Review
Microbiology
Bogna Grygiel-Gorniak, Barbara Anna Folga
Summary: Chlamydia trachomatis is a pathogen that can cause severe clinical manifestations in humans and can lead to long-lasting consequences if left untreated. This review highlights the need for universal screening and early treatment, as many individuals are asymptomatic and unaware of their infection. The development of a quick and accessible diagnostic test, along with a vaccine, would help stop the transmission and spread of this pathogen worldwide.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tubagus Djumhana Atmakusuma, Intan Russiana Nasution, Noorwati Sutandyo
Summary: Iron overload is a major problem in thalassemia patients, but there was no significant change in MDA levels before and after transfusion. The study did not find a correlation between markers of iron overload and MDA levels in thalassemia patients both before and after transfusion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Rheumatology
Bayram Farisogullari, Ana S. Pinto, Pedro M. Machado
Summary: This article reviews all reported cases of COVID-19-associated arthritis and proposes using the term "COVID-19-associated arthritis" to define the entire spectrum of new-onset arthritis believed to be related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 33 cases were identified from 31 articles, with the majority being adults with peripheral joint involvement. Most patients responded well to treatment and the disease was self-limiting. The exact mechanism through which SARS-CoV-2 may trigger arthritis is not fully understood, and robust epidemiological data supporting a causal relationship are still lacking.
Review
Oncology
Yifan Li, Xiaojuan Zhang
Summary: The incidence of early-onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC) is increasing among young population (<50 years). Genetic factors and medical overtreatment are risk factors in EOPC, but further exploration is needed. Pathogenic germline variant (PGV) appears to be involved in EOPC. EOPC patients have distinctive genetic features compared to average-age-onset pancreatic cancer (AOPC). Gender-related incidence suggests involvement of genetic or socioenvironmental factors in AOPC development. Further epidemiological and molecular studies are needed for better understanding of the shifting epidemiology and early diagnosis opportunities.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ivan Miketic, Krithika Dhananjay, Emre Salman
Summary: In this paper, the author provides an overview of existing covert channel communication-based security attacks, including the steps involved in such attacks and the countermeasures against them. The implications of these attacks for emerging packaging technologies are discussed, along with proposed covert channel threat models for specific integrated circuits.
Review
Neurosciences
Ben Lin, Zhen Ye, Zhao Ye, Meng Wang, Zhan Cao, Renyuan Gao, Yichao Zhang
Summary: In recent decades, the gut microbiota has been found to play various roles in physiological and pathological conditions. The gut-brain axis, as one of the interacting pathways between the host and gut flora, has gained increasing attention for its potential in understanding and treating brain tumors. This narrative review explores the mechanisms by which the gut-brain axis influences brain tumors, summarizes the latest research on gastrointestinal microbial landscape and gut-brain axis malfunction in different brain tumors, and outlines the ongoing approaches of microbial manipulation and research on neuro-malignancies.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Qian Wu, Youmei Li, Lei Wang, Dong Wang, Ben Zhong Tang
Summary: This review discusses the recent advances in aggregation-induced emission (AIE) for brain imaging and therapy. AIE fluorophores, through rational design and functionalized strategies, demonstrate superior properties such as deep tissue penetration, high contrast to autofluorescence, and efficient blood-brain barrier crossing.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Di Lorenzo, Enrica Marchionni, Valentina Ferradini, Andrea Latini, Laura Pezzoli, Annamaria Martino, Fabiana Romeo, Annamaria Iorio, Stefano Bianchi, Maria Iascone, Leonardo Calo, Giuseppe Novelli, Ruggiero Mango, Federica Sangiuolo
Summary: Variants in desmoplakin gene (DSP) are usually associated with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. This study analyzed a cohort of 18 probands with heterozygous DSP variants and identified 16 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. Patients generally presented as asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed left ventricular myocardial fibrosis. These findings confirm that DSP-related cardiomyopathy is a distinct clinical entity characterized by a high arrhythmic burden, variable degrees of left ventricular enlargement, and myocarditis-like episodes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Elisabeth Ruppert, Aurelien Hacquard, Laurent Tatu, Izzie Jacques Namer, Valerie Wolff, Stephane Kremer, Ouhaid Lagha-Boukbiza, Marc Bataillard, Patrice Bourgin
