Unsatisfactory Treatment Outcomes Research Articles

In Vitro and In Vivo Leishmanicidal Activity of Beauvericin.

Leishmaniasis is a worldwide disease caused by more than 20 species of Leishmania parasites. Leishmania amazonensis and L. braziliensis are among the main causative agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis, presenting a broad spectrum of clinical forms. As these pathologies lead to unsatisfactory treatment outcomes, the discovery of alternative chemotherapeutic options is urgently required. In this investigation, a leishmanicidal bioassay-guided fractionation of the growth media extract produced by Aspergillus terreus P63 led to the isolation of the cyclic depsipeptide beauvericin (1). The viability of L. amazonensis, L. braziliensis and mammalian cells (macrophages and L929 fibroblasts) was assessed in 1 incubated cultures. Leishmania promastigotes were sensitive to 1, with EC50 values ranging from 0.7 to 1.3 μM. Microscopy analysis indicated that Leishmania spp. parasites showed morphological abnormalities in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of 1. L. amazonensis intracellular amastigotes were more sensitive to 1 than promastigotes (EC50 = 0.8 ± 0.1 μM), with a good selectivity index (22-30). 1 reduced the infectivity index at very low concentrations, maintaining the integrity of the primary murine host cell for up to the highest concentration tested for 1. In vivo assays of 1 conducted using BALB/c mice infected with stationary-phase promastigotes of L. amazonensis in the tail base presented a significant reduction in the lesion parasite load. A second round of in vivo assays was performed to assess the efficacy of the topical use of 1. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the total ulcerated area of mice treated with 1 when compared with untreated animals. Our results present promising in vitro and in vivo leishmanicidal effects of beauvericin, emphasizing that systemic inoculation of 1 led to a decrease in the parasite load at the lesion site, whereas topical administration of 1 delayed the progression of leishmaniasis ulcers, a cure criterion established for cutaneous leishmaniasis management.

ETIOPATHOGENETIC MECHANISMS OF IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION IN COMBATANTS WITH LOWER LIMB SOFT TISSUE INJURIES UNDER CHRONIC STRESS

Introduction. Combat injuries, including gunshot, shrapnel, and mine-explosive wounds, affect a significant number of soldiers in modern warfare. Notably, most of these injuries involve damage to the soft tissues of the extremities. Surgeons have expressed concerns regarding the unsatisfactory treatment outcomes in this group of combatants, attributing one of the primary challenges to the limited understanding of immune dysfunction pathogenesis in military trauma cases. This study aims to address this gap by examining immune system dysfunctions in combat-related injuries. The objective of this study is to thoroughly analyze and synthesize the key stages of immune dysfunction occurring over extended periods post-combat trauma, including the subsequent development of traumatic disease and various wound complications. Materials and Methods. The rising prevalence of combat trauma among soldiers has intensified interest in studying this issue, prompting surgeons and traumatologists to address its various medical aspects comprehensively. The literature search focused on recent publications, allowing for a targeted analysis of the immunological aspects relevant to military medical traumatology. Results. In the initial stages of severe or combined injuries affecting various tissues—such as tubular bones, joints, blood vessels, and peripheral nerves—systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) commonly occurs. This stage is marked by an intense activation of innate antibacterial and immune-protective responses, leading to a significant increase in inflammation. This initial response is soon replaced by a prolonged phase known as compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome. During this period, immune-protective responses sharply decrease, certain immunocompetent cells become inhibited, and lymphopenia develops. This phase is often accompanied by infectious contamination of wounds with pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms, resulting in both local purulent-necrotic processes and potentially severe systemic complications, such as septic shock, sepsis, multiple organ failure, and others. The final stage, known as persistent inflammatory, immunosuppressive, catabolic syndrome, is characterized by the chronic progression of traumatic disease, accompanied by ongoing immune system dysfunction in combatants. Conclusion. In the early period of traumatic injury, the wounded experience sharp inflammatory processes and activation of immune defense mechanisms. At subsequent stages, severe disruptions in the functioning of the immune system, damage to internal organs, and the development of catabolic syndrome are recorded. These changes, especially those resulted from exposure to chronic combat stress preceding the injury, aggravate the processes of infectious decontamination of wounds, regeneration of damaged tissues, and the general process of combatant rehabilitation.

