two- and four-chamber PACs and PALs with BMI has been observed (R for 4C PALS -0.406 ** and 2C PALS -0.276 *). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the coexistence of increased bodyweight in asymptomatic OTR patients can exacerbate the impairment of LA strains. LA strain detection could be useful in the development of a personalized exercise program for OTRs, especially for asymptomatic subjects and those with elevated cardiovascular risk profile, to potentially manage the exercise program in the long term. Larger studies will confirm the role via an eventual structured clinical score index.

Clinical utility of plasma p-tau217 in identifying abnormal brain amyloid burden in an Asian cohort with high prevalence of concomitant cerebrovascular disease.

Using an Asian cohort with high prevalence of concomitant cerebrovascular disease (CeVD), we evaluated the performance of a plasma immunoassay for tau phosphorylated at threonine 217 (p-tau217) in detecting amyloid beta positivity (Aβ+) on positron emission tomography and cognitive decline, based on a three-range reference, which stratified patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups for Aβ+. Brain amyloid status (Aβ- [n=142] vs Aβ+ [n=73]) on amyloid PET scans was assessed along with the plasma ALZpath p-tau217 assay to derive three-range reference points for PET Aβ+ based on 90% sensitivity (lower threshold) and 90% specificity (upper threshold). Plasma p-tau217 (area under the curve [AUC]=0.923) outperformed routine clinical assessments (AUC=0.760-0.819; p ≤ 0.003) and other plasma biomarkers (AUC=0.817-0.834; p < 0.001). The high-risk group showed significantly higher rates of cognitive decline than the low-risk group. Risk stratification for PET Aβ+ based on a plasma p-tau217 assay demonstrated potential diagnostic and prognostic utility in an Asian cohort with concomitant CeVD. The utility of plasma p-tau217 to detect brain amyloid beta pathology (Aβ+) was studied in an Asian cohort with concomitant cerebrovascular disease Plasma tau phosphorylated at threonine 217 (p-tau217) showed superior utility in detecting Aβ+ compared to neuroimaging measures, clinical workup, or other blood biomarkers including p-tau181, glial fibrillary protein (GFAP), and Aβ Higher plasma p-tau217 correlated with faster cognitive decline Plasma p-tau217 shows promise as an Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in diverse populations.

Serological, phenotypic and molecular characterization of brucellosis in small ruminants in northern Algeria.

Brucellosis is considered a common bacterial zoonotic disease of high prevalence in countries of the Middle East and the Mediterranean region with economic and public health impact. The present study aimed to investigate the current situation of brucellosis in small ruminants reared in Médéa and Sidi Bel-Abbès provinces, north Algeria. To achieve this objective, 96 sera (77 sheep and 19 goat) and 57 milk (42 sheep and 15 goat) samples were collected from suspected infected animals and serologically analyzed by using ELISA. For isolation of Brucella spp., four placentas, two fetuses and forty-four milk samples were subjected to microbiological investigation. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used for genomic analysis of isolated Brucella species. The results of this study showed that anti-Brucella antibodies were detected in 46 (83.6%) and 52 (54.2%) milk and serum samples, respectively. However, among 27 cases where blood samples were negative, anti-Brucella antibodies were still detected in 19 of the corresponding milk samples, resulting in an overall discordance rate of 36.5%. Ten Brucella melitensis were isolated and identified from six sheep and four goats. Of these, eight originated from milk samples. The isolated strains were assigned to sequence type ST-11 using Multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Five isolates revealing high similarity (0-2 nucleotide differences) originated from different farms, indicating a close transmission link. However, two identical caprine isolates and three other isolates showed notable genotypic variation, in comparison. The highest base difference (449-462 nucleotides) was observed for an ovine isolate originating from Sidi Bel-Abbès. The phylogenetic analysis and clustering with the West Mediterranean lineage of B. melitensis revealed high genetic similarity of the investigated isolates with B. melitensis of human origin from North Africa and travel-associated 'European' cases, especially from Morroco, Tunisia, Sweden and Italy. The results of this study highlight brucellosis in small ruminants as a significant public health risk and will help to develop effective control strategies in Algeria. These findings provide specific evidence of this risk, with Brucella isolation from milk and by linking theses isolates to human cases in Algeria and abroad. The use of WGS-based analysis has revealed effective in tracing patterns of transmission, and can be recommended for tracking outbreaks at a high resolution.