Summary: This study characterized stroke-related restless legs syndrome (sRLS) clinically, neuroanatomically, and functionally, finding correlations between clinical characteristics and brain lesions in sRLS patients.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sakun Santisukwongchote, Paul Scott Thorner, Tayard Desudchit, Piti Techavichit, Nutchawan Jittapiromsak, Jiraporn Amornfa, Somruetai Shuangshoti, Shanop Shuangshoti, Chinachote Teerapakpinyo
Summary: Translocations involving PLAG1 are common in tumors such as pleomorphic adenoma and lipoblastoma. This case report describes a unique fibromyxoid tumor with a PLAG1 fusion, which is located intracranially. The findings suggest that this tumor may be a distinct entity from lipoblastoma.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Qing Yang, Abdullah Al Mamun, Jingzu Gao, Siyu Long, Muhammad Mehedi Masud
Summary: This study investigated the influence of values, beliefs, and norms on the social entrepreneurial intention of working adults in China using the value-belief-norm (VBN) model. A cross-sectional design was used, and an online survey involving 1,075 working adults was conducted. The results showed that self-enhancement, openness to change, and self-transcendence had a significant and positive influence on the sense of meaning and purpose, which in turn affected problem awareness, outcome efficacy, personal norms, and injunctive social norms, ultimately influencing social entrepreneurial intention.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aatiya Ahmad, Parvez Khan, Asad Ur Rehman, Surinder Kumar Batra, Mohd Wasim Nasser
Summary: The diagnosis of brain metastasis (BrM) has historically been considered as a fatal diagnosis, with limited treatment options. However, in recent years, immunotherapy (IT) has emerged as a promising treatment to combat BrM and reduce tumor burden. This review summarizes recent studies on the potential role of IT in the treatment of BrM in different cancers, as well as the impact of the tumor microenvironment on cancer spread and the role of IT in mitigating that spread. It also discusses the future of IT and new clinical trials pushing the boundaries of IT in BrM.
Review
Cell Biology
Mengdie Yan, Siran Zhang, Chengtan Li, Yanyan Liu, Jianbo Zhao, Yanfang Wang, Yi Yang, Lihui Zhang
Summary: Neuroinflammation is a common feature of age-related brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral ischemia. The proinflammatory enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) plays a crucial role in modulating inflammation by generating leukotrienes, and its abnormal activation and excessive production have been detected in the development of age-related brain pathology. Inhibition of 5-LOX activation may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for AD, PD, and cerebral ischemia.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Kevin H. Yang, Christopher N. Kaufmann, Reva Nafsu, Ella T. Lifset, Khai Nguyen, Michelle Sexton, Benjamin H. Han, Arum Kim, Alison A. Moore
Summary: The study shows that approximately 15% of older adults have used cannabis in the past three years, with over half using it for medical purposes. Most older adults primarily use cannabis to treat conditions such as pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sureshbabu Ram Kumar Pandian, Kevin Kumar Vijayakumar, Sankaranarayanan Murugesan, Selvaraj Kunjiappan
Summary: The function of the brain can be affected by various factors such as infection, tumor, and stroke. Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia, brain cancer, seizures, mental disorders, and other movement disorders are common diseases associated with altered brain function. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier pose challenges for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Liposomes show promise in delivering drugs to specific brain cells, but face obstacles such as immunogenicity.
Letter
Hematology
Khaled M. Musallam, Maria Domenica Cappellini, Shahina Daar, Amal El-Beshlawy, Ali T. Taher
ANNALS OF HEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Hematology
Nour M. Moukalled, Rayan Bou Fakhredin, Ali T. Taher
Summary: Pregnancy in women with sickle cell disease is considered high risk due to increased incidence of maternal-fetal complications. Close monitoring and interventions are necessary to manage anemia and prevent, diagnose, and treat the disease. Women should be educated about their reproductive health and the importance of adequate care in specialized healthcare facilities.