INTEGRATIVE ONCOLOGY AS A PROMISING VECTOR FOR THE TREATMENT OF CANCER TREATMENT

The article presents an analysis of the possibilities for early diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with cancer within the framework of integrative oncology. Introduction. Oncological diseases remain one of the most pressing medical challenges of our time, driven by a steady increase in incidence, late-stage diagnoses, and unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. WHO experts predict that by 2050, the number of new cancer cases will rise by 77% compared to 2022. Despite significant advancements in diagnostics and conventional treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, there remains a need for a more holistic approach. This approach would not only target tumor control but also aim to enhance the overall quality of life for patients. Discussion. Timely and accurate diagnosis is a crucial aspect of the fight against cancer. Early detection can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and patient survival. However, conventional cancer treatments are often aggressive, leading to complications, side effects, and patient disability. Integrative oncology combines traditional therapies with complementary approaches, focusing on maintaining overall patient health, reducing side effects, facilitating restorative rehabilitation, and enhancing quality of life. This comprehensive, integrative approach broadens and strengthens the options for cancer treatment, offering a more holistic care strategy. Conclusion. Integrative oncology represents a promising direction in cancer treatment by providing a comprehensive approach to addressing the disease. The combination of conventional treatments with complementary therapies not only enhances treatment effectiveness but also significantly improves patient quality of life, an essential aspect in the ongoing battle against cancer.

Intranasal Carrier-Free Nanomodulator Addresses Both Symptomatology and Etiology of Alzheimer's Disease by Restoring Neuron Plasticity and Reprogramming Lesion Microenvironment.

The unsatisfactory treatment outcome of Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be attributed to two primary factors, the intricate pathogenic mechanisms leading to restricted treatment effectiveness against single targets and the hindered drug accumulation in brain due to blood-brain barrier obstruction. Therefore, we developed a carrier-free nanomodulator (NanoDS) through the self-assembly of donepezil and simvastatin for direct nose-to-brain delivery. This approach facilitated a rapid and efficient traversal through the nasal epithelial barrier, enabling subsequent drug release and achieving multiple therapeutic effects. Among them, donepezil effectively ameliorated the symptoms of AD and restored synaptic plasticity. Simvastatin exerted a neurotrophic effect and facilitated the clearance of amyloid-β aggregation. At the same time, NanoDS demonstrated effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects. This therapy for AD is approached from both symptomatic and etiological perspectives. In the treatment of FAD4T transgenic mice, it highly improved spatial memory impairment and cognitive deficits while restoring the homeostasis of brain microenvironment. Collectively, our study presented a paradigm for both achieving efficient brain delivery and offering pleiotropic therapies for AD.

Stretchable wireless optoelectronic synergistic patches for effective wound healing

Physiotherapies play a crucial role in noninvasive tissue engineering for wound healing. However, challenges such as the implementation of complex interventions and unsatisfactory treatment outcomes impede widespread application. Here, we proposed a stretchable and wirelessly-powered optoelectronic synergistic patch with a dual-layer serpentine wireless receiver circuit to drive the optoelectronic modulation component. Optimized structure and impedance matching enable the patch to seamlessly attach to irregular skin surfaces and operate robustly over a 30% tensile strain range. Based on Sprague-Dawley rat wound model. The wound closure rate of the optoelectronic synergistic group significantly outperformed both monointervention and blank control groups. Mechanistically, optoelectronic synergistic intervention enhances the secretion of vascular endothelial marker proteins and growth factors, and stabilizes mitochondrial function during oxidative stress. Overall, the scalable amalgamation of flexible electronics, wireless transmission, and synergistic interventions promise to improve wound care.

FGFR4-specific CAR-T cells with inducible caspase-9 suicide gene as an approach to treat rhabdomyosarcoma.

Metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma is associated with poor survival and unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. Therefore, new immunotherapeutic methods are urgently required. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), a new therapeutic target for rhabdomyosarcoma, plays a crucial role in its onset and development. This study aimed to generate FGFR4 single-chain variable fragment-based chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells without causing evident toxicity and incorporating an inducible caspase-9 (iCasp9) suicide gene system to enhance their safety. FGFR4 antigen expression was evaluated in normal murine tissues, normal human tissues, and specimens from patients with rhabdomyosarcoma. Combined with a 4-1BB co-stimulatory domain, a CD3ζ signaling domain, and an iCasp9 suicide gene, CAR-T cells with an FGFR4-specific single-chain variable fragment were developed. The specific cytotoxic effects, T-cell proliferation, cytokine secretion, apoptosis induction by chemical dimerization (AP20187), and toxicity of FGFR4 CAR-T cells were investigated in vitro and in vivo. FGFR4 CAR-T cells generated a variety of immune-promoting cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 2, and interferon γ, and displayed effective cytotoxic activity against FGFR4-overexpressing rhabdomyosarcoma cells in vitro. FGFR4 CAR-T cells were relatively effective against FGFR4-overexpressing rhabdomyosarcoma, with tumor regression and poor survival in a subcutaneous xenograft model. The iCasp9 gene was incorporated into FGFR4 CAR-T cells and it was demonstrated that effective and reliable suicide gene activity depends on the administration of AP20187. By making use of the cross-reaction of FGFR4 CAR-T cells with murine FGFR4 in a syngeneic tumor model, this study found that FGFR4 CAR-T cells could regulate the growth of tumors without evident toxicity. Our study demonstrates that FGFR4 is a prospective target for CAR-T cell therapy in rhabdomyosarcoma without serious on-target off-tumor toxicity. FGFR4 CAR-T cells with the iCasp9 suicide gene system as a safety switch to limit toxicity may broaden the clinical applications of cellular therapy.

Efficacy of Urethral Sphincter Botulinum Toxin A Injection in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury with Dysuria: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, causing dysuria and affecting patients' well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a urethral sphincter botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection in patients with SCI and dysuria. This was a retrospective study including 118 patients with SCI who underwent a urethral BoNT-A injection following a standardized protocol for refractory voiding dysfunction. The protocol involved injecting BoNT-A into the urethral sphincter under cystoscopic guidance. Patient demographics, bladder condition parameters, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to identify predictors of treatment success. Of the 118 patients, 71 (60.1%) showed satisfactory treatment outcomes after the injection. Post-injection status, bladder management, and injection frequency varied significantly among patients with satisfactory and unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. Age, bladder compliance, intravesical pressure, and bladder contractility were indicators of satisfactory outcomes. The first sensation of bladder filling of ≤263 mL, intravesical pressure of ≤28, and bladder contractility index of ≥14 were highly correlated with satisfactory outcomes. A urethral sphincter BoNT-A injection shows promise in managing dysuria in patients with SCI. Understanding bladder condition parameters and patient demographics helps optimize patient selection for this intervention. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and refine treatment protocols.

The Essential Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compounds in Regulating Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress.

Due to the lack of accurate registration of RSA and miscarriages, many early miscarriages are overlooked and not diagnosed or treated promptly in hospitals. This uncertainty in pathogenesis prevents clinicians from taking targeted therapeutic measures, leading to unsatisfactory treatment outcomes and placing a heavy burden on the patient's family and the healthcare system. Oxidative stress is present in embryonic development and affects the regulation of oxidative stress in pregnancy and the reproductive endocrine system. Oxidative stress injury is a significant pathogenesis of RSA, so improving the body's ability to resist oxidative stress injury is crucial in treating RSA. For patients with RSA, there is an urgent need for safe, efficient, and cost-effective anti-oxidative stress drugs, and there is growing evidence that treatment with Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can improve pregnancy success with fewer adverse effects. Many active ingredients for treating RSA are mainly derived from certain components of TCM, including flavonoids, phenols, and other compounds, which have been shown to treat RSA directly or indirectly by targeting anti-oxidative stress-related pathways. This article summarizes the experimental and clinical evidence of several common TCM compounds for treating RSA. It provides ideas and perspectives for further exploring the pathogenesis of RSA and TCM compounds for treating RSA.

Engineering Sonosensitizer-Derived Nanotheranostics for Augmented Sonodynamic Therapy.