Challenges and suggestions for the prevention and control of chronic kidney disease in China

Population aging, high prevalence of chronic disease, such as hypertension and diabetes, low chronic disease control rate and chronic disease related risk factors commonly observed in population are serious public health problems faced by China today, which have resulting in severe challenges in the prevention and control of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in China. Although the prevalence rate of CKD showed decrease in the past decade, the awareness of CKD in population remains low. To facilitate early detection and treatment of CKD, it is necessary to strengthen health education or promotion and opportunistic screening in high-risk populations, and improve the accessibility of testing and diagnosis. It is suggested to continue the surveillance for disease burden of CKD and related factors and strengthen the control of risk factors to further reduce the incidence and burden of CKD.

Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is the presence of somatic mutations in myeloid and lymphoid malignancy genes in the blood cells of individuals without a hematologic malignancy. Inflammation is hypothesized to be a key mediator in the progression of CHIP to hematologic malignancy and patients with CHIP have a high prevalence of inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and characteristics of CHIP in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We analyzed whole-exome sequencing data from 587 Crohn's disease (CD), 441 ulcerative colitis (UC), and 293 non-IBD controls to assess CHIP prevalence and used logistic regression to study associations with clinical outcomes. Older UC patients (age > 45) harbored increased myeloid-CHIP mutations compared to younger patients (age ≤ 45) (P = .01). Lymphoid-CHIP was more prevalent in older IBD patients (P = .007). Young CD patients were found to have myeloid-CHIP with high-risk features. Inflammatory bowel disease patients with CHIP exhibited unique mutational profiles compared to controls. Steroid use was associated with increased CHIP (P = .05), while anti-TNF therapy was associated with decreased myeloid-CHIP (P = .03). Pathway enrichment analyses indicated an overlap between CHIP genes, IBD phenotypes, and inflammatory pathways. Our findings underscore a connection between IBD and CHIP pathophysiology. Patients with IBD and CHIP had unique risk profiles, especially among older UC patients and younger CD patients. These findings suggest distinct evolutionary pathways for CHIP in IBD and necessitate awareness among IBD providers and hematologists to identify patients potentially at risk for CHIP-related complications including malignancy, cardiovascular disease, and acceleration of their inflammatory disease.

Long-Term Outcomes and Quality of Life of High-Risk Neuroblastoma Patients Treated with a Multimodal Treatment Including Anti-GD2 Immunotherapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The incorporation of anti-GD2 antibodies such as ch14.18/SP2/0 into the multimodal treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) patients has improved their outcomes. As studies assessing the long-term outcomes, long-term sequelae, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of this treatment are limited, this retrospective analysis aimed to explore these. Between 1991 and 2002, 65 children received a multimodal treatment, including ch14.18/SP2/0, for primary HR-NB. All received chemotherapy according to the NB90/NB97 trial, 51 received high-dose chemotherapy, and all received ch14.18/SP2/0 treatment. We analyzed the long-term sequelae and HRQoL (EORTC QLQ-C30), and evaluated overall and event-free survival (OS/EFS). Twenty-five survivors were evaluated for HRQoL and long-term effects. All reported long-term sequelae, including ototoxicity in 16/25 (64%), cardiac toxicity in 6/25 (24%), and endocrine toxicity in 19/25 (76%) patients. Chronic diarrhea was reported in 20% of female patients. Seven patients developed autoimmune diseases. HRQoL scores were better across multiple scales than those of the matched German general population. Twenty-five-year OS and EFS were 50.8% (95% confidence interval: 31-55) and 43% (30.1-55.3), with 33 (50.8%) long-term survivors. Thirty-two patients died: 28 (43.1%) because of progression/relapse and 4 (6.2%) because of secondary neoplasms. Multimodal treatment, including ch14.18/SP2/0, can achieve long-term survival in HR-NB patients, with a substantial proportion of survivors reporting better HRQoL compared to the general population. All patients reported long-term side effects mostly attributable to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The relatively high prevalence of autoimmune diseases and persistent diarrhea warrants additional longitudinal research on individuals treated with anti-GD2 antibodies.