EXPERT REVIEW OF HEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Hematology
Khaled M. Musallam, Wesam Ahmed, Mozah Obaid Almarshoodi, Omar Trad, Naser Al Zein, Shamyla Siddique, Nastaran Shekary, Sulaima Daboul, Shahrukh Hashmi
ANNALS OF HEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Peter Hokland, Shahina Daar, Wael Khair, Sujit Sheth, Ali T. Taher, Lorenza Torti, Chattree Hantaweepant, Deborah Rund
Summary: The thalassaemias are a group of genetic disorders of haemoglobin found worldwide. Standard treatment involves regular transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Innovative therapies like bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy are not widely available. This article discusses the management strategies for a refugee patient with beta thalassaemia in six countries, highlighting the disparities in available therapies and the challenges of ensuring adherence to treatment.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Najo Jomaa, Wassim Nasreddine, Ghassan Hmeimess, Shawkat Beaini, Ayman Beydoun, Mostafa Hotait, Jaafar Wazne, Ahmad Beydoun
Summary: This study aimed to determine the risk of recurrence in patients with a first unprovoked generalized tonic-clonic seizure and compare the efficacy of antiseizure medications (ASMs) in preventing recurrence. The results showed that seizure recurred in 14.6% of patients in the treated group compared to 68.8% in the untreated group. The study suggests that treating patients with ASMs, particularly valproate, significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Khaled M. Musallam, Ali T. Taher, Antonis Kattamis, Kevin H. M. Kuo, Sujit Sheth, Maria Domenica Cappellini
Summary: Over the past years, evidence has accumulated on the harmful clinical consequences of untreated anemia in patients with non-transfusion-dependent f3-thalassemia (NTDT). Currently, there are no approved pharmacologic agents for anemia management in NTDT, and available options such as splenectomy, transfusion therapy, and hydroxyurea have their own limitations, especially for long-term use. Luspatercept, an erythroid maturation agent, was evaluated in a Phase 2 trial and demonstrated a significant benefit in raising hemoglobin level by at least 1 g/dL in adults with NTDT and a baseline hemoglobin level <= 10 g/dL. These findings led to the approval of luspatercept by the European Commission for treating anemia in adults with NTDT, providing the first evidence-based approach for improving anemia in this patient population.
DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ali T. Taher, Khaled M. Musallam, Vip Viprakasit, Antonis Kattamis, Jennifer Lord-Bessen, Aylin Yucel, Shien Guo, Christopher Pelligra, Alan L. Shields, Jeevan K. Shetty, Dimana Miteva, Luciana Moro Bueno, Maria Domenica Cappellini
Summary: The NTDT-PRO questionnaire was developed to assess anaemia-related tiredness/weakness and shortness of breath in patients with NTDT. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated using blinded data from the BEYOND trial, and it was found to have adequate reliability and validity.
Article
Hematology
Khaled M. M. Musallam, Louise Lombard, Kristin D. D. Kistler, Maria Arregui, Keely S. S. Gilroy, Christina Chamberlain, Erin Zagadailov, Kimberly Ruiz, Ali T. T. Taher
Summary: This systematic literature review evaluated the global prevalence and birth prevalence of clinically significant forms of alpha- and beta-thalassemia. The prevalence estimates of thalassemia varied across countries and regions. More up-to-date, population-based epidemiological data are needed to fully understand the global prevalence of thalassemia.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Hematology
Hassan Fawaz, Mohammad Hassan Hodroj, Hawraa Tarhini, Chirine O. Trad, Ali Taher
ANNALS OF HEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Fatima Jaafar, Makram Obeid, Ahmad Beydoun
Summary: This study evaluated the potential beneficial effects of early initiation of immunomodulation in Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) patients. The results showed that early use of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) can slow disease progression, prevent surgical interventions, and reduce cerebral atrophy.
PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Humaid O. Al-Shamsi, Ibrahim Abu-Gheida, Kareem Sameh, Nouran E. Tahoun, Khaled M. Musallam
Summary: Cancer burden is increasing in Arab countries, but participation in cancer trials is limited. Although there has been an increase in the number of trials, sample size, and international collaboration in recent years, trials with non-Arab participation have larger scale and more external funding compared to Arab-only trials. Therefore, concerted efforts are needed to overcome barriers to trial participation and promote cancer research in the Arab region.
Article
Hematology
Angela Vitrano, Khaled M. Musallam, Antonella Meloni, Sebastiano Addario Pollina, Mehran Karimi, Amal El-Beshlawy, Mahmoud Hajipour, Vito Di Marco, Saqib Hussain Ansari, Aldo Filosa, Paolo Ricchi, Adriana Ceci, Shahina Daar, Efthymia Vlachaki, Sylvia Titi Singer, Zaki A. Naserullah, Alessia Pepe, Salvatore Scondotto, Gabriella Dardanoni, Fedele Bonifazi, Vijay G. Sankaran, Elliott Vichinsky, Ali T. Taher, Aurelio Maggio
Summary: Using unsupervised random forest clustering, we found that beta-thalassemia patients can be divided into three subgroups based on clinical severity, with differences in phenotype severity.
THALASSEMIA REPORTS
(2022)