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT), featuring noninvasive, deeper penetration, low cost, and repeatability, is a promising therapy approach for deep-seated tumors. However, the general or only utilization of SDT shows low efficiency and unsatisfactory treatment outcomes due to the complicated tumor microenvironment (TME) and SDT process. To circumvent the issues, three feasible approaches for enhancing SDT-based therapeutic effects, including sonosensitizer optimization, strategies for conquering hypoxia TME, and combinational therapy are summarized, with a particular focus on the combination therapy of SDT with other therapy modalities, including chemodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, starvation therapy, gas therapy, and immunotherapy. In the end, the current challenges in SDT-based therapy on tumors are discussed and feasible approaches for enhanced therapeutic effects are provided. It is envisioned that this review will provide new insight into the strategic design of high-efficiency sonosensitizer-derived nanotheranostics, thereby augmenting SDT and accelerating the potential clinical transformation.

Current Concepts and Management Strategies in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Abstract Early diagnosis and treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) are critical to achieve satisfactory results and successful functional outcomes for the patients. Usually, such patients present late, resulting in unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. It is not uncommon to see clinicians failing to recognize the early symptoms there by resulting in delayed referrals to spine surgeons. The objective of this review is to highlight the salient clinical features, pathogenesis, and management options for CSM. The epidemiology, applied anatomy, and pathogenesis of CSM are discussed, along with a review of current literature regarding the management of CSM. A thorough evaluation needs to be done to rule out medical causes for myelopathy and other neurological conditions which mimic CSM. Those with mild CSM with minimal symptoms need to be observed carefully at regular intervals. Early intervention in patients with moderate-to-severe CSM is superior to conservative treatment. Surgical strategies include anterior, posterior, or combined approaches. A thorough decompression of the spinal cord and roots and restoration of cervical lordosis should be the primary goal of the operating surgeon. Needless to mention high quality postoperative rehabilitation and exercise programs go a long way in achieving satisfactory results after surgery.

The biological characteristic and therapeutic prospect of bladder cancer stem cells

Bladder cancer (BC), arising from bladder epithelial cells, is the most prevalent malignant tumor of the urinary system. Its main pathological variants include transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma, with TCC further divided into non-muscle-invasive BC (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive BC (MIBC). NMIBC accounts for 70% of all BC cases and is characterized by a favorable prognosis yet a high recurrence rate (31 – 78%). Conversely, MIBC accounts for the remainder of BC cases, characterized by high heterogeneity and poor prognosis. Current treatment methods for BC predominantly encompass surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. However, these methods lack specificity, exhibit limited clinical efficacy, and often yield unsatisfactory treatment outcomes, predisposing BC to recurrence. On the other hand, BC stem cells (BCSCs) are a subset of cells within heterogeneous BC, possessing robust abilities in self-renewal, differentiation, tumorigenicity, metastasis, and drug resistance. They play a pivotal role in the initiation, progression, metastasis, and relapse of BC, rendering them ideal targets for targeted therapy. Research efforts in this field are currently focused on investigating the evolutionary origins, biomarkers, mechanism governing stemness maintenance, drug resistance, metastasis, metabolic reprogramming, immune evasion, and targeted therapies related to BCSCs. This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in the biological characteristics and therapeutic prospects of BCSCs.

Magnolin alleviated DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting ALOX5-mediated ferroptosis.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and incurable disorder associated with higher cancer risk and currently faces unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. Ferroptotic cells secrete damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that recruit and activate immune cells, particularly macrophages. Magnolin has excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its effect on IBD has not yet been clearly understood. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of magnolin in IBD. For this purpose, in vivo and in vitro colitis models were established using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), followed by optimization of magnolin concentration 2.5 μg/mL in vitro and 5 mg/kg in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis identified potential magnolin target sites and evaluated ferroptosis-associated gene expressions. Body weight, food intake, disease activity index (DAI), pathological changes, and inflammation levels were assessed. The effect of magnolin on ferroptosis and macrophages was evaluated using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescent staining, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and western blotting. Results indicated that magnolin at a lower dose (5 mg/kg) alleviated DSS-induced colitis symptoms and reduced inflammation in mice. The bioinformatics analysis showed arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5) as a potential magnolin target. Furthermore, magnolin inhibited the expression of ALOX5 with no effect on GPX4. Moreover, magnolin regulated macrophage differentiation into the M2 phenotype and suppressed pro-inflammatory factors, that is, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (IL-6 and TNFα). These results suggested that magnolin possesses significant therapeutic potential in treating IBD by suppressing ALOX5-mediated ferroptosis, inhibiting M1 while promoting M2 macrophages, which is envisaged to provide novel strategies for treating IBD.