Predicting Hospitalization in Older Adults Using Machine Learning.

Background/Objectives: Hospitalization among older adults is a growing challenge in Mexico due to the high prevalence of chronic diseases and limited public healthcare resources. This study aims to develop a predictive model for hospitalization using longitudinal data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) using the random forest (RF) algorithm. Methods: An RF-based machine learning model was designed and evaluated under different data partition strategies (ST) with and without variable interaction. Variable importance was assessed based on the mean decrease in impurity and permutation importance, enhancing our understanding of predictors of hospitalization. The model's robustness was ensured through modified nested cross-validation, with evaluation metrics including sensitivity, specificity, and the kappa coefficient. Results: The model with ST2, incorporating interaction and a 20% test proportion, achieved the best balance between sensitivity (0.7215, standard error ± 0.0038), and specificity (0.4935, standard error ± 0.0039). Variable importance analysis revealed that functional limitations (e.g., abvd3, 31.1% importance), age (12.75%), and history of cerebrovascular accidents (12.4%) were the strongest predictors. Socioeconomic factors, including education level (12.08%), also emerged as critical predictors, highlighting the model's ability to capture complex interactions between health and socioeconomic variables. Conclusions: The integration of variable importance analysis enhances the interpretability of the RF model, providing novel insights into the predictors of hospitalization in older adults. These findings underscore the potential for clinical applications, including anticipating hospital demand and optimizing resource allocation. Future research will focus on integrating subgroup analyses for comorbidities and advanced techniques for handling missing data to further improve predictive accuracy.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of biliary atresia in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia: 26-years single-center experience

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of biliary atresia (BA) in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on data collected from August 2023 to January 2024 for patients who received an intraoperative BA diagnosis in the last 26 years. Perioperative data, clinical presentation, investigations, Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) course, complications, and outcomes were collected. Primary outcomes included BA clinical features, diagnosis, and KPE timing impact on KPE success, postoperative steroid use, and native liver survival (NLS). Results: Eight children (three females, five males) were included. Seven were Saudi. All exhibited jaundice in the initial presentation. Three patients had G6PD deficiency, one had sickle cell trait, one had alpha thalassemia, one had hemophilia B, and one had microcytic hemolytic crisis. The average age at presentation was 36 ± 16.5 days. Six patients underwent KPE and three were eligible for liver transplant. The average age at the time of the KPE was 50.6 ± 8.18 days, and all received steroids afterward. None of the patients cleared their jaundice at 6 months. Two patients remain alive, the rest were lost to follow-up. Conclusions: KPE before 60 days and post-operative steroids did not influence KPE success, highlighting the potential need for earlier detection and intervention. This research revealed a high prevalence of hematological diseases in this population.

Distinct clinical patterns in AQP4-IgG- positive NMOSD patients vs. Seronegative: Insights from a single-center study in Argentina.