Individual deviations from normative electroencephalographic connectivity predict antidepressant response

BackgroundAntidepressant medications yield unsatisfactory treatment outcomes in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with modest advantages over the placebo, partly due to the elusive mechanisms of antidepressant responses and unexplained heterogeneity in patient's response to treatment. Here we develop a novel normative modeling framework to quantify individual deviations in psychopathological dimensions that offers a promising avenue for the personalized treatment for psychiatric disorders. MethodsWe built a normative model with resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) connectivity data from healthy controls of three independent cohorts. We characterized the individual deviation of MDD patients from the healthy norms, based on which we trained sparse predictive models for treatment responses of MDD patients (102 sertraline-medicated and 119 placebo-medicated). Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD-17) was assessed at both baseline and after the eight-week antidepressant treatment. ResultsWe successfully predicted treatment outcomes for patients receiving sertraline (r = 0.43, p < 0.001) and placebo (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). We also showed that the normative modeling framework successfully distinguished subclinical and diagnostic variabilities among subjects. From the predictive models, we identified key connectivity signatures in resting-state EEG for antidepressant treatment, suggesting differences in neural circuit involvement between sertraline and placebo responses. ConclusionsOur findings and highly generalizable framework advance the neurobiological understanding in the potential pathways of antidepressant responses, enabling more targeted and effective personalized MDD treatment. Trial registrationEstablishing Moderators and Biosignatures of Antidepressant Response for Clinical Care for Depression (EMBARC), NCT#01407094.

Programmable Electro-Assembly of Collagen: Constructing Porous Janus Films with Customized Dual Signals for Immunomodulation and Tissue Regeneration in Periodontitis Treatment.

Currently available guided bone regeneration (GBR) films lack active immunomodulation and sufficient osteogenic ability- in the treatment of periodontitis, leading to unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. Challenges remain in developing simple, rapid, and programmable manufacturing methods for constructing bioactive GBR films with tailored biofunctional compositions and microstructures. Herein, the controlled electroassembly of collagen under the salt effect is reported, which enables the construction of porous films with precisely tunable porous structures (i.e., porosity and pore size). In particular, bioactive salt species such as the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium (DS) can induce and customize porous structures while enabling the loading of bioactive salts and their gradual release. Sequential electro-assembly under pre-programmed salt conditions enables the manufacture of a Janus composite film with a dense and DS-containing porous layer capable of multiple functions in periodontitis treatment, which provides mechanical support, guides fibrous tissue growth, and acts as a barrier preventing its penetration into bone defects. The DS-containing porous layer delivers dual bio-signals through its morphology and the released DS, inhibiting inflammation and promoting osteogenesis. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of electrofabrication as a customized manufacturing platform for the programmable assembly of collagen for tailored functions to adapt to specific needs in regenerative medicine.

Aesthetically acceptable cephalometric treatment goal differences for straight, concave, and convex facial profiles between genders

ABSTRACT Purpose Modern orthodontics focus on achieving functional and aesthetically pleasing results. However, traditional cephalometric norms do not necessarily correspond to facial aesthetics, leading to unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. This study aimed to establish cephalometric treatment goals for each facial profile (concave, straight, and convex) by comparing the cephalometric variables of each type. Materials and methods The post-treatment lateral cephalograms of 180 orthodontic subjects (18–37 years old) were assessed. Profile silhouettes were scored for attractiveness by 15 Thai laypersons using a 5-point Likert scale. Cephalograms scoring above 3 were divided into the three facial profile groups (n = 60). Fifty-five cephalometric variables were measured, and the statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results One-hundred and eighty aesthetically acceptable silhouettes comprised concave, straight, and convex facial profiles with a 1:1 male-to-female ratio. All types shared similarities in the cranial base and maxilla. The convex profiles more frequently displayed skeletal and dental base Class II, skeletal open bite, retruded and retroclined upper incisors, protruded and proclined lower incisors, obtuse nasolabial angles, protruded upper and lower lips, and retruded chins. The opposite findings were observed in the concave profiles. However, all profile types had similar upper and lower teeth relative to A point to pogonion line; and upper and lower lip positions relative to subnasale to soft tissue pogonion line and the true vertical line passing through soft tissue nasion. Conclusion Universal treatment goals for all profile types combined with customized values for each profile type to achieve an aesthetically acceptable facial profile are recommended.

Col4a2 Mutations Contribute to Infantile Epileptic Spasm Syndrome and Neuroinflammation.

There are more than 70 million people worldwide living with epilepsy, with most experiencing the onset of epilepsy in childhood. Despite the availability of more than 20 anti-seizure medications, approximately 30% of epilepsy patients continue to experience unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. This situation places a heavy burden on patients' families and society. Childhood epilepsy is a significant chronic neurological disease that is closely related to genetics. Col4a2, the gene encoding the α2 chain of type IV collagen, is known to be associated with multiple diseases due to missense mutations. The Col4a2 variant of collagen type IV is associated with various phenotypes, including prenatal and neonatal intracranial hemorrhage, porencephaly, porencephaly with cataracts, focal cortical dysplasia, schizencephaly, strokes in childhood and adolescence, and sporadic delayed hemorrhagic stroke. Although epilepsy is recognized as a clinical manifestation of porencephaly, the specific mechanism of Col4a2-related epileptic phenotypes remains unclear. A total of 8 patients aged 2 years and 2 months to 18 years who were diagnosed with Col4a2-related infantile epileptic spasm syndrome were analyzed. The seizure onset age ranged from 3 to 10 months. Initial EEG results revealed hypsarrhythmia or multiple and multifocal sharp waves, spike waves, sharp slow waves, or spike slow waves. Elevated levels of the cytokines IL-1β (32.23±12.58 pg/ml) and IL-6 (45.12±16.03 pg/ml) were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of these patients without any signs of infection. Following antiseizure treatment, decreased IL-1β and IL-6 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid were noted when seizures were under control. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the role of Col4a2 mutations in the development of epilepsy. Through the use of immunofluorescence assays, ELISA, and Western blotting, we examined astrocyte activity and the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α after overexpressing an unreported Col4a2 (c.1838G>T) mutant in CTX-TNA cells and primary astrocytes. We found that the levels of the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were increased in both CTX-TNA cells (ELISA: p = 0.0087, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively) and primary astrocytes (ELISA: p = 0.0275, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). Additionally, we conducted a preliminary investigation of the role of the JAK/STAT pathway in Col4a2 mutation-associated epilepsy. Col4a2 mutation stimulated astrocyte activation, increasing iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in both CTX-TNA cells and primary astrocytes. This mutation also activated the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, leading to increased phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3. Treatment with the JAK/STAT inhibitor WP1066 effectively counteracted this effect in primary astrocytes and CTX-TNA cells. To date, the genes who mutations are known to cause developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are predominantly grouped into six subtypes according to function. Our study revealed that an unreported mutation site Col4a2Mut (c.1838G>T) of which can cause neuroinflammation, may be a type VII DEE-causing gene.

Maximizing Anticancer Response with MPS1 and CENPE Inhibition Alongside Apoptosis Induction.