Distinct clinical course patterns have been identified between AQP4-IgG-positive and AQP4-IgG-negative NMOSD patients. This study aimed to evaluate the differences between AQP4-IgG-seropositive and AQP4-IgG-seronegative NMOSD patients in a single centre in Argentina. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of 108 NMOSD patients in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. We selected 94 for analysis. 77 patients (82 %) were AQP4-IgG positive. In the AQP4-IgG positive group, the ratio of male to female was 1:10 vs. 1:1.2 in the seronegative group (p = 0.001). Relapses were observed in 76 out of 77 (99 %) AQP4-IgG positive patients versus 3 out of 17 (17.6 %) AQP4-IgG negative patients (p = 0.01). In the seropositive group, other autoimmune diseases were present in 34/77 patients (44 %) vs. 2/12 (12 %) in the seronegative patients, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.009). 81 % of the seropositive group had an early adulthood onset (EAO-NMOSD) compared to 35 % in the seronegative group. All AQP4+ patients positive received treatment with monoclonal antibodies. In AQP4-IgG- NMOSD patients the use of immunosuppressive treatment was more common. Female predominance, EAO-NMOSD, recurrence course and a high prevalence of autoimmune disease in AQP4-IgG-positive patients demonstrated a more pronounced autoimmunity profile.

The relationship between pregnancy and the prevalence of periodontal disease and dental caries among pregnant women in Indonesia: A review article

Pregnancy is a physiologically complex state marked by significant hormonal and physiological changes, which heighten vulnerability to oral diseases, particularly dental caries and periodontal disease. These conditions represent critical oral health challenges among pregnant women in Indonesia. This review seeks to investigate the association between pregnancy and the prevalence of periodontal disease and dental caries in Indonesian pregnant women, emphasizing underlying risk factors, outcomes, and opportunities for intervention. A review article was conducted using reputable databases, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2019 and 2024 were included, supplemented by manual searches of cited references to ensure comprehensive coverage. The analysis identified a high prevalence of periodontal disease and dental caries among Indonesian pregnant women, driven by hormonal fluctuations, behavioral modifications, inadequate oral hygiene practices, and limited access to dental care. Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy exacerbate gingival inflammation and tooth demineralization. Behavioral factors, including infrequent dental visits, increased vomiting, cravings for sugary foods, and suboptimal oral hygiene, further compound these conditions. Sociodemographic determinants such as education level and socioeconomic status significantly influence oral health outcomes. The high prevalence of oral diseases in Indonesian pregnant women stems from hormonal changes and factors like low education, smoking, vomiting, and inadequate dental care.

Computational Simulation Study-Based Formulation Development and Characterization of MethylprednisoloneLoaded Nanoparticles Containing Chitosan and Pectin to Treat Nocturnal Asthma.

Nocturnal asthma (NA) is a high-prevalence disease that causes severe respiratory issues, leading to death from early midnight to early morning. In this research, nanoparticulate drug delivery system of methylprednisolone (MP) was developed using chitosan (CH) and pectin (PEC). MP is a synthetic corticosteroid medication widely used for its potent anti-inflammatory activity. Computational simulation study (AI-based blend analysis algorithm) was used to identify a better-mixing polymer with MP. MP nanoparticles were formulated by the ionic gelation method with the combination of CH and PEC. To modify the drug release properties, the formed beads were coated with chitosan succinate (CSSC). The morphological characteristics of the beads were determined by SEM analysis. The X-ray radiographic imaging study was used to observe the intactness of MP beads. Histopathological studies were also carried out to find out the toxicity of the beads in the organs of rats. Pectin and chitosan polymers were selected based on the computational simulation study. SEM analysis revealed that the beads had a spherical shape with a rough outer surface. CSSC-coated beads achieved sustained drug release for up to 24 h. X-ray imaging demonstrated the stability of the beads in acidic pH conditions. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that CSSC-coated beads were more stable in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) than PEC-CH beads and the pure drug. Histological evaluation confirmed that the beads are nontoxic and safe for use in rats. Based on the findings, it was concluded that CSSC-coated beads of MP exhibited superior release properties, making them suitable for a chronomodulated drug delivery system.