Antimitotic compounds, targeting key spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) components (e.g., MPS1, Aurora kinase B, PLK1, KLP1, CENPE), are potential alternatives to microtubule-targeting antimitotic agents (e.g., paclitaxel) to circumvent resistance and side effects associated with their use. They can be classified into mitotic blockers, causing SAC-induced mitotic arrest, or mitotic drivers, pushing cells through aberrant mitosis by overriding SAC. These drugs, although advancing to clinical trials, exhibit unsatisfactory cancer treatment outcomes as monotherapy, probably due to variable cell fate responses driven by cyclin B degradation and apoptosis signal accumulation networks. We investigated the impact of inhibiting anti-apoptotic signals with the BH3-mimetic navitoclax in lung cancer cells treated with the selective CENPE inhibitor GSK923295 (mitotic blocker) or the MPS1 inhibitor BAY1217389 (mitotic driver). Our aim was to steer treated cancer cells towards cell death. BH3-mimetics, in combination with both mitotic blockers and drivers, induced substantial cell death, mainly through apoptosis, in 2D and 3D cultures. Crucially, these synergistic concentrations were less toxic to non-tumor cells. This highlights the significance of combining BH3-mimetics with antimitotics, either blockers or drivers, which have reached the clinical trial phase, to enhance their effectiveness.

Predictive markers for anti-inflammatory treatment response in thyroid eye disease.

Anti-inflammatory treatment is the primary and vital therapeutic approach for active, moderate-to-severe thyroid eye disease (TED). Accurate pretreatment prediction of treatment response is of paramount importance for the prognosis of patients. However, relying solely on the clinical activity score asa determinant of activity has led to unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in identifying predictive markers for anti-inflammatory treatment response in TED, clinical markers, body fluid biomarkers and imaging biomarkers. Several clinical studies have developed prediction models based on these markers. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive elucidation or comparison between the different markers. Therefore, this review aims to provide a detailed analysis of the definition, characteristics, and application of predictive markers for anti-inflammatory treatment response in TED. Through detailed literature search, 26 articles applying anti-inflammatory treatment effect prediction with a total of 1948 TED patients were used for analysis and discussion. By gaining a better understanding of the current research on predictive markers, we can accelerate and guide the exploration of treatment prediction strategies, leading us towards an era of precise therapy for TED.

Efficacy of Venetoclax Combined with Decitabine Conditioning Regimen for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in High-Risk and Elderly Patients with Myeloid Neoplasms

Background High-risk and elderly patients with myeloid neoplasms are a special group because it's challenging to find the right balance between safety and efficacy during the peri-transplant period. Traditional transplant protocols have unsatisfactory treatment outcomes for patients with a high risk of recurrence, while the elderly couldn't tolerate the toxicity of high-dose chemotherapy drugs. Thus, new regimens are needed to improve treatment outcomes for high-risk and elderly patients. Through BCL-2 binding, venetoclax could induce leukemia cell apoptosis, increase chemosensitivity, and perform a synergistic role with HMAs. And its combination with HMAs or other cytotoxic drugs showed a promising effect on R/R AML. This prospective clinical study reported the efficacy and safety of adding venetoclax and decitabine to myeloablative conditioning regimens in high-risk and elderly patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods We performed an investigator-initiated, prospective, one-arm, single-center, open-label trial. In total, 19 patients were enrolled in the trial between December 2021 and February 2023. Eligible patients met the following inclusion criteria: (1) undergoing allo-HSCT over the age of 50 years (i.e., ≥50 years), (2) having an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2, and (3) having AML, MDS, and CMML with a high risk of recurrence: (a) For patients with MDS, (i) a diagnosis of MDS with excess blasts 2 (EB-2), (ii) a poor karyotype, (iii) a very high-risk disease according to the International Prognostic Scoring System-Revised, and (iv) a TP53 mutation; (b) For patients with AML, (i) relapsed/refractory AML, (ii) detected MRD test before transplantation, (iii) with adverse risk according to the European Leukemia Net (ELN) Guidelines 2017, and (iv) AML transformed from MDS or CMML. Venetoclax was administered at 400 mg per day orally from day -14 to day -1 in the initial regimen and from day -14 to day -5 in the modified regimen. Decitabine was administered at 20mg/m 2/d orally from day -7 to day -3. Detailed dosage of the Bu/Flu/Cy comprised of fludarabine 30 mg/m 2/d IV Qd, day -4 to -2, busulfan 3.2 mg/kg/d IV Q6h, day -7 to -5, and cyclophosphamide 40mg/kg/d IV Qd, day -3 to day -2. Either rabbit ATG or porcine ATG was administered at 2.5mg/kg/d IV Qd, day -4 to -1, or 20mg/kg/d IV Qd, day -3 to -1 for GVHD prophylaxis. Results 19 patients were enrolled in the trial with a median follow-up time of 258 (range, 35-544) days. Grade 3/4 adverse events included hematological events, hypertension, infections, allergy, and increased amylase. The 30-day cumulative incidence of neutrophil and platelet engraftment was 100% and 68% (Figure 1A). Acute GVHD occurred in 9 of 19 patients (grade I, n=2; grade II, n=1; grade III, n =4; grade IV, n =2). The cumulative incidence of grade II to IV acute GVHD events at 100 days was 31% (95% confidence interval (CI], 12-53) among all patients, and 45% (95% CI, 15-72), and 13% (95% CI, 0-45) for the initial regimen group and the modified regimen group, respectively (p=0.28, Figure 1B, C). While 1 patient in the modified regimen group occurred diarrhea and was clinically diagnosed with grade III acute GVHD (late-onset) at 132 days post-HSCT. The cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD at 1 year was 37% (95% CI, 16-58). For the entire cohort, OS and RFS at 6 months was 63% (95% CI, 45-89) and 63% (95% CI, 45-89), and the NRM and CIR at 6 months was 37% (95% CI, 16-58) and 0, respectively (Figure 1D, E). All 8 deaths were attributed to transplant-related complications, including 4 patients from aGVHD, 2 patients from infection, 1 from transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) and 1 from bloody pleural effusion. Here it should be pointed out that the patient with bloody pleural effusion couldn't exclude the probability of tumor invasion because he had previous esophageal carcinoma. Conclusion In conclusion, although the hematological and molecular recurrence rate of the venetoclax combined with the decitabine conditioning regimen is significantly decreased, the high incidence of severe aGVHD and NRM limits its clinical application. It still needs further exploration to optimize the conditioning regimen for high-risk and elderly patients with myeloid neoplasms.

Clinical and Morphological Parallels in the Etiopathogenesis of Secretory Otitis Media

Introduction. According to global statistics, secretory otitis media (SOM) ranks first among middle ear infections. This pathology is believed to be characteristic of the pediatric population; however, recent global statistics indicate an increase in the percentage of SOM cases among the adult population. Information about adult-onset SOM varies, with no consensus on the causes of its occurrence. Diverse clinical presentation of the condition, often unsatisfactory treatment outcomes, and a high percentage of recurrences have necessitated a more in-depth study of the etiological factors associated with adult-onset SOM.&#x0D; The objective of the research was to determine clinical and morphological parallels in the etiopathogenesis of adult-onset SOM as well as to establish the relationship between the clinical, otoscopic, and endoscopic presentations and pathomorphological changes in the tubal tonsils in these patients.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. Sixty-eight (38 men and 30 women) patients with SOM at the age of 18 to 65 years were examined. Fifty-three patients were diagnosed with unilateral pathological process, while in 15 individuals, bilateral SOM was observed. All the patients underwent a comprehensive assessment of their complaints, collection of their medical history, and a full ear, nose, and throat examination using conventional methods, optical techniques, video endoscopy of the nasopharynx and tubal tonsils, and otomicroscopy. In 15 patients, to exclude a malignant process, tissue samples from the tubal tonsils were taken for pathological examination.&#x0D; Results. One of the causes of adult-onset SOM could be pathomorphological changes in the tubal tonsils, specifically their inflammation, hypertrophy, and in some cases, tumours. The clinical course and stages of SOM development depend on the duration of auditory tube obstruction. Inflammation of the tubal tonsils usually results in catarrhal and serous SOM, while hypertrophy or hyperplasia of the tubal tonsils is observed in patients with mucous SOM.&#x0D; Conclusions. Pathomorphological changes in the tubal tonsils have been established as one of the reasons for developing SOM in adults. Both the clinical presentation of SOM and the stage of its progression depends on the type of pathomorphological changes, their localization (upper or lower pole), and the duration of auditory tube obstruction. A prolonged, recurrent, and treatment-resistant course of SOM may be associated with hypertrophy of the tubal tonsil or tumours. Clinical and morphological parallels identified by us will enable timely utilization of effective etiopathogenetic treatment of SOM and prevent the occurrence of complications.