Atypical Metastases from Prostate Cancer: Alpha-Methylacyl-Coenzyme A Racemase (AMACR) as a Potential Molecular Target in Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-Negative Prostate Adenocarcinoma.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a high-prevalence disease usually characterized by metastatic spread to the pelvic lymph nodes and bones and the development of visceral metastases only in the late stages of disease. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) plays a key role in the detection of PCa metastases. Several PET radiotracers are used in PCa patients according to the stage and pathological features of the disease, in particular 68Ga/18F-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligands. Moreover, 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose 18F-FDG PET usually shows metastases in the late stages of disease, when dedifferentiated neoplastic clones lose PSMA expression. In some cases, PCa patients may present atypical sites of metastases, with uncommon appearance at PET imaging with different radiotracers. We present the case of a patient with biochemical recurrence of PCa (ISUP Grade Group IV; PSA 4.7 ng/mL) showing atypical sites of metastases (the testis and multiple lung nodules) with absent PSMA expression and high [18F]FDG avidity. The patient showed diffuse positivity to alpha-methylacyl-coenzyme A racemase (AMACR). Moreover, a literature review was performed by collecting cases of PCa patients with atypical metastatic spread detected via PET imaging, with the aim of highlighting the relationship between atypical sites of metastases, imaging presentation, and pathology findings.

Health inequalities in respiratory tract infections - beyond COVID-19.

To discuss recent findings on the global burden of respiratory tract infections in underprivileged populations, highlighting the critical role of socioeconomic factors in the incidence and severity of these diseases, with a particular focus on health disparities affecting Indigenous communities. Pulmonary tuberculosis and lower respiratory tract infections, particularly those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), continue to disproportionally impact populations in low-income countries and Indigenous communities worldwide. Indigenous children <5 years old bear the highest global burden of RSV infection, reflecting persistent social inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Repeated episodes of acute pneumonia during childhood significantly contribute to the high prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases among Indigenous populations. The widespread occurrence of bronchiectasis in these communities is closely linked to adverse socioeconomic conditions. Significant disparities in the incidence and severity of lower respiratory tract infections between affluent and impoverished populations are driven by socioeconomic inequalities. Vaccinating vulnerable population groups with newly developed vaccines has the potential to prevent infections caused by pathogens such as S. pneumoniae and RSV. However, global access to these vaccines and monoclonal antibodies remains limited due to their high costs.

Molecular Diagnosis of Major Emerging Tomato Infecting Viruses and Their Vector Population Dynamics

Tomato is an important vegetable crop in Bangladesh, growing year-round in both kitchen gardens and large-scale commercial farming. Many diseases affect the solanaceous vegetable crop, particularly viral diseases. Using modern molecular methods and vector population dynamics, we attempted to detect major emerging viral infections of tomato. A survey was conducted in different locations of Bangladesh, namely Rajshahi, Jamalpur, Jessore, and Joydebpur to assess viral infections in tomato and associated insect vectors. Various forms of viral disease symptoms were observed to infect tomato in the examined area, including mosaic, yellowing, mottling, leaf curling, and bud necrosis, with a incidence ranging from 20 to 100%. Among the different viral diseases, leaf curl was the most common, accounting for 100% of the cases. Field resistance to viral infections was investigated among the BARI released tomato varieties, and all of the tomato types tested were infected with the leaf curl virus. In addition, the examined area had a moderate to high prevalence of chlorosis and purple vein disease. The viruses identified by DACELISA, PCR, and RT-PCR were tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) and groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV). J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 161-167, 2024

The Utility of the PTeye Autofluorescence Detection Device During Parathyroidectomy for the Treatment of Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

This study evaluates the utility of PTeye autofluorescence (AF) technology in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) surgery. A retrospective review analyzed 232 patients undergoing first-time parathyroid surgery between September 2021 and 2023. Of these, 92 underwent surgery consecutively without PTeye assistance, then 140 underwent PTeye-guided surgery consecutively. The PTeye-guided surgery group showed significantly higher parathyroid gland identification rates (p < 0.001) and a 20.7 times greater likelihood of identifying all four glands compared to controls (3.3%). No cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism were reported, indicating the procedure's safety. PTeye appears to be a safe and effective technology that can be used to improve parathyroid gland identification during first time surgery for PHPT. This is particularly beneficial for patient population with a high prevalence of multiglandular disease.